"A team?" Bruce Banner was left dumbfounded.
Ever since he had been exposed to gamma radiation four years ago and turned into the raging Hulk when he was emotionally charged, he had faced only two possible outcomes when others discovered his true identity: capture or scientific scrutiny. Today was the first time someone had invited him to join a team.
"I carry a monster within me," Bruce Banner said, his face grave and bitter.
"It's precisely because you can turn into the Hulk that we're interested in you," Natasha said with a smile. "The Avengers need extraordinary individuals— people who are innately gifted with abilities, as only they can confront the enemies that the team faces."
"Mr. Banner, you should know that no one here is an ordinary person," Tony Stark winked and tapped his Iron Man suit.
Bruce Banner clenched his teeth before he spoke. "But turning into the Hulk is a genetic condition. I've been trying every possible way to cure it and return to a normal life."
Silence fell in the hall upon hearing those words. The Hulk was undeniably powerful but uncontrollable. It was a double-edged sword.
"Bruce," Kyle suddenly spoke, calmly looking at him, "Why do you see the Hulk as a disease? Why not as a deviation in evolution?"
Bruce Banner looked down, sweat forming on his forehead before he spoke, "The Hulk is a creature that loses control, how can it be a benign form of evolution?"
"Consider this: if it weren't for the Hulk, could you be sitting here right now, conversing with us, unscathed?" Kyle's words were incisive.
Bruce Banner fell silent, reluctantly nodding, "I have to admit that I've been saved numerous times by the Hulk, whom I've abhorred."
"Exactly," Kyle looked at him and said bluntly, "You just refuse to confront the other aspect of your superhuman abilities. You've labeled it as a sickness and are continually trying to cure, control, or even kill it. No wonder it's angry and uncontrollable."
Bruce Banner was rendered speechless upon hearing Kyle's words.
Kyle inwardly shook his head as he saw this. This was a widely ingrained human way of thinking that couldn't be changed quickly.
The majority subdues the minority, conformity takes precedence over differentiation; these were social norms that had existed since ancient times.
One day, you become Superman, but living in human society, you wouldn't be proud of your superpowers; instead, you'd worry about being ostracized by others and try to disguise yourself as an ordinary person.
Bruce Banner was a highly educated scientist, but he still couldn't ignore the gazes of those around him, nor could he tolerate the grotesque and terrifying Hulk. He was tormented day and night by these thoughts.
Furthermore, there was no suitable environment or identity that would allow him to function and survive in the sunlight.
"Mr. Banner, you need to think this through," Natasha stared directly at Bruce Banner and said in a deep voice, "Even if you cure yourself now and no longer transform into the Hulk, you will carry the label of the Hulk for the rest of your life. Its past actions of uncontrolled destruction will be something you'll have to bear."
"In simple terms, if it weren't for us, you'd already be locked up in a military prison by now. Given your level of danger, you'd probably be serving a life sentence at the very least," Tony added.
"It seems I don't have much of a choice," Bruce Banner said with a bitter smile on his face.
He realized he had been thoroughly figured out, and to say it was a choice was a mere formality; he had no real options.
"This is an opportunity, a turning point in your life," Natasha, representing SHIELD, promised with a smile. "The Avengers are the world's first superhero team, dedicated to facing existential threats to humanity. As long as you can join as the Hulk, you can wipe away all the charges against you."
Bruce Banner's eyes sparkled when he heard this. This promise was exceptionally powerful given his current circumstances.
Kyle shrugged, knowing this meeting was coming to an end.
Give them a hit, then offer a reward. This tactic never failed.
But Bruce Banner still looked troubled and spoke, "I've never wanted to cause harm or kill anyone, and I've always aimed to contribute to the world through science, but I can't control the Hulk after the transformation."
"Don't worry. Everyone here has the means to control the rampaging Hulk," Kyle said confidently while crossing his arms.
He had already demonstrated, through his actions, that the Eternal Flame could become a significant shadow over the Hulk.
Raina possessed immensely powerful telepathic abilities and could exercise some control over the minds of others. It was unclear how Hulk, who was vulnerable in the mental department, would fare against her.
Tony had no concerns either. Given enough time, coupled with Banner's scientific knowledge, he could design an anti-Hulk armor specifically for subduing the Hulk.
As for Natasha, everyone knew the methods of the Black Widow.
Bruce Banner felt more at ease, sighed, and said, "Then I'll do my best."
"Good, it's settled," Natasha said cheerfully.
This way, even without Kyle, the Avengers would have a sufficiently powerful team.
Natasha took out her cell phone, made a call, and issued a stern and commanding order. After hanging up, she said casually, "Alright, Bruce Banner, your charges have been expunged from the records."
"Just like that?" Bruce Banner opened his mouth wide.
"What did you expect? Keep calm. You'll be even more surprised by what you'll experience as part of this team in the future," Natasha teased him.
The Avengers, backed by all of SHIELD's logistical support, constituted a powerful team that transcended the mundane world.
"Everything's settled, so why don't we have a meal while we're at it?" Tony suggested, leaning back on the sofa, which creaked under his full Iron Man weight.
He reached for his stomach, only to find the unyielding Iron Man suit.
Kyle nodded, "Raina, go and prepare lunch."
Half an hour later, the hall had been rearranged with a grand dining table. It was laden with fine wine and cuisine, served according to the private Carl Family tradition. This was essentially the Avengers' first banquet.
Bruce Banner was clearly famished. He couldn't care less about Western dining etiquette and professorial decorum; he picked up half a roast chicken and started gnawing at it. His girlfriend, Elizabeth, looked concerned as she patted his back.
Tony, now dressed in a suit, donned a white napkin and elegantly used his knife and fork to cut his meat.
Kyle, who had already eaten, sat at the head of the table, savoring the wine in his tall glass. Raina held a wine bottle and sat there, filling his glass whenever it was half-empty, her eyes filled with amusement.
Natasha was in high spirits, contemplating calling Hawkeye to join her for a drink or two.
In this delightful and peaceful atmosphere, suddenly, Vis emitted a series of beeping sounds as if it were communicating.
"Master, there's news from General Ross's side," Vis hopped onto the corner of the dining table and reported.
"What news?" Kyle asked in surprise.
Hadn't everything been settled?
Vis reported, "Hulk has appeared on the bustling main street of California and is causing widespread destruction."
"What?!"
As this sentence was spoken, the gazes of everyone in the hall focused sharply on Bruce Banner.
"Huh?" Bruce Banner looked puzzled and pointed at his nose, still holding a greasy half-eaten chicken leg.
(End of this chapter)