One day after Prime and Bruce's talk, Bruce's words still echoed in Prime's mind. He already knew he'd probably end up fighting Ross again, even before they had a chance to talk. While killing Ross was an option, Prime hoped not to resort to it. The ensuing problems would simply be too annoying for Prime to deal with later. Although he didn't believe they could easily track him, Prime didn't want Sara or her daughters to have to be cautious when going out.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Sara asked, bringing Prime back from his thoughts. Hearing Sara, Prime looked around for a moment. They were at a seaside amusement park. From Prime's point of view, it was a beautiful place, and as night fell, the lights made the scene even more enchanting.
"Don't worry, we'll end this saga today. Honestly, I don't want to drag this out any longer than necessary. Annie and Ema might end up worrying about us if we take too long" Prime replied, looking out at the horizon.
"I agree with that, but how do you know we'll find him if we come here?" Sara asked, doubt in her eyes as she swung her feet on the bench.
"..."
Prime remained silent; in fact, he didn't need to say anything more. An elderly man, dressed in military uniform, appeared in the nearly deserted spot where Sara and Prime were.
"Mr. Ryan Connor" the man began. "What a pleasant coincidence. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you and your exploits in the business world. I'm Thaddeus Ross" Ross concluded, approaching Prime and pulling a cigarette from his military jacket pocket.
Upon hearing Ross's words, Prime merely smirked. He then let out a few laughs, which caught Ross's attention, causing him to raise an eyebrow in doubt.
"Coincidence?" Prime inquired, directing his gaze at Ross.
Prime then raised his arm, and seconds later, a red bird landed on it. Witnessing this, Ross's eyes widened slightly. Knowing Prime's abilities, there was no way he wouldn't recognize the bird's true identity.
"The way the military defines "coincidence" is really strange these days. From the perspective of an ordinary citizen like me, it seems more like stalking, sir" Prime commented, his expression becoming increasingly serious.
As the bird straightened its symbiotic feathers, it turned its gaze toward Ross. Upon realizing the bird's gaze, Ross was certain he was being watched by it. Considering the current situation, it became clear to Ross that the bird was transmitting information to Prime.
"Haah..." Ross sighed deeply, then placed the cigarette in his mouth. "How long have you been aware?" he asked.
Upon hearing Ross's words, Prime pondered for a few seconds. In fact, Prime's symbiotes had been watching him for some time. However, somehow he had lost track of the Red Hulk, which consequently concealed his identity. But since he and Bruce had discovered the truth, things had changed.
It was quite easy to track him. Of course, Prime had no reason to reveal the truth to Ross, let alone explain this point. After all, it was always prudent to keep one or two cards up his sleeve for unexpected situations.
"So you lured me here? It seems I fell into a trap. If that's the case, can I assume you know my other identity?" Ross asked with a serious expression as he took a drag of his cigarette.
"No trap here. I don't want to fight. For starters, you were the one who attacked me first" Prime replied, crossing his arms.
Upon hearing Prime's words, Ross took another drag of his cigarette and then turned around, fixing his gaze on the spot where children were running back and forth, enjoying the park's rides.
"Son, have you ever wondered why I chose to pursue a military career?" Ross asked, with an enigmatic tone.
Upon hearing Ross's question, Prime raised an eyebrow. There was no way he could know something like that. However, considering the situation, it was something that would likely lead anyone to pursue a career in this place and swear to protect their homeland.
"Why did you want to defend the United States, I suppose?" Prime responded.
After Prime's response, seconds passed in silence. Ross remained quiet, gazing at the horizon. Prime began to seriously question if he had made a mistake in his answer. Was there another reason? Prime tried to think of something else, but couldn't come up with any other explanation.
"You're right, protecting your homeland is what soldiers should do, so you must also know why I need to come after you" Ross said, turning to Prime with a serious look.
"I'm not a threat, and you know it. If I were a real threat, chaos would have been unleashed long ago. It's been almost a year, and all I've done is fight to protect those I love. Just as you protect the United States, I protect my family" Prime replied, with a serious and firm tone.
Upon hearing Prime's words, to his own surprise, Ross simply shook his head from side to side.
"You may be right, son, you may not be a threat, but that's just from your point of view" Ross said, leaving Prime confused. "Some time ago, there was an intriguing incident at a mansion. Although it was covered up, we have an idea of what happened, and you were there" Ross continued, approaching Prime with slow steps. "Was that really you, son? If you can answer that question honestly, I'll close your case and stop pursuing you" Ross concluded firmly.
Listening to Ross's words, although Prime wished to deny them, he simply couldn't. He had the feeling that Ross had already formed his own opinions, and no matter how hard he tried, Prime wouldn't be able to change them. Unfortunately, it was exactly in this kind of situation that Prime found himself at the moment.
Facing Prime's expression, Ross just snorted. He then put the cigarette back in his mouth and returned to where he was before, watching the children. Ross remembered the oath he had taken to protect them when he joined the army.
"Just as I imagined" Ross said.
Immediately after, Ross tossed his cigarette to the ground and stepped on it. At that moment, Prime felt a slight tremor in the ground where they stood. He looked at Ross and noticed that some parts of his face were starting to turn red, as if he were about to burst into flames.
"I believe you already have the answer to your question, son" Ross replied, as he slowly underwent his transformation.
Prime watched as Ross's sturdy body trembled, a sinister energy seizing him, distorting his muscles and altering his skin. First, the veins bulged on his neck, pulsing with alarming intensity. His eyes, once so determined, now glowed with a scarlet hue, reflecting the imminent explosion of rage.
Ross's clothes began to tear as his body grew in monstrous proportions. The sound of fabric disintegrating echoed around, adding a sinister air to the metamorphosis. His breathing became heavy and rough, as if each breath were laden with the promise of imminent destruction.
Ross's face contorted into a mask of fury, his clenched teeth producing an almost animalistic sound. Every muscle in his body seemed to vibrate with wild energy, ready to be unleashed at any moment. Waves of power emanated from him, distorting the air around him as he assumed his monstrous form.
Finally, with a deafening roar that echoed everywhere, Ross completed his transformation. Where there was once a man, now stood the Red Hulk, an unstoppable force of nature.