Before the Red Juggernaut could process what was happening, Bronsky locked his knee and landed a powerful right uppercut. Though his punch exceeded a hundred tons of force, the Juggernaut's indestructibility kept him from bleeding—though he was still sent sprawling.
"You're tougher than most," Bronsky grunted, glancing at his own fist, whose spikes had shattered from the impact. He glanced at the unharmed Cain Marco with mild irritation.
Bronsky's hand healed quickly, and he noted Cain's smug look, feeling encouraged by his apparent immunity. But Bronsky's strength was growing, and he was determined to teach the Red Juggernaut a lesson.
Taking full advantage, Bronsky grabbed him, twisting his arm painfully. "Sure, your body's hard—but your joints aren't," Bronsky sneered, as Cain howled from the pain of his dislocated shoulder.
"Bronsky, put his arm back. He can't heal himself," Zod instructed, raising an eyebrow at the Juggernaut's sudden vulnerability. Bronsky smirked, adjusting Cain's arm back into place with a forceful jerk.
Indestructible yet unable to heal—this was Cain's fatal flaw. Still, Zod knew that Cain's durability against most attacks made it a rare weakness. Few could exploit it without immense strength.
To bolster Cain's defense, Zod handed him a red, dome-like helmet. "This will shield you from telepathic attacks. Even with your strength, telepaths could control you easily."
"Telepaths?" Cain asked, confused.
Zod grinned, demonstrating by activating a psychic link that instantly made Cain collapse, swinging wildly at the air. When the spell lifted, Cain regained control, drenched in sweat. The Red Juggernaut was awed—and fearful—of Zod's power, realizing he couldn't defy his leader.
Zod was pleased to add another powerful asset to his ranks. "Bronsky, he's your responsibility now. Train him," he ordered, leaving as Bronsky escorted Cain away.
Upon returning to his office, Zod was met by Uld, who raised a pressing issue. "Zod, Pietro, one of the orphans you sponsor, has received over a hundred complaints and recently stopped attending school," Uld reported. Normally, she'd handle such matters, but given her strengthened relationship with Zod, she thought it appropriate to seek his guidance.
Zod nodded thoughtfully. Though Pietro's super-speed abilities didn't match the Flash, they had potential. "Let's address this," he agreed.
"Why sponsor these orphans at all?" Uld asked curiously, though she suspected he was grooming them for their powers.
Her suspicion held some truth. While Jessica Campbell, Wanda, and Emma were promising young talents, Zod saw Pietro as a mere investment. Quicksilver's impulsive behavior was a thorn, but Wanda's latent Chaos Magic potential was invaluable.
"Because they're worthwhile investments. You don't need to know all the details yet," Zod replied.
As Uld left, Zod made a call to Bronsky. "Bring Pietro in. Detain him in a dark room, give him one meal daily, and rough him up—eight times a day should do. Just don't kill him," he instructed. "And make sure he doesn't recognize you."
Bronsky, sensing Zod's resolve, acknowledged the command.