David felt the power surge through him like nothing he had ever experienced. It was raw, primal—something ancient and wild that twisted within his body. The transformation was subtle at first, just the faintest hum in his veins, but as it solidified, it became overwhelming. He could feel it, the Hulk's power, thrumming inside of him. It wasn't just muscle, or strength; it was a raging storm of emotion and force, a current of fury and chaos.
It was intoxicating.
For a moment, David stood still, eyes closed, letting the energy roll over him. He could feel the remnants of Bruce Banner's control lingering, a shroud of self-doubt and fear. But that didn't matter. The Hulk's power was his now, and David felt a rush of exhilaration as he realized how much he had truly gained. This wasn't just about physical strength—it was about power that could bend reality itself. The Hulk had the ability to tear down mountains, crush steel, and overpower any foe. And now, that potential was at David's fingertips.
Bruce, still kneeling on the floor, watched David with wide eyes, breathing heavily, his face pale. David's grin deepened as he looked at the scientist. "You were right," he said, his voice low but filled with new confidence. "The Hulk's power is... beyond anything I've ever imagined."
Bruce's gaze flickered with a mix of fear and awe. "You don't understand... that power—it's uncontrollable. It consumes you. It's not a gift, it's a curse."
David could feel the warnings in Bruce's words, but they barely touched him. It wasn't about control anymore. David wasn't interested in just managing the Hulk's strength—he wanted to wield it. All of it. The beast inside him stirred, a primal growl reverberating in his chest, but David ignored it, keeping the Hulk's energy reined in. For now.
"I'm not afraid of it," David said with certainty, stepping toward Bruce. "I've absorbed the Hulk's power, but I won't be like you. I'm not going to let it consume me." His voice was steady, firm, and he knew that, in his heart, he was telling the truth. He didn't have to fear the Hulk—he could control it. He would control it.
Bruce's eyes locked onto David's. There was a mixture of disbelief and concern in his gaze, and for a moment, David saw the desperation in the scientist's eyes. "You're playing with fire, you don't know what you're doing."
David shook his head. "I know exactly what I'm doing."
Without waiting for a response, David walked out of the lab, his senses heightened. The surge of power was overwhelming, but he was focused. He wasn't just another person in this universe now. He had something most could only dream of. The Hulk's strength, Iron Man's tech, Thor's godly power, and all the potential of every hero and villain in this world—it was all there for the taking.
New York stretched out before him like a canvas, waiting to be painted with his actions. The city hummed with energy, its citizens oblivious to the storm that was brewing. David could feel it, the currents of power and emotion that flowed through the world. He could sense the looming threats, the challenges that would rise to test him. But none of them mattered. Not anymore.
He made his way to the rooftop of a nearby building, feeling the wind whip through his hair. He stood there for a long moment, staring at the horizon. His mind raced, planning his next move. He had to be careful. This was the MCU, a world of gods and monsters. His abilities could make him unstoppable, but he couldn't rush. Power came with responsibility. And David knew that he would need to pick his battles wisely.
But in the end, he also knew that he was going to be the one on top. It was just a matter of when.
He didn't have to wait long.
A sound broke the stillness, the unmistakable sound of jet engines cutting through the air. David's gaze shot upwards just as a sleek black jet shot past him, barely missing the rooftop. It was the Quinjet, he recognized it immediately. The Avengers were on the move.
David's pulse quickened. This was his chance.
He felt the pull of the Quinjet, the presence of the heroes aboard. Captain America, Black Widow, Falcon, and the others. They were together again, probably heading out to deal with some new threat. David didn't know the specifics, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that they were close. Very close.
David's eyes narrowed as he extended his senses, focusing on the Quinjet as it soared through the sky. He could feel the energy within the jet, the signatures of the Avengers' powers. Captain America's enhanced strength, Falcon's flight suit, Black Widow's agility and precision. And there, in the back of his mind, the looming presence of Iron Man, whose advanced armor was a near-perfect match for the might of the Hulk. Every one of them was a potential target.
A grin spread across David's face.
This is it, he thought. This is my moment.
He didn't hesitate. Without a second thought, he leaped from the rooftop, his body soaring through the air with a force that would have flattened most people. But David wasn't like most people. He had the Hulk's strength, and he used it to propel himself forward.
The city blurred around him as he twisted and turned, using the streets and buildings to guide his descent. The Quinjet grew closer, and David could feel the presence of the heroes inside, their every move. His heart raced, but his mind was calm. This wasn't just about power—it was about strategy. He needed to absorb their abilities, but more than that, he needed to know how to use them.
The Quinjet began to slow as it approached a designated landing zone, likely to conduct whatever mission they were on. The time was now. David adjusted his trajectory, using his enhanced senses to pinpoint the exact moment when he could strike.
With a final burst of strength, he shot forward, landing silently just behind the Quinjet as it touched down. The Avengers were exiting the jet, talking among themselves, unaware of his presence. It was the perfect opportunity.
David's eyes narrowed as he stepped forward, focusing on the figure of Captain America, his aura of leadership and strength palpable. He had to absorb Steve Rogers' abilities first—his enhanced agility, strength, and the unyielding willpower that had made him one of the world's most respected heroes.
He moved quickly, silently, stepping into their path. He could hear their voices approaching.
"Cap, we need to move. Something doesn't feel right," Black Widow said, her voice sharp.
Before anyone could react, David thrust his hand forward, touching Steve Rogers' shoulder in a move so fast that even the enhanced soldier didn't have time to react. The instant contact sent a wave of energy through David, and he could feel Rogers' abilities flood into him—his enhanced strength, speed, and reflexes. But it was more than just physical power; it was Steve's indomitable spirit, his relentless drive to fight for what was right. It was the essence of Captain America himself.
The sensation was overwhelming, but David pushed through. He had already absorbed the Hulk's power, and now Captain America's abilities were his to control. He could feel his body adapting, growing stronger with every passing second. He stood taller, more confident. More capable.
The Avengers paused, suddenly aware that something was wrong. But by the time they turned around, David had already made his move. He wasn't interested in a fight—not yet. He had learned what he needed. Captain America's strength, the Hulk's power—it was all his now.
Before the Avengers could react, David turned and sprinted back toward the rooftops, using his newfound speed to cover the distance with incredible agility. The wind whipped through his hair, but his mind was focused. He wasn't just a man anymore. He was becoming something far greater.
As he disappeared into the shadows of New York, David knew one thing for certain: the Avengers had just met their match.