Inside Primus Tower, all team members had assembled, including Tony and Steve despite their recent conflict.
However, Tony maintained his distance, leaning against the wall while adjusting components on his left gauntlet.
Fortunately, Primus housed the Iron Legion units left behind by Hammer Industries, which could be modified for his use after some technical adjustments.
This saved Tony considerable time, though he recognized this approach was entirely reactive. If the armor he'd stored in Stark Tower could fly to him autonomously, he wouldn't lose power for extended periods.
"I'm sorry—I led them here," Harry said with obvious self-reproach.
Since Harry had been involved in managing most of Primus's previous operations, Pierce had immediately thought to search the facility after failing to locate Harry at Osborn Industries.
It could be argued that he was responsible for bringing the enemy to their doorstep.
"How about you take your glider and lead them away?" Nick Fury suggested without shame.
Ben kicked him directly. "If it wasn't for saving your sorry hide, would Harry be targeted? You might as well surrender yourself. Even if we defeat Hydra, you'll probably have to step down anyway. Believe me, a quiet retirement would suit you better!"
"Alright, stop the comedy routine," Hill said, covering her forehead with her hand. She observed that these people didn't seem nervous whatsoever.
"The immediate question is: Pierce has arrived with substantial forces at our doorstep. What's our response?"
"Don't worry about that. Unless they deploy heavy artillery, they can't penetrate Primus's energy shields. But this isn't a sustainable solution. If we remain trapped here, we won't be able to gather support. If we want to restore public trust, we need media backing."
Ben's statement lacked complete honesty.
To be frank, he had dozens of Iron Legion units stored in his facilities, so mounting a counterattack wouldn't be problematic.
But this wasn't the appropriate time for that approach.
"But who would support us?" Natasha asked skeptically.
"I know a media outlet!" Peter declared, standing up. "The Daily Bugle!"
"Leave this to me!"
After hearing his proposal, the others looked at him as if he'd lost his mind.
Harry covered his face and said, "Are you insane, Peter? The Daily Bugle is the publication most critical of you. How could they possibly help Spider-Man?"
"Don't say that, Harry. Mr. Jameson is actually a decent person," Peter replied, removing his mask. "Maybe he won't believe Spider-Man, but I think he'd be willing to trust Peter Parker."
"Perhaps I can generate some support..." Dr. Connors said uncertainly.
"I have a colleague named Otto who works for the Hardy Foundation currently. I'm not certain if he has influence with Mrs. Hardy, but we could attempt that approach."
In this capitalist society, wealth represented power and influence.
Although the Hardy Foundation couldn't compete with major corporations like Osborn Industries, it still carried some weight with the public.
After hearing this suggestion, Ben thought of Felicia.
Mrs. Hardy was notoriously difficult, and Otto alone might not convince her, but with Felicia's assistance, it could be possible.
However, Ben dismissed the idea.
He didn't want Felicia involved in this dangerous situation.
Ben addressed Connors: "If you can contact Otto, have him reach out to prominent figures in academia."
At this point, Nick Fury asked: "You're planning to join our operation? I recall you don't possess power, correct?"
"Not currently," Connors replied, producing a serum and injecting it directly into his arm in front of everyone. "One injection and that changes!"
Then, before everyone's eyes, he instantly transformed into a terrifying reptilian creature.
The Lizard had returned!
The enormous sense of menace was released immediately, causing several agents to instinctively step back and assume defensive positions.
But Connors grinned reassuringly: "Don't be afraid. I can control myself now."
During this period, his greatest achievement had been collaborating with Ben to develop a lizard serum formula that wouldn't cause mental deterioration.
Unfortunately, that was the extent of their progress.
No matter how extensively they researched, they couldn't optimize the serum's effects to match Spider-Man's level.
Ben suspected this wasn't due to their research limitations or Grey Matter's intelligence, but because the totemic forces had marked Connors.
Regardless of their studies, they couldn't alter his destiny of becoming the Lizard.
Perhaps it was accurate to say Grey Matter's intelligence was insufficient.
If his wisdom approached Azmuth's level, even totemic problems might be solvable.
The Lizard, standing over three meters tall, created an incredibly imposing presence.
But as a teammate, he became remarkably dependable.
Steve surveyed the assembled group, then secured his shield to his left arm and declared, "Then let's go win this battle!"
Dozens of black vehicles surrounded the scene, with police from throughout New York responding to the call.
Captain George Stacy led the operation, positioned at the front with his service weapon drawn.
However, his expression showed obvious discomfort.
Although he'd always maintained an adversarial relationship with Spider-Man, seeing SHIELD's wanted notice felt genuinely strange.
Not to mention that this particular group of fugitives was more unusual than any previous case. He wasn't certain whether this action was justified, but as New York Police Department commissioner, he had to follow superior orders.
Pierce remained distant from the operational area.
He observed the surrounded Primus Tower while preparing for potential violent assault.
However, other operatives expressed concerns.
A Hydra executive asked, "Will this approach succeed? Primus's technology is highly advanced, and the building's exterior probably features extremely robust energy shielding."
"Maintain the bombardment and sustain the siege," Pierce commanded. "How long can they endure if we cut off their resources and supplies?"
"Once the helicarriers are operational, all obstacles will be eliminated!"
"This will be Hydra's righteous war!"
He spoke with absolute conviction. "Prepare the remaining Winter Soldiers!"
Within Hydra, the Winter Soldier designation didn't refer exclusively to Bucky—it represented an entire series and team of enhanced operatives.
At this moment, the few surviving Winter Soldiers were being readied for deployment.
Additionally, to combat the powerful alien adversary who had appeared recently, Pierce had reviewed Nick Fury's classified files and identified another individual who might compete with such threats.
"Mr Pierce, the subject has been brought here."
Pierce turned and smiled with satisfaction.
"I'll see them now."
Two men, both appearing somewhat disheveled, sat in opposite corners of a holding room.
One was tall and retained handsome features despite his poor condition.
The other appeared much shorter, with an out-of-shape physique and extremely uncomfortable demeanor—even showing signs of fear and restraint while glancing occasionally at Thor.
Thor felt increasingly annoyed by this constant observation.
But he remained silent.
His time on Earth had changed him considerably.
Perhaps realizing that Thor had noticed his attention, the man rubbed his sweaty palms and attempted conversation.
"I didn't expect they'd confine me with you. Is there something special about you?"
"What are you referring to?" Thor glanced at him without comprehension.
"This is just an ordinary room."
"Not ordinary at all," the man replied, shaking his head while examining every corner. "This is a cage... Sorry," he approached Thor and extended his hand. "Bruce Banner."
"Thor Odinson."
The two men exchanged basic introductions.
Then Thor decided to ignore this suspicious-looking individual.
After some time, Pierce entered. When Bruce Banner saw this stranger, he immediately tensed.
"Pleasure to meet you both. I'm Alexander Pierce."
Pierce displayed no hostility and appeared quite friendly, but somehow Thor sensed something wrong.
Because Pierce reminded him strongly of Loki.
Cunning and manipulative...
"What exactly do you want?" Thor spoke directly. In contrast, Banner stopped talking after Pierce's arrival.
He was studying Pierce carefully.
"This situation developed suddenly—perhaps you don't understand yet. Simply put, we need your assistance," Pierce explained.
He activated a display screen showing wanted notices for Ben and the others.
"These individuals have betrayed our nation. Actually, they're Hydra operatives who have now collaborated with unknown aliens in attempting to subvert human civilization."
Seeing this, both Thor and Banner reacted with surprise.
Banner displayed a mocking expression and said, "How fascinating that the U.S. government has accused Captain America of being Hydra..."
"What nonsense!" Thor slammed the table and prepared to leave immediately.
He didn't believe a single word from this man.
For Thor, the only thing he trusted was Mjolnir's judgment. He had witnessed Steve Rogers lift the hammer with his own eyes.
Since Mjolnir acknowledged Steve Rogers, he believed in him completely!
If a traitor could lift the hammer, what did that make Thor himself? Ridiculous!
Thor sneered, then closed his eyes and refused further communication.
The reclusive Bruce Banner had no clear understanding of the situation, but he genuinely didn't want involvement in any conflict.
These people had summoned him solely to exploit his power, but he had no desire to transform into the Hulk again.
Honestly, he hadn't transformed since his last destructive rampage through New York.
He'd lived very peacefully during this period.
But these individuals claiming SHIELD affiliation had located him.
They'd stated that his strength was needed to help save the world, and as long as he cooperated, he'd never have to worry about military pursuit again.
So Bruce Banner had come.
But now he was beginning to question that decision.
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