Pepper stared at Banner's mild-mannered photo. "Seven doctoral degrees. He must be an absolute genius."
She turned to Happy, whispering again. "Does he have equipment like Tony? His own armor or weapons?"
Happy shook his head, looking a little lost. "I haven't heard about any new armor developers. Though," he lowered his voice, "I did hear something about a giant green monster appearing at Culver University in Virginia. The video got scrubbed pretty fast, though."
The fifth screen illuminated, showing a familiar, smirking face.
"Our final contestant is Tony Stark, holder of the Four-Star Dragon Ball. Known to the world as the superhero Iron Man. Also recognized as a playboy, genius scientist, and billionaire."
Spotlights found Pepper and Happy. Pepper sighed quietly, while Happy sat up straighter. Smith's voice carried a clear note of amusement.
"These spectators arrived through Tony Stark's guest allocation. To be honest, in most people's eyes, he probably doesn't have any wishes that need fulfilling. Let's see if this competition changes that assessment."
The sixth and final screen activated. Instead of a contestant photo, it displayed a topographical map of the entire island. Five large red dots pulsed at the perimeter, marking the contestants' starting positions.
The previous five screens shifted, now showing grainy, night-vision live feeds of each contestant. All five were exiting their helicopters and surveying their dark, new surroundings.
Bruce Banner stepped out of his aircraft onto a sandy beach. The helicopter's rotor wash died, replaced by the sound of gentle waves. He raised his wrist and tapped the watch face. A palm-sized holographic projection materialized above the device, casting a faint blue light on his face. It showed the island layout and the five red position markers. One dot had an arrow, indicating his own location.
Banner studied the nearest dot. "This one's closest to my position," he murmured. "I choose you."
He broke into a run, his shoes sinking in the soft sand before he hit the firmer, damp ground near the treeline.
Xu Xialing and Xu Shang Chi had coordinated their strategy during the flight. Since they'd heard the rules on the same aircraft, they'd agreed on a rendezvous point after reviewing the map. Meet up first, then work together to eliminate other contestants.
Without knowing the other competitors' capabilities, their plan was simple. If the enemies were weak, they'd collect all tickets and claim the wish. If someone proved dangerous during combat, they'd ensure at least one sibling advanced to the finals.
Both headed toward their agreed meeting location immediately after landing, moving silently through the jungle.
Selene, like Banner, identified the nearest contestant. She didn't hesitate, sprinting toward that position, her movements a silent blur in the darkness.
Tony, however, didn't move immediately. He stood at his landing zone, a rocky plateau. He examined the watch for a moment, then spoke into his helmet, his voice a quiet command.
"JARVIS."
"Here, sir."
Tony's tension eased. The signal wasn't blocked. A smile curved his lips.
"JARVIS, hack into the island's network. I want intel on all contestants."
In the viewing stands, Pepper studied the watch technology on the screen with professional interest.
"That watch the Universal Capsule Company developed is remarkably advanced."
She pointed at the holographic display shown on Banner's feed. "Virtual screen projection from something that small? I haven't heard of any company achieving that level of miniaturization."
"And now that the sun's set," she continued, "the video feed quality is incredibly clear. In near darkness."
Happy didn't really understand the technical aspects. He just nodded. "Pretty advanced, yeah. The chief scientist at Universal Capsule is a genius that even Tony respects."
Pepper realized she wouldn't get a technical discussion from Happy and turned her attention back to the screens.
Betty photographed everything with her phone, her fingers flying as she alternated between searching for information about the other contestants online and watching Bruce's feed. This whole setup was incredible.
Meanwhile, Robot Friday rushed to Bulma's position in the high-tech command center under the arena.
"Master, there's a strange presence trying to hijack our network signals!"
Bulma immediately suspected Tony's AI. JARVIS was the only system here sophisticated enough to attempt that.
"Friday, kick him out."
FRIDAY's small metal hands flickered across the holographic console, her voice sharp with focus. "Clear out. This space is mine,"
On the island, Tony waited while JARVIS worked. Then the AI's calm voice returned.
"Sir, the system administrator Friday has expelled me from the network."
A pause. "She has a distinct home-field advantage here."
"However, I managed to extract some data before being blocked."
JARVIS displayed the four other contestants' profiles inside Tony's helmet. Tony's eyes widened when he saw Banner's face.
"Banner's here too? If he transforms, who can possibly fight him?"
Tony's mind raced. He'd engaged the Hulk directly. He knew what that monster could do. And he hadn't finished developing the proper anti-Hulk armor yet.
"I need to collect two more tickets fast. Get to the finals before I have to face him."
Tony's repulsors flared to life, casting a bright white light on the rocks. He launched into the air, his armor gleaming in the twilight as he scanned for other contestants.
Selene relied on her newly awakened speed to race across the island. She moved like a ghost through the trees, the only sound the faint crush of leaves under her boots. She was heading toward her selected target.
When she reached the location, she found signs of departure. Footprints, deep in the mud. She crouched, examining the tracks. Fresh. She could catch whoever made them.
She followed the trail, moving quickly. Then she happened to glance upward.
A figure in red and gold armor streaked across the sky, his repulsors leaving a faint trail.
"Shit. Iron Man's here too."
Selene's heart sank. The superhero who appeared alongside Smith Doyle in all those news stories. If he wasn't tournament staff, he was a contestant.
That meant competition just got significantly harder.
She dove into the denser forest canopy without hesitation, using the thick, broad leaves for cover while maintaining her speed.
Above, Tony heard JARVIS's alert.
"Target detected. Fast-moving, bearing two-seven-three. Coordinates..."
Tony banked hard, the armor's control surfaces adjusting. First contestant located. Time to collect his first ticket.
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