What are you afraid of? Can General Ross, that stubborn old man, really break into my Villa to make an arrest? Tony patted Banner on the shoulder, his tone arrogant and confident.
Just settle down here. With me around, no one can lay a finger on you, and no one can take you away from here.
Unable to refuse the kind offer, and coupled with the fact that he got along very well with Tony, plus the abundance of scientific equipment here that would allow him to continue researching Gamma Ray and find a way to control Hulk, Banner finally nodded and decided to stay in Tony's Villa for the time being.
In the days that followed, the two spent almost every day in the laboratory, either discussing academic problems or delving into their own research topics. Occasionally, they would argue until they were red in the face, only to cheer for a new discovery a moment later.
Mavuika would occasionally visit Tony's Villa, but often found that the two were so immersed in the World of scientific research that they didn't even notice when he arrived. Over time, he visited less frequently, only occasionally reminding Tony to take care of his health when he was resting.
During this period, General Ross naturally got the news.
He found out that all information related to Mavuika was strictly sealed by S.H.I.E.L.D., and no matter how much pressure he applied, he couldn't get the slightest clue.
He also found out that Bruce Banner had actually been taken in by Tony Stark and hidden in his Villa.
General Ross was furious and immediately sent people to contact S.H.I.E.L.D. and Tony. On one hand, he was desperate to get more information about Mavuika and wanted to find an opportunity to contact this mysterious figure.
He had witnessed Mavuika's power in crushing Abomination with his own eyes; if he could bring this power under the Military's control, his ambition could be taken a step further.
On the other hand, he demanded that Tony immediately hand over Banner for the Military to deal with, so he could continue his Hulk research.
But the result was that he hit a wall repeatedly.
Facing General Ross's demands, Fury's refusal was crisp and resolute: General Ross, this involves the highest top-secret matters of S.H.I.E.L.D. We will not share this with any third party, nor will we give anyone the opportunity to contact him.
S.H.I.E.L.D. was an independent agency with immense power, directly under the World Security Council, and was not under the jurisdiction of the Military. No matter how angry General Ross was, he could do nothing to Fury, let alone forcibly intervene in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s affairs.
As for Tony's side, his refusal was even more blunt and arrogant.
When the Military personnel came to the door to convey General Ross's request, he directly had Jarvis invite them out and had them pass a message to General Ross.
Want Banner? Let him come and beg me himself. Oh no, even if he begs me, I won't give him up. Want to pick a fight? Then go ahead, I, Tony Stark, will accompany you to the end!
What was even more excessive was that later, General Ross personally called Tony and applied pressure in a stern tone, but Tony just sneered and roared into the phone: General Ross, stop putting on your General airs with me here; I don't buy that!
Want the person? No way! If you have the ability, bring your army and try to break into my Villa! Also, let me tell you one thing: get lost and stop bothering me!
After saying that, he hung up the phone directly and blacklisted General Ross's number.
General Ross was trembling with rage but had no way to deal with it.
S.H.I.E.L.D. was impervious to reason, and Tony was even more unyielding; neither side gave him the slightest face.
As a General holding heavy troops, he could do nothing about these two thorns.
S.H.I.E.L.D. had the Council backing it, so he had no right to interfere. Tony had money and power, as well as powerful technological strength; if things really blew up, the Military wouldn't gain anything.
In the short term, he was almost out of options.
When Mavuika arrived in Malibu again, Tony and Banner were already very familiar with each other.
He pushed open the door to the laboratory and saw two people arguing fiercely around a holographic projection table.
Tony was holding a cup of coffee, and Banner was holding an electronic pen, drawing something on the hologram.
Mavuika leaned against the doorframe and cleared his throat gently.
Both of them turned their heads at the same time.
Yo, Mavuika! Tony immediately put down his coffee cup and walked towards him.
You've come at the right time. Come and see our new discovery. This guy Banner really has something; he helped me re-derive the energy formula for the Arc Reactor, and the efficiency can be improved by at least 12%.
Banner stood by the holographic projection table, his expression a bit awkward, but he still nodded to Mavuika: Ms. Marvica.
Just call me Mavuika. He walked closer and glanced at the holographic projection.
He didn't understand the complex formulas and lines, but he could see the excited expressions on both their faces very clearly.
That was the expression of researchers who had found a kindred spirit.
It seems you are getting along well, he said.
Tony shrugged: Not bad. Although this guy is a bit dull, his brain works well; he's much better than some goddess who only knows how to ride a bike and doesn't know how to use her brain.
Mavuika glanced at him.
Tony immediately raised his hands in surrender: Just kidding, just kidding.
Banner watched the two bickering from the side, his expression relaxing a bit.
He suddenly had a strange feeling: here, in this laboratory filled with high-tech equipment, he seemed... not so lonely anymore.
As for Tony calling Mavuika a goddess, Banner didn't think much of it, just assuming it was Tony's nickname for Mavuika. After all, according to Tony, the two had known each other for more than ten years and were old friends who talked about everything.
Two weeks later.
Mavuika arrived in Malibu again.
Not because he missed Tony, but because Tony's condition had been a bit off recently.
On the phone, although his tone was as arrogant as ever, his voice was noticeably weaker than before.
During last week's video call, he saw that his complexion was not good, the dark circles under his eyes were heavier than before, and he looked like he had lost a circle of weight.
Mavuika had asked him what was going on, and his answer was I've been too busy lately, lack of sleep.
But Mavuika naturally didn't believe it.
When Mavuika landed on the terrace of Tony's Villa, he was not greeted by Tony himself, but by Jarvis's voice.
Ms. Marvica, welcome. Mr. Tony is in the laboratory. He asked me to tell you that you can go straight down.
Mavuika nodded, walked through the living room, and headed towards the stairs leading to the underground laboratory.
The laboratory door was open.
He walked in and saw at first glance that Tony was sitting in front of the workbench, with his back to him, holding a semi-finished mechanical part, and welding with full concentration.
Banner stood next to him, holding a data pad, with a grave expression on his face.
...Are you sure you want to continue like this? Banner's voice was very low, but Mavuika heard it clearly.
Your body data has exceeded the standard for three consecutive days, Tony. The palladium concentration is rising continuously. If you don't take measures—
I know. Tony interrupted him, his tone tinged with a hint of irritability.