American comics: I am full of martial virtues and I love to be kind to others.

Jessica nodded. “Understood, sir. But it’s worth noting that while Number 12’s tracking capabilities are powerful, they still have limitations. He needs a starting point—some object belonging to the target, or a definite sample of the target’s last known location.”

Stern thought for a moment. “We have Lynn Hall’s office and apartment. Start there. As for Banner, use his new location in Central Park. That should provide enough trace.”

"Yes, sir. I'll arrange it immediately."

Stern surveyed the room, his eyes sharp. "Let me be clear: this situation must be brought under control. Too much time and resources have been invested in Operation Emerald Fist; I won't let it fail at the last minute. Whatever it takes, whatever the cost, find Banner and eliminate this threat. Do you all understand?"

Everyone in the room nodded in understanding, and the atmosphere became even more tense.

Stern waved to signal the end of the meeting. "Jessica, stay. The rest of you may leave."

After the room was emptied, Stern walked to a hidden liquor cabinet, poured himself a glass of Scotch whisky, and said, "You have reservations about number 12. Why?"

Jessica hesitated for a moment, then said frankly, “He’s unpredictable, sir. Yes, the test data looks promising, but his loyalty is questionable. He’s not as voluntary as the other test subjects. I’m worried that in field conditions, he might not fully obey orders.”

Stern took a sip of whiskey. “Your concerns have been noted. But we don’t have many options, do we? Conventional methods have failed; we need unconventional solutions.”

"Yes, sir."

"Closely monitor Number 12. If necessary, do not hesitate to use control protocols."

Jessica nodded, her expression serious. "Understood, sir."

Two figures are waiting quietly in an abandoned warehouse near the Brooklyn Navy Pier.

The first was a burly African American, about thirty-five years old, with short-haired hair and a calm yet alert expression. He was dressed in a plain black jacket and jeans, but his posture suggested a background in military training.

The second was a slender Latina woman, around thirty years old, with short hair and eyes that scanned her surroundings warily like a cat. She was dressed in dark tactical gear, allowing her to blend easily into the night.

“It’s still early,” the man said, his voice deep and steady. “They won’t arrive for another three hours.”

The woman nodded, continuing to survey the area around the warehouse. "I'd rather arrive early to ensure everything is safe, especially considering the importance of the mission."

"You read the briefing?"

“Yes,” she replied, “protect Dr. Banner and the three civilians who helped him. Transfer them safely to an offshore facility on the direct orders of Chief Henderson.”

The man adjusted his posture slightly. "You know who Banner is, right?"

The woman's lips curled into a slight smile. "The big green thing. Yes, I know."

Are you worried?

She thought for a moment, then shook her head. "I'm not more worried than usual. We all have our own characteristics. I think I can understand the feeling of being feared and misunderstood."

The man nodded, seemingly agreeing with the assessment. "Chief Henderson said this operation is crucial. Black Hawk International isn't just a threat to Banner, but to all people like us. If they successfully replicate Banner's capabilities..."

“Then more people like us will be hunted down and experimented on,” the woman finished her sentence. “Yes, I understand the risks. That’s why we can’t fail.”

The man stood up, walked to the warehouse window, and cautiously observed the activity on the docks outside. “We won’t fail, Eileen. We have the advantage—they don’t know we’re coming, they don’t know what we can do.”

Erin Sanchez—codename "Shadowwalker"—nodded, her fingers lightly tracing the weapon at her waist. "I hope so, Marcus. I just hope they haven't made any surprises."

Marcus Jones—codenamed "Barrier"—turned to Erin, his expression resolute. "Whatever comes, we're ready. That's why we were chosen."

In the underground laboratory of Black Hawk International headquarters, Jessica Wright stood in front of a huge reinforced glass cell, observing the figures inside.

Inside the cell was a tall man, about thirty years old, with pale skin and unnaturally light blond hair. He wore a specially made black bodysuit, with metal restraints on his wrists and ankles. Most striking were his eyes—the pupils were amber, more like an animal than a human.

“Number 12,” Jessica said through the intercom, “you have a mission.”

The man slowly stood up, his movements slightly different from ordinary people, more fluid, almost predatory in their elegance. "My name is Victor," he said, his voice hoarse and deep, "not 'Number 12'."

Jessica's expression remained unchanged. "Your mission is to track down and locate four targets. One of them is Dr. Bruce Banner, also known as the Hulk. The other three are civilians who are helping him."

Victor tilted his head, his amber eyes flashing with a dangerous light. "Why should I help you? Last time I left this cage, you promised me my freedom if I cooperated. That was a lie."

“This time is different,” Jessica said, her tone calm but with a hint of threat. “If you successfully complete this mission, the board will consider your situation. And,” she paused, “completing this mission will also benefit you. These people are trying to sabotage research that could help people like you.”

Victor let out a disbelieving sneer. "Someone like me? You're not helping us, you're creating weapons."

Jessica's patience was clearly wearing thin. "You don't need to believe our motives, Victor. You just need to carry out the mission. Otherwise," she pressed a remote control in her hand, and the metal collar around Victor's neck immediately lit up red, causing him to twitch in pain, "we have other ways to ensure cooperation."

Victor roared, but finally nodded. "Alright. What do I need to get started?"

Jessica gestured for her assistant to open the cell door. “We have the target’s personal belongings and samples from the last known location. Your superhuman sense of smell should be able to track them.” Victor stepped out of the cell, the restraints on his wrists and ankles removed, but the control collar around his neck remained. “I need fresh air. In this confined space, the smell dissipates quickly.”

“Of course,” Jessica agreed. “A special operations team will accompany you. Remember, the target must be captured alive, especially Dr. Banner.”

Victor's lips curled into a sinister smile. "I know how to track my prey without killing them. After all, isn't that why you modified me?"

Jessica ignored the provocation and turned to the armed squad waiting nearby. “I want results within 24 hours. Victor will find the target; you’re responsible for the capture. Remember, Dr. Banner must be handled with care—if he changes course, retreat immediately and call for backup. Got it?”

The squad leader saluted. "Yes, sir."

Victor was led into a large armored vehicle, his eyes gleaming eerily in the darkness. For years, he had been a victim of Black Hawk experiments, his natural mutant abilities amplified and twisted, turning him into their tool. But perhaps this mission would offer the opportunity he had always awaited—a chance for freedom, and maybe even revenge.

In the Bronx before midnight, Lynn, Gwen, Ethan, and Banner are making final preparations for the upcoming operation.

Lynn checked his weapons and equipment to make sure everything was in order. Gwen was backing up all the digital evidence to multiple encrypted drives, while Ethan was organizing his collection of physical documents and notes. Banner, looking more energetic than before, was helping to pack necessary medical supplies.

“The plan is this,” Lynn told everyone, “we will move in two groups. Dr. Banner and I will be in one group, and Gwen and Ethan will be in the other. This way, if one group is discovered, the other group will still have a chance to reach the rendezvous point.”

"Split up?" Gwen asked worriedly. "That sounds dangerous."

Lynn nodded. “There are risks, but it’s a necessary precaution. If Black Hawk is tracking us, they’ll likely expect us to act together. Splitting up increases the chances of at least one group arriving successfully.”

Ethan looked unsure. "What if one group gets caught?"

“Everyone carries an emergency beacon,” Lynn explained, taking out four small devices and distributing them to everyone. “If you encounter danger, activate it. The signal will be transmitted directly to the support team, and they will respond immediately.”

Banner carefully picked up the beacon and examined it closely. "This design is very advanced. It's not standard military or law enforcement equipment."

Lynn nodded simply. "As I said, the 'Special Assets X Plan' appears to have some unconventional resources."

Gwen safely packed the last drive into her backpack. "When do we leave?"

Lynn glanced at his watch. "Two hours from now. We'll meet the support team at Navy Pier in Brooklyn using a different route and mode of transportation. Remember, keep a low profile and avoid any behavior that might attract attention. If you suspect you're being followed, don't confront them directly. Activate the beacon immediately and try to shake off your pursuers."

Banner looked up, his expression serious. "If I sense another version of myself about to appear, I will immediately distance myself from the crowd. I don't want to hurt any innocent people."

Lynn nodded understandingly. "We'll be monitoring the situation closely, Doctor. Hopefully, it won't come to that."

On Manhattan's Upper East Side, Victor and the Black Hawk Special Operations Team were outside Lynn Hall's apartment. Victor stood on the street, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath; his amber eyes gleamed with an unusual light when he reopened them.

“He was here recently,” Victor said in a low voice, “probably two days ago. The smell is faint, but it’s still traceable.”

The squad leader nodded. "Direction?"

Victor turned and pointed north. “That way. He’s not alone—there are other people’s scents mixed in. A woman, who smells somewhat similar, possibly a relative. And two other men, one of whom…isn’t quite the same.”

“Banner,” the captain said in a low voice, “how far can you track him?”

Victor began moving along the street, a motion somewhere between walking and stealth. "As long as the scent hasn't completely dissipated, I can track it. Let's see where these rats are hiding."

The special operations team followed closely behind, with armored vehicles trailing slowly at a distance.

Lynn and Banner had left the safe house and were cautiously making their way to the designated rendezvous point. They chose a circuitous route, navigating less busy streets and alleys, avoiding major thoroughfares and areas with a high density of surveillance cameras.

“You look much better than before, Doctor,” Lynn commented, noticing that Banner no longer needed his support as he walked.

Banner nodded. "Yes, my recovery ability is much faster than that of ordinary people. My wounds have almost completely healed, and I've regained most of my strength."

Lynn hesitated for a moment, then asked a question that had always intrigued him, "If you don't mind me asking, what did it feel like when you changed?"

Banner paused for a moment before answering, seemingly considering the question carefully. “It’s hard to describe accurately in words. It started with an extreme rage, an uncontrollable fury that burned almost every nerve in my body. Then came the pain—every muscle, every bone was growing, twisting, reshaping. But the strangest part was the shift in consciousness. I didn’t completely lose consciousness, but rather retreated into the background. I could see everything happening, feel everything, but couldn’t control it. It was like being a passenger trapped inside your own body, while another being held the steering wheel.”

Lynn listened intently, trying to understand this unique and painful experience. "Then, can that other you—the Hulk—sense your presence?"

Banner's expression turned thoughtful. "I think so, at least to some extent. Sometimes, in certain situations, I feel he will listen to my advice or feelings. Not direct control, more like influence. That might be why, in some cases, he exhibits protective behavior rather than just destructiveness."

The two continued on their way, with Lynn checking their surroundings every now and then to make sure they weren't being followed. They had already changed several different modes of public transportation and were now walking in a quiet neighborhood on the edge of Brooklyn.

"Do you think this Omega project will succeed?" Banner suddenly asked.

Lynn considered for a moment. “Chief Henderson isn’t one to take risks easily. If he’s activated this plan, he must believe it’s feasible. Besides, we’ve come this far—exposing Black Hawk’s plot, obtaining crucial evidence, and possibly even attracting the attention of high-ranking government officials. I believe we have a very good chance of success.”

Banner nodded, seemingly comforted by Lynn's confidence. "Thank you, Lynn. Not just for saving me, but for believing in me. Believing the Hulk isn't just a monster. That means a lot." (End of Chapter)