Ross remained silent.
Reality was harsh. The world of adults and the powerful was complex and multifaceted, but at its core, it was painfully simple: the weak had no voice.
As a former military colonel, Ross had built his tough demeanor and style upon the foundation of his status, power, and connections. Under the established rules of this game, he was among the powerful, while others were naturally the weak. He had long enjoyed the privileges that came with his position.
But Natasha was different. She existed outside—and even above—the rules of this game. It was clear to Ross that he couldn't use those same rules to suppress her or take the Hulk and the Abomination away from her.
Realizing this, Ross hesitated, unwilling though he was to admit defeat.
Natasha cast a calm glance at Ross before turning her attention to Betty. Noticing Betty's expression, heavy with sadness and worry over matters of life and death, Natasha couldn't help but find it amusing. She offered a casual reminder:
"Hey, ma'am, I'll be taking him with me. But it doesn't mean he's going to die. You'll have the chance to see him again in the future."
"Thank you..." Betty murmured, her voice dazed, as though she couldn't quite believe it.
Natasha shook her head helplessly.
She snapped her fingers, and a purple portal suddenly appeared behind Natasha. Without hesitation, Natasha stepped through it, taking Hulk with her. He turned and walked toward the portal as well.
Bloody Mary parted her lips as if to speak but stopped herself. In the end, she simply watched in silence as Natasha and Hulk disappeared into the portal, which then vanished without a trace.
After Natasha and Hulk's departure, the entire block fell into a tense calm, broken only by the crackling sounds of flames still burning nearby.
For now, Ross's reaction was left unaddressed, but the police and the crowd of onlookers began to murmur excitedly among themselves.
As live witnesses to the extraordinary battle, the impact on their senses was far greater than anything seen on television. Every punch and kick had a visceral quality, the sound of each impact like a thunderclap reverberating through the streets.
The sheer force of the attacks created shockwaves that pressed down on the onlookers, making their blood run cold and their hearts skip beats. It was a feeling far more exhilarating than any extreme sport, like high-altitude bungee jumping.
"It was an unimaginable battle! Oh my God, I'm absolutely in love with that lady. She's like a mythical Valkyrie—elegant, powerful, and awe-inspiring."
"She's truly a goddess of war! Beautiful in every way—her appearance, her poise, her strength. She's incredible!"
"Believe me, she's my now," one exclaimed passionately.
"She could easily defeat such a terrifying monster, and the battle destroyed the entire neighborhood in the process. Power like that... it's not something a human should possess."
"Yes, today's battle was a disaster. Don't forget, the monster that first appeared was accompanied by the military. I have every reason to believe that the birth of this monster is tied to a military experiment. That lady obviously stepped in to stop the creature—and in doing so, she saved all of us."
"This must be a conspiracy by the federal government and the military. They allowed an uncontrollable monster to rampage through the streets of New York, causing the deaths of countless innocent people and police officers."
"The police did their best. They were brave. They helped many of us, alongside that lady and the man with the bloody hair."
"True, they may have seemed a little weak, but I believe they gave it their all. After all, they were up against a terrifying monster—a cruel demon."
There is no doubt that the people, though uninformed, are perceptive. They understood what happened when the Abomination tore through the neighborhood, killing innocent civilians. The police responded quickly, trying their hardest to subdue the creature, but it was far too powerful. Conventional firearms had no effect on it.
Although tensions between the American police and the public are often high, and the police's infamous reputation for emptying magazines during law enforcement encounters doesn't sit well with the populace, this time was different.
For once, in the face of crisis, the police did not act like cowardly fools abandoning the people to save themselves. Instead, they bravely stood their ground, fighting the monster to the death. Many officers lost their lives in the process, their sacrifices both tragic and heroic.
Tonight, the police of New York earned the cheers and admiration of its citizens for their courage and dedication.
In stark contrast, however, stands the federal government and the military.
The public doesn't fully understand the details, but the monster's arrival alongside military forces raises serious questions. It suggests that the military not only knew about the creature but might even have been responsible for its creation.
The federal government and the military have always left a poor impression on the American people. So much so that, after today's disaster, the first entities questioned were the federal government and the military.
Even the lady who saved everyone—despite taking Abomination and Hulk away—was not criticized by the people. Instead, they breathed a collective sigh of relief. The public was far more inclined to trust Natasha than the government or the military.
In fact, many believed that Natasha, with her immense strength, had the capability to control and suppress the two monsters she had taken with her.
However, to the military and government, this was unthinkable.
The staggering number of deaths and the extensive damage caused to the neighborhood tonight would undoubtedly shock the world, sparking fresh waves of criticism and public outrage.
At the center of the storm, General Ross understood all too well that his military career was over.
Someone would have to take full responsibility for the events of the night—and that someone was him.
Ross stood there, overwhelmed by a sense of loneliness. He looked at the devastated neighborhood in front of him: vehicles reduced to smoldering wrecks, flames still licking at the charred remains, and collapsed streetlights flickering faintly. He sighed deeply.
Meanwhile, at the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, Fury turned away from the blacked-out screen and began to leave, with Hill trailing behind him.
"Get Bloody Mary and our Black Widow back," Fury ordered.
"Yes, sir."
"And keep an eye on Ross."
"General Ross? His political career is done. He's bound to be made the scapegoat to quell public anger. Why should we still pay attention to him?"
"You underestimate Ross, Hill. He's not as simple as you think."
...
1500 powerstones = 1 BONUS Chapter!
Join patreon if you want for additional Chapters. /GreekGreenGlass