Parting After the Battle

Tony also wanted to thank his few fellow natives of the universe. Without their help, it would have been hard to say whether they would have won or lost this battle.

Naturally, the gift of thanks was to treat them to a hearty meal.

After the war subsided, S.H.I.E.L.D. began handling the aftermath as well.

Although many of the Chitauri’s aircraft had been destroyed, some flying craft and giant turtle-like war machines remained. They could not be said to have been preserved intact, but some important components had survived.

If they could study the Chitauri’s technology, it would accelerate the progress of human technology.

After watching Tony, who had just displayed such overwhelming power, leave, Thor and Loki found a place to rest as well.

Having just taken part in a great battle and witnessed the deaths of many humans, Thor was not in a very good mood.

Because, in a sense, humans were all his subjects.

It was simply that his strength was still lacking somewhat, and he could not fly as effortlessly as Tony and Renoli.

So he was not particularly satisfied with his performance.

However, Loki had shown no signs of suddenly turning against them throughout the battle, which gave Thor a small measure of comfort.

In fact, before the battle began, when Loki saw the Chitauri army charging forward in endless waves, he had considered whether he should betray them.

But the strength Tony and the friends Tony had called over displayed made Loki afraid to turn against them.

If he betrayed them, the ones who died would not be the Chitauri, but him.

Tony alone was already difficult enough to deal with. Every one of the people Tony had brought was terrifyingly powerful.

Moreover, when they fought with their full strength, the purple glow radiating from their bodies had made Loki realize something.

Renoli, Kyle, the Precognitor, and Lacey had likely received Harvey Anberaka’s blessing, just like Tony.

That was why, when they heard Tony wanted their help, they had rushed over so quickly.

Loki was also curious about Harvey’s true form, or perhaps his real name.

So he decided that he would investigate it later.

Although Loki had no clue about Harvey’s true name, Renoli and the others’ arrival had given him a lead to pursue the truth.

Once he learned more, he would see whether he had a chance to receive Harvey’s blessing as well.

Renoli, the Precognitor, and Kyle were all superpowered individuals, but their powers should not have been this strong to begin with.

Their terrifying strength now was surely inseparable from the blessing.

Still, Loki was curious about just how many people Harvey’s blessing could be granted to.

Generally speaking, blessings had a limit on their number. Some more powerful blessings even required aptitude and certain special treasures as mediums before they could grant others power beyond ordinary imagination.

As long as he had time, he would be able to uncover all of it, so Loki was not in much of a hurry.

"Looks like you’ve adapted to your power even better?"

Steve looked at Banner, who had returned to normal barely ten minutes after the battle ended, and asked.

"No. Hulk changed back on his own."

"I still can’t adapt to Hulk’s power."

"But Tony was right. Hulk Power isn’t a misfortune that descended upon me."

"It’s a blessing that gives me more options in desperate situations."

"As long as I use it in the right place, it can become a power that protects others."

"So I want to accept this power and become someone strong enough to protect others."

Banner shook his head at those words. Touching the area over his heart, he spoke with flickering eyes.

He had seen the Chitauri kill many ordinary people. Although he had not been able to save all of them, he had still done everything he could and unleashed Hulk.

Hulk had killed more than a thousand Chitauri.

If he could better control the Hulk Power within him, make Hulk listen to his thoughts, or even fully transform into Hulk himself, he should be able to do better.

These were thoughts he had never dared to imagine before, but after meeting Tony, Renoli, and that group of powerful people—

Banner’s mindset had changed. He would no longer choose to run away.

If he could completely control the power inside him and transform according to his own wishes—

Then he would no longer have to be afraid when he met a woman he liked.

In the past, he had missed a woman he loved because he could not fully control his power. He did not want that to happen again.

"Hulk’s power is indeed incredibly strong. I don’t think the gap between Hulk and them is that great in terms of raw power. The difference is mainly in skill."

"If you can control it perfectly, you’ll definitely become very strong."

"But if you want to control your transformations, you should at least practice controlling it within Tony’s sight."

"Otherwise, it’s still easy for disaster to strike."

Steve patted Banner on the shoulder. There was not the slightest hint of jealousy in his voice as he offered sincere advice.

Tony was right. Superpowers were not something that could be controlled by human will.

His own physical body, strictly speaking, was also a product of technology and did not count as a superpower.

"I know. I’ll go to Tony later and practice properly with him."

"Though I don’t know when it might come in handy, it’s better to be prepared."

Banner listened seriously to Steve’s advice and nodded.

"Come on, want to get a drink together?"

Seeing that Banner showed no arrogance at all and instead resembled an eager student, Steve said with a smile.

"I can’t drink alcohol, so I probably shouldn’t go."

"But Steve, seeing all this must have dealt you quite a blow, right?"

Banner waved his hand and spoke.

"…Of course it dealt me a blow. I woke up from the ice and found out that decades had passed."

"I originally thought technology had simply advanced further. I never expected so many powerhouses far stronger than me to emerge."

"But while it was a blow, I suppose part of me was happy too."

"Tony may be a little too proud, but his desire to protect Earth is genuine."

Steve fell silent for a moment after hearing Banner’s words, then spoke slowly. In the end, a smile appeared on his face.

"Let’s go."

Seeing Steve’s somewhat forced smile, Banner knew he had accidentally struck at Steve’s pride. After hesitating for a moment, he spoke.

"Go where?"

Steve looked at Banner in confusion.

"To get a drink. I may not be able to drink, but I can keep you company and chat."

"Besides, after such a huge battle, I don’t really want to be alone either."

A smile appeared on Banner’s face.

"Alright, then I’ll have to trouble you to be my listener."

Steve was stunned for a moment, then smiled.

"Of course."

Banner nodded, and the two left together.

Fourth update delivered.