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Ch. 80 Tony's Call
🕑 Added 2023-10-15 16:02:01 +0000 UTCAlthough Russell had received his first order from the military and sold the entry-level combat armor Zaku to them for a good price, his military-industrial company hadn't even begun to take shape yet.
To take on the military orders that originally belonged to Stark Industries, relying solely on No. 3 and Peter was far from enough.
Even if he treated them as a workforce, it wouldn't suffice.
So, Russell had to establish a proper military-industrial company.
In doing so, he would inevitably need to leverage General Ross's identity and connections.
"If it's just these things, it's indeed quite simple!" General Ross had already prepared for the worst.
Unexpectedly, Russell's request was rather straightforward.
For him, this was no problem at all.
Compared to the military orders he had promised before, this request was relatively easy.
"I did say earlier that I'm someone who's reasonable at times."
After settling the matter with Banner, Russell didn't plan to stay at Culver University any longer.
He had completed everything he needed to do there.
Now, it was only about General Ross and Banner.
Before leaving, he also reminded General Ross in particular.
Although Banner appeared normal now, who knew when he might regain his transformation ability.
To prevent General Ross from passing away before fulfilling his promise, Russell felt it necessary to remind him.
New York.
Octopus Monster Laboratory.
After leaving Culver University, Russell went directly back to the laboratory.
Just when he was planning to rest a bit and then go out for some good deeds at night, his phone suddenly rang.
Looking at the unfamiliar number on the screen, he furrowed his brows slightly.
While he hadn't gone out of his way to keep his contact information secret, not many people knew his phone number.
Upon answering, a familiar voice came through.
"Did you develop the Zaku armor?"
Without any pleasantries or small talk, Tony Stark went straight to the point.
"Your information is quite up-to-date!"
Only this morning, Russell had sold the armor to the military.
In just half a day, Tony had received the news.
No wonder he used to be the military's top supplier!
"Don't change the subject, did you really develop the Zaku armor that you sold to the military?" Tony continued to ask.
"Mr. Stark, with your brilliant mind, do I look like someone who would develop armor?"
"While I did design a part of the Zaku armor, it wasn't my invention."
Russell was telling the truth; he had indeed been involved in some of the design work.
The appearance of Zaku and its performance reduction were his decisions.
"I've looked at the technical specifications you provided to the military for the armor. The thermal energy axe is quite decent, but the rest is rather ordinary. Hasn't your research team considered upgrading its performance?"
Upgrade its performance?
Are you kidding? If he upgraded its performance, it wouldn't be sold at that price!
"Did you call me just to ask about this?" Russell countered Tony.
"Of course not!" Tony quickly replied.
"I originally thought of you as a super-powered assassin. I didn't expect you to be interested in high-tech armor like this."
"Do you remember what I mentioned to you last time? I also developed a set of armor. Would you be interested in coming over to check it out? Its performance is definitely better than your Zaku armor!"
Although Russell couldn't see Tony's expression, he could imagine the look on his face quite well—a child who wants to show off his new toy to other kids.
"Better than my Zaku armor, are you sure?"
"Absolutely! Your Zaku armor is decent, but it falls a bit short compared to my armor."
"If you don't believe me, you can come and see for yourself!"
Tony said confidently.
"Since you put it that way, it wouldn't be right if I didn't go take a look."
"How about this Saturday, in two days?"
After considering for a moment, Russell slowly suggested.
Although he didn't know what kind of armor Tony had come up with, he didn't really care.
Whether it was Mark II or Mark III, neither of them could compete with Endosymbiotic Battle Armor Zaku form.
"Saturday? Why do we need to wait two days? Are you busy?"
Tony asked with some confusion.
"Not particularly busy, but you reminded me just now. So, I plan to use these two days to upgrade the armor!"
Russell casually came up with a reason.
"Upgrade the armor? Alright, then I'll wait for you two days. I'll send you the address later!"
After saying that, Tony hung up the phone.
11 PM that night.
After completing the serum reputation mission "Doing Good Deeds," Russell returned to his apartment.
The next day.
Russell was in his office, planning the establishment of Octopus Monster Military Industries, and considering whether to contact Brock Rumlow again to see if Hydra could contribute.
At this moment, his phone rang again.
Another unfamiliar number!
After answering, he heard General Ross's voice.
Um...
Just by listening to his tone, it was evident that he was in a bad mood!
"Where are you now?" General Ross asked.
"In New York. What's up? Another assignment?"
Russell replied nonchalantly.
"Yes, another assignment!"
"What kind of assignment?"
"Banner! Banner escaped!"
While Russell had anticipated that Banner might escape from General Ross's custody, he hadn't expected Banner's efficiency to be this high.
It had only been one night, and Banner had already managed to escape!
In his mind, Russell mourned for General Ross for a few seconds and then said slowly, "Can you give me more details?"
"What else could it be? Banner transformed again!"
"He turned into the green giant once more, broke out of the specially designed cage, injured the guards, and took Betty with him!"
General Ross explained Banner's escape quickly while restraining his anger.
"Do you want to hire me to catch him again?"
"Right now, you're the only one capable of capturing Banner alive. If not you, then who?"
"No matter what your conditions are, as long as it's within my capabilities, I'll agree!"
Clearly, General Ross was quite desperate at the moment.
Upon closer consideration, this was quite normal.
They had pursued their target for several years, and they had finally caught him.
However, within less than 24 hours, the target had slipped from their grasp!
If he were General Ross, Russell would probably be feeling quite frustrated as well.
"General, you might not understand me very well. Offering me the same assignment content won't pique my interest much."
"Also, General, you still owe me two payments. Until you fulfill your promise, I suggest you find someone else!"
Although capturing Banner again wouldn't be too difficult, Russell didn't intend to accept General Ross's assignment.
He had already given General Ross quite a bit of face.
If it were anyone else, he wouldn't accept this type of promise as payment.
