"Of course, welcome back, Mr. Bronski."
William's smile was just right, showing both the joy of congratulations and the professionalism of a businessman.
"Our products never exaggerate."
As he spoke, he checked the system interface in his mind.
"Customer 'Emil Blonsky's' first claim has been completed."
"Claim Resolution: Genetic Sequence Forced Calibration (Executed)"
"Processing claim settlement…"
"Settlement complete! Drawing reward…"
"Congratulations! You have obtained a random ability from customer 'Emil Blonsky (Abomination Form)' — [Gamma Metabolism (Primary)]!"
A faint but extremely tenacious warm current instantly surged into William's limbs and bones.
He could feel every cell in his body being activated, filled with an indescribable vitality.
It was as if his body, after pulling an all-nighter, was instantly fully charged.
William immediately called up the detailed description of the ability.
"Ability Name: Gamma Metabolism (Primary)"
"Ability Source: Emil Blonsky (Gamma Enhanced Serum)"
"Ability Effect: Your body's metabolic system undergoes a primary mutation, capable of slowly absorbing and converting trace gamma radiation from the environment into pure biological energy, used to enhance physical fitness and accelerate cell regeneration."
"Stamina slightly increased, fatigue recovery speed accelerated, healing speed for minor cuts, abrasions, and other wounds increased by 50%."
"Note: This ability does not provide any transformation function. Please do not attempt to actively embrace nuclear reactors. You are still a mortal, just a… more durable mortal."
William nodded with satisfaction.
Good stuff!
This was simply a divine skill tailor-made for brain and manual laborers like him, who often needed to stay up late thinking and endured immense mental pressure!
What kidney tonics, what energy drinks, they were all inferior to this!
No more worrying about sudden death!
While he was ecstatic internally, Bronski in the cage fell into a new state of confusion.
He felt the long-lost human body, and a sensation called "weakness" enveloped him.
This feeling made him uneasy.
But more than that, it was the ecstasy of being reborn.
He struggled to stand up.
His naked body was exposed to the cold air, making him shiver.
Then, a very realistic question lay before him.
What now?
He changed back, and then what?
Continue to be locked in this cage?
Just changed from a large monster prisoner to a small human prisoner?
This seemed to not change the essence of his imprisonment.
"Alright, Mr. Bronski."
William's voice rang out again, interrupting his thoughts.
"The claim process is complete, let's talk about subsequent service issues."
He took out a brand new, neatly folded gray tracksuit and a pair of athletic shoes from the wardrobe next to the cage.
They were sent into the cage through a small transfer port.
"Put on your clothes first. Although our company does not discriminate against any form of customer, basic civility is still necessary."
Bronski looked at the clothes on the ground, was silent for a few seconds, then walked over and somewhat clumsily put them on.
The long-lost feeling of fabric rubbing against his skin gave him a sense of unreality, as if he had been reborn into another era.
"My 'authorization' is in your hands."
After getting dressed, Bronski looked at William and asked directly.
"This means you can make me turn back into that monster at any time, and you can also stop me from transforming at any time. Right?"
"Precise understanding."
William nodded approvingly.
"This is a 'safety catch' to ensure that our 'high-risk assets' do not get out of control. These are the terms of the contract, and the basis of our cooperation."
"Cooperation?" Bronski keenly seized on this word.
"Of course, cooperation," William smiled.
"Mr. Bronski, you are now facing a very realistic problem. To the outside world, you are still the 'Abomination' imprisoned by S.H.I.E.L.D."
"You have no identity, no past, and certainly no future. Once you leave this island—no, perhaps the moment you appear in the sunlight, you will be discovered by Nick Fury."
"If he discovers you can turn back into a human, what do you think he will do? Set you free, or cut you up for research?"
Bronski's face darkened.
The answer was self-evident.
"So, you can't leave."
William spread his hands, stating the cruel reality.
"However, if you stay here, the situation is different."
He paused, then extended his olive branch.
"I need a Security Supervisor here."
Bronski was stunned.
"A Security Supervisor who can understand superhuman threats, possesses top tactical expertise, and is absolutely reliable."
"The job content is to be responsible for the security and defense of the entire North Brother Island. After all, our future customers may be like you, some… ill-tempered My Lords."
William's tone was full of sincerity.
"I'm not asking you to be my thug or jailer. I am offering you a position, a job. A job that allows you to legally stay here, familiarize yourself with and control your own power, and accumulate strength for a future confrontation with the Hulk."
"Your salary will be directly deposited into your 'Involuntary Imprisonment Allowance' account. You can use it to buy anything, such as better food, entertainment facilities, or even… tactical equipment. Of course, don't forget your monthly insurance premium repayment."
"In addition, room and board are fully covered, five insurances and one housing fund… uh, not yet for that. But most importantly, here you are not prisoner Emil, but my employee, my Security Supervisor."
William took a step forward, and across the observation wall, solemnly extended his hand.
"How about it, Supervisor Bronski, interested in signing your first labor contract?"
Emil Blonsky stared intently at William.
His mind was once again in a storm.
From an imprisoned monster to a… grunt for an insurance salesman?
This sounded utterly absurd!
But… he looked down at his hands.
This seemed to be his only, and best, way out at the moment.
Staying here, he could safely practice transforming, he could accumulate strength, he could use the resources of this mysterious "insurance company" to understand everything about the Hulk.
He was no longer a prisoner consumed by impotent rage, but an Avenger biding his time.
This shift in identity gave him a new goal to strive for.
After a long while.
Emil Blonsky slowly raised his head. The last trace of confusion and unwillingness in his eyes was replaced by a cold resolve, characteristic of a top warrior.
He walked forward, and through the transparent wall, placed his palm where William had extended his hand.
"I need a gym. The kind with the heaviest weights."
"No problem."
William's smile grew even brighter.
"I'll arrange it for you tomorrow."
-------------------------------
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