Upon receiving the order, Android 16 sprang into action.
To Android 16, the "Creator" was supreme.
Even if the person his employer was meeting was the president of a nation, it held far less weight than a command from the Creator.
He tossed the unconscious woman casually into the nearby garden and surged forward.
The panicked soldiers raised their guns toward him—but none dared fire. They knew the consequences.
After all, even the elite agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. had been taken down so easily!
They weren't deaf; they had overheard the conversation.
The soldiers outside did not attack, and neither did the internal security staff dare to fire the first shot.
No one was willing to risk provoking Android 16.
Their priority was the president's safety.
Yet the commotion outside still reached inside, catching the attention of both presidents.
Upon learning that Android 16 was under attack, the president's face darkened considerably.
To dare cause such chaos right under his and the vice president's noses…
Who else but those S.H.I.E.L.D. operatives could have the audacity?
This grudge would not be forgotten.
Remembering General Ross's gruesome death made the president feel a tightness in his chest.
His gaze turned anxiously toward Hammer's position.
Only Hammer could stop Android 16.
Otherwise… everyone would die.
This was betrayal.
But before he could speak, the door swung open from outside.
Android 16!
The massive, mohawked man strode into the room.
The president's legs went weak, and he slumped again onto the sofa.
Before such incomprehensible power, the reactions of ordinary humans were indistinguishable.
"Hammer, the boss will be arriving at the airport tonight. We should leave."
Android 16 looked toward Hammer, speaking without hesitation.
"What?!"
The sharp exclamation echoed throughout the room.
Upon hearing this explosive news, Hammer jumped to his feet from the sofa.
It wasn't just him—the two presidents also perked up, clearly curious about this mysterious boss.
"My apologies, President, Vice President," Hammer said, bowing slightly.
"I must take my leave."
After shaking hands with the two presidents, he departed with Android 16.
The two presidents exchanged glances. The bald vice president rose from his seat.
"Hammer, I'll see you off…"
He stepped forward, ready to escort Hammer. With such high-level backing, no one dared to target him.
This was a gesture of goodwill from the top.
Hammer understood perfectly.
Before leaving the estate, he noticed they were alone and quietly spoke to the vice president:
"The Sun Ladder isn't just capable of reversing aging—it can even regenerate severed limbs."
"If there's hope, I'll help you seize the opportunity."
His voice was soft, almost a whisper. After speaking, he turned and left.
For the vice president, however, these words carried a different weight.
He lingered, staring after Hammer's hurried retreat.
With trembling hands, he pulled out a pocket watch and pressed the button. The lid opened.
A photograph appeared: a girl in a wheelchair, smiling warmly.
In the vice president's eyes, the tender love and warmth of a father shone through.
…
Inside the car.
"Boss! Is it really… the boss?"
Hammer wiped the sweat from his brow, turning to Android 16.
"Mm…"
Android 16 wasn't skilled in lying. He was straightforward, always speaking the truth.
"How long?"
"Boss… how long until arrival?"
Hammer continued pressing. He needed to prepare for the reception before the boss arrived.
"Four hours," Android 16 answered. He didn't quite understand why Hammer was so anxious.
"Four hours… plenty of time, just enough!"
Hammer muttered excitedly to himself, ignoring Android 16 beside him.
Then, he began making frantic phone calls.
The first: the city's most luxurious hotel, reserving the presidential suite.
The second: his secretary, to organize a team and prepare the room—with flowers, fine wine, ambiance, and style.
The third: the city's most expensive reception team. Expensive doesn't always mean good, but it ensures no complaints.
Fourth: the city's top-tier restaurant, instructed to have the ingredients ready.
Fifth, sixth… one call after another, each carefully planned.
He was preparing a grand welcome ceremony for the boss.
Little did Hammer know, his calls were being monitored by S.H.I.E.L.D.
Meanwhile…
At S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, the Black Widow was missing, and the internal network had been breached.
After a series of attacks, Director Nick Fury was destined for a sleepless night.
Yet the intercepted calls acted like a stimulant, instantly sharpening his focus.
Four hours from now…
A very important person would arrive in the city.