Chapter 2: Evolving into a Titan
Thankfully, the transformation was swift. Within seconds, Ethan's body had morphed into a monstrous humanoid figure, nearly identical to the Abomination.
[Ding! As a reward for the Host's first successful gene extraction, you have received a Newcomer's Bonus Pack.]
Ethan mentally opened the pack and found a vial of what the system called 'Evolutionary Genes.' A thrill shot through him. If he could evolve the Abomination's genes, he might actually be able to go toe-to-toe with the Hulk.
"System, use the evolutionary genes on my Abomination DNA," Ethan commanded.
[Ding! Evolving Abomination genes.]
[Ding! Evolution successful. Congratulations, Host, you have acquired Titan Giant genes.]
As the system's voice faded, Ethan's body began to change once more.
This time, likely due to his new Abomination-level constitution, the pain was less intense.
The physical change, however, was far more dramatic.
After fusing with the Abomination's genes, Ethan stood at a formidable eight and a half feet and weighed over a thousand pounds. Now, he grew even larger, his height swelling to nearly ten feet and his weight doubling to over two thousand pounds. His skin shifted from a sickly green to a burnished, coppery-bronze. With his broad back and powerful build, he was no longer a humanoid beast, but a true, statuesque giant.
Feeling the incredible power coursing through his new form, Ethan allowed himself a satisfied smile. For the first time since arriving in this world, he felt a flicker of security.
Lying on the ground, the Abomination had watched the entire transformation with wide, shocked eyes. "You... how did you transform twice?" he rasped.
Ethan looked down at him, his new height making the once-imposing Abomination seem small. "Because I can extract genes."
The soldiers and officials on the scene had initially thought the pained screams were from the Abomination and paid them little mind. But when they turned and saw Ethan, a giant even more imposing than the Hulk, they scrambled in terror, raising their weapons to aim at the new threat.
General Ross's face was a mask of sheer bewilderment.
What the hell is going on? Where did this other monster come from?
"Ah!"
Betty let out a high-pitched, ear-splitting shriek.
"God..." The other women in the vicinity let out a collective, sharp gasp.
"Whoa..." The men, however, let out sounds of envious surprise.
With the exception of General Ross, every single person was staring at the area below Ethan's waist.
Ethan glanced down and cursed internally. Damn, that's... excessive.
"Hey, buddy! Use this!"
A nearby soldier tossed him a roll of green fabric.
Ethan caught it, unfurled the large cloth, and wrapped it securely around his waist, tying it off with several tight knots. As soon as he was covered, he heard the distinct, disappointed sighs of several women in the crowd.
He ignored their thirsty reactions, thinking to himself, What's there to be disappointed about? It's that big. Could any of you even handle it?
"Who are you?" General Ross demanded, his voice cutting through the noise.
"My name is Ethan Hunt," Ethan said, his new voice a deep, resonant bass that carried an underlying rumble, a natural trait of his giant form. "And I can help you capture the Hulk."
"And what do you want in return?" Ross asked. He was a man who would make a deal with the devil to achieve his goals, a man whose ambition was boundless. He dreamed of creating an army of super-soldiers by replicating the Hulk's blood.
"Just tell me where the Hulk is headed," Ethan replied.
The Hulk was a fast runner. In the short time since the fight, he had already vanished from sight. Ethan had no choice but to cooperate with Ross. He desperately needed the Hulk's genes. Without them, he might never be able to return to his human form. And while being a giant was powerful, it was also lonely. His love life was effectively over.
"You'd better not be playing me, or my army will grind you into paste," Ross threatened coldly. He then lifted his radio. "Give me the Hulk's last known position."
"Reporting, General. The Hulk is in the redacted district, heading towards the forest park," a voice crackled over the radio.
"I need a helicopter to take me there," Ethan stated. It was his first time in the United States; he was completely lost.
"Dispatch two helicopters to my position," Ross commanded into his radio.
"Yes, General," a female voice, likely his aide, replied.
Within two minutes, two helicopters descended. One was a heavy-lift transport, clearly sent to accommodate Ethan's massive size.
Just as Ethan was about to board, the Abomination, who had been lying weakly on the ground, slowly pushed himself to his feet. "I'm coming too," he growled. "I have a score to settle with the Hulk."
Thanks to his own monstrous healing factor, a few minutes of rest had been enough for the Abomination to recover most of his strength.
"You can come," Ross warned, his eyes boring into the creature. "But this time, you follow my orders. If you disobey me again, I will personally send you to hell."
Abomination, who was fundamentally loyal to the military chain of command, gave Ross a comically clumsy salute. He would never have turned on the General if Ross hadn't ordered his own men to fire on him first. "Yes, General," he affirmed.
"Move out!" Ross commanded with a wave of his hand.
Ethan and the Abomination boarded the same large transport helicopter. Inside the spacious cabin, the Abomination turned to Ethan. "How strong are you now?"
"I used your genes to evolve into a Titan Giant," Ethan explained truthfully. "My strength is ten times greater than yours."
The Titan Giants were a mythical race of ancient gods who, according to legend, once ruled the Earth. Though they lacked magical abilities, their bodies were virtually indestructible—impervious to blades, fire, and water. Their physical strength was absolute, making them unbeatable in close combat. Ethan wasn't lying.
"Ten times?" The Abomination stared, his jaw hanging open.
Ethan simply nodded.
"Can... can you help me evolve into a Titan Giant, too?" the Abomination asked, his eyes burning with a desperate, power-hungry greed. He was a man who craved strength above all else, who had charged a Hulk as a mere mortal. Fear was secondary to power.
Ethan shook his head. "No." Creating another being as powerful as himself would be foolish; it would mean creating a potential enemy. Besides, he couldn't do it even if he wanted to. The System was his power, not a tool he could lend out.
Hearing Ethan's refusal, the Abomination's face twisted into an ugly snarl. His breathing grew heavy, his fists clenched, and the veins on his body bulged as if he were about to attack.
Seeing this, Ethan's voice dropped into a cold, menacing tone. "You're no match for me. I suggest you calm down, unless you want me to kill you right here and now."
Huu... huu...
The Abomination took several deep, ragged breaths, forcing himself to control his explosive temper.
"Mr. Hunt, Blonsky," the pilot's voice came over the intercom. "General Ross says the Hulk is hiding in the cave below. You are cleared to engage."
They were still hundreds of feet in the air, but Ethan didn't hesitate. He walked to the edge of the ramp and jumped.
The Abomination followed a second later.
BOOM!
BOOM!
The two giants hit the ground with enough force to leave deep craters, shaking the earth.
With a few powerful leaps, they arrived at the mouth of a large cave.
The Abomination cupped his hands around his mouth and roared, "HULK! COME OUT AND DIE!"
ROOOOAAAR!
An enraged bellow answered from the darkness within. A moment later, the Hulk charged out of the cave like an unstoppable tank, fearless and furious.
Not one to be outdone, the Abomination charged forward to meet him, only to be swatted aside by a single, powerful blow.
After knocking the Abomination away, the Hulk turned his rage on Ethan, swinging a massive fist at his head.
Ethan tilted his head, dodging the punch with surprising agility. In one fluid motion, he grabbed the Hulk's wrist, spun his body to face away from him, and yanked down hard on the arm while thrusting his hip upward.
It was a perfect shoulder throw.
BAM!
The Hulk was slammed violently onto the ground.