Chapter 227: New Member Joins
Morbius's heart hammered violently. Vampire instincts for danger perception prevented any unnecessary movements.
He understood clearly—the instant he voiced refusal, he wouldn't face merely these three transformed monsters' scrutiny.
One glance at Hulk's explosive musculature and Lizard Professor's vicious bone spurs convinced Morbius he resembled a crawling infant challenging an entire aircraft carrier fleet.
"I choose to join."
Morbius didn't hesitate. Almost immediately following Batman's ultimatum, he spoke without second thought.
The moment those words left his mouth, the sensation of being prey under monstrous observation receded like a tide.
The Hulk transformed back into honest, unassuming Dr. Banner. Lizard Professor reverted to one-armed Professor Connors. Doctor Octopus retracted his mechanical tentacles, smiling slightly at Morbius—as though he hadn't been first to transform into something monstrous.
Morbius exhaled with relief, finally daring to genuinely enter the laboratory.
The terrifying presence constantly surrounding Batman similarly withdrew. He closed the laboratory door, then extended one hand toward Morbius:
"Welcome, Professor Morbius."
Dr. Banner retrieved his glasses, placing them back on his face, then approached Morbius with obvious curiosity, examining him from head to toe:
"Morbius? The world's youngest Nobel Prize recipient?"
Banner studied Morbius's gray-black skin stretched over bone—a face resembling a bat more than human—appearing ready to place him on a surgical table for immediate research.
Dr. Octavius added:
"More precisely—youngest and only genius biologist ever to refuse the Nobel Prize."
Morbius felt immediate embarrassment. His academic achievements might sound impressive compared to others, but measured against Banner—possessing seven doctoral degrees, a genius among geniuses—he fell considerably short.
And Dr. Octavius represented one of the world's foremost nuclear physicists. The instant Morbius noticed the artificial sun within the tokamak device, he understood this nuclear physics doctor had achieved stable controlled fusion.
Clearly another top-tier figure Morbius couldn't possibly rival.
As for Professor Connors—strictly speaking, his academic achievements ranked lowest among everyone present.
Connors didn't avoid acknowledging this fact. He even made a self-deprecating joke:
"Compared to you all, my greatest achievement isn't academic. It's mastering the beast inside with Dr. Banner and Batman's assistance."
He used his left arm to pat Morbius's shoulder:
"Now you need to accomplish the same thing. We've all experienced it. We understand this awkwardness and difficulty. You're one of us now."
Connors's gaze moved past Morbius, discreetly exchanging a glance with Batman.
Batman gave Connors an almost imperceptible nod, even feeling unexpectedly relaxed.
Whether in Gotham or elsewhere, Justice League or any other organization—beyond Superman and Alfred—few people demonstrated the coordination these three North Brother Island scientists exhibited.
Sufficient intelligence. Sufficient capability. Without any prior signal from Batman, the three scientists had successfully intimidated Morbius, with Connors smoothly defusing the previous tension.
This coordination requiring zero facial expressions or verbal cues—Batman not even visible initially yet perfect teamwork materializing—earned Batman's genuine recognition.
But necessary contingency protocols would still exist.
Batman remained silent, watching Morbius gradually acclimate to the three scientists' company, joining their discussions. He quietly withdrew, continuing Banner's unfinished gamma antidote research, allowing Banner temporary respite.
Three hours later.
Morbius had completely integrated into North Brother Island's environment. The science-and-monsters team officially expanded to four members.
With the original three scientists' assistance, Morbius methodically established protocols for analyzing his abilities, seeking antidotes or blood hunger suppressants, or simply finding fresh human blood substitutes.
Batman didn't disturb them, collecting the completed gamma antidote and departing quietly.
Calling it an "antidote" remained somewhat inaccurate. Actually functioned more as an inhibitor.
According to Banner and Batman's assessment, the four gamma creatures' conditions resembled Banner's own situation almost exactly. Gamma radiation-induced mutations had completely rewritten their genetic code.
Unless completely re-editing each individual's genetic sequence, a single serum injection couldn't cure the gamma creatures' conditions fundamentally.
Rather than curing them, the current approach emphasized better control.
"Tony, what's Max Dillon's status?"
Inside the Batcave, Batman injected antidotes separately into Abomination Blonsky and Red Hulk General Ross while opening encrypted communications with Tony Stark.
"Pretty terrible." Tony's tone carried unusual gravity.
Batman's brow furrowed slightly, suspecting developments had exceeded his predictions.
Batman had arranged Tony's contact with Max Dillon. Reminding Tony to avoid conflict whenever possible, Batman maintained ninety percent confidence the two would get along excellently.
Tony had obviously visited Max's home, belatedly celebrating his daughter's birthday. Subsequent developments—according to Batman's analysis—shouldn't present problems.
Either Batman's analysis of Max Dillon's family situation and personality contained errors, or Tony Stark was messing with him.
"Report situation." Batman's voice remained low. He'd already formed hypotheses.
"Max Dillon... can't drink alcohol." Tony couldn't maintain the pretense any longer. His voice lightened considerably, laughing. "Did I scare you just now?"
"No."
Batman's voice remained equally low. After disconnecting communications, he turned toward The Leader.
He didn't intend processing the five individuals—including Harry Osborn—immediately. Whether researching or curing them required extended timeframes.
Unlike Professor Morbius, their consciences weren't intact. Mental states were progressively more chaotic.
Batman needed to untangle one particular thread: Hydra.
"The Leader—original name Samuel Sterns—was formerly a shipping worker. According to my investigation, his work range covered northeast New York, area..."
Batman pulled up New York's map, circling a specific region with one hand.
"Shipping worker. Exposed to gamma radiation. Taken by General Ross. And behind General Ross—Hydra."
Batman's fingertip traced slowly across the map, finally stopping at the mountain range northeast of New York—the Adirondack Mountains.