Just as Henry was intently studying the data, faint footsteps were heard again from the spiral staircase.
Banner and Blonsky walked down.
They looked at the laboratory and the man who was intently watching the holographic projection in front of him.
Exchanging glances, they seemed a bit awkward and unsure of what to do.
The villa's decor screamed wealth and extravagance; one was a highly educated scholar, the other an army soldier—when had they ever seen such a spectacle?
"Hey, you two," Henry greeted them casually without turning around.
It was as if they weren't captives he had kidnapped from New York but ordinary friends visiting his home.
"Make yourselves comfortable, don't be shy. Treat this like your own home. Of course, if you dare to break my sofa, I'll deduct the repair bill from your future salary."
"Hello, Mr. Stark," Banner responded a bit awkwardly.
Everything here felt novel, yet unsettling to him.
Blonsky simply nodded, acknowledging the greeting.
He was calmer than Banner; years of military service had accustomed him to maintaining vigilance in any environment.
Banner walked up to Henry, looking at the rapidly scrolling data in the air, a look of confusion on his face.
"Is this nanite technology? Are you researching this recently?"
Henry's fingers rapidly slid across the air, filtering useful information.
He glanced at Banner, then continued sliding.
"How should I put it? I have no choice. My Armor was smashed to pieces by your green friend, so I have to find something sturdy to patch up my clothes. I can't go out next time wearing this beggar's outfit, can I? That would damage my image as a world-class idol too much."
Hearing this, Banner's expression turned embarrassed and guilty.
"I'm sorry, I couldn't control him."
"No need to apologize," Henry said without turning his head, his tone light.
"You just have to strike the enemy hard for me in the future. Consider it compensation for ruining my clothes."
Henry didn't care about the damage; money was the last thing he lacked.
Then, he looked at Blonsky and Banner and said, "You can rest for a while, wait for me to finish reading this. Or, you can go to the wine cabinet and get yourselves a drink; consider it an employee benefit."
Blonsky shrugged. He wasn't interested in studying these complex things.
He walked consciously to the sofa on the other side, sat down, and closed his eyes to rest.
Banner hesitated. He didn't leave but slowly walked up next to Henry.
He looked at the complex data and formulas on the screen, starting with simple curiosity, but as he watched, his eyes changed.
His genius brain started running at high speed.
After a while, he suddenly pointed at one of the data models and said, "I think there's a problem with this area."
Henry looked at him, signaling him to continue.
Banner cleared his throat.
"The energy transfer model for nanite particles shouldn't be like this. According to quantum entanglement theory, their energy transfer should be... almost instantaneous, not a noticeable... process like it is in your model. This doesn't comply with the law of conservation of energy."
Henry stopped what he was doing. After listening, he smiled faintly at Banner.
"Oh? Is that so? Then what do you think it should be like?" he asked with interest.
Banner immediately gave a clear answer to his question and offered his own insights and hypotheses.
Although he was still skeptical whether nanite technology could truly be realized in reality, this did not hinder his theoretical deduction.
Henry listened quietly, chuckling inwardly. Finally showing your genius, Dr. Banner? I thought all you could do was turn green.
When Banner finished, Henry smiled, patted his shoulder, his tone full of appreciation.
"Very good. Welcome to the Genius Club, Mr. Bruce."
Banner smiled slightly; he was never modest about the word genius.
Then, he and Henry began to delve into the research of nanite technology together.
They debated intensely at times, and at others, they smiled at each other over a shared idea.
Time quietly slipped away amid their heated academic discussion.
After an unknown period, Henry finally had J.A.R.V.I.S. shut off the holographic projection.
"It seems nanite particles won't be researched in a hurry," Banner rubbed his slightly sore eyes, sighing.
The academic atmosphere here was more free and stimulating than any university he had ever attended.
"No, I don't think it will take too long," Henry shook his head, his face full of confidence.
"I will definitely figure this thing out."
"You're very smart; it's only a matter of time," Banner genuinely praised him.
He found that talking with Henry was both an enjoyment and a challenge.
"That's for sure; I'm very confident in myself," Henry shrugged nonchalantly.
Then, he glanced at the figure still lying on the medical platform and joked, "Besides, there's another genius lying here. When he wakes up, what problem can the three of us geniuses working together not solve?"
Hearing this, Banner finally noticed Tony lying on the platform, a puzzled look on his face.
"What happened to him?"
"Just a little surgery for him," Henry answered casually.
"You know, as you get older, your body always has little issues."
Banner nodded and didn't ask further.
Henry picked up his suit jacket from the sofa, casually putting it on, then asked the air, "J.A.R.V.I.S., are their residences arranged?"
"According to the arrangements you and Mr. Tony made, property has been purchased for them in Los Angeles, and they can move in at any time."
"Very good, well done," Henry nodded in satisfaction, praising J.A.R.V.I.S.
Then, he looked at Banner and Blonsky and said, "Let's go. Time to leave."
"Aren't we waiting for Mr. Tony?" Banner asked.
"Let him sleep for a while. It's only 12 PM now. The press conference is at 3 PM. He was too tired last night and needs a good rest," Henry said casually.
With that, they walked towards the spiral staircase leading to the first floor.
Arriving at the garage, Henry took two car keys and two brand-new phones from a drawer and tossed them to the two men.
"Take these two cars, and the phones are yours. J.A.R.V.I.S. will send you the addresses of the residences on the phones. The base will be built in the meantime. You should rest well for now; you'll officially move into the base later."
They both nodded.
"Bring the cars out."
They each walked toward a sports car that looked very expensive.
Henry, with his hands in his pockets, walked casually out of the garage to the villa entrance.
Soon, Banner and Blonsky drove the cars out.
Henry casually waved at them as a farewell.
Then, to their stunned disbelief, he—in his crisp suit—flew straight up into the sky!
His body was covered with an invisible bio-force field. The immense wind pressure generated by high-speed flight couldn't even ruffle his carefully styled hair.
The two men in the cars watched the figure instantly disappear into the sky and exchanged glances.
They were silently amazed.
Banner felt a sense of wonder. Just a day ago, they were mortal enemies; now, they were preparing to be teammates.
This world truly was strange.
They said nothing more, silently started their cars, and drove toward the address J.A.R.V.I.S. had provided.