Hammer Industries.
The facility had long been sealed off by the military—no one was allowed to enter or leave.
After all, the destruction of a military base meant that anyone present would immediately fall under suspicion.
As one of the country's top arms dealers, Justin Hammer naturally became the prime scapegoat.
From the moment he returned, Hammer was painfully aware of the dilemma before him.
Yet he felt no fear.
Straightening his white suit, he lifted his chin high, exuding pride, and prepared to enter the company headquarters.
The guards stationed at the entrance, spotting an intruder, raised their weapons and aimed squarely at him.
Not only that, but red laser dots danced across Hammer's body—snipers hidden in the heights above.
Hammer instinctively raised a hand, preparing to submit to the military inspection.
Then, beside him, Number 16 vanished.
Moving at unimaginable speed—so fast the eye couldn't track him.
A chorus of agonized screams erupted almost simultaneously from above.
Under Android 16's "biological radar" scan, the hidden snipers were utterly helpless.
A Black sergeant, realizing something was wrong, was about to give the order to fire.
A massive hand suddenly appeared before him, covering his mouth and hoisting him into the air.
"Tell your men to lower their weapons, Sergeant," Android 16 said coldly, without a trace of a smile.
"Otherwise, I cannot guarantee your survival."
Though he harbored no desire for violence, Android 16 showed no mercy to enemies.
Frightened by those emotionless eyes, the sergeant reluctantly ordered his troops to stand down, prioritizing his own life.
Hammer, stunned by the scene, quickly regained his composure.
He adjusted his tie with both hands, theatrically ensuring his suit remained impeccable.
Under 16's protection, Justin Hammer strode through the blockade like a conqueror. For the first time, he felt an exhilarating sense of freedom and dominance.
All thanks to the mysterious "Creator" who had orchestrated this day of glory.
Humming an off-key jazz tune and taking exaggerated steps, Hammer swaggered through the military checkpoint.
Soldiers who had once sneered at him now shrank like sickly quails in the face of absolute power.
The Black sergeant, set down by Android 16, stared at the retreating figures, unable even to lift his weapon.
Too terrifying… what kind of monster was that?
Even the Hulk couldn't compare.
With no way to stop them, all he could do was stand aside.
Inside the main hall.
A white colonel in charge of asset liquidation received a report from his subordinates and frowned toward the entrance.
As someone who had known Hammer for years, he immediately recognized the young man—some twenty years younger—standing before him.
"Hammer?"
The colonel murmured, confused, and walked over.
"Jimmy! My old friend!"
"I was only gone for a few hours, and you've already started liquidating my assets? Isn't that a bit much?"
Hammer spread his arms, pulling the colonel into a mock embrace, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
The colonel, however, scowled, shoving Hammer away with disgust.
"Enough chatter. We suspect you of involvement in a terrorist attack."
"Justin Hammer, you are now a public enemy. I could shoot you on the spot!"
"If you don't want to die, start talking!"
He raised his pistol, aiming it directly at Hammer's face—a classic intimidation tactic, which usually worked perfectly on a shrewd businessman like him.
But the times had changed.
The once-ungainly duckling had now become a golden phoenix.
Android 16's massive hands suddenly gripped the colonel's pistol-wielding hands.
Left palm upward, right palm downward. Both hands squeezed inward.
The sound of bones shattering and crimson blood spilling out echoed through the hall.
Even the gun was crushed into a flat, mangled disc under 16's terrifying strength.
The colonel screamed in agony, rolling on the floor in pain.
Hammer's face twisted in disgust—he nearly vomited at the sight.
"This is a merciful warning, Colonel Jim," Android 16 said calmly.
"If you ever dare threaten my employer again, the next thing I crush will be your head."
Android 16's warning came from a direct order from the Creator: anyone who harasses Hammer, kill without hesitation.
Normally gentle, Android 16 had no desire for mass slaughter.
But his brutality here served as a stark message to the others in the room: don't be foolish.
Hammer watched Android 16's uncharacteristic cruelty and immediately understood—it was the Creator's command.
Recalling the horrors he had witnessed in the underground lab, Hammer wasted no time.
Fumbling through his pockets, he dialed a general's private number.
He needed to see the Minister!
He needed to see the President!
He would hold a press conference to inform the nation!
The so-called "Iron Man" was now a relic of the past.
The true guardian of this world was the immensely powerful android.
With the Creator's backing, Hammer Industries would now surpass Stark Industries.
And under that same guidance, it would rise to become the world's most formidable arms company.