'Today is such a peaceful day!'
'Pfft—!'
Still riding yesterday's excitement from receiving Rhongomyniad, Artoria lay on the sofa like a salted fish, sipping 'happy water' and watching the big TV, sighing that peace was wonderful. But the next second a big green figure appeared on screen and made her spit out her drink. Could fate slap any faster? Couldn't she just enjoy a happy little life?
'Come on, big bro, are you that reckless? You even want to fight the Hulk? But this Mark-series armor is a bit low-tier—hurry up and develop the Hulkbuster if you want to win.'
Seeing the flashy red-gold suit again in the live feed, Artoria couldn't help but roast him. Looks like her brother was no different from a hothead. Sure enough, the next moment the flashy figure was sent flying, making her face-palm. This definitely wasn't her brother—too stupid. He hadn't even checked the enemy's strength before charging in.
'Jarvis, report damage.'
'Sir, remaining energy ninety percent; armor damage seventy percent. You have three broken ribs; medical attention advised.'
'Not that bad yet.'
Hearing Jarvis's report, Tony smiled, but the motion tugged his wounds and his grin turned comical. A surge of heat flowed through his body; the broken ribs quickly healed. It was the serum Artoria had given him. He'd reverse-engineered it and, with a bit of his own research, produced a perfected 'Extremis.' He'd made a dozen vials, mailed a few to Artoria, gave two to Pepper, and kept some for himself. The effect was excellent.
'These two big bastards are driving me nuts—can't beat them. Looks like the "little-sister-protection" lineup needs new members. I hope both those jerks get the crap knocked out of them.'
'Sir, you used profanity. I will report it truthfully to Miss Artoria and Miss Pepper.'
'Jarvis, why do you keep stabbing me in the heart? I'm your dad!'
Lately Jarvis had started acting on its own, vowing to become a proper gentleman and a good big brother. Who knew it would learn to supervise him and tattle to Pepper every so often? He wasn't sure whether it reported to Artoria as well, though those reports were probably ignored.
'What a fierce fight!'
Now clad in armor, Artoria stood atop a building, watching the two giants battle below—one green, one yellow. Green stood out; yellow looked as disgusting as a pile of crap, smashing craters everywhere. Unlucky citizens caught in the way were maimed, turning the place into a living hell.
'Hulk not afraid of you.'
'Die by my hand, Banner.'
The yellow Abomination was clearly smarter than Hulk, but not as strong, and lacked those magic pants. Still, he excelled at hand-to-hand and for a while had Hulk on the ropes.
'Yo, big guys, your friendly neighbor's here!'
At that moment Little Spider arrived, firing wisecracks and webbing as he entered the scene.
'You're here, Gwen.'
But Artoria's attention wasn't on Little Spider; it was on the black-and-white figure on another rooftop—Gwen, the other active Spider lately. Gwen glanced at Artoria but didn't recognize the armored figure. After a brief look she leapt down; Iron Man still hadn't gotten up, and Gwen needed to help Spider-Man by delaying one of the giants—she chose the green one.
"Hey, bro—thanks a ton! I never got to thank you properly for last time. If you're free, I'll treat you to Aunt Mei's meatloaf; it's amazing!"
Seeing a familiar face, Little Spider went full show-off again, trading blows with Abomination while talking to Gwen on the other side. It enraged Abomination—this bug had no respect. Created when a super-soldier shot himself up with a serum laced with Hulk's blood, Abomination's combat experience still outclassed Spider-Man's even with his IQ drop. Spotting one of Spidey's slip-ups, he grabbed the hero by the leg and hammered him against the ground like a mallet, leaving several human-shaped craters behind.
"This scene feels familiar… Don't let Little Spider get smashed. Ah, whatever—I'm jumping in!"
After watching the show long enough, Artoria leapt off the building.
"Jarvis, call in the new armor."
"Yes, sir."
Getting to his feet, Tony realized the current suit was done for—it couldn't even protect him anymore. Time to deploy the nearly-finished prototype: not fully tested, but the simulations said its combat specs were solid.
"…Who's that? Artoria? Sis, what are you doing here—get back!"
A figure made a dazzling entrance, instantly stunning Tony. He knew that silver-armored princess was none other than his baby sister. Panic—this battlefield was no place for her, not with those two monsters.
"Relax, bro. I'm packing way more firepower than you."
"Super Strength Punch."
No time for chit-chat; a moment later and Little Spider would be scrap. With that, Artoria channeled Chakra and smashed a fist into Abomination.
"So many little bugs… I'll crush you all."
Seeing Artoria's 'reckless' punch—those slim arms—Abomination felt insulted and met her with everything he had. Fists collided; a shockwave tore the ground open beneath Artoria, and Abomination too. Then the eyes behind Artoria's visor narrowed into beast-like slits.
"No—how can she be stronger than me?"
The follow-up force blasted Abomination away, his ugly face all shock as he flew without a shred of doubt.
"Little guy, never lose focus mid-fight again."
"Cough! Sorry…"
Prying Spider-Man out of the pavement, Artoria lectured him; under her gaze he retreated from the heart of the battle.
"Now it's my turn."
Glancing at shell-shocked Iron Man, Artoria rolled her shoulders. As Abomination climbed from the crater, her blood ignited—even her ahog stood up like it had chugged an energy drink. Next round, start!
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