Originally, Nolan never intended for Rock Technologies to grow too quickly.
To him, business especially in the arms trade was something that had to be built step by step. Profits needed time, patience, and strategy.
Take his Terminator program for example. He already had access to more advanced models than the T-800, but if he revealed them now, what would be the point of the T-800's existence?
Selling technology wasn't about throwing out your strongest card all at once. No true weapons dealer would ever do that.
Unveiling layer by layer, keeping clients wanting more, and baiting them into an endless cycle of upgrades that was the smartest way to profit.
Every new model had to create the illusion of necessity, forcing militaries and governments into a real arms race. That way, Nolan wouldn't just be selling weapons; he would be controlling the very rhythm of technological warfare.
Of course, there was another danger in growing too fast.
Excessive progress would inevitably draw unwanted attention. Even Tony Stark or Reed Richards couldn't simply pull out a groundbreaking invention every few months without raising eyebrows. Research was supposed to take time. When someone advanced too abnormally, others didn't just get jealous they grew suspicious, even fearful.
Nolan lacked the deep industrial foundation of Stark Industries, and unlike Mr. Fantastic, he had no superpowers to fall back on. If suspicion or hostility arose, he wouldn't have a shield strong enough to withstand it.
But now, circumstances were changing. Nolan decided it was time to pick up the pace.
Weapons development remained a pillar of his empire, but it wasn't enough. He needed something more a shield of public adoration.
The plan was bold: turn himself into a global icon.
Not just a weapons dealer, but a revolutionary inventor who improved daily life. Not only a genius, but also a man who would step forward during crises as a superhero.
Fame. Admiration. The glow of being a savior.
Until he was powerful enough to crush all his enemies directly, that halo would be his greatest protection.
When Nolan walked out of the underground lab with Baymax at his side, the employees of Rock Technologies froze in shock.
"What is that?" someone whispered.
"It looks so round and squishy kind of adorable," another muttered.
"Is that… a robot? Hard to believe the boss has such a quirky side."
The chatter filled the lobby until Nolan's cold gaze swept over them. At once, silence fell.
To be fair, Nolan had never shown much interest in consumer technology. He was always focused on high-end military research. It wasn't unreasonable for his employees to be skeptical.
Baymax, however, didn't remain still for long. The white inflatable robot suddenly waddled forward and stopped in front of a female staff member.
"Hello," Baymax said in its calm, pleasant voice. "You are experiencing irregular breathing and excessive perspiration. A scan indicates potential issues in your liver. Please ensure adequate rest and schedule a hospital check-up."
The woman frowned in confusion. A medical robot? That wasn't what she expected at all.
Nolan stepped in smoothly. "Baymax is an auxiliary life-support robot. It's programmed with extensive knowledge for daily assistance, including advanced medical diagnostics. If it has flagged something, I strongly suggest you follow up."
Hearing this, the woman stiffened. She could dismiss a robot, but not her boss. Nolan's reputation, like Tony Stark's, carried weight. People might question Stark's personality, but nobody doubted his genius.
"Yes, sir. I'll get checked immediately," she said.
Satisfied, Nolan nodded and continued toward the executive offices, Baymax shuffling faithfully behind him.
Employees broke into whispers again, snapping photos of the unusual machine. Within minutes, images of Baymax were circulating across company networks and online forums.
That too was part of Nolan's plan. A carefully staged leak.
Baymax wasn't just a machine it was a statement. Ordinary people didn't care about missile systems or AI-driven drones. They cared about their homes, their families, their health. Nolan understood this perfectly. Baymax would not only become indispensable in everyday life, but also serve as one of Nolan's most powerful weapons: a weapon of public trust.
When Nolan entered the CEO's office, Simon Phillip was already waiting. The man was visibly stunned as Baymax ran through a series of demonstrations.
Simon's eyes lit up. A defense contractor that dabbled in consumer robotics was one thing, but Baymax had the potential to redefine the entire company's image.
"An incredible invention," Simon breathed. "With this, you'll be seen not only as a genius engineer but as a savior of the people. Your reputation will eclipse anything Rock Technologies has ever achieved."
Nolan's expression hardened. "You know what I want."
Simon nodded at once. "I'll handle it. With Baymax and the new smartphone project, your public image will soar. Soon, people won't just see you as an arms manufacturer. They'll see you as a hero. Your influence will rival no, surpass Tony Stark himself."
Nolan smirked. "That's the point. Stark may be clever, but compared to me? Forget it. I'll crush him."
The launch would take time, but Nolan had no doubt of its success.
Meanwhile, far from Rock Technologies, another story unfolded.
Bruce Banner sat quietly in a small rented room, his face clouded with indecision.
Years ago, he had met a man he only knew as Mr. Blue. The two had developed a secret partnership. Banner called himself Mr. Green, and through their exchanges, Mr. Blue had provided him with critical research that helped him gain some control over the Hulk.
Now, Mr. Blue had sent him a message claiming he might have found a true solution a cure. But Bruce would need to come to New York in person.
The name alone made Banner tense. New York held painful memories. The last time he was there, General Thaddeus Ross had unleashed the full force of the military against him. And worse, New York was home to Betty Ross the woman he loved and could never forget.
He clenched his fists. Could he risk going back?
The thought of Betty's smile, the warmth of her voice, and the years stolen from them burned in his chest. If there was even a chance to be rid of the Hulk, he could finally be with her again. That hope had kept him alive through years of exile.
In the end, his decision was inevitable. Banner packed his things and began his journey back to New York.
This time, though, he swore he wouldn't approach Betty directly. Seeing her from afar, just once, would be enough.
When he finally reached her neighborhood, Banner lingered at a distance, watching her house. For hours, he waited in silence until the door opened and Betty stepped outside.
At that moment, his heart raced, his pulse thundered, and he felt the Hulk stir inside him.
He wanted to run to her, to call out her name, to hold her.
But he forced himself to stay hidden.
"Bruce?" Betty's voice rang out suddenly.
She frowned, scanning the street as though sensing him.
Banner's control cracked. Tears stung his eyes as he whispered the only word that mattered.
"Betty…"
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