Steve tried to get up—but it was like trying to lift a mountain. The Weighted Rock Technique pressed down on him, and the harder he struggled, the heavier it felt. Every ounce of effort just dug him deeper into the floor.
Ant-Man's jaw dropped. No way. The kid—Ryuuto—actually did it? Subdued Captain America like he was a rag doll?
Steve was immobilized, so Ant-Man stayed put, hesitating. If Steve snapped out of it, the safe could vanish in seconds.
Meanwhile, on the flight deck, Abomination—bloody and coughing—was getting roughed up by the Hulk. Ryuuto moved quickly to pull the green titan back.
If it were anyone else, the Hulk might've ignored him—but Ryuuto had already proven twice that he was someone to fear. The Hulk, still growling, obeyed, giving Abomination space to stumble back.
S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, still under mind control, kept their weapons trained on the chaos. Luckily, Tony kept confiscating guns as they went.
Ryuuto approached Abomination, crouching over the coughing behemoth.
"Time to change back to human."
Abomination sneered through bloodied teeth.
"Ryuuto… you wishful little brat. I'd rather die than turn back. The scepter? Not happening!"
Ryuuto's grin was sharp as a knife.
"Let me tell you something. I've tortured people before. Most either go mad—or start obeying me. You're not an exception. Change back, or I'll make sure you regret every second of it."
Abomination bellowed:
"And if I help you open the safe? Will you let me go?"
Ryuuto's expression stayed cold.
"Sorry. Today… you die here."
The monster's body trembled, rage and fear flickering across his massive frame. Abomination knew Ryuuto wasn't bluffing. The boy may have seemed small and calm, but he knew strength.
"Refuse all you want," Ryuuto said, "but I have ways to make even you scream. And I'll start from the inside out."
He flicked his hand.
[Ding! Summoning Activated!]
A dozen black snakes slithered into the air, small but lethal. Three, roughly the size of thick cords, slithered from the formation straight into Ryuuto's raised palm.
Ryuuto smirked. Funny, isn't it? I used to be terrified of snakes. Now? They obey me like pets.
"Earth Style·Heavy Rock Technique!"
Ryuuto slammed his stone-arm down. The Augmented Rock Technique activated, anchoring Abomination to the runway like a magnet stuck to steel. The so-called "nearly unstoppable monster"? A glorified statue now.
Bending closer, Ryuuto let the black snakes loose. They slithered toward Abomination's face, hissing.
"Change back, or they go inside."
"Kill me if you dare!" Abomination roared. "I won't let you touch the scepter!"
Ryuuto chuckled.
"You don't get it. Kill you, I can't open the safe. So… no. I'll take my time."
The snakes slipped into his nostrils and ears. Mouth tightly sealed, Abomination couldn't block them. Once inside, the serpents could swim through any organ. His body might be strong on the outside—but inside? Fragile. And these snakes? Built to pierce through muscle and tissue like water cutting through silk.
Every hiss and squirm of the snakes sent shivers of panic down Abomination's spine. He trembled in ways Hulk-level strength had never achieved. Fear. Finally fear.
Ryuuto stayed patient, letting the monster squirm while he pulled out his phone. Why just stand here bored when I can chat?
He dialed.
"Susan, awake?"
"Waiting for your call," Susan's voice chirped.
"Sleeping with Guy yet?"
"No. And don't you dare—" she giggled. "I've been waiting for news. How's it going?"
Ryuuto glanced at Abomination, whose massive frame was trembling like a leaf in a storm.
"Should be done in a few minutes."
"Good." Susan's sigh was half-relieved, half-shy. "Tonight… we should celebrate when you're back."
Ryuuto's lips curled in amusement.
"Can't wait. How's Guy holding up?"
"Sleeping… but I swear he's faking it!"
Laughter rang on both ends.
Hanging up, Ryuuto turned back to the bound, terrified Abomination. The black snakes writhed with deadly intent, and the huge brute finally understood—his fear wasn't just in his head.
Ryuuto's smile widened.
Time to finish this… properly.