Chapter 498: Gao Tianzun's "Game"

Wesker leaned aside, crossed his arms, and looked at Banner calmly. His eyes were as sharp as a knife, as if he saw through Banner's inner struggle and anxiety. After a moment, he nodded gently, his tone calm but full of power: "Dr. Banner, Umbrella invited you not because of Hulk, but because of you. You know very well that the power of Umbrella does not rely on the fighting power of superheroes. On the contrary, we need talents like you with a deep scientific background."

Banner smiled awkwardly, his eyes a little erratic. He touched his hair and tried to organize his words, "I know... Actually, Nathan Hawke had made a similar invitation before. At that time, I was a little hesitant and finally chose to reject him. Hawke Group does not lack superheroes. They don't need me... nor do they need Hulk."

He paused, smiled bitterly and continued, "As for scientific research... To be honest, I am quite yearning for it. Umbrella is indeed financially strong, far surpassing those consortiums and government agencies on Earth. I have read a lot of news. Now Umbrella's influence has expanded to the interstellar level. It is no longer limited to those companies on Earth. Even SHIELD is just a small pawn in comparison... like an ant."

Banner's voice gradually became lower and his brows knitted, obviously in deep trouble. He sighed softly, smiled bitterly and said, "But... Hulk, he kind of likes the life here. It's simple, rough, and there's not much interference. For him, Sakaar... is a place where he can vent his anger freely."

Wesker nodded slightly, with a glimmer of insight in his eyes. His tone was as calm as ever, but with a hint of unquestionable firmness: "Dr. Banner, you are still too indecisive. Hulk's wishes are important, but you, Banner, are the talent we really value. What Umbrella needs is your wisdom as a scientist, not Hulk's brutal strength. We are not pursuing simple destructive power, but using technology and knowledge to control and change the world."

Banner's expression suddenly became a little depressed, as if his inner pain had been touched. He smiled bitterly and nodded, "You're right... I really don't know what I want to do now. Since the Ultron incident, Hulk found that the enemy suddenly disappeared, and we have been running away, running all the way... No longer have a clear goal."

His voice was full of fatigue and helplessness, as if the pressure he had endured over the years suddenly burst out. "I'm actually not interested in being a superhero. To be honest, I don't think I can really do anything heroic. As for scientific research... let alone, I don't have any financial support or resources to continue my research."

He shrugged, sighed, and continued: "SHIELD has always been willing to 'support' me, but what they are really interested in has never been me, but Hulk. They want Hulk's power and even try to get Hulk's blood... I never feel that I am someone they value. They only care about Hulk, the green giant who can sweep away thousands of troops on the battlefield."

Banner's eyes were filled with helplessness and frustration when he said this. It was obvious that his past experiences had made him lose confidence in the so-called "superheroes" and "government organizations." His dreams, hopes, and ambitions were gradually worn out in the endless escape and pursuit.

Wesker still looked at Banner calmly, obviously having anticipated his current state. He did not offer any extra comfort or warm encouragement, but said coldly: "Dr. Banner, you are worth much more than the Hulk. You are a genius, someone who can change the world. Umbrella is willing to provide you with the resources and platform you need to help you complete scientific research projects that cannot be achieved elsewhere."

He paused, his eyes became deeper, as if exploring Banner's deepest desire, "If you continue to stay here, you may always be just a fugitive giant, but if you choose to join Umbrella, you can control your own destiny and use your own wisdom to shape the future."

Banner was silent for a moment, as if thinking about Wesker's words. His eyes were still a little confused, but in that confusion, there seemed to be a hint of desire.

Banner looked a little hesitant, looked around, and then asked softly: "Then...what about Gao Tianzun? I feel that he likes Hulk very much, and this is his territory. I'm not sure...if he will react if we leave?"

Upon hearing this, Wesker's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a sneer. His stern face remained calm, as if these problems were not worth mentioning in his eyes. He leaned forward slightly, with his hands behind his back, and spoke calmly with an unshakable confidence: "Hulk has fought 100 fights. In fact, as long as Hulk wants to leave, Gao Tianzun doesn't care. After all, to him, Hulk is just a toy to amuse himself, or a tool to attract the audience. Even if Hulk doesn't want to leave..."

Wesker paused for a moment, looked at Banner sharply, and said in a colder and more unquestionable tone, "As long as you decide to leave, I can promise that I will personally go and say hello to the Supreme Lord. So what about his territory? Neither he nor the so-called rules here can stop us, especially when you choose to join our umbrella."

Banner was a little shocked when he heard Wesker's strong words. He swallowed subconsciously, feeling that Wesker's aura seemed to oppress the whole room, as if no obstacle could shake his determination. But Banner was still a little hesitant. He lowered his head and murmured, "But... the power of the Supreme Lord should not be underestimated. He was able to rule Sakaar for so long, not just because of luck. I can see that he likes Hulk very much. This is also his territory, and his power should not be ignored..."

Wesker chuckled, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes. He shook his head slightly, with a certain cold certainty in his tone, "You don't need to worry about the High Lord. We, the Umbrella, are much more powerful than you think. Nathan Hawke, my boss, his strength is far beyond your understanding."

When Banner heard the name "Nathan Hawke", his expression suddenly relaxed, and he seemed to have a sense of steadiness in his heart. After all, in his memory, Nathan Hawke's name was even more important than the SHIELD and other Earth forces, whether in the business field or military technology. Nathan Hawke was praised as an unparalleled genius and strategist. The Umbrella Group he led had long been one of the strongest forces on Earth, and even in the universe.

Banner sighed, and his expression gradually relaxed, as if he had finally made a decision. He looked up at Wesker, forced a smile, and said in a slightly compromising tone: "Well... now that Nathan Hawke's name has come out, I have nothing to hesitate about. To be honest, I do want to join Umbrella. In this way, I can not only continue my research, but also play a role on a larger platform."

He smiled bitterly, shook his head and said, "After all, here, I can't do anything except watching Hulk fight every day."

Wesker nodded, with a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. "You made a wise choice, Dr. Banner. Join us and you will have unlimited resources and support. Your research will no longer be limited by funds and laboratory equipment. What we need is not the violence of the Hulk, but the wisdom of Dr. Banner."

Banner finally smiled with relief. Although he was still a little hesitant and uneasy, he seemed calmer than before. "I just hope that after joining Umbrella, I can continue to do scientific research quietly. I have lived the life of a superhero for long enough. Now, I just want to be a scientist again."

Wesker nodded, patted Banner's shoulder gently, and said firmly and calmly: "You will have the opportunity to realize your dreams and no longer be constrained by the power of others. Moreover, with our umbrella supporting you from behind, you can give full play to your talents."

Banner looked at Wesker, with a glimmer of hope and longing in his eyes. Although he was still a little hesitant, he finally nodded and made a decision: "Okay, I agree. I'll join you."

Wesker raised his lips again, revealing a satisfied smile. He turned around and walked towards the door, and the servant immediately opened the door for him. Before leaving, he looked back at Banner and said calmly and firmly: "You won't regret it, Dr. Banner."

As Wesker left, Banner stood there and took a deep breath. He knew that his life was about to undergo a huge change.

Gao Tianzun leaned comfortably on his honorable chair, which was inlaid with various brilliant gems and emitted a dazzling light. The servants around him stood tremblingly beside him, ready to serve him at any time. He half-closed his eyes and listened to Wesker's words about taking the Hulk away. He showed a look of pretending to be troubled, and tapped the armrest of the chair with his fingers, as if thinking about something.

"Ah, take Hulk away... Of course you can," Gao Tianzun said in a long tone, with a bit of laziness and carelessness, "But since you want to take him away, I have a small favor to ask you to help me solve it."

Wesker stood there, his eyes calm and sharp, while Borsalino and Doflamingo behind him maintained their respective postures. Borsalino still lazily put his hands in his pockets, with that signature half smile on his face, as lazy as if the things in front of him were not important; while Doflamingo crossed his arms, with a flamboyant smile on his face, and his eyes under the glasses revealed a hint of coldness.

Wesker asked calmly, "What's the favor?"

Gao Tianzun sighed, and raised a smile with a hint of ridicule and helplessness on the corner of his mouth, "You also know that my planet always drops some 'special' things. During such a long time, there are always some unwelcome guys who stay here and refuse to leave. Not only do they eat, drink, defecate and urinate on my planet, they also make a mess, and even are extremely vicious, which really gives me a headache." He pretended to be very distressed, and drew his fingers in the air helplessly, and then a cunning flashed in his eyes.

"So, my idea is - why not hold a grand death match?" Gao Tianzun's tone suddenly became light and excited, as if he was already imagining the bloody competition. "You help me clean up these uninvited guests, and I will express my gratitude very generously."

Borsalino yawned lazily and said with a smile, "Oh my, Master Gao Tianzun is really a lively person. Death fights... seem a bit too violent for me, but..." He shrugged lightly, still wearing that lazy smile, "If this is your request, of course I can help you with a small favor. After all, laser beams can also be used to clean up garbage."

Doflamingo stood aside, his lips slightly raised, his smile revealing a deep contempt and sarcasm, "Hahaha, what shitty uninvited guests, they are just guys looking for death. Lord Gao, your request is quite interesting, this kind of lively scene... I like it very much." He pushed his sunglasses, his eyes revealed a bloodthirsty expectation, as if he couldn't wait to see the grand fight.

Wesker's expression was still cold. He thought for a while and nodded slowly. "Since this is your request, we can help you deal with these troubles."

Upon seeing this, Gao Tianzun clapped his hands in satisfaction, his smile becoming even brighter, "Great! With your help, those guys will never bother me again. After you help me solve these problems, Hulk can leave at any time, and I will never stop him."

The atmosphere in the room suddenly became relaxed and a little weird. Gao Tianzun sat on his luxurious throne, his hands crossed in front of his chest, with a smug smile on his face, as if he had seen those vicious criminals being completely wiped out in a fatal fight.

Borsalino still maintained his lazy demeanor and looked at Wesker with a smile, while Doflamingo showed an eager expression, obviously looking forward to the upcoming death battle.

This death match is not only a game for the Supreme God, but also an opportunity for Borsalino and Doflamingo to show their great strength. And Wesker is also quietly preparing for the next move to take away Dr. Banner and Hulk.

As Gao Tianzun's request is confirmed, this bloody feast is about to begin, and everyone's fate seems to be involved in this larger situation.