Chapter 175: Chapter 175: The School's New Gatekeeper (Part 2)
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"Tony, this guy is all yours to handle. I have things to take care of, so I'm heading back. Oh, and can you make a few more sets of those alloy models we made last time? I'll pick them up tomorrow morning."
George used his magnetic powers to control the model that had trapped Ivan Vanko and handed him over to Tony.
George had come out this time to get the Hulk's hair. Helping Tony was just a side task. Now that they had caught the mastermind, he had no further business here.
"No problem. Don't worry about it—making a few sets, or even dozens, is nothing," Tony assured as he grabbed Ivan Vanko, his confidence unwavering.
The alloy material was expensive, but to Tony, it was as insignificant as water. Anything that could be solved with money was no challenge for him.
However, just as they were about to leave, Ivan Vanko suddenly flashed a sinister smile.
"You think you've won? Then let's die together!"
In an instant, Ivan Vanko exploded. A massive shockwave from the blast engulfed George, Tony, and Rhodey. Tony, who was holding Ivan Vanko, took the brunt of the blast, suffering the most damage.
It turned out that after seeing how easily his machine soldiers were dealt with, Ivan Vanko had sensed that things were going awry. Having already accepted the fact that he was likely to die, he had swallowed a powerful explosive before setting out. When Tony grabbed him, he activated the bomb in his stomach without hesitation.
"Armor, activate!"
George cast a shield spell, an iron armor barrier appearing in front of him, but the immense explosion sent him flying back several meters. Tony and Rhodey were sent hurtling through the air and crashed hard into the plaza below.
"This guy... he's ruthless," George muttered as he deactivated the shield spell and looked at the shattered remains of Ivan Vanko.
Did he really have to go that far? George thought. He should know that self-detonation would only injure Tony; it wouldn't kill him.
George didn't understand why Vanko chose to end things this way. After all, he could have just gone to prison and found a way to escape later. Now, he was completely dead.
Shaking his head, George descended from the air and quickly checked on Tony and Rhodey.
Rhodey was fine—he had been a little further from the explosion and had reacted quickly, crossing his arms in front of his chest. Although he was dazed from the impact, the injuries were not severe.
Tony, on the other hand, was in more trouble. He had been too close to the blast and couldn't react in time. The chest plate of his Iron Man suit had been completely torn off, leaving a gaping wound that was bleeding profusely.
"George, I think I need you to call an ambulance," Tony said from the ground, gasping for breath and trying to make light of the situation. "I didn't expect this guy to have a bomb hidden inside him. Doesn't he worry about not being able to escape if he actually wins?"
"No need for an ambulance," George replied. "With me here, this little injury won't kill you."
George reached out and pointed at Tony's wound.
"Heal, restore!"
A white healing spell enveloped Tony's wound, and the injury began to visibly heal at a rapid pace.
In the Fairy Tail world, there wasn't any healing magic in the Holy Light system. He had asked Makarov about it, and Makarov explained that healing magic wasn't part of the Holy Light system but was actually part of the Lost Sky system.
Fortunately, healing magic existed in the Harry Potter world, and while George had spent a lot of time learning spells like the "Reparo" charm, he also made significant progress in basic healing magic during the summer, especially under the guidance of Amy, an Auror, who was very skilled in healing spells.
While George's healing magic wasn't yet advanced enough to reattach severed limbs or heal severe injuries like Madam Pomfrey could—who could almost always save someone as long as they weren't dead—he was more than capable of healing wounds like Tony's.
"Tony!"
At that moment, Pepper rushed over from the exhibition hall and immediately threw herself at Tony, frantically checking him over.
"Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?"
As Pepper and Tony shared their intimate moment, George and Rhodey exchanged a knowing look, then both tilted their heads to the sky in unspoken agreement.
"Let's go."
With everything wrapped up, George had no intention of sticking around to watch them act all lovey-dovey. He instantly used Apparition to return to the school.
Once back at the school, George released Bruce Banner and Betty from the box and handed them over to Professor X to get familiar with the school. Meanwhile, he took the still unconscious Hulk to the underground training room.
"Revive!"
Using a revival spell to wake Hulk up, George watched as the Hulk, ever so cautious, looked around and seemed ready to attack. Without hesitation, George grew to giant size and slapped the Hulk back down to the ground. He then grabbed the Hulk by the head and said:
"Calm down, or I won't hesitate to crush your skull."
Thanks to his giant magic, George could now grow to a height of eight or nine meters, which made the Hulk, who was now about waist-high to him, look much smaller. Even in hand-to-hand combat, George could overpower him. Additionally, his enhanced physical strength was several times greater than the Hulk's.
The Hulk, beaten into submission, had no choice but to relent as his skull neared the brink of being crushed. He answered in a gruff tone:
"Fine, fine. I'll calm down."
George let go of Hulk's head and spoke coldly:
"Now, you have two choices:
1. I'll beat you to death right here, in the most brutal way possible.
2. You work as a gatekeeper at my school for five years. After that, I'll set you free."
George released his grip on the Hulk, his voice remaining calm and indifferent.
"I don't want either choice," the Hulk thought to himself, but seeing George's emotionless expression, he didn't dare voice his thoughts. Instead, he reluctantly nodded:
"Looks like I have no choice. I just hope you keep your word."
"I always keep my word," George replied coolly. "And don't pretend to agree just to escape later. Let me be clear: I have many abilities, including the ability to find anyone I want in this world."
"If you try to run, I'll find you. And when I do, I'll beat you to death, in the most brutal way possible."
George patted Hulk on the shoulder, then returned to his normal size. As he prepared to leave the underground simulation room, he added:
"Stay here for now. Once you're able to control your transformation and return to your normal size, you can come out. I don't want you scaring the kids at the school."
With Professor X around, even if George wasn't there, he wasn't worried about Hulk causing trouble. Professor X, now a level-three telepath, couldn't control people on a large scale as he once did, but managing the Hulk was no problem for him.
Besides, the Hulk wasn't stupid. After understanding George's strength, he knew what he could and couldn't do.
The key was that George knew the Hulk wasn't inherently evil; he was just highly competitive. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been redeemed later on. George trusted that Professor X would have a good approach with someone like him.
Who knows, after a few more talks, in five years, the abomination might not even want to leave the school.
(End of Chapter)