I Became Spider-Man's Cousin in Anime Crossover

Chapter 202 One Sings, One Harmonizes

Just as Dr. Selvig was facing the social humiliation of having his lie exposed in public, and dared not open his eyes, hoping that the sudden appearance of Dr. Banner was just a hallucination.

At that moment, a speech that was nothing short of heavenly music to Dr. Selvig reached his ears.

"Dr. Donald Blake? Ah, yes, that's right, I vaguely remember him. And I did work with him before I went on the run."

Just when Dr. Selvig himself was in complete despair, Banner, whom he had never met before, surprisingly did not choose to expose Dr. Selvig's lie!

When Dr. Selvig, deeply shocked, opened his eyes in disbelief.

Banner has already taken Riley back to Dr. Selvig's side.

Then, meeting Dr. Selvig's gaze, she smiled, extended her hand, and continued speaking, word by word.

"Long time no see, Dr. Selvig. It's been five years since we last collaborated. I never expected to see you here."

In his conversation, Dr. Selvig was absolutely certain that he had never met Banner in private. Moreover, as Banner spoke, he winked and gave him a look, clearly for some reason, deliberately playing along with his lie and speaking favorably of him.

Dr. Selvig, looking completely bewildered, probably wondered on the spot if he had developed dementia prematurely, causing him to have actually been in contact with Banner but had completely forgotten about it!

But, no matter how you look at it...

The fact that Banner was willing to lend a helping hand was enough to make Dr. Selvig feel flattered!

After all, Dr. Selvig was much older than Banner, and also held the title of "Doctor," making him a well-known expert in astronomy.

However, in the academic world where real ability speaks volumes, Banner is far superior to Dr. Selvig in both reputation and knowledge!

Not to mention, now that Selvig has used Banner's name to swindle and deceive people in front of him, Banner not only hasn't held Dr. Selvig accountable, but has also cooperated in smoothing things over! This is enough to instantly maximize Selvig's goodwill towards Banner!

So much so that after instinctively gripping Banner's hand, the incredibly excited Selvig became incoherent in his speech!

"Oh, it's an honor to meet you... uh, I mean, it's been a long time, Dr. Banner, you've done me a great favor."

Yes, of course, this is the rule in Western academic circles...

If we were to consider a country where seniority is valued more than actual ability—meaning that older people are considered to have more authoritative opinions—leading to a severe brain drain of younger talent…

Let alone Banner.

Even Tony Stark, and even the charlatan from the Fantastic Four who could easily conjure a time-travel machine...

Faced with the mainstream trend of academic authority monopolizing the field, one still has to slowly accumulate seniority and obediently start as an "apprentice" serving tea and water!

As a result, their current positions will also undergo a subtle change according to this set of rules!

"Alright, sir, since Dr. Banner is willing to vouch for you, and Mr. Donald is a first-time offender with no prior criminal record... I agree to your request. You can go in now and take Mr. Donald back."

Thinking of this, Riley's eyes became somewhat strange as he looked the two of them up and down.

But outwardly, with the help of the mask, he still maintained a serious and proper demeanor, continuing to speak slowly and deliberately.

"However, this is your only chance. After you bring him back, you'll be responsible for keeping an eye on him and making sure he doesn't get near this camp again. Otherwise, if we catch him again, don't blame us for being ruthless."

"Understood, sir! I'll discipline him properly once we bring him back!"

Upon hearing this, Dr. Selvig was so excited that he almost kowtowed to Banner!

Amidst the repeated agreement, Dr. Selvig, believing that Riley was only making an exception for Banner's sake, didn't forget to shake Banner's hand and warmly invite him on.

"Dr. Banner, thank you so much this time! After I get that brat out, it's my treat tonight. Let's go to the bar and have a couple of drinks!"

"Oh? That won't be necessary, it's too much trouble for you."

"Oh! What's the big deal! A few drinks won't cost much! It's settled then! Please wait for me, I'll be right out—!!!"

"Hey? Slow down! Be careful not to fall—!!!"

Seeing that Dr. Selvig was afraid Banner would refuse his invitation, he dashed into the camp as soon as he finished speaking. Banner could only stand there, amused and exasperated, watching Dr. Selvig's departing figure, and offered a heartfelt word of advice.

Until Dr. Selvig turned a corner and completely disappeared from sight.

Banner then crossed his arms and gave Riley a disgruntled look.

"Why do you have to make jokes like that... He's so old, aren't you afraid of scaring him into having a heart attack or something?"

"Hehe, serves him right for making up that excuse; he just happened to walk right into the line of fire. Speaking of which, nothing should happen tonight. I'll grant you leave; go to a bar with them for a couple of drinks, just to relax a bit."

When facing his own people, Riley would never adopt that superior attitude unless the situation was urgent.

With a sly grin, he instantly reverted to his original form, unabashedly draping his arm over Banner's shoulder and teasing him with a cheerful laugh.

"Perfect timing! Aren't you interested in their research on wormhole theory and Asgardian alien knowledge? With me playing the 'bad guy,' you can get closer to Thor and the others and study together! I'm doing this all for your own good, my dear Dr. Banner~"

"That sounds nice, but are you really thinking about how to just pack up this little team and bring them back to District 13? Like when you kidnapped Otto and Connors from Osborn?"

Meanwhile, thanks to Riley's efforts, the number of companions who could understand him steadily increased. Banner had completely shed the lingering unease, nervousness, and timidity he displayed when he first met Riley in Mexico.

With every gesture, she exuded confidence and composure, and was able to joke around with Riley like an ordinary person, without having to rack her brains to consider the consequences as before.

"Poor old man, you actually set your sights on him... Looks like in a few days, our District 13 will be welcoming a new working-class colleague~"

"Hmph, how can you call it abduction when it's a scholar's affair! It's clearly a consensual collaboration!"

Of course, Riley also noticed Banner's change in personality.

Therefore, when faced with Banner's teasing, Riley was not angry at all. Instead, his smile widened, and he deliberately straightened his back a bit, adopting a posture of being confident even when he was in the wrong, and responded meaningfully.

"Besides, I'm not lying; I'm really doing this for your own good, Banner."

"If you master the theoretical knowledge about wormholes in advance, you might find it useful someday!"