"You'd better stop, or I might have to fight back!" Su Zhan shouted, weaving through the relentless barrage of flames, his patience nearly at its breaking point as Human Torch Johnny Storm continued his wild assault.
"Fight back? Go ahead! If you think you can control fire, try controlling mine! If you can't, don't blame me for being rough!" Johnny taunted; his voice thick with arrogance as he poured on the heat.
"You're forcing my hand-do you even realize what the consequences could be?" Su Zhan growled, his tone dropping dangerously low.
"Scared? I'll handle any consequences! If you've got the guts, show me what you've got!" Johnny sneered, transforming into a blazing inferno as he charged at Su Zhan.
Su Zhan deliberately slowed his movements, letting a glancing blow singe his clothes to ashes. The impact slammed him into the wall, but he rebounded instantly, his hands snapping out to seize Johnny's flaming arm. To Johnny's shock, his flames did nothing to burn Su Zhan's skin.
"Idiot!" Johnny barked, recovering with a cocky grin. "You think my fire is that easy to control?" He flexed his fingers, unleashing a barrage of flame bullets at Su Zhan.
But Su Zhan only sneered. Johnny, your arrogance and impulsiveness will be your downfall. I'll take your ability, but at least I'll let you live. You should thank me!
"Boom!"
Su Zhan's fist, wreathed in stolen flames, smashed into Johnny's face. The blow was so powerful that Johnny nearly flew across the room, but because Su Zhan was holding his arm, he was yanked back-right into another flaming punch.
Again, and again-punched away, dragged back; punched away, dragged back.
After more than ten rounds, Johnny's flames sputtered out, his face swollen and bruised, and he was barely conscious.
"How… how is this possible?" Johnny gasped through split lips, his eyes wide with disbelief. He saw that his flames had failed to hurt Su Zhan. Instead, as if following Su Zhan's will, the fire gathered on Su Zhan's body and hands, turning against him.
He can control my flames… this is impossible!
"I warned you, but you wouldn't listen," Su Zhan said coldly, grabbing Johnny's hand and beginning to absorb his ability.
"Crack!" At that moment, someone leapt in through the shattered window.
It was Spider-Man.
"Su Zhan, Human Torch, stop fighting! This is a misunderstanding…" Spider-Man shouted as soon as he entered, but what he saw surprised him even more. Su Zhan was holding Johnny, who looked like he'd just been badly beaten.
"Too late…" Su Zhan glanced at Spider-Man and then released Johnny.
As soon as he let go, Johnny collapsed to the ground, apparently unconscious.
"You… you didn't swallow his abilities, did you?" Spider-Man asked nervously. After notifying Johnny, Spider-Man had also contacted S.H.I.E.L.D. to investigate Su Zhan's background. To his surprise, he discovered Su Zhan was a newly appointed consultant for S.H.I.E.L.D.-someone able to become a S.H.I.E.L.D. consultant was unlikely to be a villain, and it was also unlikely that he would harm Susan. So, Spider-Man concluded this was probably just a misunderstanding. He hurried over to stop the fight, but unfortunately, he was a bit too late!
"You should be glad I only devoured his ability and didn't kill him. Damn, I've had terrible luck today. First, I got attacked by Susan for no reason, then by you, and now by the Human Torch. What is this, bullying outsiders? Or do I just look easy to pick on?" Su Zhan shouted angrily.
Spider-Man was speechless. Who was really bullying whom here? Susan was knocked out by you, I was beaten up by you, and now the Human Torch has not only been beaten but also had his ability devoured by you. Who is the real victim?
Thinking about it, Spider-Man couldn't say anything. After all, Su Zhan was right-if he hadn't been strong enough, he really would have been the unlucky one. "Hey, I don't know how this will end. I think someone will come clean up this mess soon." Spider-Man spread his hands helplessly, certain that S.H.I.E.L.D. would arrive any minute.
And indeed, less than ten minutes later, the roar of engines sounded outside as a massive aircraft carrier approached the hotel. The cabin door opened, and several people jumped out:
A black man in a long trench coat and eyepatch: Nick Fury, Director of S.H.I.E.L.D.
A woman in a black bodysuit with a striking figure: Black Widow, Natasha Romanoff.
A strong man in red and blue stripes, carrying a shield: Captain America, Steve Rogers.
Su Zhan looked at the three and named them one by one. "If you're here to arrest me, I'm afraid this lineup isn't enough!"
Nick Fury stepped forward, his voice commanding. "Su Zhan, stand down. This ends now."
Su Zhan crossed his arms, flames flickering around his fingers. "Director Fury. Black Widow. Captain America. If you're here to arrest me, you'll need more than this."
"We're here to talk," Natasha said coolly, though her fingers brushed the weapons at her belt.
"Talk?" Su Zhan laughed bitterly. "After your allies attacked me unprovoked? Let's hear it."
Steve Rogers stepped forward, shield lowering slightly. "We know about the misunderstandings. Let's resolve this without more violence."
As tension crackled in the air, Su Zhan's gaze flicked to Susan, still unconscious, then back to the Avengers. "Fine. But someone owes me an explanation-and a new shirt."