Chapter 175: The School’s New Gatekeeper

"Tony, I'll leave this guy to you. I have other matters to attend to, so I'm heading back. By the way, based on the alloy models you made last time, could you create a few more sets for me? I'll pick them up tomorrow morning."

George used magnetic force to keep Vanko, now encased in the model shell, immobilized as he handed him over to Tony.

His primary purpose for coming here was to obtain the Hulk's hair. Helping Tony save lives was incidental. Now that the mastermind had been captured, George had no further reason to stay.

"No problem. A few sets? Heck, I can make dozens—it's a minor task," Tony assured George while securing Vanko.

The alloy materials were extremely expensive, but for Tony, they were just pocket change. Anything solvable with money wasn't a problem in his eyes.

However, at that moment, Vanko, who had remained silent, revealed a sinister smile.

"You think you've won? Let's die together!"

Suddenly, Vanko exploded. The powerful blast engulfed George, Tony, and Rhodey in an instant. Tony, being the closest since he was holding Vanko, bore the brunt of the damage.

Unbeknownst to them, Vanko, upon realizing how easily his robotic soldiers were defeated, sensed impending failure. Resolute in his fatalistic mindset, he swallowed a potent mini-bomb before leaving. As Tony grabbed him, he activated the high-explosive device within his body.

"Protego!"

George cast a Shield Charm in front of himself, but the explosion's force still pushed him back several meters. Tony and Rhodey weren't as lucky; they were blasted out of the air, crashing hard into the plaza below.

"This guy… How ruthless," George muttered, dismissing the Shield Charm as he surveyed the now-fragmented Vanko.

Was it really necessary to go to such extremes? Even if Vanko self-detonated, it would only wound Tony, not kill him.

George couldn't understand it. 'If there's life, there's hope,' he thought. Suicide bombing at best ensured a trip to the hospital for Tony—why not just face prison and await another chance to escape?

Shaking his head, George descended to the ground and briefly checked on Tony and Rhodey.

Rhodey fared better, having been slightly farther away from the blast. Quick reflexes enabled him to shield his chest with his arms, leaving him dazed but otherwise intact.

Tony, however, wasn't as fortunate. Being so close left him unable to react in time. The explosion had blown away part of his chest armor, leaving a sizable wound that was bleeding profusely.

"George, I think I'll need you to call an ambulance," Tony joked through labored breaths, his tone strained. "Didn't expect that guy to carry a bomb inside him. What was his plan if he'd actually won—dig it out later?"

"There's no need for an ambulance. With me here, you're not dying from this," George replied, extending a finger toward Tony's wound.

"Episkey!"

A white healing spell enveloped Tony's wound, causing it to close up visibly and rapidly.

While the Light Magic from the Fairy Tail world lacked healing capabilities, George had discovered in the Harry Potter universe that magical healing spells existed. After mastering the counter-curse for Sectumsempra (Vulnera Sanentur), he spent considerable time learning basic healing magic.

Thanks to Auror Amy, who was particularly skilled in healing spells, George made significant progress during the summer. Though he couldn't reattach severed limbs like Madam Pomfrey or perform advanced healing, treating Tony's injury was a simple task.

"Tony!"

At that moment, Pepper rushed over from the exhibition hall, throwing herself at Tony and anxiously checking him for injuries.

"Are you okay? Did you get hurt anywhere?"

Watching Pepper and Tony engage in their intimate exchange, George and Rhodey shared a glance before simultaneously looking skyward to avoid the awkwardness.

"Let's go!"

With everything resolved, George wasn't inclined to linger and endure their public display of affection. He promptly Apparated back to the school.

...

Back at school, George released Banner and Betty from the container and handed them over to Professor X for orientation. He then carried the still-unconscious Abomination to the underground training facility.

"Rennervate!"

Using a Reviving Spell, George awakened the Abomination. The creature immediately scanned its surroundings warily and attempted to attack George, only to be slammed into the ground with a giant palm.

Gripping the Abomination's head, George growled, "Calm down, or I'll have no problem crushing your skull."

Thanks to his Giantification magic, George could now grow to a towering eight or nine meters, dwarfing the Abomination, whose height barely reached his waist. His overwhelming physical strength, bolstered by his Dividing Body constitution, was several times that of the Abomination.

The creature, realizing its skull was moments away from being crushed, conceded begrudgingly, "Fine… I'm calm."

"Now you have two choices," George began, his tone icy:

"First, I can beat you to death right here. Painfully."

"Second, you agree to serve as the school's gatekeeper for five years. After that, you're free to go."

Releasing the Abomination, George delivered his ultimatum.

'I don't want to pick either,' thought the Abomination. However, facing George's emotionless expression, he dared not voice his refusal. Reluctantly, he nodded.

"Seems like I have no choice. I hope you keep your word."

"I always do," George replied. "And I hope you don't pretend to comply only to try escaping later.

Just so you know, one of my many abilities is finding anyone I want. If you run, I'll track you down and beat you to death. Painfully."

Clapping the Abomination on the shoulder, George reverted to his normal size and added as he left the simulation room, "Stay here for now. Once you've learned to revert to your normal form, you can come out. We don't want to frighten the kids."

With Professor X at the school, George wasn't worried about the Abomination causing trouble.

The Abomination wasn't foolish; after witnessing George's strength, he understood the boundaries.

Moreover, George knew the Abomination's core personality wasn't inherently evil—he was simply competitive. With time and Professor X's guidance, the Abomination might even willingly choose to remain at the school after his five-year term.