A Kryptonian in the Marvel Universe

"Zod, I understand why you're eager to tackle this issue, but if the Superheroes Association makes this move, we'll cross from gray into black territory," Tony Stark cautioned. "The people see us as heroes, a beacon of hope, and we've managed to keep our actions 'gray' enough for politicians and corporations to tolerate. But enforcing justice across borders? That's a different story."

Stark leaned forward, his expression serious. "Politicians and capitalists are sensitive to this sort of thing. Today it's terrorists, but what about tomorrow? Will they fear we'll use our influence to go after world leaders or corporate moguls?"

Despite the overwhelming popularity of the Superheroes Association, Stark knew that public opinion held little weight against political power. Zod, although likely able to win the presidency if he ran, understood that. Stark's message was clear: stepping beyond borders would lead to retaliation without mercy.

Zod nodded in understanding, then left the room, his expression dark. There was no question now; he'd have to find another way. The cycle of violence and retribution between him and the Zandalar tribe in Libya could not be allowed to continue, and he knew that unleashing the Association on them was impossible under the present constraints.

Back at his private base, Zod had an idea. If the superheroes couldn't do the job, he'd create something that could.

He summoned his powers, his mind racing through atomic configurations, and forged a new entity in his lab: Hercules. Modeled after the Berserker archetype from the Moon World, Hercules was crafted in a one-to-one scale, designed to mirror a hulking figure of indomitable strength. Infused with genetic enhancements from Green Hulk and a rare mutant gene known as "Gaia," this Hercules was a fearsome creation. The Gaia gene, an unusual mutation, granted its possessor the ability to draw power from the earth, gaining super strength, defense, and rapid regeneration with every touch to the ground. As long as Hercules was in contact with the earth, he'd remain an unstoppable force.

This combination made Hercules a walking war machine. Already a formidable figure from Hulk's DNA, the Gaia enhancement amplified his resilience and regeneration, rendering him almost godlike. Zod stood back, admiring the towering figure that had risen before him.

Without a word, the imposing, silent Hercules awaited orders. "Go, wipe out the Zandalar tribe," Zod commanded. He teleported Hercules to Benghazi, Libya, then watched as the massive figure disappeared into the city.

Meanwhile, the Zandalar tribe's chief, Zandalar, stood in his skyscraper office, contemplating his revenge on the Dark Knight Zod. The idea of a truck bomb had crossed his mind, and he smirked at the potential chaos it would cause. Lost in thought, he gazed out the floor-to-ceiling window when, suddenly, something heavy and bloody slammed against it, cracking the glass.

"What the hell?" Zandalar recoiled, bewildered at the sight of a massive black figure wreaking havoc below. His heart pounded as he watched Hercules bulldoze through their defenses.

Desperately, Zandalar's men scrambled to set up an M2 heavy machine gun, its massive .50 BMG rounds thundering as they fired. The gun's 450-550 rounds per minute unleashed a storm of bullets meant to tear through reinforced barriers, making short work of most bunkers and structures. But to their horror, Hercules charged forward, unphased by the storm of bullets that ricocheted off him without leaving a mark. When he closed the distance, he effortlessly punched through their machine gun and sent their vehicle flipping.

"RPGs!" shouted one of Zandalar's soldiers, three of them quickly taking aim with shoulder-mounted rocket launchers. Yet Hercules dodged with uncanny agility, then kicked a nearby car into the air with such force that it hurtled dozens of meters, colliding with a distant wall and flattening another squad.

Inside, Zandalar was speechless, his face ashen. He had heard of the Hulk, the mighty green S-rank hero of the Superhero Association, but this figure seemed even more terrifying. He'd never seen anything like it. Few knew the truth of Hulk's origin, and Zod had ensured the military's files on him were well hidden.

This dark monster had to be connected to the Dark Knight Zod. The chief's mouth went dry as he thought of Zod's audacity. He'd considered himself ruthless, fearless. After all, he'd risen to power by outmaneuvering fifty siblings, becoming the head of a notorious organization. But this—this was madness. Zod was ready to defy not just the Zandalar tribe but the world itself.

"He's insane!" Zandalar whispered, his hands trembling as he dialed a private number. He needed to inform the shadowy "big boss" who funded and empowered his operations. Zod wasn't merely another superhero; he was beyond the grasp of laws and nations, a force all his own, and Zandalar knew the world would have to act swiftly to contain this unfolding threat.