With the D-System fully operational, everyone heads out to a desert to locate a hidden DISK. Ed packs his bag too heavily, and ends up slowing everyone down. Chris offers to help him out, but expresses his disgust for Ed's weakness. They run into Joel and Absorbing Man, who accidentally reveal that Nozomu is in fact alive and well. Joel is summoned by a phone call from his agent, so he leaves Absorbing Man to take care of the Avengers. He completely withstands attacks from Wasp and Thor, but is eventually defeated and captured due to his arrogance.