Banquet, Meeting Kingpin

Stark searched for relevant information and learned that both Superburn and the Bevel Magic Treasure had appeared in a game.

Similarly, based on the search keywords, the Electromagnetic Pulse Emitter displayed at Midtown High School's science fair and the Atomic Gun, which had only appeared once, both had prototypes in the game.

Perhaps there was some connection between the two.

Thus, he—who originally had no interest in the banquet—only developed some curiosity when he heard that Merlin would also be attending.

"Change into something more formal. There will be many important figures at this banquet, and it's crucial for your future development."

Merlin had just returned home in his work clothes when George, who had been waiting for a while, urged him.

"Alright, but it's just an Electromagnetic Pulse Emitter. It doesn't have that much clout, does it?" Before entering the door, he turned back and asked curiously.

If it were a fully developed Atomic Gun with a finished product, that would be another story.

"Of course you don't have that much clout. It's because crime rates have been high in every district lately, and with what happened in Manhattan and Brooklyn..."

"Those two incidents have had too great an impact on society. The mayor had no choice but to hold this banquet."

"Still, your Electromagnetic Pulse Emitter is a relatively important point." George gave him a rough explanation.

"Alright!" Merlin shrugged and closed the door.

Back in his room, he didn't go out of his way to wear casual clothes or anything; he simply put on a proper suit.

If he showed up at the banquet in casual wear, it would be George—his guardian—who would lose face.

Besides, he was already a high school student. If it were just a party among classmates and friends, wearing casual clothes would be fine.

But at a formal banquet like this, wearing casual attire would be a sign of disrespect.

After all, anyone who received an invitation to such a banquet would have at least one formal suit prepared at home.

"Alright!"

When Merlin walked out of the room, a flicker of nostalgia passed through George's eyes.

"It's been a long time since I saw you in this suit. I didn't expect it to still fit so well."

"The rapid growth phase is over, and it hasn't been that long."

This suit was custom-made for him by his father at the beginning of the year, and he used to wear it often to various gatherings and parties.

"Let's go. Be mindful at the banquet."

George smiled and ruffled his hair, then pushed him into the elevator.

"By the way, where's Gwen?" Once in the elevator, Merlin asked casually.

"She went to band practice. Same as you, I've hardly seen her lately." As George spoke, a hint of emotion colored his expression.

Before he knew it, his daughter had grown up.

But he was busy too. With the Lizardman situation, he was still up to his ears in trouble. If not for this banquet, he would definitely still be at the police station, searching through Apple City with the other officers.

The two chatted for a while along the way, growing a bit closer.

Manhattan, Park Avenue, Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

"This hotel is the tallest in the world. It has hosted several consecutive presidents and witnessed much of Eagle Country's history."

"Banquets are often held here, gathering many senators and politicians."

Walking down the corridor, George introduced the hotel to Merlin.

Soon, as they chatted, they arrived before a grand entrance where many people in luxurious formal wear and suits were filing in one after another.

George straightened his tie, then took out two invitations and walked over.

The guard on duty took them, glanced at them, confirmed they were correct, then slightly bowed and smiled, extending his hand to signal them to enter.

As they passed through the doors, the opulent interior of the hall caught Merlin's eye. Long tables were scattered throughout the hall, and under the bright lights, elegantly dressed women and graceful men moved among them, with occasional bell-like laughter drifting from various spots.

After a quick sweep of the room, Merlin's gaze soon fixed on a group in the center of the hall.

Stark, Obadiah, Hammer, and others stood together holding wine glasses, chatting about something.

Not far from them, a burly, bald man in a white suit was smiling broadly as he clinked glasses and conversed with a middle-aged man whose hair was slightly graying, dressed in a suit, with a hint of authority in his brow.

Kingpin?

Merlin was surprised. He hadn't expected him to attend the banquet either.

But considering his identity and the reason the mayor had called this banquet, he understood.

"Let's go over." George patted Merlin on the shoulder and walked toward where Kingpin was standing.

"Regarding the massacre in Hell's Kitchen, Mr. Fisk, what are your thoughts?" Mayor Christian took a sip of red wine, drawing out his tone slightly as he asked.

Though Kingpin appeared to be an entrepreneur and philanthropist on the surface, as mayor, he was certainly well aware of his true background.

But both of them tacitly understood that as long as the bottom line wasn't crossed, neither would break this balance.

"They certainly got what they deserved, but the cooperating police officers also died a worthy death, and the only victim has now become the dragon."

"None of this is cause for celebration." Kingpin shook his head, speaking with a hint of regret.

"But we have to trace it back to the root. The source is still these three gangs ignoring the law and exploiting its loopholes to escape."

"If the Sword of Damocles hasn't fallen, then only the Butcher Knife remains." Christian said darkly, his words already carrying a tone of warning.

As the most chaotic part of Apple City, whatever happened in Hell's Kitchen, he would only come to Kingpin.

Hearing this, Kingpin's expression remained unchanged.

"This only means the blade of the Sword of Damocles has dulled, losing its chilling gleam."

Christian's expression darkened. Just as he was about to speak, his peripheral vision caught sight of George and the others.

"Hey, Mayor Christian, Mr. Fisk." George greeted the two with Merlin in tow.

"It looks like someone who can sharpen the blade has arrived." Christian raised an eyebrow, looking at Merlin with pointed meaning.

Kingpin, meanwhile, let out a light chuckle and praised Merlin.

"This must be the little genius who developed the Miniature Electromagnetic Pulse Emitter, Merlin Shaw, right? I heard that to ease your pressure, you specifically designed a weapon to intercept criminals."

"Truly enviable family bonds."

Since they had crossed paths, he had certainly looked into Merlin, so his words carried a certain weight.

"Ahaha, it's not that exaggerated." George gave an awkward laugh, his attitude somewhat cold.

Kingpin didn't mind. Instead, he looked at Merlin with keen interest.

After all, many of the weapons he'd been getting lately came from him.