Stark searched for related information and learned that the two vehicles, Superburn and the Bevel Magic Treasure, had both appeared in a game.
Likewise, based on the search keywords, the Electromagnetic Pulse Emitter displayed at the Midtown High School Science Fair and the Atomic Gun, which had only appeared once, both had prototypes in the game.
Perhaps there was some connection between them.
Therefore, though he had originally had no interest in the banquet, he became somewhat interested after hearing that Merlin would be attending as well.
"Put on something more formal. There will be many important people at this banquet, and it will be crucial to your future development."
The moment Merlin, still dressed in work clothes, returned home, George, who had been waiting for a long time, began urging him on.
"Okay, but it's just an Electromagnetic Pulse Emitter. It doesn't have that much pull, does it?" Before entering, he turned back and asked curiously.
It would have been different if the Atomic Gun technology had been perfected and a finished product produced.
"You don't have that much pull. It's because crime rates have remained high across every district lately, and there have been such major incidents in Manhattan and Brooklyn."
"The impact of those two incidents on society has been too great, so the mayor had no choice but to hold this banquet."
"Still, your Electromagnetic Pulse Emitter is also a fairly important factor." George gave him a rough explanation.
"Fine!" Merlin shrugged, then closed the door.
After returning to his room, he did not insist on wearing casual clothes or anything like that. Instead, he put on a proper suit.
If he wore casual clothes to a banquet, it would be George, his guardian, who would lose face as well.
Besides, he was already a high school student. If it were merely a party among classmates and friends, casual clothes would naturally be fine.
But wearing casual clothes to a formal banquet would be a sign of disrespect.
After all, anyone who received an invitation to such a banquet would have a formal outfit prepared at home.
"All right!"
When Merlin stepped out of his room, a trace of nostalgia flashed through George's eyes.
"It's been a long time since I saw you wearing this suit. I didn't expect it to still fit so well."
"Your rapid growth phase has already passed, and it hasn't been that long."
Merlin's father had specifically taken him to have this suit tailored at the beginning of the year, and he had often worn it to various gatherings and parties.
"Let's go. Be careful at the banquet."
George smiled and rubbed his head, then pushed him into the elevator.
"By the way, where's Gwen?" Merlin asked casually once they entered the elevator.
"She went to band practice. Just like you, I haven't seen much of her lately." George looked somewhat wistful as he spoke.
Before he knew it, his daughter had grown up too.
But he himself was busy as well. Because of the Lizardman incident, he was still overwhelmed. If not for this banquet, he would definitely still be at the police station, searching Apple City alongside the officers.
The two chatted along the way for a while, and their relationship grew much closer.
Manhattan, Park Avenue, Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
"This hotel is the tallest hotel in the world. It has hosted several consecutive presidents and witnessed much of Eagle Country's history."
"It also regularly hosts banquets, gathering many senators and politicians."
As they walked down the corridor, George introduced the hotel to Merlin.
Before long, amid their conversation, they arrived before a set of large doors. Many people dressed in luxurious gowns and suits were entering one after another.
George adjusted his tie, then took out two invitations and walked over.
The attendant accepted them and took a look. After confirming they were valid, he bowed slightly, smiled, and stepped aside with an outstretched hand to invite them in.
As they passed through the doors, the lavish hall inside made Merlin's eyes light up. Long tables were scattered throughout the hall. Under the bright lights, fashionably dressed women and elegantly poised men moved among them, and the occasional bell-like laugh drifted over from somewhere.
After giving the room a quick sweep, Merlin's gaze soon settled on the group in the center of the hall.
Stark, Obadiah, Hammer, and the others stood together with wineglasses in hand, seemingly discussing something.
Not far from them, a bald man with a burly build, dressed in a white suit, was smiling as he clinked glasses and conversed with a middle-aged man whose hair was slightly graying, dressed in a suit and carrying an air of authority between his brows.
Kingpin?
Merlin was somewhat surprised. He had not expected him to attend the banquet as well.
But considering the man's identity, along with the reason the mayor had held this banquet, it made sense.
"Let's go over." George patted Merlin on the shoulder and headed toward Kingpin.
"Regarding the massacre in Hell's Kitchen, what are your thoughts, Mr. Fisk?" Mayor Christian took a sip of red wine and asked, slightly drawing out his words.
Although Kingpin publicly appeared to be an entrepreneur and philanthropist, as mayor, Christian naturally knew his background inside and out.
However, both men understood without saying anything. As long as neither crossed the line, neither would disrupt that balance.
"They were certainly getting what they deserved, but the police who cooperated with them also died as they should have, while the sole victim has now become an evil dragon."
"There is nothing about this incident worth celebrating." Kingpin shook his head and spoke with a touch of regret.
"But we must trace things back to their root. It began with those three gangs disregarding the law and exploiting legal loopholes to escape punishment."
"If the Sword of Damocles does not fall, then only the Butcher Knife remains." Christian spoke softly, his words already carrying a hint of warning.
Hell's Kitchen was the most chaotic place in Apple City. Whenever anything happened there, Christian would only seek out Kingpin.
Kingpin's expression remained unchanged at those words.
"That only proves that the Sword of Damocles has grown dull, lacking the cold gleam needed to deter people."
Christian's expression darkened, and just as he was about to speak, he suddenly spotted George and Merlin from the corner of his eye.
"Hello, Mayor Christian, Mr. Fisk." George greeted the two men with Merlin beside him.
"Looks like the person who can sharpen that blade has arrived." Christian raised his brows and spoke meaningfully as he looked at Merlin.
Kingpin merely chuckled twice before praising Merlin.
"This must be Merlin Xiao, the young genius who developed the Miniature Electromagnetic Pulse Emitter. I heard that, in order to ease your pressure, he specifically developed a weapon for stopping criminals."
"What enviable family affection."
Since he had dealt with Merlin before, he had certainly looked into him. As he spoke, his words could not help carrying a deeper meaning.
"Ahaha, it's not that exaggerated." George gave an awkward laugh, his attitude somewhat cool.
Kingpin did not mind. Instead, he looked at Merlin with great interest.
Many of the weapons in his hands lately had been bought from the other boy.
Before you continue