Platform Construction, Lizardman Interception

For a wealthy man like Tony Stark, joining the game was naturally the best outcome.

Not only did he have money and technology, but he also carried a wealth of storyline quests that could greatly enrich the gameplay.

Otherwise, with nothing but robberies and gang wars day in and day out, it would eventually get boring.

Later on, there would surely be collaborations with organizations like Hydra, S.H.I.E.L.D., The Hand, and the Intelligence Bureau to flesh out the game's narrative.

"Technical personnel means people dedicated to research and development, selling the results to the Game Platform once they're done."

"They generally don't participate in game missions to earn money."

"Of course, if there's a need, they can also post tasks on the platform."

Merlin roughly explained it to him.

"I didn't expect it to be such a massive trading platform." Stark was somewhat surprised, but quickly realized that without monetary transactions, no one would become a platform player.

But this also showed the kind of power behind the people running this Game Platform.

In the ensuing conversation, Stark repeatedly asked Merlin about the game, though it seemed the platform had indeed just been set up, with little useful information to offer.

Soon, George finally settled on a plan, and the company they signed with was ultimately Stark Industries.

As for Hammer Industries and Osborn Industries—one had a reputation that needed no elaboration, and the other focused on biotech. Comparatively, Stark Industries, a defense industry leader, was far more reliable.

The basic contract terms were set: ten million dollars for three years of technology patents, with freedom to sell once police orders were fulfilled.

Obadiah thought the Micro EMP Device would have excellent applications in individual combat weapons.

It could also work wonders in regions with less advanced weapons technology.

Once the Micro EMP weapon matter was settled, the next topic was how to reduce crime rates in Apple City.

This was mainly discussed by the sheriffs from various districts gathered together.

Meanwhile, as Merlin talked with Stark, the conversation gradually drifted toward Atomic Fusion technology.

"Feel free to visit me anytime. If you need anything, just come find me. Here's my business card." Kingpin, with a genial look, slipped a card to Merlin, nodded a greeting to a dark-faced George, and then left the banquet hall.

As the night grew late, after Mayor Christian's closing remarks, the banquet was declared over.

"Try not to deal with him. Entrepreneur, philanthropist—those are just his facade. He's very dangerous." Seeing Merlin accept the card, George didn't snatch it away to throw out, but instead advised him.

"If you get involved with him, you'll easily be used."

Merlin: "..."

Though he had never met Kingpin face-to-face, their interests had crossed paths quite deeply.

"Alright, I understand."

"Good. Once the contract is drafted, I'll transfer the ten million dollars to you."

"Remember, don't make a fuss after you get the money. On the surface, it's still with me." George, unaware of Merlin's inner thoughts, warned him seriously.

"Okay, okay..."

"I'm serious!"

"...yes, sir!"

Ten million—he could earn that by selling one or two Vigilantes...

In the following days, Merlin spent most of his time laying the groundwork for the Game Platform, buying and setting up repair shops, modification shops, weapon stores, bunkers, and the like.

Once construction was complete, he would have the R Star Subsystem move in to build fully automated smart production lines for weapons and vehicles.

Meanwhile, properties in Hell's Kitchen—apartments, villas, nightclubs—were also being acquired.

At the same time, herb trading and smuggling routes were gradually being restored.

Though he hadn't met the new boss and could only take jobs online, as long as the money kept coming, his men didn't mind much.

And with less direct contact, they actually felt safer.

Of course, this was also thanks to the subsystem's network signals being untraceable.

Meanwhile, Bullseye and Daredevil had also become players. Along with the Punisher, whose reputation was growing, they handled all the troubles that cropped up in Hell's Kitchen during this period, even expanding the platform's holdings. Development was smooth.

As for the two joining, it was straightforward enough: Bullseye was purely interested, while Daredevil, Matt, agreed readily upon hearing he could earn big money to buy a Vigilante.

Once the basic production and industry chains in Hell's Kitchen were stable, Merlin prepared to open the servers and recruit players for expansion.

If he recruited players too early, he'd have money, but without the foundation—the game-specific weapons and vehicles—the platform wouldn't get off the ground.

Merlin steadily developed. Thanks to the Punisher's appearance, Hell's Kitchen had recently enjoyed a rare period of calm compared to before.

After all, the Punisher really did kill you—if he said he'd wipe out your whole family, he'd wipe out your whole family.

Friday, Queens.

After riding his motorcycle to drop Hannah off at home, Merlin was now heading back. Gwen had been looking busy lately, and the two hadn't been spending much time together—today she hadn't even shown up for class.

Same for Peter.

The muffled roar of the motorcycle echoed through the streets, occasionally drawing envious glances from some young men.

"Look and see her eyes, they glow..." Just then, a ringtone suddenly sounded in Merlin's earpiece.

"Little Mute, answer the call."

Little Mute was the R-Star AI system.

The call connected, and soon an anxious voice came through the earpiece.

"Merlin! Where are you right now?"

"I'm on Sixth Street. What's wrong?" Hearing the urgency in Gwen's voice, Merlin furrowed his brow slightly and instinctively slowed down a bit.

"Listen, you're in danger right now. That lizard monster from the Tech Expo last time is coming for you."

"Get home as fast as you can."

"Bam!" Suddenly, a loud noise came from up ahead.

Merlin stared at the figure that had appeared in front of him, his expression hardening.

"Hey! Hey? Are you listening?" Gwen's voice grew more frantic when Merlin didn't respond.

"It's too late. He's already caught up."

Without any warning, a manhole cover on the lane ahead of the motorcycle shot into the air. Then a giant green monster's claw gripped the edge, and a massive, grotesque Lizardman leaped out, blocking the bike's path.

Merlin didn't panic. He immediately swerved, trying to turn around.

"Holy crap!" But the moment he tilted the bike, Merlin suddenly cursed. Then, with no time to think, he pushed off the gas tank and vaulted over it like a goat leaping over a wolf.

"Boom!" A thick manhole cover whistled past like a cannonball, and the motorcycle beneath Merlin shattered on the spot.