For a tycoon like Tony Stark, being able to join the game was naturally the best outcome.
Not only did he have money and technology, but he also had plenty of storyline missions attached to him, which could greatly enrich the gameplay.
Otherwise, it would be nothing but robberies and gang conflicts every day. That would get boring eventually.
Later on, they would definitely need to cooperate with organizations like Hydra, S.H.I.E.L.D., The Hand, and the Intelligence Bureau to enrich the game's storylines.
"Technicians are people who specialize in research. Once they produce results, they sell them to the Game Platform."
"They generally don't participate in game missions to earn money."
"Of course, if you need anything, you can also post a mission there."
Merlin gave him a rough explanation.
"I didn't expect it to be such a huge trading platform." Stark was somewhat surprised, but he quickly realized that without monetary transactions, no one would become a platform player.
This also showed just how much power the people behind the Game Platform possessed.
During the following conversation, Stark asked Merlin about the game several times. However, the Game Platform seemed to have only been built recently, so there was basically not much useful information available.
Before long, George's side had also finalized a plan. The company chosen to sign the contract with was ultimately Stark Industries.
As for Hammer Industries and Osborn Industries, one had a reputation that spoke for itself, while the other focused mainly on biotechnology. By comparison, Stark Industries, the leader in defense, was far more reliable.
The basic terms of the contract were set: ten million dollars for a three-year technology patent, with freedom to sell it after fulfilling police orders.
Obadiah believed the Micro EMP Device would have excellent effects when used in individual combat weapons.
It could also produce remarkable results against regions with relatively backward weapons technology.
Once the matter of the Micro EMP weapon was settled, they moved on to discussing how to reduce Apple City's crime rate.
This was mainly discussed by the precinct chiefs from various districts.
Meanwhile, as Merlin spoke with Stark, their conversation somehow drifted to technology related to Atomic Fusion.
"Feel free to come visit my home sometime. If you need anything, you can come to me as well. Here's my business card." Kingpin warmly stuffed a business card into Merlin's hand, then nodded to George, whose expression had darkened somewhat, before leaving the banquet hall.
It was getting late. After Mayor Christian finished his final speech, the banquet was declared over.
"Try not to deal with him. Entrepreneur and philanthropist are just his public face. He's a very dangerous man." Seeing Merlin accept the card, George did not snatch it away and throw it out. Instead, he offered a warning.
"If you get involved with him, you'll be easily used."
Merlin: "..."
Although he had never met Kingpin before, they had fairly deep business ties.
"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. Publicly, the money will still be with me." Unaware of Merlin's thoughts, George earnestly cautioned him.
"Alright, alright..."
"I'm serious!"
"...Yes, sir!"
Ten million... Selling one or two Vigilantes would earn him about that much...
Over the following days, Merlin continued building up the Game Platform. Most of his time was spent purchasing and setting up repair shops, modification shops, weapon shops, bunkers, and other facilities.
Once construction was complete, he would have the R Star Subsystem move in and establish fully automated intelligent production lines to manufacture weapons and vehicles.
At the same time, apartments, villas, Nightclubs, and other properties in Hell's Kitchen were also being absorbed.
Meanwhile, the herb trade and smuggling routes were gradually being restored and reopened.
Although they had not met their new boss and could only accept missions online, as long as they could make money, the subordinates did not care much.
Moreover, with less direct contact, they were actually much safer.
Of course, this was also thanks to the Subsystem's network signal being impossible to track.
At the same time, Bullseye, Daredevil, and others became players one after another. Together with the increasingly famous Punisher, they resolved the troubles facing Hell's Kitchen's businesses during this period. They also expanded the platform's holdings, and development proceeded smoothly.
The two of them had joined without much hesitation. Bullseye was simply interested, while Daredevil, Matt, agreed immediately after hearing that he could earn a lot of money to buy a Vigilante.
Once Hell's Kitchen's basic production chains and industrial chains stabilized, Merlin prepared to open the server and recruit players for expansion.
If he recruited players too early, there might be money, but the foundation would not keep up. Weapons, vehicles, and other things with game-like features would not keep up either, and the Game Platform would be difficult to develop.
Merlin began developing steadily. Because of the Punisher's appearance, Hell's Kitchen had enjoyed a rare period of peace recently compared to the past.
After all, the Punisher really would kill you. If he said he would wipe out your whole family, he would wipe out your whole family.
Friday, Queens.
After Merlin rode Hannah home on his motorcycle, he was heading home himself. Gwen had seemed very busy recently, and the two had not seen much of each other. Today, she had not even come to class.
Peter was the same.
The motorcycle's deep roar echoed through the streets, occasionally drawing envious looks from teenagers.
"Look and see her eyes, they glow..." At that moment, a ringtone suddenly sounded in Merlin's Headset.
"Little Mute, connect the call."
Little Mute was the R-Star artificial intelligence system.
The call connected, and an anxious voice soon sounded through the Headset.
"Merlin! Where are you right now?"
"I'm near Sixth Street. What's wrong?" Hearing Gwen's anxious voice, Merlin frowned slightly and instinctively slowed down.
"Listen, you're in danger right now. That Lizard monster from the Tech Expo last time has gone looking for you."
"Get home as soon as possible."
"Bang!" A sudden sound came from ahead.
Merlin looked at the figure appearing in front of him, his expression turning grave.
"Hello! Hello? Are you listening?" When Gwen received no reply from Merlin, her tone became increasingly frantic.
"It's already too late. He's caught up."
Without any warning, a manhole cover suddenly shot into the air from the lane ahead of the motorcycle. Immediately afterward, a huge green monstrous claw gripped its edge, and a massive, ferocious Lizardman leaped out and blocked the motorcycle's path.
Merlin did not panic too much. Instead, he immediately turned the handlebars, intending to make a U-turn.
"Fuck!" But just as Merlin tilted the motorcycle sideways, he suddenly cursed. Then, ignoring everything else, he braced both hands on the fuel tank and vaulted over it.
"Bang!" A heavy manhole cover whistled past like a cannonball, and the motorcycle beneath Merlin shattered on the spot.
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