Mourning the Renowned Philanthropist Mr. Kingpin

"Let us welcome the renowned entrepreneur, celebrated philanthropist, New York City councilman, and candidate for Mayor of New York City—

Mr. Wilson Grant Fisk, to deliver a speech."

A middle-aged man in an expensive custom-tailored suit, broad and powerfully built, strode steadily onto the stage.

His imposing body carried the danger of a beast, yet his smile was as warm as a spring breeze.

"I speak on behalf of the citizens who deeply love this city.

"Whenever I see Hell's Kitchen in such chaos, and the people living there suffering so greatly, my heart aches.

"I swear that I will rebuild it.

"Restoring New York's glory is our bounden duty!"

Russell was beginning to think he did not want to kill Kingpin.

Not because his speech was impassioned and infectious.

But because he was too black.

From Russell's energy vision, Kingpin's soul was steeped in blackness, continuously overflowing with the stench of sin.

Russell had never seen a soul so evil.

Compared to him, the Kingpin from neighboring Universe 1610 was insignificant.

A conservative estimate put him at 443 Attribute Points.

An ordinary Mafia boss only had five to twenty points.

One last chance. Hopefully, Mr. Fisk would seize it.

With a silent sigh, Russell activated the Time Stone.

Kingpin's past unfolded before him.

He had murdered his father as a child and joined the Mafia.

After becoming a gang boss, he murdered and set fires, even killed his wife to prove his path.

Better kill him, then. But do not absorb the energy.

The Panel was still upgrading and could not filter it yet. Better not let it ruin his mood.

Having made up his mind, Russell hesitated no longer.

Invisible energy quietly seeped into Kingpin's brain.

With so many watching, he would let him die with some dignity.

Combined with his Perception ability, Russell launched the attack without hesitation.

Several arteries in Kingpin's brain were torn apart.

Kingpin's expression twisted in pain, and his massive body crashed to the ground.

"Mr. Fisk!"

"Mr. Fisk, what's wrong?"

"An ambulance! Call an ambulance!"

The scene descended into chaos as Russell quietly slipped away.

Next was Matt Murdock.

In Universe 404, Russell was attorney Matt Murdock's client and Daredevil's comrade.

Russell's identification documents had been arranged by Matt.

Before he had accumulated enough Attribute Points for the first stage of the Panel Upgrade,

wandering through Hell's Kitchen every night had been Russell's daily task.

During that time, Russell had helped Daredevil many times.

Matt Murdock, I hope you are a lawyer, not a gang boss.

Although they were two different universes, if possible, I still do not want to kill you.

Russell casually hailed a taxi.

"Hello, take me to Nelson & Murdock."

"Nelson & Murdock? Is that newly opened? Sorry, sir, I don't know it. Perhaps you could point—"

Russell's heart sank. He handed the cabbie a green banknote.

"Keep the tip. I don't need the ride anymore."

Russell changed locations and hailed several more taxis to ask.

The answers were all identical.

If the firm existed, then Matt was a lawyer rather than a gang boss.

Conversely, that naturally could not prove Matt was a gang boss.

But—

Forget it. Even if it was more tiring, he would find him himself.

Russell calmed himself and spread out his Spiritual Energy.

He carefully listened to every sound in New York City.

"Murdock! There's something suspicious about Boss Kingpin's death.

"The killer might still be at the scene. Why did you let them leave?!"

Was Daredevil a subordinate of Kingpin in this version?

Russell sighed softly.

Matt, you would not blame me for killing one of your variants, would you?

"Murdock, did you kill the boss?!"

A nameless extra in a black suit, dressed like a bodyguard, pushed through the crowd and pointed at Matt as he shouted.

"Bang!"

A gunshot rang out.

"Who the hell are you to point at Mr. Murdock?"

In an instant, Kingpin's former subordinates split into three factions.

Matt Murdock's faction and the anti-Matt Murdock faction drew their guns and faced off.

The neutral faction retreated to one side and watched coldly.

"Bang!"

Twenty blocks away, Russell mimed firing a gun with his fingers.

This shot condensed invisible energy into something tangible, passed through a Portal, and instantly struck between Matt's brows.

Matt Murdock collapsed at once.

Then gunfire erupted everywhere.

With the matter settled, he flicked his sleeves and departed, hiding his achievements and fame.

Time to go home for dinner!

As for the remaining Webbing Organization, a criminal organization like that would not be easy to investigate.

Just like the Vampire incident, he would leave the investigation to Gwen.

Once she found them, he would make the final call himself.

Accompanied by golden light, Russell appeared in Gwen's living room.

"Good evening, George."

"Good evening, Gwen."

"Good evening, Russell." x2

Gwen was no longer surprised by Russell's way of appearing.

Ever since he had learned the Portal Spell yesterday, he had not properly walked anywhere. Wherever he went, he simply opened a Portal.

Hmm?

During dinner, Russell noticed that George was looking at him strangely.

Just like Helen from Earth-404.

"Gwen, are you going out again tonight?"

George suddenly asked.

When Gwen had explained where she had been lately to George last night, she had also told him that she was Spider-Man.

"Yeah."

Gwen nodded.

"Dad, you told me Spider-Man could help more people."

George frowned deeply. He had indeed said that.

"Gwen, I'm not against you helping others.

"But right now, Spider-Man is a criminal."

"Dad, I already explained it to you. I didn't kill Peter. He died from the side effects of the Lizard Serum."

Gwen's tone grew agitated. She could not accept that the person closest to her did not believe her.

"Gwen, I believe you."

George soothed her.

"The police need evidence, but you refuse to let me reopen the investigation—"

"I don't want anyone else to know that monster was Peter."

Gwen's voice fell low.

Between Ghost-Spider's innocence and the reputation of her dead friend,

she chose to preserve the latter.

"There's a spell that can make everyone in this world forget that Spider-Man 'killed' Peter Parker."

Russell cut in.

"But there's one problem. It can't erase the records."

George said, "As long as no one remembers it, I can close the case directly and seal the files."

Gwen looked gratefully at Russell and George. "Russell, George, thank you."

George looked at Russell. "Then shall we get started now?"

Russell calculated the time and shook his head. "Tomorrow."

It was around four or five in the morning in Nepal. The Ancient One was still asleep.

Gwen looked at George pleadingly, eager to get going.

She could not wait any longer.

George hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

It was only one night. Nothing should happen, right?

"Yay!"

Gwen cheered and returned to her room to change out of her school uniform and into her suit.

New York City, your friendly neighborhood Ghost-Spider is back tonight!

After all, she was just a young girl.

Russell shook his head with a smile.

Wanted to run off and have some fun?

Bet you did not expect Boss Russell to have a task waiting for you.

In front of George, Russell used the telepathy ability he had just learned:

*

Gwen, I have a task for you.

Investigate the Webbing Organization.

*