"An Encounter"

"So, why did you come to Hell's Kitchen?"

Tony asked Xia Ling, looking puzzled as he ate a cheeseburger. Natasha and Old Village Chief followed behind them.

"Well, Stark, would you believe me if I said I just came to admire the beautiful scenery?"

As if!

Tony rolled his eyes. Who would believe a load of nonsense like that? Did Xia Ling really think he wasn't a super-genius?

"Looks like you don't believe me. Fine, I'll tell you the real reason. I have a hunch I'll run into someone extraordinary again."

A hunch?

And you say you're not a prophet!

Tony grumbled to himself, even more convinced that Director Xia of S.H.I.E.L.D. was Yahweh's messenger.

He just couldn't understand why Xia Ling wouldn't admit it, when it was such an honor.

All those prophets throughout history had been eager to let the whole world know who they were.

"Tony, I've bought you meal after meal, and you still won't play along with me. People really have lost all decency these days."

Tony looked at Xia Ling, who seemed to think a few measly burgers would earn his gratitude. He nearly choked on the cheeseburger in his mouth. The world-famous Iron Man had almost been murdered by a cheeseburger.

"Cough, cough. I always thought I was the only one who liked being in the spotlight, but today I have to admit, Director Xia, your 'burger diplomacy' is so impressive that I bow to your skill."

Tony teased him, cheeseburger crumbs still clinging to the corner of his mouth. Yet his eyes flashed with helplessness at Xia Ling's antics.

Tony's teasing drew a soft laugh from Xia Ling. He merely patted Tony on the shoulder, signaling for them to keep moving.

The group continued winding through Hell's Kitchen's maze of streets, while Natasha and Coulson kept a close eye on their surroundings.

This was Hell's Kitchen, the most chaotic place in all of New York. One wrong move, and even elite agents like them could lose their lives.

As Tony ate his burger, he searched all around for anything unusual, hoping to find something that might help with the dire situation awaiting them in the future.

Only Xia Ling strolled along as casually as if he were out on a picnic.

"Look, isn't that Kingpin's lover? What happened to him?"

Following Xia Ling's pointing finger, everyone looked over. Outside a law office not far away, a staggering man struggled to open the door.

The bandages on him made it clear he'd recently suffered serious injuries.

But that was perfectly normal. In Hell's Kitchen, who could guarantee they'd come away unscathed?

The man had clearly heard Xia Ling's teasing and turned his head toward them in annoyance.

"Well, this is a surprise. I never thought I'd run into the famous Daredevil while out for a walk. What a coincidence."

"Is he really that famous?"

Tony's face twitched as he muttered under his breath. Director Xia called everyone famous. Were there really that many famous people around?

He didn't know this guy at all. How could every Tom, Dick, and Harry be called famous?

When Matt heard Xia Ling's teasing, his heart tightened. He quickly composed himself, trying to hide his identity.

He forced himself to stay calm and turned around. A flicker of wariness crossed his face, but he soon regained his usual composure.

"Sir, you're quite the joker. I'm just an ordinary lawyer at this firm, Matt Murdock. I'm hardly the famous Daredevil.

"Besides, everyone knows how chaotic Hell's Kitchen is. I'm just doing what I can to provide legal assistance to the people who live here."

Matt's words carried a hint of humility and resignation, but above all, he was worried his identity had been exposed.

"Coulson, tell him who we are."

Xia Ling didn't answer Matt. Instead, he motioned for Coulson beside him to speak.

After all, he was the head of an agency. Having to handle everything himself would be beneath him.

Coulson reluctantly stepped forward, faithfully fulfilling his duty as the director's lackey.

"Mr. Murdock, we're FBI agents. We've documented all your activities. This is our director. We hope you'll cooperate with our investigation."

As he spoke, Coulson took out his credentials to prove to Daredevil that they were who they claimed to be.

Xia Ling frowned at the sight. Flashing credentials was such a low-class move.

Anyone who didn't know better might think he was peddling fake IDs.

He'd have to get a few armed helicopters over here to show off sometime. If people didn't believe the credentials, surely they'd believe the guns on an armed helicopter?

Matt took the credentials and felt them over. Nothing seemed wrong. These people really were FBI agents. Wait, something's off. I just heard a voice that sounded exactly like Tony Stark, that playboy.

Tony Stark is FBI too? No, something's wrong with this group.

Matt's wariness deepened, but he kept his outward composure.

It was daytime. He was just a lawyer, completely helpless in a fight—not the street hero he became at night.

If he fought them, the whole of Hell's Kitchen might learn his true identity.

Matt rapidly weighed his options. He knew it was vital to stay calm and cautious.

He slowly handed the credentials back to Coulson, then said as evenly as he could, "Thank you for being honest, FBI agents. I'll cooperate with any lawful investigation, but please let me finish dealing with the matter at hand first. As a lawyer, I have a duty to protect my clients and the safety of my firm."

"See? That's how you play dumb like a pro. Impressive, Daredevil. Coulson, take notes. You've got a lot to learn from him!"

Coulson pressed his lips together in a helpless smile. Why does he have to drag me into everything? Is Director Xia ever going to stop?

Natasha shot her colleague a sympathetic look. Ever since the New Director took office, Coulson's hair had been thinning so badly he was nearly bald. She wondered if there was any hope for him.

Matt's eyes widened. Why wouldn't this guy listen? And why was he saying Matt was playing dumb? Had he even played dumb?

Matt felt helpless inside, but maintained his professional smile. He reiterated, "Everyone, I really am Matt Murdock, an ordinary lawyer devoted to providing legal support for my clients. I've never heard of anyone called Daredevil, and it has nothing to do with me."

Seeing that Daredevil was still desperately denying his identity, Xia Ling dropped the act and walked over to him.

"Enough, Daredevil. Just admit it. I'm sure you don't want to go to prison and pick up the soap with Kingpin, do you?"