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Real Name: Lin (Confidentiality Level C)
Ability Level: Current D, Potential B
Core capability: Silent Force Field (Area-of-effect/Single-target directional)
Ability Effects: Interrupts/weakens sound transmission, calms intense emotional fluctuations, and interferes with abilities that depend on sound/mental fluctuations.
Note: Quiet and reserved, with a strong will and extremely high resistance to mental attacks. Performed flawlessly on the first mission and possesses the potential to grow into a core member in a specific field.
“Another promising prospect,” Wesley muttered to himself. The Association’s hero roster was growing at an astonishing rate and with increasing quality. The Sandman represented strong physical offense, defense, and crowd control potential, while the Mind Master filled the gap in dealing with specific types of threats, especially mental attacks.
Kingpin stood before the enormous floor-to-ceiling window, listening intently to Wesley's report, his gaze deep and thoughtful.
"Tell the logistics and public relations departments to appropriately guide public opinion about the 'mindfulness therapists,' highlighting their professionalism, composure, and efficiency," Kingpin said slowly. "What we need to show the outside world is a comprehensive, multi-layered professional organization capable of dealing with all kinds of complex threats, not a bunch of muscle-bound brutes."
"Yes, boss."
Kingpin's gaze drifted out the window, as if he could see the gray figure that had just completed its mission and quietly departed.
Silence is sometimes more powerful than any roar.
The debut of the "Mindfulness Master" perfectly illustrated this point.
The association has found another suitable piece to its puzzle. This network for addressing future crises is becoming increasingly robust.
Chapter 19: Fury's Test
S.H.I.E.L.D., Trident Headquarters, Director's Office.
Nick Fury stared intently at the two reports displayed side-by-side on the holographic projection. One was the technical department's Nth attempt to analyze the "Hero Association App" and its underlying technology system, with the result still frustrating: "Unanalyzable, technology source unknown." The other was Phil Coulson's detailed report on their first contact with Kingpin, revealing the target's toughness, confidence, and unfathomable nature.
"He called us 'partners'?" Fury's voice was low and unreadable, but those who knew him well knew it was a sign of his extreme displeasure.
“Yes, sir.” Coulson stood in front of his desk, his expression grave. “His stance is clear: he refuses to disclose the source of the technology, emphasizes the association’s independence, and… seems intent on placing us in an equal, or even slightly dominant, ‘cooperative’ position.”
Hill added, “More importantly, it’s the raw power they’ve demonstrated. Sandman, whose real name is Flint Marko, is documented in our files as a low-level superhuman with decent abilities but not a significant threat. However, based on the limited footage and analysis transmitted back by our undercover agents, his level of control and tactical prowess in the Association’s first public mission far exceeds historical records. This rapid improvement in such a short period is extremely unusual.”
“And then there’s that newly emerged ‘Mind Master,’” Coulson interjected, “whose abilities are highly targeted and who handles mental pollution incidents cleanly and efficiently. The Association’s hero recruitment and training system is frighteningly efficient.”
Fury's fingers tapped rhythmically on the table. Kingpin's threat level rose steadily in his mind. This was no longer a mob boss trying to whitewash his image, but a potential behemoth possessing unknown high technology, an efficient talent development capability, and ambitious plans to establish a new order. Conventional surveillance and diplomatic contact were no longer sufficient to ascertain his true nature.
“We need a more in-depth assessment.” Fury stopped tapping and looked sharply at Coulson with his single eye. “An unofficial, technical ‘friendly visit.’ Have the people at the ‘lab’ prepare. You’ll lead the team to the association headquarters under the guise of discussing collaborative training and safety protocols for superpowered individuals. This time, I need to find out exactly what their so-called ‘ability assessment room’ and ‘training facilities’ are all about, and obtain as many technical samples or data as possible.”
“Understood, sir.” Coulson understood immediately. This involved using S.H.I.E.L.D.'s technological detection methods to conduct a reconnaissance operation that appeared compliant on the surface but was in fact a form of infiltration.
A few days later, Agent Phil Coulson reappeared in the top-floor office of the Fisk Building, this time followed by two technical experts in white lab coats carrying silver metal cases, who were clearly researchers.
“Agent Coulson, welcome back again.” Kingpin sat behind his large desk, his tone flat, seemingly unsurprised by their arrival. “It seems S.H.I.E.L.D. is quite interested in our association’s 'employee benefits'?”
Coulson wore his standard, gentle smile. "Mr. Fisk, you flatter us. We simply admire the professionalism your association has demonstrated in the training and safety management of superhumans. S.H.I.E.L.D. is also committed to research in this field, and Director Fury hopes we can have some technical exchanges and experience sharing, for example, on ability assessment and training methods."
He cleverly avoided the word "investigate" and replaced it with "exchange and share".
Kingpin's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile, as if he had seen through everything. He didn't answer immediately, but instead turned his gaze to the two technical experts behind Coulson. Their eyes were subtly scanning the various electronic devices in the office, their fingers moving slightly on the hidden buttons on the metal cases.
“Exchange? Sure.” Kingpin slowly rose, his massive body radiating an invisible pressure. “Perfect timing. One of our core members is currently undergoing routine training. Perhaps the experts could offer some guidance.”
He didn't give Coulson any more chance to maneuver and directly extended an invitation.
Coulson felt a slight chill run down his spine, but his smile remained unchanged: "It would be my pleasure."
Led by Kingpin and Wesley, the group took a private elevator deep into the Fisk Tower's underground area. When the elevator doors opened again, the sight before them astonished Coulson and the two technical experts.
What lay before them was not the traditional training ground filled with sweat and shouts, but a wide, bright corridor brimming with futuristic technology. The walls were made of a soft, milky-white luminescent material, the floor of some kind of active metal, and the air was so clean it was almost dust-free. It was eerily quiet, with only the echoes of footsteps breaking the silence.
Wesley explained, "This is the Association's Hero Training Area, which includes multiple functional modules such as an ability assessment room, a simulation training pod, and a physical enhancement area. We are currently heading to the simulation training pod that Mr. Sandman is using."
Soon, they arrived at a huge, dark blue metal door. A simple control panel was on the side of the door. Wesley operated it a few times, and the metal door slid open silently, revealing the interior.
This is an extremely vast space, and the interior scene is not a physical entity, but rather a desert storm being constructed by a high-precision holographic projection and environmental simulation system!
Yellow sand fills the sky, visibility is extremely low, and a fierce wind howls (simulated sound effect). Scorching heat waves hit you in the face (simulated tactile sensation). At the eye of the storm, a giant made of sand is fighting against dozens of other sand beasts, also made of sand but with ferocious forms!
The sand giant moved swiftly and precisely, sometimes transforming into quicksand to evade attacks, sometimes conjuring massive sand fists to shatter sand beasts, and sometimes manipulating the entire sandy ground to create quicksand vortexes to trap enemies. The battle was intense, with strong energy fluctuations (simulated), but strangely controlled within a certain range, causing no damage to the training pod itself.
"This is... a real-time environment simulation? The level of realism..." A S.H.I.E.L.D. technical expert couldn't help but exclaim, the data on the screen of the detection instrument in his hand jumping wildly, showing the complex energy field and physical parameter changes inside the cabin, its accuracy and stability far exceeding any of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s existing training facilities.
Coulson was also deeply shaken. The effectiveness of this training environment in improving the combat abilities of superhumans was undeniable.
Just then, the training seemed to come to an end. The desert storm scene vanished instantly, and the training pod returned to its original dark space. Flint, the Sandman, materialized in the center. He was slightly out of breath, showing signs of fatigue from the training, but his eyes were sharp, and his aura was much more solid than Coulson had seen in the data.
He saw Kingpin and Wesley and immediately walked over: "Boss, Mr. Wesley." Then, he looked at Coulson and the others with a hint of wariness in his eyes.
“Continue your training, Marco,” Kingpin said calmly.
"Yes, boss." The Sandman didn't ask any more questions and turned to walk towards the rest area next door, where there were special nutritional supplements and recovery equipment provided by the association.
Kingpin then turned to Coulson, his tone still calm: "So, Agent Coulson, do our training facilities still meet S.H.I.E.L.D.'s standards?"
Coulson suppressed his inner turmoil and forced a smile: "Amazing technology, Mr. Fisk. I wonder if we might have the privilege of visiting other facilities, such as... the competence assessment room? We are very curious about your association's precise competence assessment system."
This is one of the core objectives of their trip.
Kingpin glanced at him and did not refuse: "Okay."
He led everyone to the [Ability Assessment Room] that Flint had once experienced. Unlike the vastness of the training pod, this place appeared more sophisticated and...mysterious.
The moment the two S.H.I.E.L.D. technical experts entered the assessment room, it was as if they had entered a treasure trove; their eyes instantly lit up with excitement. The detection instruments in their hands emitted even more urgent beeps, and the energy readings and various unknown fluctuation curves displayed on the screens made their breathing quicken.
"The particle composition of this scanning beam...I've never seen anything like it before!"
"The way energy is conducted... violates known physical laws!"
"Where is the core processing unit? We can't detect any physical servers!"
They attempted to conduct deeper scans and steal data using concealed equipment they carried. However, all the probes disappeared without a trace when they reached the walls of the assessment room and the core platform, or were instantly interfered with or blocked by a more advanced encryption protocol.
They couldn't even understand the most basic operating principles of this room!
Kingpin and Wesley stood in the doorway, calmly watching their futile efforts. Kingpin's eyes even held a hint of mockery.
"It seems that S.H.I.E.L.D.'s technical experts are very interested in our equipment?" Kingpin slowly spoke, breaking the silence.
A hint of embarrassment flashed across Coulson's face, and he quickly said, "It's just a professional habit, Mr. Fisk, please don't mind. Your association's technology is indeed... unique."
Just then, in the evaluation room, that cold, inhuman synthesized voice suddenly rang out, not directed at anyone, but like a routine broadcast:
[Unauthorized high-frequency detection signal detected. Signal source: External portable device.]
[Signal identified: S.H.I.E.L.D. standard reconnaissance unit (model: SHIELD-7C).]
[Risk assessment: Low. Countermeasures have been initiated.]
[Note: For technical exchanges, please submit your application through official channels.]
The assessment room was deathly silent.
The two tech experts' faces turned deathly pale instantly, and the screens of their instruments went black, clearly indicating that some stronger signal had directly burned out their internal components. Coulson's smile froze completely, and a cold sweat broke out on his back.
The other side not only instantly identified the model of their reconnaissance equipment, but also easily countered it, and... pointed it out directly!
This is no longer a technological gap; it's a dimensional crushing defeat! It's a blatant, silent demonstration of power!
Kingpin seemed not to hear the electronic voice, still looking at Coulson, his tone flat and indifferent: "Agent Coulson, it seems your equipment isn't quite adapted to this environment. If you need technical support, perhaps our association's logistics department can help?"
Coulson took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, and forced a smile that looked more like a grimace: "No... no need, Mr. Fisk. It's probably a malfunction. Today's visit has been very beneficial, and I think we should head back now. We need to report to Director Fury... your association's 'sincere willingness to cooperate'."
He emphasized the word "sincere intention to cooperate," with a hint of bitterness in his tone.
This "friendly visit" not only yielded nothing for S.H.I.E.L.D., but also resulted in them being thoroughly humiliated and given a cold shoulder.
Watching Coulson and his group leave in a somewhat disheveled state, Wesley whispered, "Boss, isn't this a bit too much..."
“Just right.” Kingpin interrupted him, his gaze deep. “Fry needs to clearly recognize the gap. Only then will he think twice before reaching out next time.”
"Cooperation is possible. But it must be conducted within our rules."
He turned around and looked at the dark blue core platform in the assessment room, the system's prompts still echoing in his mind.
[Successfully thwarted a technical reconnaissance attempt by the external organization "S.H.I.E.L.D." The Association's technological deterrent capability has been enhanced.]
[Triggering task "Establish Boundaries" progress update: 1/3.]
S.H.I.E.L.D.'s first substantial probing attempt was easily thwarted. But Kingpin knew this was just the beginning. Fury, that old fox, would never give up so easily.
However, he wasn't worried. Because he had far more cards to play than anyone could imagine.
Chapter 20: Internal Meeting: We Must Grow Bigger and Stronger
On the top floor of the Fisk Tower, in Kingpin's spacious office, the atmosphere was completely different from usual. The heavy curtains were not fully drawn, allowing the orange-red light of dusk to mingle with the city lights just coming on, casting long, ever-changing shadows on the mirror-like floor.
In the center of the office, the enormous mahogany desk, a symbol of power and status, had been temporarily moved away, replaced by a sleek, modern oval conference table. No paper documents were piled on the table; instead, several floating holographic projection interfaces cast a soft blue glow around the faces of the people seated around it.
This was a high-level internal meeting of the Hero Association, attended by only a handful of people, but representing the true core of the association today.
The head of the table was naturally Wilson Fisk, Kingpin. His massive frame was seated in a specially made chair, his hands crossed on the table, his gaze calmly sweeping over everyone present, an invisible pressure naturally enveloping the entire space.
To his left was James Wesley, the association's general manager and Kingpin's chief assistant, responsible for day-to-day operations, legal matters, public relations, and external communications—essentially the association's head steward.
To his right sat Flint Marko, codenamed "Sandman." He had changed into a presentable casual outfit, but the composure and sharpness in his eyes, tempered by power and infused with hope, were undeniable. As the Association's only S-class potential hero and combat legend, he was qualified to sit here.
In addition, there were a few new faces around the conference table.
One was a middle-aged woman with a sharp and capable demeanor, wearing gold-rimmed glasses. In front of her floated a complex flow of financial data and a resource distribution map. She was the former chief financial officer of the Fisker Group and had been transferred to the association to be responsible for building and managing the association's massive cash flow and resource allocation.
The other is an elderly man with gray hair but sharp, eagle-like eyes. He was once a top human resources director of a multinational corporation and was poached by Kim with irresistible offers. Now he is in charge of recruiting, reviewing, managing files, and maintaining "employee relations" for heroes.
There was another relatively young man, wearing a lab coat, with eyes full of the burning passion of a tech fanatic. He was the temporary head of the association's "Equipment R&D Department." Although the department was still in its infancy, he had already produced several initial design drafts that surprised even Kingpin.
“Everyone’s here.” Kingpin’s deep voice broke the silence. Without any pleasantries, he cut straight to the point. “Since its establishment, the association has initially gained a foothold. We have our first successful case,” he said, glancing at Sandman and nodding slightly. Sandman straightened his back. “We have also demonstrated our ability to deal with different types of threats. Public awareness and… controversy have both increased as expected.”
His words were calm, as if he were presenting an ordinary quarterly report.
“But that’s far from enough.” Kingpin’s tone shifted, his gaze sharpening. “We’re more like a high-level ‘crisis response team’ right now, passively handling tasks pushed to us by the system. That’s too primitive, too inefficient, and can’t achieve economies of scale.”
He lightly tapped the table with his finger, and a huge, three-dimensional holographic projection of the global map unfolded in the center of the conference table, with countless bright and dim points of light flashing on it, representing abnormal energy reactions and extraordinary individuals detected or potentially detected by the system.
"Our goal is not to be a 'high-end property security guard' in New York City." Kingpin's voice carried an undeniable ambition. "We want to build a global, professional, and systematic system for extraordinary crisis response and hero management. This is the true meaning of the 'Hero Association'."
He glanced at everyone and said, “Therefore, today’s meeting has only one theme—how to grow bigger and stronger.”
"Wesley, you go first."
Wesley adjusted his glasses and brought up the projector in front of him: "Yes, boss. Based on the current operational data and some information provided by the system, I have drafted a preliminary expansion plan for the association in the next phase."
"First, establish branches. We cannot always concentrate our efforts in New York. I suggest that, in the first phase, we establish the first batch of overseas branches in four international hub cities: London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Rio de Janeiro. These cities are prone to extraordinary events and have a strong radiating effect. We need to establish outposts in these cities, recruit local heroes, handle regional events, and establish... limited cooperative relationships with local authorities."
"Second, we need to improve the logistics support system. The current logistics forces are highly efficient, but they are too small in scale and have limited functions. We need to establish tiered logistics centers that cover all aspects of services, including rapid response, battlefield support, battle damage repair, technology recovery, and even medical care, psychological counseling, and daily life support for heroes. This requires a large number of professional personnel, equipment investment, and the establishment of standardized processes."
"Third, technology research and development and equipment standardization. Relying on our existing... technological advantages," he glanced at the head of the equipment department, "we will establish an independent research and development and production system as soon as possible. The goal is to provide standardized, upgradeable equipment with specific functional orientations for heroes of different levels and abilities. From basic protective suits and communicators to advanced energy weapons and special vehicles. This will not only improve the heroes' combat power and survivability, but also reflect the association's hard power, and even... could become an important source of revenue in the future."
Kingpin listened quietly, offering no comment, then turned his gaze to the CFO.
The middle-aged woman immediately chimed in: “In terms of funding, in the early stages, relying on your personal investment and the profits from the Fisker Group is not a problem. However, in the long run, the association needs to establish a self-sustaining financial model. I have initially envisioned a few directions: First, accepting targeted donations and sponsorships from society and enterprises; second, providing ‘high-end security services’ for large-scale events or specific high-value targets and charging fees; third, in the future, we may consider commercializing some non-core civilian products derived from our technology. Of course, all financial processes must be absolutely transparent and compliant to withstand scrutiny from all parties.”
The senior HR professional continued, “Talent is key. Current recruitment relies mainly on an app and initial screening, which is efficient enough, but lacks precision and depth. I plan to establish a more comprehensive system for competency assessment, background checks, and psychological testing. At the same time, we will design more attractive compensation and benefits packages, promotion channels, and long-term career development plans. We not only need to attract talent, but also retain and cultivate it. For core members like Mr. Sandman, we need tailor-made training programs and dedicated resources.” He looked at Flint.
Flint, feeling the gaze, became somewhat reserved, but still spoke firmly: "I will do my best to improve myself, boss. The association gave me everything, and everything I have belongs to the association."
The head of the equipment department excitedly pulled up several extremely...abstract design drawings: "Boss! Our equipment department's preliminary designs are out! Based on the analysis of Mr. Sandman's abilities, we've conceived a prototype of the 'Sandstorm Generator,' which can help him more efficiently condense and control environmental sand and dust! There's also a 'Portable Energy Amplification Gauntlet' designed for potential energy-type heroes! Although the appearance might be a little...unique in pursuit of ultimate practicality and cost control, the performance is absolutely guaranteed!" The equipment in the design drawings he showed looked full of post-apocalyptic punk style, completely different from the dazzling technological feel of Stark Industries.
Kingpin's gaze lingered on the design drawings for a moment, his face remaining expressionless. He simply said, "Practicality comes first, and costs must be controllable. As for the appearance... it can be optimized appropriately, but there's no need to blindly pursue extravagance."
He concluded, “Very good. The ideas are clear. Wesley, refine this expansion plan into an actionable scheme and timeline. I will coordinate funding and resources. Accelerate talent recruitment and system building. As for equipment development, produce a testable prototype as soon as possible.”
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze sweeping over everyone present with an almost tangible intensity.
“Remember, we’re not playing house, nor are we doing a charity project. We’re establishing a new order, a new set of rules. Everything we do must revolve around this core objective.”
"Efficiency, professionalism, controllability, and...absolute authority."
"I want the whole world to get used to and recognize that the name 'Hero Association' represents the highest standard and ultimate solution in the field of extraordinary crises."
There were no heated discussions, no impassioned oaths, only concise and efficient instructions and absolute obedience. Everyone rose, silently departed, and went about their respective areas of responsibility.
Silence returned to the office, leaving only Kingpin. He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the city below, which was beginning to ripple with the influence of the "Hero Association."
In my mind, the system's notification sounded at just the right moment:
The association's long-term development plan has been initially established. Development progress +10.
[Triggering a phased task – "Global Expansion (Part 1)". Task requirements: Within six months, successfully establish and activate Hero Association branches in any two overseas cities (London/Tokyo/Hong Kong/Rio de Janeiro). Task rewards: 2000 points, 2 [Branch Construction Basic Modules]]
Kingpin's eyes reflected the dazzling lights of New York, but deeper within them lay a vast territory waiting for him to plan and conquer.