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The initial investment may be substantial, but the returns are promising.
The Hero Association, this massive machine, has finally ushered in its first core engine.
Next, we'll get this engine roaring to life and show its power to the world.
He looked out at the bustling city and knew that before long, this city, and even the whole world, would get used to the name "Sandman" and what he represented—the Hero Association.
Chapter 11: System Black Technology: Ability Assessment Room
Flint Marco, or rather, the newly reborn "Sandman," followed Wesley, stepping once again into the futuristic assessment room with an almost pilgrimage-like feeling. Unlike the tension and despair he felt before, he was now filled with anticipation for the future and a hint of curiosity about his own abilities—what exactly did that cold, electronic voice mean by "S-class potential"?
Wesley made a few movements on the control panel, and a ghostly blue light began to circulate in the room. The inhuman electronic synthesized voice sounded again, this time addressing Flint himself.
[Hero: Sandman (Flint Marco), identity confirmed. Comprehensive ability assessment and potential analysis initiated.]
Phase 1: Basic Parameter Scan.
Several beams of different colors shot out from transmitters on the walls and ceiling, gently sweeping over Flint's entire body as if they were alive. He didn't even feel much; he just saw his 3D holographic model rapidly building on the main console screen, with a waterfall of data refreshing beside it so fast it made his eyes dizzy.
[Normal body density: 1.4 g/cm³. Desertified state: Adjustable, range 0.8 - 2.5 g/cm³.]
Cell viability (sand-like state): Extremely high, possessing rapid recombination properties.
[Energy Sensing: It resonates strongly with silicon-based materials (mainly SiO₂).]
[Mental Load: The use of this ability consumes a moderate amount of mental energy; emotional fluctuations can affect the stability of the ability.]
Flint only half understood, but Wesley's eyes lit up. This basic data was frighteningly accurate, far exceeding the level that S.H.I.E.L.D. or any known research institution could achieve.
[Phase Two: In-depth Capability Testing.]
"Please completely saturate your right hand and try to condense it into a cone shape," the electronic voice instructed.
Flint did as he was told. His right hand instantly disintegrated, turning into a stream of flowing sand, which then, under his mental control, quickly condensed into a sharp sand cone.
[Sand particle manipulation precision: Beginner. Shape change speed: Medium. Energy conduction efficiency: 17.3%. Evaluation: Great potential, current technique is rough.]
"Now, try to sand your left arm and simulate impact resistance."
As soon as he finished speaking, a low-energy beam of light suddenly shot out from one side of the assessment room, striking Flint's sand-transformed left arm. The sand arm swayed slightly, the impact being dispersed and absorbed, leaving him unharmed.
Physical impact resistance: Extremely high (against blunt force and kinetic energy attacks). Energy resistance: Low (against high temperatures, extreme cold, and specific frequency energy attacks). Weakness analysis has been recorded.
"Test of the maximum desertification area".
Flint took a deep breath and focused his mind. His entire torso began to turn into sand, the sand particles spreading outwards like living mist, almost enveloping half of the assessment room.
[Current maximum desertification volume: 2.8 cubic meters. Effective control radius for sand grains: 5 meters. Sand grains beyond this control radius will lose their activity. Assessment: The extent is limited by mental strength and control skills, but has significant potential for expansion.]
Phase Three: Environmental Simulation and Practical Testing.
The surrounding light suddenly changed, and Flint found himself in what seemed to be a howling desert, with the scorching sun high overhead and sand dunes stretching out beneath his feet.
"In response to a simulated enemy attack, the objective is: to survive and fight back."
As the electronic voice faded, the sand in front of him suddenly rose up, forming several indistinct humanoid puppets made of sand grains, which roared and charged toward him.
Flint's heart tightened, and he instinctively turned his arms into sand, transforming them into two sand whips that lashed out at the puppet. The sand whips struck the puppet, scattering some of the sand particles, but the puppet quickly absorbed sand from the environment to regenerate.
"Use the environment! You're a sandman, not a boxer!" the electronic voice calmly reminded him.
Flint was taken aback, then a sudden inspiration struck him. He abandoned his direct attack and sank abruptly into the sand dune beneath his feet. The next moment, the sand beneath the sand golems suddenly collapsed, swallowing, crushing, and grinding them like quicksand! At the same time, some of the sand grains he had previously dispersed into the air, as if guided, condensed into countless tiny sand needles, shooting towards another golem attempting to approach from all directions. Although not very powerful, their harassment effect was excellent.
[Tactical Thinking: Initial awareness of environmental utilization. Combat Instinct: Fair. Adaptability: Needs improvement. Overall Combat Rating: C+. Potential for Improvement: Possesses the potential to grow into an A-level tactical executor.]
The simulated environment disappeared, and the room returned to its original state. Flint was slightly out of breath, sweat beading on his forehead, but his eyes were unusually bright. Although the battle had been brief, it had given him a new and somewhat vague understanding of how to use his abilities.
[Assessment complete. Personalized skills report and development path suggestions generated.]
On the main console screen, an extremely detailed report has been generated.
Hero: Sandsman
Ability Level: Current C+, Potential S
Core ability: Sandification/Sand particle manipulation
Advantages: Extremely high physical immunity, versatile form, strong environmental adaptability (sandy terrain, dusty urban environments), excellent stealth and ambush capabilities, and potential for large-scale field control.
Disadvantages: Fear of water (water will cause the sand grains to stick together and hinder movement), fear of high temperature (vitrification), fear of strong wind (the structure will be blown apart), low energy resistance, high mental consumption, and insufficient control precision.
Current development progress: 18%
Personalized growth path suggestions:
• Short term (1-3 months):
• Basic Control: Increase the speed of sandification and condensation, and reduce mental energy consumption. Goal: Instantaneous sandification, and maintain partial sandification as a normal state to improve reaction speed.
• Precision Training: Practice microscopic manipulation, such as threading a needle with sand grains or constructing complex structures. Goal: To be able to coalesce sand grains into sharp blades or sturdy shields.
• Environmental Resonance: Learns to sense and manipulate dust and sand particles in the environment to expand the effective combat radius. Objective: Increase the control radius to 10 meters.
• Mid-term (3-12 months):
• Morphological Expansion: Train solidified sand grain structures to form temporary weapons or tools (such as sand hammers and sand walls). Explore rapid switching between fluid and solid forms.
• Weakness Overcoming: Conduct adaptive training to improve water resistance (assisted by hydrophobic coating technology) and high-temperature resistance (by incorporating high-temperature resistant material particles). Investigate the possibility of using sand particles to refract and absorb specific energy for attacks.
• Tactical Development: Combine skills such as stealth, camouflage, and large-scale sandstorm creation to develop unique tactical systems.
• Long-term (1 year or more):
• Domain Construction: Explore the possibility of creating an absolute sand domain within a certain range and control all the sand grains within the domain.
• Advanced Matter Assimilation: Attempt to assimilate and manipulate other types of particulate matter (such as metal powder and carbon powder) to expand the scope of capabilities.
• Body Enhancement: Research is being conducted to use the sandification ability to enhance the body's physical qualities and resilience under normal conditions.
The report also includes a system-recommended training plan, suggested auxiliary skills or equipment to redeem (such as the "Advanced Sand Manipulation Tips" and "Basic Element Resistance Training Method," which all require points to redeem), and even a customized nutrition and physical enhancement plan.
Flint stared at the clearly visible path to becoming a powerful figure on the screen, his breathing quickening once more. For the first time, he had so clearly "seen" his future—no longer one of confusion and despair, but a meticulously designed, step-by-step road to success! All of this stemmed from this magical assessment room, from the man who had decided to give him a chance.
Wesley handed Flint a condensed, printed report, his tone tinged with barely concealed amazement: "Mr. Marco, this is your development roadmap. The association will provide you with all the necessary resources and support. Now, do you understand why the boss values you so much?"
Flint gripped the still-warm paper tightly, nodded vigorously, and said firmly, "I understand! I will train my hardest and will never let the boss down!"
Jin, unaware of when, had returned to the assessment room. He looked at the excited Sandman and the detailed report on the screen, and nodded slightly.
The evaluation room produced by this system is far more valuable than he imagined. It not only accurately assesses abilities but also reveals potential and plans for the future. This is equivalent to equipping each hero with a top-tier personal coach and development consultant. This systematic training capability is the core competitive advantage that will allow the Hero Association to crush those self-taught heroes in the future.
“Very good.” Kingpin said in a deep voice, “Remember this report. Your power is not only for yourself and your daughter, but also for the future of the Association. Do not waste your talent.”
"Yes, boss!" Sandman straightened his chest and answered loudly.
Kingpin turned and left, the system notification flashing through his mind again:
[The association's technological strength has been validated by the successful completion of its first in-depth hero evaluation.]
[The "Hero Development System" has been initially established. Development progress +5.]
[Unlock new feature: "Training Simulation Pod" (Basic), which allows you to exchange points for training time to simulate various combat environments and opponents.]
New features, new resources. Kingpin knew that Sandman, this important pawn, had been deployed. The next step was to invest resources to help him grow as quickly as possible and become the association's primary asset in intimidating all sides.
This adds another solid foundation to the association's rise.
Chapter 12: Tony's Taunt
Inside that iconic modern mansion perched on a seaside cliff in Malibu.
Tony Stark had just finished a six-hour optimization session on the joint transmission system of the Mark VII armor, and still smelled faintly of machine oil and welding flux. He slumped in the expensive ergonomic chair in the lab, grabbed a half-eaten cheeseburger, and with his other hand, he made a few floating holographic news interfaces in the air.
This is his way of relaxing—recharging while browsing the world to see what silly news has happened while he's engrossed in his research.
Then, he was speechless at the phrase that had dominated the headlines of almost every technology and finance section.
“The…Heroes…Association?” Tony chewed on the word, as if savoring something strange, his brow furrowing. “Wilson Fisk? That 'businessman' covered in muscles, whose brain is probably also filled with muscles?”
He quickly scanned the clips from the press conference, listening to Kingpin's rhetoric of "professionalizing heroes," "five social insurances and one housing fund," and "standardized management," his expression gradually shifting from doubt to undisguised sarcasm.
"Ha!" He chuckled, tossed the remaining hamburger back onto the plate, dusted off the crumbs on his hands, stood up, and paced around the laboratory filled with various precision instruments and unfinished armor, as if giving a speech to an invisible audience.
“Jarvis, did you hear that? This is the funniest joke I’ve heard all year… no, the whole century!” Tony waved his arms. “Treating heroism as a job? Using KPIs and regulations to control guys who act on passion and talent? It’s like trying to plan a rock concert with an Excel spreadsheet! Ridiculous! Laughable! Completely ignorant of heroism!”
“Sir, according to statistics, Mr. Fisk’s remarks have sparked widespread discussion in society, with the ratio of supporters to opponents being approximately…” Jarvis’s calm voice rang out.
“Who cares about the ratio!” Tony interrupted him. “The point is, this tarnishes the word ‘hero’! What is a hero? It’s responsibility, talent, and the courage to step up in critical moments! It’s not a nine-to-five job, not clocking in and out, and certainly not using points to redeem something like a ‘shield that shouts encouragement’?!” He saw a reporter’s sarcastic report about the association’s equipment department, and the contempt in his tone was almost overflowing.
He walked to a display stand where models of his armored vehicles, from the Mark I to the Mark VI, were displayed. His fingers lightly traced the smooth curves of the Mark III, and his tone became proud and firm: "Look at these, Jarvis. This is what a hero should be! It's intelligence, it's technology, it's pushing the limits of creativity! It's the responsibility of single-handedly shouldering an era! Not being a...employee kept under the control of a former mob boss's rules and medical insurance!"
The more he thought about it, the more absurd it seemed, and an urge to speak out surged within him. He needed to let everyone know what a true hero was, and what the right path was!
“Jarvis, get me to Jimmy Kimmel, or that inquisitive Christine Everhart… well, Jimmy it is, his show gets high ratings.” Tony snapped his fingers, his eyes gleaming with mischievous excitement. “Tell him Tony Stark has some important points to share on his late-night talk show, about that… well, very ‘interesting’ social issue right now.”
Hours later, the atmosphere in the Jimmy Kimmel Live! studio was electric.
Tony Stark, dressed in a flamboyant burgundy custom suit, without a tie, his collar casually open, legs crossed, sank into the guest sofa in an extremely relaxed posture, a stark contrast to the formally seated host Jimmy next to him.
“…So, Tony,” Jimmy followed the script, steering the conversation toward the recent hot topic, “what are your thoughts on Mr. Wilson Fisk’s newly established ‘Hero Association’ and his proposed ‘professionalization of heroes’? I know you’ve always been committed to using technology to protect the world; do you think this is a beneficial addition?”
The camera focused on Tony, and the entire audience held their breath, eagerly awaiting his answer.
Tony flashed a standard, slightly cynical Stark smile. He adjusted his posture, leaned forward, and addressed the camera and the entire audience in a clear, slightly exaggerated tone:
"My opinion? My opinion is—this is the most entertaining business plan I've heard in a long time!"
A soft chuckle rippled through the audience.
“The Hero Association? Sounds like a human resources company for superpowered individuals.” Tony shrugged. “I can picture it: a guy who just defeated alien invaders goes back to his office and has to write a report titled ‘Assessment and Optimization Recommendations for the Damage to Urban Buildings Caused by Energy Beams’? Or gets points deducted for not wearing the association’s standard-issue tie, which might have terrible taste?”
The laughter grew louder.
"As for measuring a hero's contribution with money?" Tony's smile faded, his tone now tinged with genuine mockery. "That's the greatest blasphemy against the word 'hero'! What is a hero's reward? It's the gratitude in the eyes of those who are saved, the peace of mind knowing they've protected the city's tranquility, and... a spiritual satisfaction that transcends material things! Not cold, hard numbers on a bank card, or some 'Employee of the Month' trophy!"
He pointed to his chest, though it was covered by his suit jacket, everyone knew what lay beneath. "I, Tony Stark, am Iron Man. I do this because I have the ability, and I'm willing to take on this responsibility. Not because some association pays my salary, or promises to contribute to my retirement! True heroism comes from within, not from a labor contract!"
His voice was strong and clear, carrying a strong sense of confidence and superiority.
“Mr. Fisk may be a successful… well, ‘entrepreneur,’” Tony emphasized the word “entrepreneur” with an unspoken implication, “but he clearly doesn’t understand the essence of heroism. He wants to manage individuals with extraordinary souls and strength like he manages a factory assembly line? Sorry, that won’t work. It will only stifle creativity, smooth out the edges, and ultimately produce a bunch of timid, routine… civil servant-style ‘heroes.’”
“What this world needs are unconventional geniuses, legendary figures with shining personalities, people like me…” He paused, raised his chin, “…who dare to break the rules and define the future. Not a group of employees bound by KPIs and regulations…”
He concluded with an extremely contemptuous word: "Honestly, I think his association is more like a large shelter and retraining center for superpowered people who can't find decent jobs. It's the best way to tarnish the name of heroes with money."
The interview clips were almost simultaneously reprinted by major media outlets, with headlines that were increasingly sensational:
Stark Blasts the Hero Association: Money Tarnishes the Name of Heroes!
Iron Man Speaks Frankly: The Association is a Containment Site for Superpowered Individuals!
"The Genius's Disdain: Tony Stark Claims King Doesn't Understand What a Hero Is!"
Public opinion was reignited, with supporters of Stark's traditional heroism and organizations speaking out, creating a fierce clash with those supporting the association's reform model.
Fisker Building, top-floor office.
Kingpin stood by the window, where a huge LCD screen was playing Tony Stark's sarcastic remarks from his talk show. Wesley stood behind him, his expression grim.
"Boss, Stark's remarks have had a significant negative impact on our association's initial image. Should we activate our public relations plan in response?"
Kingpin looked at Tony's arrogant and confident face on the screen. There was no sign of anger on his face. Instead, he showed a hint of... amusement.
“A response?” he spoke slowly, his voice low. “Why respond to someone… who will soon realize they’re wrong?”
He turned around, looking calmly at Wesley: "Remember, Wesley, the power of speech is based on strength. Let him talk. The more he mocks us now, the more his face will sting when we produce results."
"The association needs topics, whether positive or negative. Stark gave us a globally prominent advertising spot for free; we should be thanking him."
He walked to his desk, tapped his fingers lightly on the surface, and his mind drifted to the technological blueprints in the system store that were ahead of their time.
"Continue to proceed as planned. How is the prototype testing by the Equipment Department going?"
"It's progressing well, boss. It's just... the exterior design might indeed be a bit... too unique." Wesley carefully chose his words.
Kingpin's lips finally curled into a cold, hard smile.
"Unique? That's exactly what I want."
"Soon, Mr. Stark will understand that some things cannot be denied simply by talking and showing off."
"For example, a real... technological dominance."