The Wraith's direct and ruthless approach to delivering justice had sent shockwaves through New York City. Over the past few days, his actions had been met with mixed reactions, but the overwhelming sentiment, especially among marginalized groups, was one of approval. For those who had long felt ignored, oppressed, or exploited by the system, The Wraith was a symbol of retribution—a force that finally held the powerful accountable. His methods were brutal, yes, but they were effective. And for many, that was enough.
Online forums buzzed with discussions about The Wraith, his targets, and his methods. One particular forum, True Hero, had become a hub for fans and critics alike. Members actively compiled a portfolio of his actions, analyzing each target and the evidence he left behind. The conversations were lively, passionate, and often polarizing.
@Milpo: "The Wraith is just awesome, man. He's doing what the system can't—or won't." -@J. Jill: "His kill list is as diverse as it gets. He's exposing these so-called 'elites' in every way possible. Judges, politicians, businessmen—no one's safe." -@Elups46: "Is The Wraith really a hero?... The guy is like...a killer, plain and simple. Hanging, headshots, spread eagle—it's brutal, man. Too brutal." @Red&Black: "I wouldn't call him a hero. He's more like an antihero. And that makes him even better. He's a realist, dealing with the world as it is, not as it should be." @JohnR: "The Wraith is definitely an antihero. He's going after the big names—judges, lawyers, commissioners, ex-mayors. The kind of people who are usually untouchable." @Dreiblar: "Let's be honest, do any of you really think these people would've been punished in court? Hell no! The Wraith is the only one making them pay."
The anonymity of the internet allowed people to speak openly about their feelings, something they might not do in the real world. For many, The Wraith represented a long-overdue reckoning. They agreed with his methods because they knew the truth: the people he targeted were the kind who always slipped through the cracks of the justice system. They were the untouchables, the ones who used their wealth and power to evade consequences. And now, they were finally facing justice—albeit in the most brutal way possible.
The FBI and the police's reluctance to address The Wraith's actions only fueled the public's support for him. Their silence was telling. It confirmed what many had long suspected: the system was designed to protect the powerful, not the people. The Wraith, on the other hand, didn't care about politics or bureaucracy. He acted swiftly and decisively, delivering justice with irrefutable evidence and an unflinching hand. And the public was starting to side with him.
In just two weeks, the vibe of New York City had shifted dramatically. The justice system, once riddled with corruption and inefficiency, began to operate more cautiously and transparently. Police brutality cases decreased, and officers seemed more mindful of their actions. The city's elite, once flaunting their wealth and power with impunity, began to scale back their obnoxious behavior. Even city services aimed at helping the underprivileged and poor, which had long been neglected, suddenly began to function again.
The reason for this sudden change was clear: The Wraith had put everyone in check. The rich and powerful had come to realize that if they were caught by law enforcement, they might face fines, firings, or even prison time. But if they crossed paths with The Wraith, they would die. No amount of money, influence, or protection could save them. He was unstoppable, and his message was clear: no one was above justice.
Not everyone was comfortable with The Wraith's methods. His ruthless crusade for truth and justice had sparked heated debates across the city, and the media's portrayal of him was as divided as the public's opinion. Some outlets, particularly those with ties to powerful figures, painted him as a homicidal maniac, a serial killer, and a dangerous vigilante. And, to be fair, they weren't entirely wrong. The Wraith's methods were brutal, his actions extreme, and his body count was growing by the day. But for many other media outlets, those not influenced by external pressures, The Wraith's actions were seen in a more nuanced light.
"The Wraith is obviously an individual who has been hurt and harmed by the system we have in this country," said a talk show host, carefully choosing his words. "Let's be truly honest here—is our justice system perfect? The obvious answer is no. But we all know that nothing is perfect, right? Imagine if you were a victim of a miscarriage of justice, watching as these circumstances happened over and over again. Would you be able to stay calm and not do what The Wraith has decided to do? Sure, we can all sit in these chairs on this show and yap about this and that, but at the end of the day, The Wraith is the only one who has said, 'This is enough! I'm taking action!' Let's be true to the facts here—has he ever punished an innocent person?"
The host's words resonated with many viewers, sparking a wave of support for The Wraith. While his methods were undeniably extreme, his targets were anything but innocent. He exposed corruption, greed, and cruelty, forcing the public to confront the dark underbelly of their society. And for many, that was enough to justify his actions.
For the past few days, The Wraith had dominated the news cycle. His name was plastered across headlines, his actions dissected in every corner of the media. There wasn't a single person in New York who hadn't heard of him or formed an opinion about him. While everyone agreed that his methods were questionable, there was a growing consensus that his actions were necessary. He had become a symbol of retribution, a force that instilled fear in the hearts of the corrupt and the powerful.
The Wraith didn't act recklessly or indiscriminately. He didn't roam the streets causing chaos or target innocent people. Instead, he focused on the root of the problem—the corruption and evil that had been allowed to fester unchecked. By eliminating those who had abused their power, he was forcing the system to correct itself. Police brutality cases decreased, city services for the underprivileged began to function again, and the city's elite started to tread more carefully. The Wraith had shaken the foundations of New York City, and the effects were undeniable.
On the super-secret side of things, The Wraith's activities had not gone unnoticed by SHIELD. His actions had triggered multiple alarms within the organization, drawing the attention of its highest-ranking officials. Nick Fury, the one-eyed director of SHIELD, was particularly concerned. The Wraith's ability to operate with such precision and anonymity was a red flag, and Fury knew he couldn't ignore it.
"Coulson," Fury barked, pacing around his office, "mind telling me who this 'Wraith' guy is and why the hell he's causing so much noise that the entire New York City has been turned upside down?"
Phil Coulson, ever the calm and collected agent, stepped forward and placed a folder on Fury's desk. "Well, sir, to be honest, this is what we have so far on The Wraith."
Fury opened the folder, his eyes scanning the contents. A few seconds later, he slammed it shut, his expression a mix of frustration and disbelief. "Which is nothing," he said, his voice sharp.
"The guy has killed over 100 people, half of whom are influential figures, and we have nothing on him? Not even a single video footage? No DNA? No fingerprints?"
Coulson nodded; his expression serious. "Yes, sir. The FBI and the police have dusted every crime scene and found absolutely nothing. He's like a ghost, sir."
Fury sighed, running a hand over his face. He turned to Maria Hill, his second-in-command, who had been quietly observing the conversation. "Maria, what do you think?"
Maria Hill stepped forward, her tone confident and measured. "From the records, sir, I can say for certain that The Wraith is dangerous. Extremely dangerous. His ability to operate without leaving a trace, his precision, his ruthlessness—it's unlike anything we've seen before."
Fury nodded; his expression grim. "Of course he is. And now Pierce wants him dealt with as quickly as possible."
The mention of Alexander Pierce, a high-ranking official within SHIELD and a member of the World Security Council, added another layer of complexity to the situation. Fury knew that Pierce's interest in The Wraith wasn't just about maintaining order—it was about protecting the status quo. And that made Fury uneasy.
"Coulson," Fury said, his voice low and steady, "I want you to put together a team. Find this Wraith. I don't care how you do it, but I want answers. And Maria," he added, turning to Hill, "keep an eye on Pierce. If he's this interested in The Wraith, there's more to this than meets the eye."
Both Coulson and Hill nodded, their expressions serious. They knew the stakes were high. The Wraith wasn't just a vigilante—he was a force of nature, a reckoning that had shaken the very foundations of New York City. And now, SHIELD was stepping into the fray, whether they were ready or not.