Hell's Kitchen bled shadows under flickering streetlights, the alleys crawling with predators. A drug deal gone wrong had turned into a violent standoff, but the predators weren't prepared for the devil in red.
From the rooftop above, five figures in dark tactical armor crouched in silence. The Delta-U team of the Umbra Order observed through scopes and night-vision lenses.
One operative clicked his tongue. "This guy is the devil, alright. Look how he fights. He takes all that punishment and keeps going. Reminds me of the Phoenix operatives."
"That's different," muttered another. "Those guys can heal. This one doesn't."
Their captain, Shade, lowered his binoculars, impatience flashing in his eyes. "Enough watching. Another wave of scum is on the way, and we don't have time for this guy to play butcher. We end this now."
He gave the signal. Ropes snapped loose, and the Umbra team slid down into the chaos with swift precision.
Daredevil's head snapped toward the sound of boots striking pavement. His senses locked on—the rattle of rifles, the metallic snap of bolts sliding into place. His muscles tensed. Whoever they were, they weren't allies.
He rolled into cover, bracing for the storm.
Gunfire erupted, but it didn't touch him.
Smugglers dropped as Umbra's rifles barked in controlled bursts. Every shot was precise, every target dispatched without hesitation. Not a single round came Daredevil's way. In seconds, the alley was strewn with bodies and silence.
Breathing hard, Daredevil rose from the shadows, fists raised. His voice was sharp. "Who the hell are you?"
Shade stepped forward, his visor reflecting the devil's silhouette. "We're not here to fight you. Our leader believes we share the same mission. He'd like you to join us. Together, he believes we can make a real change."
Daredevil's jaw tightened. "I don't need allies. Especially not ones who drop in with guns blazing. You're just making this city bloodier."
One of the Umbra operatives scoffed. "You're welcome, by the way."
Shade raised his hand to silence him. His tone stayed level, almost respectful. "Think about it. Alone, you can keep fighting your war. With us, you can win it."
Daredevil shook his head, turning away. "I work alone. It's better that way." With that, he vanished into the shadows.
Shade exhaled, glancing at the bodies around them. "Arrange the scene... erase our presence here."
Tomorrow this will be just another headline about gangs fighting.
---
Back at Kane HQ, Elias, Silas and Shade stood before Alex Kane. The mission dossier lay unopened on the desk—Alex's focus was on the man delivering it.
"We encountered him, the Daredevil," Shade said. "But he rejected us."
Alex leaned back in his chair, expression unreadable. "Not unexpected. He's a lone wolf. But sooner or later, wolves learn they can't fight the pack forever."
"I can send the Alpha squad this time if you want, sir," Silas interjected.
Shade's expression shifted slightly. "Give us one more chance. This time I will definitely persuade him." He was competitive, driven by pride. His team ranked last in the Order, and he pushed for more missions than most. If Alpha succeeded where he failed, he'd see it as a stain on his name.
Alex shook his head with a smile. "No, some things can't be forced. I'll reach out to him myself."
Shade stiffened, then gave a curt nod before leaving the office.
As the door closed, Alex glanced at Silas. "What do you think of him?"
Silas hesitated, then answered. "He's a competent soldier… a Knight." He corrected himself. "The only issue is he doesn't know when to back off."
Alex's lips curved faintly. "It's better to have competition. Make sure you give opportunities to the willing, like him. They are the lifeblood that will keep the Knights alive. It also avoids any… unpleasant situations from occurring."
"Yes, sir," Silas replied firmly.
---
A day later, under the night sky, Hell's Kitchen still smoldered with the scent of burnt gunpowder and blood. Daredevil stood on a rooftop, tense, listening—searching for the faintest crack in the city's heartbeat. Another hunt was calling him. But unease crept in. He hadn't heard anyone approach, hadn't sensed footsteps or movement—only the sudden rush of displaced air.
Then the air shifted again.
A gust swept across the rooftop, forcing Daredevil to steady himself. He turned just as a figure dropped from above. Alex Kane landed hard, the air shaking around him.
Daredevil stiffened. He hadn't heard steps or movement—only the impact when Alex hit the ground.
Alex spoke first, calm but direct. "It was wrong of me to send someone else. I should have come myself. Shall we introduce ourselves? Let me go first. My name is Alexander Kane. I am the Commander General of the Knights of Advent New Era."
Daredevil's grip tightened around his club. "The Knights? Another savior type. I've seen plenty."
Alex's eyes narrowed. "I'm not asking for trust. I'm asking for a chance. Alone, how much can you—"
His earpiece crackled, cutting him short.
"What?" Alex muttered, turning sharply toward Harlem.
Daredevil tilted his head, sensing the shift. The air grew heavier. Alex wasn't on the rooftop anymore—he was airborne.
"I hate to do this, but I must go now," Alex said firmly. "We'll talk again." He shot skyward in an instant, leaving Daredevil staring after him, the wind rushing in his wake.
Minutes later, Harlem burned. Cars blazed, flames lit the streets, and soldiers lay scattered, injured or worse. The Knights were already there—The Phoenix, Storm, and the Sentinels struggled to contain the chaos.
Half a car suddenly hurtled across the street, flying straight toward a Sentinel Knight shielding a child. The Knight froze, bracing to protect the boy, but both were yanked clear by an unseen force at the last moment.
The rescued Knight looked up, relief flooding his face. He didn't need confirmation. He knew their Commander was here.
Alex had reached Harlem in less than ten minutes, cutting through the night with speed. Hovering above the streets, his gaze locked on the city center—two green giants clashed with earthshaking force.
'The Hulk. This is an issue.'
A/n: Almost reaching chapter 50 in Patreon. I want to mention the member who supports me to keep the story afloat.
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Also thanks for the cookie lover- Jack. He has been commenting on every chapter; he likes cookies. I felt like I had to mention him. He has joined Patreon as a free member, and he has been giving me encouragement by commenting. You guys can also join and give me encouragement by leaving a comment. Up to chapter 35 is available. If you want to speed up the pace in the webnovel, leave me Powerstones; Cumulative Powerstones are almost reaching 200. I will post 2-3 chapters when it reaches 200.