Anti-World, Manhattan, 890 Fifth Avenue.
Inside the secret Base beneath the ruins of the manor.
Colin saw the latest report on New York's Mayoral Election in the newspaper.
"According to this newspaper's latest report, at 2:00 PM on Wednesday, the results of New York's Mayoral Election were announced. Wilson Fisk was elected with an overwhelming victory and will take over from the current Mayor..."
"During his latest speech, Wilson Fisk vowed that he would lead New York down a brand new path. What exactly does this statement mean? Our reporter Ross interviewed Steven Erlanger, head of The New York Times' London bureau..."
"New York is a special city, it can be said, with citizens holding diverse standpoints and preferred candidates. This led to the intense competition in this Mayoral Election. Wilson Fisk is actually an independent; his image as a businessman greatly boosted his appeal, especially when his opponents were plagued by scandals. This naturally caused the public to grow disgusted with the two-party candidates and instead choose Wilson Fisk as their favored option."
"Another reason for Wilson Fisk's victory was the dissatisfaction among New York citizens regarding public safety. In recent times, frequent violent incidents, especially the large explosion that occurred a while ago, caused people to question the actions of Superheroes. Many even linked them to those uncontrollable 'Vigilantes'."
"Among the campaign policies proposed by Wilson Fisk were measures targeting 'Vigilantes' and police reform, which attracted swing voters..."
Kingpin successfully campaigned and became the new Mayor of New York.
For the vast majority of New York citizens who were unaware of the true situation, this might just be an ordinary newspaper report.
However, Colin knew very well that what this represented was far more complex than it appeared on the surface.
With such an ambitious guy ascending to the Mayor's seat in New York.
Next, New York's Superheroes might be in trouble.
After silently mourning for New York City's Superheroes in his heart, Colin put away his sympathy and continued flipping through the newspaper in his hand, reading further.
Just then, his Super Hearing picked up footsteps coming from outside the Base's corridor. Colin stopped what he was doing and turned his head to look at the doorway.
Thump, thump, thump, the sound of footsteps echoed through the empty corridor of the Base, finally stopping.
Immediately after, distinct knocks sounded from outside the door, followed by the voice of the former S.H.I.E.L.D. director, now taxi driver, Nick Fury.
"May I come in?"
"Of course, please do."
Putting down the newspaper in his hand, Colin replied to Nick outside the door.
Pushing the door open and stepping into Colin's room, Nick Fury's single good eye scanned the newspaper on the table, lingering for a moment on the report about Kingpin's campaign, before he turned to Colin and asked, "So, what do you think of New York's new Mayor?"
"I only hope that Wilson can fulfill his campaign promises."
Facing Nick Fury's inquiry, Colin shrugged, replying with an indifferent expression.
"Believe me, the changes Wilson will bring to New York City will definitely exceed your imagination."
Nick Fury stared at Colin, speaking with a meaningful expression.
*I know that better than you.*
Silently complaining in his heart, Colin outwardly put on a surprised expression, looking at the other party and saying, "It sounds like you have a lot of confidence in the new Mayor?"
"Wilson isn't as simple as he appears on the surface."
Without directly answering Colin's question, Nick Fury said something significant, then smoothly changed the subject to his actual purpose for coming.
"The Combat teacher you asked me to find for you has arrived. However, I need to warn you, this teacher has a bad temper, and not everyone can accept his fighting philosophy. But, undeniably, he is a powerful warrior and an indispensable member of the Dark Avengers."
After giving the warning, Nick Fury led Colin to the place where he and Hawkeye had previously sparred.
There, Colin saw a tall, burly man.
He had short, graying hair at the temples. The white skull emblem on the front of his clothes formed a stark contrast with his weathered face.
*As expected.*
Looking at the man who appeared before him, a look of understanding flashed in Colin's mind.
In fact, when he heard Nick Fury's warning earlier, he already had a vague guess.
Now, seeing him in person, it completely confirmed his thoughts.
The Combat teacher Nick Fury spoke of.
The Punisher — Frank Castle.
"He's all yours, Frank."
Leading Colin to the training ground, Nick Fury gave Frank some brief instructions before turning and leaving without looking back.
Leaving Colin and The Punisher in the training ground, silently staring at each other without a word.
"..."
"I don't care why you joined the Dark Avengers."
In the silence, Frank spoke, his low, metallic, raspy voice addressing Colin, "Since you sought me out, I will train you in the strictest manner. As for whether you can endure it, that's your own business."
With a grim expression, Frank looked at Colin, who showed no hint of backing down despite his words. A flicker of appreciation appeared in his eyes, quickly hidden. "First, I need to tell you this: never let your guard down, not even against me."
As he spoke, without waiting for Colin to react.
Frank, standing opposite him, decisively opened fire.
Bang, bang, the sounds of gunfire echoed continuously within the empty Base.
When the gunshots ceased, Colin stood in place.
Brass bullets dropped to the ground, making thudding sounds.
[Contacted a Twisted Time Node, collected a small amount of Time Shards ×2]
At the same time, a line of faint text flashed before Colin's eyes.
Bang, bang, bang-bang-bang—
Regarding Colin's displayed Invulnerability, Frank's expression remained unchanged. He pulled the trigger, and bullets sprayed out like tongues of flame towards Colin's body, targeting fatal spots on an ordinary person, such as the eyes and throat.
Fortunately, the Invulnerability had no so-called weak points.
Although the bullets hitting Colin's eyes affected his vision to some extent, that was all.
Facing Frank's barrage of bullets, Colin finally gained a deep understanding of what Nick had said earlier: "not everyone can accept his fighting philosophy."
(end of chapter)