After Chris spoke to Edward, Edward replied:
Edward: "What do you know about my family? They will never agree. They called me insane—do you really think they would accept this?"
Chris: "Yes, they will. Because I will tell them that you stand with justice now, not as the villain you once were."
Edward stayed silent. Then Kevin said:
Kevin: "Edward, I want you to build us a headquarters, not just a lab. You know this place will be discovered sooner or later. We need a base far from the city so we don't cause harm. And… I want a machine that makes ice cream."
Edward: "On one condition—help me with your genius, Kevin. I've never seen anyone like you, able to pinpoint my location in the blink of an eye. You're a true genius. I will help you if Chris promises to fulfill his word."
Chris: "I've never broken a promise. Now tell me—how long will it take to build the base?"
Edward: "If you want a normal base, one week. But if you want an extremely advanced base, with my full effort, it will take months. At least three."
Chris: "Perfect timing. During that time, I will travel to another country. I won't stand idle while the world is in danger. I will investigate the whereabouts of Skull Head."
Edward: "If you see him, send him my regards."
Chris went to the airport and traveled. But how did he travel while being wanted worldwide? In short—he was wanted under the identity of Black Mask, not under his true identity as Chris.
When he arrived in the country, he inspected its condition. The nation was extremely poor. As he walked toward one of the modern buildings, Chris was surprised—such an advanced building in the middle of poverty, while in other areas, people lived in decent financial states, not poor at all.
As Chris walked, lost in thought, he saw a child holding his mother's hand. He muttered:
Chris: "I will never forgive whoever was the cause of my mother disappearing overnight."
He entered the building. Immediately, the receptionist asked:
Receptionist: "Did you come for a job?"
Chris: "Yes."
Receptionist: "Give me your file so I can check if you deserve the job or not."
Chris handed her a forged file.
Receptionist: "Your name is Jacob?"
Chris: "Yes, my name is Jacob."
Receptionist: "Congratulations, you're accepted. Go to the 9th floor and give this to the manager. He will tell you your duties, handsome."
Chris: "Thank you."
Chris went to the 9th floor and met the manager.
Manager: "Welcome, Jacob. Your file is full of achievements. I'm surprised someone like you applied here. You're lucky we accepted you. Now, I want you to work in the office. We're expecting a very important guest. He doesn't tolerate mistakes, not even small ones."
Chris: "Seems like an important guest. Who is it?"
Manager (shocked): "Are you joking? You don't know who the guest is? You should thank me for not telling anyone you asked that. If anyone heard and told the guest, you'd be a dead man. The guest is Skull Head. He's coming to evaluate our work. So do your job well."
Chris was stunned. He felt Skull Head was the reason behind the city's poverty.
He went to his desk, finished his work with excellence despite boredom, then returned to the manager.
Chris: "Manager, I'm new to this city. I need housing—I don't have a place to stay."
Manager: "As I expected. You're new here, Jacob. I'll give you a key when you finish your work."
Chris: "But I've already finished my work."
The manager was shocked at how fast Chris had finished. He gave him the housing key.
Chris went to the address. On his way, in the dark streets, lights flickering and water dripping, someone grabbed him, put a knife to his neck:
Stranger: "Give me everything you've got. Hey, why are you silent?"
Suddenly, the man found himself on the ground.
Stranger: "What… what did you do to me?"
Chris: "Don't you see? You're the one lying on the ground."
Stranger: "Alright, since you put me down, I'll work with you. Nobody has ever beaten me except you. Oh, right—I didn't ask your name."
Chris: "Why should I tell you mine when you haven't told me yours?"
Stranger: "Oh, true. My name is Jota."
Chris: "My name is Jacob. Nice to meet you."
Jota: "Alright, Jacob. If you want my help, I'm with you. You seem strong. But man, didn't you find any other job than this company?"
Chris: "Why? It's just a normal company. It's my first day. Did something happen?"
Jota: "Man, it's the worst company in the world. I won't tell you—you'll find out yourself. Looks like you're heading home. Goodbye."
Jota disappeared down an alley. Chris was puzzled by his words: "Worst company in the world… you'll find out yourself."
He reached the house—it was a beautiful, modern-style home.
Chris: "A house like this, here in a poor city? Jota must be right. Something's off about this company."
He slept, woke up, made breakfast, and went early to work to leave a good impression and to investigate faster. He worked hard, returned home, and continued like this for a month.
One day, a colleague said:
Employee: "The manager wants you, Jacob. Lucky guy. I envy you."
Chris laughed and went to the manager.
Manager: "Jacob, you're the best employee I've ever seen. Because of your work, you'll now be assigned to the second city—the more advanced one."
Chris: "I only did what was required. But why transfer me? I want to stay here."
Manager: "This isn't a suggestion, Jacob—it's an order. Skull Head himself requested you. Do you know what it means to be requested personally by Skull Head? You have one week off. Prepare your things—you'll work in New City next week. Now leave."
Chris left, shocked. It wasn't a choice—it was an order.
On his way home, he ran into Jota.
Jota: "Oiii Jacob! Where have you been for a week? I was worried! Come on, you're invited to the restaurant. You'll meet my gang for the first time."
They went to the restaurant. To Chris's shock, it was full of Jota's gang members.
Jota: "Eat whatever you want. Everyone, welcome Jacob!"
Gang members: "Welcome, Jacob. Pleased to meet you."
Chris and Jota sat separately.
Jota: "Old lady, our usual order."
Old lady: "Jacob, it seems you like my cooking. You make me feel young again."
Jota: "You're old—you can't feel that way!"
The old lady brought them food.
Jota (eating): "Aaaaah, it's so spicy! What did you do, old lady?!"
Old lady: "You deserve it, fool."
Chris: "I've been transferred to New City."
Jota stopped screaming, shocked.
Jota: "Are you serious?! Don't tell me Skull Head is the one who requested you."
Chris stayed silent.
Jota: "Looks like you're becoming one of them."
Chris: "I will never be like them. I told you because I want you to come with me, Jota. And by the way—my real name isn't Jacob. It's a fake name to hunt Skull Head. My true name is Chris. I told you this because I trust you now, and I want you to come with me."
Jota: "As I thought. You're no ordinary man, Chris. You're not even good at acting—when I tried to rob you, you didn't even flinch. You must be experienced."
Chris: "I'm going to New City. Will you come with me?"
Jota: "Is that even a question to ask a friend? I'll go anywhere with you, Chris. When your mission here ends, I'll join you in any mission. Count me in."
Chris smiled, and they continued dinner.
The following week, Chris left for New City. He had no belongings to take, so he went straight to the company.
He was stunned—the building was enormous, towering so high it seemed like it reached the thousandth floor.
Chris gave his file at the entrance.
Staff: "Are you Jacob?"
Chris: "Yes."
Staff: "Go to the manager. He'll tell you where to work."
On his way to the elevator, Chris bumped into someone.
Chris: "Sorry."
Man: "Can't you see, idiot?!" He threw money on the ground. "Pick it up, poor man. Do you understand? You're just an employee here. Now pick it up!"
As the argument heated up, another person intervened:
Stranger: "Continue your way, Jacob. And you—pick up your own money."
Man: "As you wish, sir."
Then the man told Chris:
Man: "Jacob, don't go to the manager. Your work is on the 99th floor."
Chris's face froze in shock. He thought to himself: "There's no mistake… from his build, his presence, the respect others show him, and most importantly—his mask. There's no doubt. The man before me is Skull Head himself!!!"