Chapter 21
Stark searched for relevant information and learned that the two vehicles had appeared in the same game. Similarly, the electromagnetic pulse launcher exhibited at the Midtown High School Science and Technology Exhibition and the atomic energy gun that only appeared once have prototypes in the game. Maybe there will be some connection between the two.
Therefore, he, who was originally not interested in the party, became somewhat interested when he heard that Merlin would also go.
"Put on something more formal. There are many important people at this banquet, and it is also crucial to your future development," George urged Merlin, who had just returned home in work clothes.
"Okay, it's just an electromagnetic pulse transmitter. It's not that big of a show, right?" Merlin asked curiously before entering.
If the atomic energy gun technology is perfect, it will be easy to release the finished product.
"Of course, you don't have that much influence," George said, explaining the bigger picture. "Due to the recent spike in crime rates and major incidents in Manhattan and Brooklyn, the mayor had no choice but to hold this banquet. But your electromagnetic pulse transmitter is also a key highlight."
"Okay!" Merlin shrugged and closed the door.
In his room, he opted for a formal suit instead of casual clothes. Wearing casual attire to the banquet would embarrass George, his guardian. As a high school student, casual wear is fine for parties with friends but not for formal events.
"Alright!"
George's eyes flashed with nostalgia as Merlin walked out of the room. "I haven't seen you wearing this suit for a long time. I didn't expect it to fit well."
"The growth spurt is over, so it still fits."
This suit was custom-made by his father at the beginning of the year, and Merlin often wore it to various parties.
"Let's go, and be careful at the banquet." George smiled, rubbed Merlin's head, and pushed him into the elevator.
"By the way, where is Gwen?" Merlin asked casually after getting on the elevator.
"She went to band rehearsal. We rarely see her lately, just like you," George said, looking a bit emotional. His daughter had grown up, but he was busy dealing with the lizard people. If it weren't for the banquet, he would still be at the police station searching NY City with his officers.
The two chatted for a while along the way, and their relationship became much closer.
..............
Manhattan, Park Avenue, Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
"This hotel is the tallest hotel in the world, has hosted successive presidents, and has witnessed much of U.S. history," George said as he introduced Merlin to the hotel while they walked through the corridor.
Soon, they reached the entrance, where people dressed in luxurious outfits entered the banquet. George straightened his tie, took out two invitations, and handed them to the guard. After verifying, the guard smiled and gestured for them to enter.
Inside, the magnificent hall was filled with long tables under bright lights, fashionable women, and elegant men mingling. Laughter echoed like wind chimes. Merlin's eyes quickly settled on the central group in the hall.
Stark, Obadiah, Hammer, and others stood around with wine glasses, deep in conversation. Nearby, a tall, bald man in a white suit clinked glasses and chatted with a middle-aged man with gray hair and a commanding presence.
"Kingpin?" Merlin thought, surprised to see him at the banquet. Considering the event's significance, it made sense.
"Let's go over," George said, patting Merlin's shoulder as they approached Kingpin.
Mayor Christian, sipping his red wine, asked in a measured tone, "What does Mr. Fisk have to say about the massacre in Hell's Kitchen?" Although Kingpin appeared to be a philanthropist, the mayor knew his true identity.
Both men tacitly agreed not to break the balance as long as they didn't cross certain lines.
"Of course, they deserved their fate, but as collaborating police officers, their deaths were inevitable, and now the only victim is being painted as the villain," Kingpin said, shaking his head regretfully.
"We need to address the root cause: these three gangs exploited legal loopholes to escape justice," Christian responded quietly, hinting at something deeper.
Kingpin remained unfazed. "This only means the blade of the Sword of Damocles is dull and lacks the sharpness to inspire fear."
Christian's expression darkened, but just as he was about to speak, he noticed George and Merlin out of the corner of his eye.
"Hello, Mayor Christian, Mr. Fisk," George and Merlin greeted them.
"It seems someone capable of sharpening the sword's edge is here," Christian remarked, looking pointedly at Merlin.
Kingpin chuckled and praised Merlin. "This must be the young genius, Merlin Shaw, who developed the micro-electromagnetic pulse transmitter. I heard he made a special weapon to intercept criminals for you."
"Ah haha, it's not that exaggerated," George replied with a laugh, his tone a bit cold.
Kingpin, unfazed, looked at Merlin with interest.
Many of the weapons in his hands recently were bought from the other party
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