Visiting the hand(chapter 64)

prevously in chapter 63

"If this ever does anything to her, I will find you, and I will kill you," Fisk threatened, his voice low and menacing. Henry sighed, exasperated. "If I wanted her or you dead, Fisk, I would have killed you. Simple and efficient," he replied, his tone matter-of-fact while internally laughing to himself, because the person who poisoned fisk's toy was in fact himself, "gosh its always east to exploit someone desperate" he continued to laugh internally. The transaction completed, Henry turned and walked away, leaving Fisk and his men in the luxurious hospital lobby, unaware of the fact that they have been had.

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Chapter 64

Inside his hideout, Henry could be seen holding an actual flaming ginseng. That's right, a flaming ginseng.

[ Name: Flaming Ginseng ]

[ Grade: 5th ]

[ Description: Flaming Ginseng is a completely mutated plant, developed through alchemical processes to withstand extreme heat and possess fiery properties. The mutation has enhanced its adaptogenic properties and vitality, making it a powerful source of energy and resilience. The roots are imbued with a potent, fiery energy that significantly boosts various physical and mental functions. ]

[ Effects: +100% energy boost, +100% endurance increase, +100% immune system support, +100% heat resistance, +100% vitality enhancement ]

[ Deterioration-Rate: 0% ]

"Well, this is something." Henry was actually quite lost for words. He didn't think that he would be able to mutate an actual living plant using some essence. "But I did. Of course, I did it. I am a fucking genius." After gloating to himself, he looked to his side, and the damn turtle was nowhere to be seen. "It's quite peaceful without him," he thought to himself as he used the alchemical flame to turn the ginseng into a liquid, before putting it into a vial. "Now then, what was I doing before?" he asked himself as he looked at his to-do list. "Right, main weapon," he thought to himself as he then looked at the vibranium blade to his side. "I just need to give it a function, but what function and what material would I use?" he asked himself as suddenly an idea popped into his mind. "Hm, that actually might work," he said as he started to laugh madly.

-scene change-

In the middle of the night, the streets of Hell's Kitchen were cloaked in shadows, the neon lights of road signs casting an eerie glow on the cracked pavement. The buildings, old and weathered, stood as silent sentinels, their brick exteriors marred by graffiti and grime. The colors of the city were a mixture of dark grays and muted yellows, with occasional splashes of vibrant reds and greens from the storefronts that lined the streets.

Inside a Chinese restaurant, which served as a front for more nefarious activities, the atmosphere was deceptively calm. The smell of spices and sizzling food filled the air, masking the true nature of the establishment. Downstairs, however, was a different story. A heavily guarded basement buzzed with activity, illuminated by harsh fluorescent lights that cast stark shadows on the walls.

The basement was a hub of drug manufacturing, with long tables lined with beakers, Bunsen burners, and various chemical compounds. Hand Ninjas in black suits patrolled the area, their faces obscured by masks, moving with the silent precision of seasoned warriors. The air was thick with the pungent smell of chemicals and the faint hum of machinery.

Suddenly, heavy footsteps echoed down the dimly lit staircase, breaking the monotony of the basement's operations. Two nearest Hand Ninjas exchanged wary glances; no one was supposed to be arriving at this hour. The footsteps grew louder, more pronounced, until their owner appeared—a figure clad in a black suit, the mask covering his face revealing him to be Henry in his Equalizer costume.

The two Hand Ninjas didn't hesitate. They charged at Henry, their movements fluid and synchronized. But Henry didn't break his stride. With a swift, wide swing of his vibranium blade, he sliced through their necks. Blood spurted from the wounds as their bodies crumpled to the floor, yet an eerie stillness followed.

The entire basement fell into a tense silence. Scientists and guards alike paused, weapons at the ready, eyes fixed on the scene before them. But then something strange happened. The blood from the fallen ninjas seemed to flow towards Henry's blade, defying gravity. Their flesh and bones rapidly withered away, leaving behind dried-up husks. If anyone could see souls, they would have witnessed the essence of the two ninjas being sucked into the blade as well.

A moment of stunned silence hung in the air before chaos erupted. Everyone in the basement charged at Henry, a cacophony of battle cries filling the space. Despite the overwhelming numbers, Henry remained unperturbed. 

A scientist lunged at Henry with a scalpel, aiming for his throat. Henry sidestepped effortlessly, bringing his blade down on the attacker's arm, severing it cleanly. The scientist screamed in agony, collapsing to the floor.

A Hand Ninja swung a pair of nunchaku at Henry's head, the weapon whistling through the air. Henry ducked, feeling the rush of air above him, and thrust his blade upward. The ninja barely had time to gasp before the blade pierced his heart, and he fell, reduced to a husk within seconds.

Another ninja, wielding a katana, approached from behind, slashing horizontally. Henry spun around, parrying the strike with his blade, then delivered a swift kick to the ninja's chest, sending him crashing into a table of chemicals. The table toppled over, glass shattering and liquids spilling, creating a sizzling, toxic mess on the floor.

The environment of the basement transformed into a battlefield. Tables were overturned, and equipment was scattered, as ninjas and scientists alike attempted to subdue Henry. The sounds of groans, painful cries, and the yells of attackers filled the air, blending with the metallic clangs of weapons clashing.

A ninja armed with a kusarigama—a sickle and chain—swung the chain at Henry's legs. Henry leaped into the air, dodging the chain, and brought his blade down on the ninja's shoulder as he landed. The ninja's scream was cut short as his body was reduced to a husk, the blade absorbing his essence.

Another ninja, this one with twin sai, attempted a flanking maneuver. Henry blocked the first strike with his blade and caught the second sai with his free hand. With a twist, he disarmed the ninja and thrust his blade into the attacker's chest, turning him into yet another desiccated husk.