Chapter 14 New Fragments

I am sick 

__________

[Gathering a small number of time fragments ×3 from Distorted Time Nodes]

[Black Iron Mark (4/10)]

[Faith (95/1000)]

Inside the ward, Colin remained oblivious to the anomalies that transpired with Strange after his departure.

As Colin observed the text displayed before him and the growing abundance of "time fragments," a surge of excitement involuntarily swept across his face.

"Just as I suspected," he exclaimed.

His exuberant arm-waving inadvertently exacerbated his healing wound, contorting Colin's expression. Nonetheless, it failed to dampen the thrill surging within him at this very moment.

This experiment provides reasonable confirmation.

Undoubtedly, a significant correlation exists between procuring the "time fragments" and individuals like Luke Cage and Strange.

Associating this with the aforementioned "distorted time nodes" or enigmatic entities deviating greatly from his expectations, they are the subjects Colin must investigate next.

Once the precise methods of acquiring the "time fragments" and "faith" are understood, forthcoming tasks will become considerably simpler.

"Perhaps I should attempt to establish contact with someone else close to Strange next time?"

Gently rubbing his mildly sore wound, Colin silently contemplated.

Previously, he had solely been fixated on using Strange as the focal point of his experiments, neglecting the individuals around him.

For instance, Christine, who stood beside Strange. If his memory served him right, she should be another significant individual, perhaps a nocturnal nurse, or something along those lines.

After a brief mental deliberation, Colin suppressed his thoughts and directed his attention to the three "time fragments (Stephen Strange)."

Beneath the fractured, glass-like surface, he caught fleeting glimpses of Strange's figure flickering within, adorned with a cloak that bore a striking resemblance to Colin's perception of Doctor Strange.

So, this phenomenon known as a "distorted time node" pertains to the alterations affecting Strange and the others? Luke Cage became a member of the Thunderbolt, while Strange did not assume the mantle of sorcerer supreme.

Furthermore, Kingpin, the mayoral candidate for New York, and Tony Stark's family, who perished in a car accident.

Although obtaining the "time fragments" resolved one of Colin's predicaments, it simultaneously presented new challenges.

Colin has yet to fully comprehend the events concerning the anti-world. The enigmas surrounding this realm and the truth of history remain shrouded in dense mist, awaiting his exploration and revelation.

"..."

Standing by the hospital bed, Colin remained silent for an extended period.

"What is happening?!"

He took a deep breath, and his previously impassive face instantaneously transformed into one of astonishment.

Glancing downwards, he discovered fresh blood slowly seeping through the bandaged wound.

"Doctor, please come quickly! My wound has reopened!"

...

"According to the situation at the scene, it's evident that Kim Kardashian entered the hotel with the Denver Nuggets guard and did not emerge thereafter. While we couldn't approach the hotel due to security restrictions, previous footage, and on-site photos reveal a noticeably intimate interaction between Kardashian and the other individual."

"Kim Kardashian, daughter of the late attorney Robert Kardashian involved in the O.J. Simpson case, gained fame in 2007 due to the infamous 'sex tape' incident, making her a highly controversial figure. Apart from the tape, the public's current fascination revolves around the so-called 'Kardashian Effect'..."

"The 'Kardashian Effect' refers to the belief that if a player enters a romantic relationship with a member of the Kardashian family, their team will triumph in the championship. To date, two players have succeeded in winning championships while dating Kardashian women. Should the Denver Nuggets clinch the upcoming season's championship, the credibility of the 'Kardashian Effect' will be further bolstered..."

Colin stood outside the Hilton hotel, microphone in hand, delivering his report in a solemn tone.

"...This is Colin Roper, reporting for The Daily Bugle, bringing you the latest updates from the scene!"

However, his report had undergone significant alterations compared to before.

During Colin's hospitalization, The Daily Bugle experienced a profound transformation in its working environment.

The newspaper had been acquired by Dexter Bennett, a business magnate whose approach to The Daily Bugle's development differed greatly from the previous owner, J. Jonah Jamison.

Bennett focused on covering sensational news to capture the attention of the readers and generate profit.

Bennett's vision for The Daily Bugle was met with resistance from some long-time employees and veteran staff members.

However, it became evident that Dexter Bennett wasn't the kind of benevolent boss who would listen to his employees' opinions. As a typical capitalist, he prioritized profitability and didn't hesitate to be tough on those who didn't comply with his directives.

Colin had recently received this news.

Veteran journalist Ben Yurich planned to negotiate with Dexter Bennett on behalf of the newspaper's old employees.

But Colin wasn't optimistic about the outcome of this negotiation.

"Why does my work environment always have to be challenging, whether it's the real world or the anti-world?"

Colin shook his head, concluding his live report and releasing a sigh.

"Are you ready, Colin?"

Smith, the bearded cameraman, placed the camera on his shoulder, his expression filled with concern.

"I've heard that Ben Yurich and the others are prepared to resign and leave the newspaper if the negotiations fail."

"Not yet."

Colin shook his head. Unlike Ben Yurich and the others, he didn't have a strong attachment to The Daily Bugle. Apart from the time he spent in the hospital, he had only worked at the newspaper for two weeks.

However, he couldn't help but feel somewhat reluctant to continue chasing after these sensational news stories.

It wasn't that he disliked such news, but once assigned to these stories, his time would be consumed by various sensational events in the entertainment industry, constantly competing with other entertainment reporters for front-page coverage, leaving him with no time to engage and collect meaningful stories.

"I feel the same. Dexter offered me a significant sum of money, and although I'm covering sensational news, it doesn't make much difference to me. But Ben and the others have already made up their minds, and if I stay, it feels a bit..."

Smith's reasons for distress differed from Colin's. He scratched his beard while expressing his dilemma.

Rumble—

Suddenly, a loud explosion in the distance interrupted their conversation.