Chapter 24: Devil’s Contempt

Early morning.

Ethan Hayes emerged from the depths of the sea. Having mastered water control magic, the ocean now felt like home to him. Returning to his manor, he washed off the saltwater, dressed in new clothes, and got in his car to drive to school. Graduation was only a month away, but Ethan had a lot on his mind.

Should he even bother with university?

For someone like Ethan, with his current abilities and resources, continuing with formal education seemed pointless. The networking and learning he'd gain at a university would hardly matter compared to the power he already wielded. However, skipping university entirely might look odd to others, especially Gwen Stacy. Ethan couldn't help but wonder how she'd feel about it. If he got into Columbia, would Gwen follow? He pictured her smile and thought about her plans for the future.

As Ethan mulled over the decision, a more mischievous thought crossed his mind. What if I met Tony Stark at Columbia? How would the cocky genius react when I hit him with an Ice Storm Millennium Kill?

He chuckled to himself but quickly pushed the thought aside. His real focus was on money and power. Not just the accumulation of wealth, but the increase of his wealth value — the key to his abilities.

Just then, the system's voice echoed in his mind:

[Darkness strikes. As the Ice Demon gains a name in Hell's Kitchen, you have offended the emperor lurking behind the scenes.]

[Mission: Devil's Contempt. Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, will be hosting a high-profile reception in Manhattan tonight. Your mission is to trample his reputation and send him to meet Satan. Task level: White.]

[Do you accept?]

Ethan smirked. So, even Kingpin—Wilson Fisk, the notorious underworld emperor—was only a white-level task now. That was how far he had come. Before, he had hesitated about his actions, unsure of his place in this world. But after his run-in with S.H.I.E.L.D. and their intrusion into his life, Ethan no longer had time for hesitation. He had power, and he would use it. His life, his choices—he would show the world exactly who he was.

"Looks like it's time to make my position clear," Ethan thought. He would take down Kingpin, leaving no doubt about his strength. There was no need to hide anymore. He was the Ice Demon, and Hell's Kitchen would feel his wrath.

Arriving at school, Ethan stepped out of his car, his mind already made up. He wouldn't be going to university. But first, he had to make sure Gwen was with him, fully committed. She was his first love in this world, and first love always held a special place. If Gwen started to have doubts about him, it would complicate things. He needed her to stay by his side, no matter what.

As Ethan reached his locker, Gwen was already there waiting for him. He casually put away his backpack and grabbed his books, then reached out and took her hand. Gwen was surprised but quickly smiled, taking his hand back. It was unusual for Ethan to initiate affection like this—usually, it was Gwen who made the first move. But today, his shift in attitude melted away any lingering frustration she had.

"Are you staying in the apartment tonight?" Gwen asked, her tone light.

"Yeah," Ethan replied, "the Long Island manor is all taken care of. We can go there when we have more time, maybe over the weekend."

Gwen's eyes lit up. "Let's go this weekend! I've heard the beaches on Long Island are beautiful."

"Sure," Ethan said with a playful smile. "The future lady of the manor should see how everything is laid out, right? You can help me with some final touches. I trust your taste."

Gwen blushed but grinned. "Oh, stop it. I don't want to be the 'lady of the manor.'"

Ethan laughed. "You'll need to help me decorate though. Think you can handle that?"

"Fine, fine," she said, rolling her eyes playfully. "But you better cook me something good."

"Of course," Ethan replied, leaning in. "I'll cook you a proper Chinese meal."

"Authentic Chinese food?" Gwen asked, intrigued.

"Authentic. You have my word."

"Then it's a deal."

As they made plans, Ethan's phone buzzed. He saw the name on the screen and frowned. It was Matt Murdock. He let the call go to voicemail. He respected Matt, but Ethan didn't want him too involved in his life. Matt was just a regular man despite his extraordinary abilities, and if he got too close to the fire Ethan was about to light in Hell's Kitchen, he'd get burned. Daredevil could handle the low-level gangsters, but Kingpin was Ethan's prey.

Later that night, in a lavish Manhattan restaurant, Wilson Fisk, also known as Kingpin, was hosting a charity gala. The most powerful and influential people in New York were in attendance, and Fisk's speech had them in awe. But beneath the surface, his mind was elsewhere.

Tonight was important for another reason. In a hidden laboratory, his scientists were preparing to activate the quantum collider. He was on the brink of pulling his wife and son back from the clutches of time itself. After years of grief, tonight would change everything.

As Fisk shook hands with New York's elite, the massive screen behind him flickered, then switched to a video feed.

Hell's Kitchen. Crime. Murder. The rise of the underworld emperor: Kingpin. The footage showed Fisk orchestrating crimes, committing murders, and controlling New York's criminal enterprises. The audience gasped.

"Shut it off!" Fisk barked, his face twisted with rage.

But it was too late. The entire room had seen it, and whispers spread like wildfire through the crowd.

Ethan Hayes smirked from the shadows, his plan already in motion. Tonight, the emperor would fall.

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