Chapter 13 The Contact

[Anti-World]

"Congratulations, Mr. Luper. The wound is healing even better than expected," the doctor said, wearing a smile of satisfaction.

Colin, lying in his hospital bed at Metropolitan General Hospital, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Thank you, doctor."

Observing the doctor leaving the room during their rounds, Colin raised his hand and flexed his shoulders, feeling the gradual recovery of his body. Except for a lingering dull pain at the site of the wound, his body had essentially returned to normal.

Colin couldn't help but speculate that the speedy healing might be somehow connected to his journeys between parallel worlds. Each time he woke up in the primary world, the pain in the injured area seemed to decrease by one level.

Unfortunately, his recovery remained within the limits of a normal person and didn't reach the instantaneous healing abilities that some individuals possessed. Consequently, his hospital stay in this world would need to continue.

...

"...According to a new poll, the New York City Democratic Party's female mayoral candidate, who once led by a large margin, has slipped from 24% to 15%. Wilson Fisk, her current main opponent, won the first place with a support rate of 21%.

"The poll analyst attributes this shift in results to the recent emergence of the bribery scandal and allegations of discrimination against minority groups on Democratic Party's female mayoral candidate, which have significantly damaged the Democratic candidate's momentum and caused a loss of support among certain voters."

"This marks the second candidate in the current mayoral race to be embroiled in scandal. The former commissioner of the New York City Department of Sanitation previously faced a similar exposure. Due to the frequent scandals, many New York City residents are dubbing this mayoral election the most controversial in history."

"Based on current polling trends, it appears likely that Wilson Fisk will assume the role of the new mayor of New York City in this term."

Time continued to march forward despite Colin's hospitalization.

On the television screen, the latest developments in the New York City mayoral race were being broadcast, revealing the unexpected rise of businessman and candidate Wilson Fisk.

However, what deliberate factors played a role in this "unexpected" turn of events?

Perhaps only Wilson Fisk himself knew the full extent.

Colin gazed at the photo of Wilson Fisk, or rather, the candidate Kingpin, and contemplated silently.

Setting the newspaper aside, his attention shifted to the text in front of him.

[Black Iron Mark (1/10)]

[Faith (95/1000)]

The diligent work of the newspaper boys not only boosted the sales of the "Messenger" by two hundred copies but also contributed two points to his [Faith].

Having deciphered the method of acquiring [Faith], Colin naturally redirected his focus to the other aspect—acquiring [Time Fragments].

Originally, he had planned to return to the Daily Bugle newspaper after his discharge and try this with his boss, Jameson.

However, it seemed there was now a more suitable target.

…

"...Spinal fusion... This may sound a bit harsh, but it is a groundbreaking technique... Stimulating the central nervous system regeneration, this technology can save thousands of lives... Do you think I need to prove something to him... Please, I am an authority..."

Metropolitan General Hospital, Emergency Room.

Stephen Strange removed his mask and engaged in a conversation in the corridor, speaking casually.

"Well, I must admit, Mr. Authority, you do leave quite an impression."

Christine Palmer, a fellow surgeon, stood beside him, gesturing with frustration.

"Don't think I can't sense the sarcasm in your tone, Stephen."

Raising an eyebrow at Christine, Strange playfully replied, using his fingers to emphasize his point.

"Oh, really? I thought I had concealed it quite well..."

In response, Christine mockingly adopted a faux tone.

"Ah, yes. I suppose this is another instance of sarcasm. Have I done something to offend you today?"

"How many times have you managed to offend me? Strange, you're like a walking sarcasm machine."

"Ah, your description truly astounds me."

As Christine's description of him echoed through the corridor from the emergency room, Strange wore a bewildered expression. He paused for a moment, preparing to continue the conversation.

"Dr. Strange!"

Suddenly, a voice from behind interrupted his words.

"And who might you be?"

Turning his head, Strange discovered a young man in hospital attire standing there.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I once heard your groundbreaking speech on spinal fusion, and it remains etched in my memory..."

Approaching Strange with excitement, the young man eagerly extended his hand.

"Is that so?"

Gazing at the outstretched hand, Strange exchanged a brief glance with Christine before reluctantly shaking it.

"I appreciate that."

After a brief handshake, Strange noticed the man's hospital attire and raised an eyebrow, questioning, "But what about you?"

"An unexpected turn of events."

Without delving into his own circumstances, the man glanced at Strange and Christine before speaking again. "Well, I won't keep you any longer, Dr. Strange."

Observing the man's departing figure, Strange shook his head, preparing to resume their previous discussion.

"...Strange... Strange... Strange..."

"...Remember... reality... isn't what you perceive... it's a..."

Suddenly, fragmented whispers echoed in his ears, at times distant and at times near, akin to the crackling noise received by a radio.

Shaking his head, Strange reached up to touch his temple.

However, in his dazed state, he saw his own slender fingers covered in numerous unsightly scars resembling centipedes.

"No, no, my hands..."

Examining his scar-ridden palms, an expression of terror washed over Strange's face.

"Strange, Strange!"

At that moment, Christine's voice snapped him out of his fright.

"Christine."

Returning to his senses, Strange surveyed his familiar surroundings and his unblemished fingers. His expression held a hint of confusion.

"Are you alright, Strange?"

Concern etched on her face, Christine inquired about Strange's well-being.

"Phew..."

Taking a deep breath and clutching his own hand, Strange shook his head.

"I'm fine, perhaps it's just fatigue from the surgery. I need a moment to rest."

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