Chapter 48: The Punisher

Chapter 48: The Punisher

Antiworld, 890 Fifth Avenue, Manhattan.

Inside the covert underground headquarters beneath the ruins of the manor.

Colin perused the latest report on the New York mayoral election from the newspaper.

"The newspaper's latest report reveals that the results of New York's mayoral election were announced at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon. Wilson Fisk secured a sweeping victory and will assume the position of the city's mayor..."

"At his recent inauguration speech, Wilson Fisk pledged to lead New York on a new trajectory. What implications does this hold? Our reporter, Ross, interviewed Steven Erlanger, the London bureau chief of The New York Times..."

"It is worth noting that New York is a city of distinct character, where people possess diverse perspectives and allegiances. These factors contributed to the fervor surrounding the mayoral election. Wilson Fisk, an independent candidate, has effectively capitalized on his business background, which has garnered significant support. Moreover, given the spate of scandals plaguing other candidates, the public naturally developed an aversion to both major parties and turned to Wilson Fisk as their favored choice."

"Another contributing factor to Fisk's triumph lies in the discontent among New York City residents regarding law and order. Recent incidents of heinous crimes, particularly the recent major explosion, have prompted citizens to question the conduct of superheroes, even drawing unfavorable comparisons to unregulated 'vigilantes.' Fisk's election platform, with its focus on 'vigilante' oversight and police reform, struck a chord with swing voters..."

Fisk campaigned skillfully and successfully emerged as the newly elected mayor of New York.

For the majority of New Yorkers unaware of the underlying dynamics, this may appear as a routine news report.

However, Colin was acutely aware that there was more to this story than meets the eye.

An individual with such lofty ambitions ascending to the mayorship of New York—the ramifications for the city's superheroes could be troublesome.

Colin briefly lamented the plight of these masked defenders in the city that never sleeps, but he swiftly set aside his sympathies, resumed perusing the newspaper in his grasp, and continued reading.

Just then, his enhanced auditory senses picked up the faint sound of footsteps echoing through the corridors outside the base. Colin ceased his activities, glancing sideways at the door.

The rhythmic cadence of the footsteps reverberated through the empty corridors, eventually coming to a halt.

Subsequently, a gentle knock resonated, accompanied by the voice of Nick Fury, the former director of S.H.I.E.L.D. and now operating incognito as a taxi driver.

"May I enter?"

"Of course, please come in."

Colin set aside the newspaper he held and responded to Nick's presence at the door.

Pushing open the door and stepping into Colin's room, Nick Fury's sole eye glanced briefly at the newspaper on the table, pausing momentarily on the campaign report about Fisk. He then turned his attention to Colin and inquired, "What are your thoughts on the new mayor of New York?"

"I simply hope that Wilson can deliver on his campaign promises," Colin replied, adopting an indifferent expression in response to Nick Fury's question.

"Believe me, the changes Wilson will bring to New York City will surpass your imagination," Nick Fury stated, staring at Colin with a meaningful gaze.

Internally, Colin silently complained about Nick's statement, but outwardly, he feigned surprise and directed his gaze towards Nick. "It seems you have confidence in the new mayor," Colin remarked.

"Wilson is far more complex than he appears," Nick Fury replied, avoiding a direct response to Colin's question. He swiftly transitioned to the main purpose of his visit. "The combat instructor you requested has arrived.

However, I must warn you that this instructor possesses a volatile temperament. Furthermore, not everyone may align with his fighting philosophy. Nevertheless, he is an incredibly formidable fighter and an indispensable member of the Dark Avengers."

After delivering this information, Nick Fury escorted Colin to the location where he had previously encountered Hawkeye.

There, Colin beheld a towering figure with a robust physique.

This individual had close-cropped hair, gray temples, and a white skull emblazoned on his attire, which starkly contrasted with his weathered countenance.

Indeed, Colin's heart stirred upon seeing this man before him. In fact, when Nick Fury had hinted at his identity earlier, Colin had formed some vague suppositions. Now, witnessing the man in person solidified his suspicions.

This was the combat instructor whom Nick Fury had mentioned—Frank Castle, also known as the Punisher.

"I entrust him to you, Frank," Nick briefly explained to the figure in front of Colin as they arrived at the training grounds. Without looking back, Nick Fury promptly departed.

Colin and the Punisher were left alone on the training grounds, silently observing each other.

...

"I don't care why you joined the Dark Avengers," Frank spoke in a gravelly voice, his eyes fixed on Colin, devoid of emotion. "Since you sought me out, I will train you rigorously. Whether you can endure it is entirely up to you."

Colin maintained a resolute expression, unaffected by Frank's words. A fleeting moment of admiration flickered in Frank's eyes but was swiftly concealed. "First and foremost," he continued without waiting for Colin's response, "never let your guard down, not even around me."

With a steely countenance, Frank issued this directive to Colin, who showed no signs of faltering.

Frank, positioned across from him, fired with resolute precision.

The reverberating sounds of gunshots filled the hollow expanse of the base.

As the shot rang out, Colin remained motionless.

The brass bullet descended to the ground with a resounding thud.

["Contact distorted time nodes, collect a limited number of time fragments × 2."]

Simultaneously, a line of faintly discernible text flashed before Colin's eyes.

Bang, bang— the rhythmic gunfire continued.

Colin's expression remained unchanged, even in the face of Frank's relentless assault. He squeezed the trigger in his grasp, unleashing a barrage of bullets aimed at Colin's body like fiery tendrils. The projectiles sought to strike his eyes, throat, and other vulnerable areas on an ordinary person.

Fortunately, [Super Defense] possessed no such vulnerabilities.

Though a bullet grazed Colin's eye, momentarily affecting his vision, it amounted to no more than that.

Confronted by Frank's ferocious offensive, a relentless onslaught of bullets, Colin finally grasped the true meaning behind Nick's earlier statement— not everyone can embrace his combat philosophy.

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