Chapter 225: I Saw Spider-Man in the Flesh

While Martin was showcasing his skills at the bank, the robbery incident had far-reaching consequences.

The New York City government promptly labeled the large protest as a "dangerous assembly." A significant police force was deployed to disperse the crowd and apprehend opportunistic criminals.

The National Guard also stood ready to take action.

Above the Bank

A helicopter hovered in mid-air as SWAT officers descended on ropes one by one.

The police had finally arrived.

The sound of heavy footsteps echoed as SWAT officers stormed into the bank. However, they were stunned to find that the robbers had already been subdued!

They exchanged bewildered looks at the sight of two robber corpses and two others tightly restrained.

Behind the unconscious robbers lay seven individuals—men and women of various ages, some very young.

"Show me your hands and identify yourselves," one SWAT officer demanded cautiously, guns still raised.

Obliging the order, Martin and the others raised their hands and began introducing themselves.

"Martin Meyers, actor, writer, singer."

"Jessica Alba, actress."

"Lindsay Lohan, actress."

"Dorothy Duster, student."

"Kayla Jones, FOX News host."

"Jet Smith, FOX News cameraman."

"Gordon Williams, Martin's bodyguard."

As the seven identified themselves, the SWAT team leader quickly recognized Martin and Jessica.

"What… happened here?" the captain asked, his tone laced with curiosity.

"It was Martin! He saved us!" Jessica pointed to Martin.

"He's our hero!" Lindsay and Dorothy chimed in unison.

"Uh!" The captain glanced at Martin, disbelief written across his face. He gestured toward the corpses and unconscious robbers. "Did you… do this?"

Initially, the captain assumed Martin's bodyguard, Gordon, was responsible. Gordon's rugged demeanor and military-like aura seemed to fit the profile of someone who had served in elite units.

But Martin?

Sure, the prodigy of America was rumored to have decent combat skills. But taking down armed robbers was a far cry from brawling with actors like Ben Affleck. Moreover—

The captain scrutinized the injuries on the dead and wounded. These were inflicted bare-handed.

"You didn't use a weapon?" he asked, unable to suppress his curiosity.

"There wasn't time to grab one. Fortunately, I'm skilled enough," Martin replied with a polite smile.

The warm smile immediately softened the captain's attitude toward the young prodigy.

Once the police took over the scene, the SWAT team retreated to their helicopter. A team member, having examined the robbers, reported back to the captain:

"Two fatalities: one with a broken neck, the other with a crushed throat, both killed instantly. Two injured: both sustained severe head trauma, also with just one blow each. Whoever did this must have had professional combat training—these strikes were precise and deadly!"

"Captain, do you really believe that kid Martin did it?"

Some SWAT officers expressed doubt over Jessica and the others' accounts.

The captain replied, "The host, Kayla, mentioned live-streaming the entire incident. If Martin's responsible, we'll know when we check the footage. I don't think they're lying."

"If it's true, that kid is incredible! Even I'd hesitate to take on four armed robbers barehanded, and he's what, fourteen?"

"We should recruit him! A talent like that shouldn't go to waste!"

"Are you joking? He's a Hollywood star, a bestselling author, and a billionaire. Do you think he'd trade all that for a dangerous job like this?"

"Fine, forget I said anything!"

Martin and his group left in a FOX News helicopter, knowing they'd need to provide statements at the police station the next day.

Looking down at the streets, Martin saw a heavy presence of riot police confronting protestors. It was clear that the crowds would soon be dispersed.

At the Bank

The Manhattan Second Bank was now under the jurisdiction of the local precinct, with the FBI also arriving to take part in the investigation.

An FBI forensic expert was reconstructing the scene.

"This VIP room seems to be where the three young girls hid…"

"The first robber was knocked out here by Martin…" The expert gestured at a footprint. "See this mark? Martin must have heard commotion in the hallway, leaped nearly eight meters, and burst through the stairwell door…"

"The fight between Martin and three robbers likely occurred at the stairwell landing. The robbers were pointing their guns at the female host when Martin's sudden appearance startled them…"

"Martin jumped from the first floor, breaking the neck of the first robber with a single kick. He then sent the second flying into the wall, knocking him unconscious…"

"The final robber managed to react and aimed at Martin, but Martin struck the gun with his elbow, causing the bullet to hit the ceiling…"

"Perhaps the gunshot made Martin nervous, prompting him to punch with all his strength. One blow crushed the robber's throat, blocking his airway, while the other shattered his nose. The robber lost consciousness and suffocated."

Manhattan police officers watched the expert's detailed recount with admiration.

Even the precinct chief couldn't help but praise, "Mr. Hardland, your analysis is astonishing. It's like watching the events unfold on TV!"

Hardland laughed. "That's because I did watch it on TV before coming here!"

"Uh…"

"But that kid, Martin, is truly remarkable. We've received intel about his superhuman strength, and it seems to be true!"

Hardland shook his head in amazement. "What's even more impressive is his composure and courage. Facing multiple armed robbers alone, he remained calm enough to make the best decisions. He's a natural-born warrior."

An FBI agent interjected, "But he didn't show any distress after killing people. Could he be a sociopath?"

"You don't know what you're talking about!" Hardland glared at the agent. "His actions were situational, unlike the inherent disregard for life seen in sociopaths. Would you call soldiers on the battlefield sociopaths?"

"Besides, Martin was affected. He just suppressed it well. His microexpressions gave him away, which is why I admire his mental resilience even more."

(Meanwhile, in the helicopter, Martin thought: "Did my acting fool that Hardland guy? Well, even if it didn't, who'd dare touch me with my reputation?")

Returning to their hotel, Martin parted ways with Kayla and Jet.

The moment Martin and the girls stepped inside, a round of applause erupted. Scarlett rushed forward to hug him tightly.

The film crew swarmed around, enthusiastically patting Martin on the back.

"Well done, Martin!"

"You're a true hero."

"My God, I thought I was watching Spider-Man in real life!"