About ten minutes later.
Polaris, who had come down from the second-floor laboratory, approached Lynn, her expression slightly strange.
"What's wrong?"
Lynn put away his phone, looked at Polaris, and asked with a smile.
"This is the first time I've truly understood what Laura wants."
Sitting beside Lynn, Polaris softly said, "When Laura was in the orphanage, she was very well-behaved and adorable. She just wanted to please the caregivers and the Dean."
"But because of her Mutant identity, no matter how hard Laura tried to be good, the Dean and those caregivers were always afraid of her."
"Because Laura was so well-behaved, many people wanted to adopt her, but as soon as they learned she was a Mutant, they immediately gave up the idea."
At this point, Polaris was silent for a few seconds: "She was very lonely then, until I entered that orphanage and slowly became her friend."
"She actually cared a lot about that orphanage and was afraid of being kicked out and abandoned again."
"It's just that later, we both still left..."
Hearing Polaris say this, Lynn said, "I investigated that orphanage. The reason you left was because the Dean died of cancer, and the new Dean was full of hatred for Mutants, right?"
"Mm!"
Sitting beside Lynn, Polaris nodded, showing a docile expression for the first time.
"Actually, it's not the new Dean's fault. After all, his wife and child both died at the hands of Mutants."
"And even though he was full of resentment towards Mutants, he never mistreated us."
Spreading her hands towards Lynn, Polaris continued, "But it wasn't until today that I understood what Laura truly wanted."
"What she wants is not a house, not a dwelling that can be moved out of at any time, but a real 'home.'"
"That's why Laura is now bursting with immense enthusiasm."
"When I was on the second floor just now, I heard Laura explaining to Peter Parker the reason for this organization's establishment, and how the people within the organization should unite like a family."
"I was truly surprised because it was the first time I saw a light in her eyes."
"It's as if with this organization, Laura no longer has to worry about being abandoned."
At this point, Polaris looked up, her clear eyes gazing at Lynn, and said, "Thank you!"
"You're welcome!"
Lynn raised his hand and ruffled Polaris's hair, speaking like an elder brother: "Laura has found a sense of belonging in her heart. What about you?"
Polaris was not averse to Lynn's actions; in fact, she seemed to enjoy this "affection from her brother."
"I want to find Magneto and ask him why, after adopting me, he abandoned me in an orphanage like a puppy, ignoring me completely."
"I don't care if he treats me like a daughter; I just want to know what I did wrong for him to treat me like this!"
Hearing the complex emotions in Polaris's tone, Lynn patted Polaris's head: "From now on, just stay by my side. At least I won't abandon you like others."
"Mm!"
She looked up and gave Lynn a big smile.
This was the first time Polaris had acted like a 14-year-old girl.
Unfortunately, the warm scene didn't last for more than a few seconds before Peter Parker's continuous exclamations came from the second floor.
"Oh my God, this is so cool!"
"Is this the gear Lynn prepared for me? The Spider-Man suit is even bulletproof?"
"Really? Three thousand dollars in salary every month? This is great, this way Uncle Ben and Aunt Mei won't have to worry about my college tuition."
"I can even have a laboratory? Oh my God, this way I won't have to secretly research web-shooters anymore."
Listening to Peter Parker's continuous cheers from the second floor, and Laura's alluring voice.
Lynn and Polaris exchanged glances, then both started to laugh.
It had to be said that although Laura was only 13 years old, her ability to sway people's hearts was incredibly powerful.
At least now, Peter Parker was full of goodwill towards the Illuminati Lynn had created.
He wished he could immediately fill out a registration form or something, even though Lynn hadn't prepared such a thing.
When Peter Parker walked down holding the Illuminati badge, his face was filled with excitement.
"Lynn, thank you for the invitation, really, I promise I won't disappoint you."
Looking at Peter's excited expression, Lynn raised his hand and patted him on the shoulder: "It's not about disappointing me, but about never disappointing yourself."
"Peter, your heart is full of kindness and justice, which is very good. I hope you can always maintain that."
Hearing Lynn say this, Peter Parker nodded solemnly.
"I believe I will live up to the Illuminati's reputation, I promise!"
Listening to Peter Parker's powerful assurance, Lynn smiled.
At the same time, Lynn gained a deeper understanding of Laura's "brainwashing" ability.
At the same time.
Looking at Claire, who was bruised and battered, seemingly having suffered greatly.
Jonathan clenched his fists tightly, his entire body radiating a violent aura.
He hadn't expected that the damned FBI Kenny Davis had not only killed his father, leaving him with nothing overnight.
Now, he wouldn't even let Claire go!
He had nothing left, he had been ruined by him and was living on the streets, so why wouldn't that damned guy let him go?
Looking at the sadly weeping Claire, Jonathan clutched his hair, a sinister look flickering in his eyes.
In his most desperate and down-and-out moment, Claire was like a ray of light that illuminated the gloom in his heart.
But he had, in turn, caused this angelic girl to endure such painful torment!
Taking a deep breath, Jonathan gently embraced the weeping Claire: "Don't worry, nothing will happen. I promise you will never be hurt again, I swear!"
Hearing the sinister tone in Jonathan's voice, Claire looked up and said tremblingly, "Should we leave New York? If we just leave here, then he..."
"It's useless!"
Trying to keep his voice calm, Jonathan forced a smile and said, "He's with the FBI, the largest violent organization in the U.S. As long as he doesn't want to let us go, it's useless no matter where we go!"
"Don't worry, I'll take care of this, I promise!"
Thinking that Kenny Davis was still living in his family's Villa.
Jonathan made a certain decision in his heart.
No matter what, he would never let Claire suffer any more pain!
After coaxing Claire to sleep, Jonathan sat quietly by the bed, watching her.
After a long time, Jonathan finally leaned down and kissed Claire's face, then resolutely turned and left.
The door gently closed, and the seemingly sleeping Claire suddenly opened her eyes.
After seeing Jonathan leave, she took out her phone and sent a message to Alice.
As one of the largest organizations in the U.S., when the Federal Bureau of Investigation fully pursued those cannibals of the same cult as the Felton Family.
No matter what their identities were, no matter how much wealth they possessed.
Their ultimate outcome was only one: imprisonment.
Even the cult leader, located in Eastern Europe, did not escape the Federal Bureau of Investigation's capture.
Through media dissemination, in just one day, the entire U.S. became aware of this cannibalism case.
Countless citizens also took to the streets, strongly demanding that the authorities severely punish these damned cannibals.
Watching the people on the television, currently in front of the camera, continuously calling for these cannibals to be executed.
George Stacy shook his head and smiled at Lynn: "It's a pity. Since Michigan first abolished the death penalty in 1846, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois have also abolished the death penalty in recent years."
"Otherwise, these damned cannibals should be on the electric chair!"
Hearing Uncle George's words, Lynn smiled and said, "Compared to putting them on the electric chair, I think lifelong imprisonment is more tormenting for them."
"Uncle George, the cannibals on the list are either state councilors or business elites. They are accustomed to a life of abundance."
"Now, imprisoning them in a maximum-security prison, the immense sense of disparity will make them wish they were dead."
Hearing Lynn say this, George chuckled and nodded.
Lynn was right. George Stacy had seen many people commit suicide in prison.
The reason was that the disparity in status between inside and outside the prison made it difficult for them to adapt.
"However, I still wish these damned cannibals would sit on the electric chair. Only Heaven knows how many people they have killed over the years."
As the two were chatting idly, Lynn Hall's phone suddenly rang.
Seeing that it was Alice calling, Lynn said a word to George Stacy, then got up and went outside to answer the phone.
"Boss, the bait reported that the big fish has taken the bait. The big fish is currently swimming and observing in his former 'nest.' The target probably won't live much longer."
The bait referred to Claire, the big fish was Jonathan Polly, and the target was Kenny Davis.
"Let the big fish swim for a while first. The target is not an ordinary person, after all."
"Understood. The black market side is all ready. Once the big fish buys what he needs, the black market people will evaporate."
"Good job. Find a way for the big fish to kill the target who invaded the nest, then commit suicide!"
"Understood!"
Hanging up the phone, Lynn Hall returned to the house.
Kenny Davis's uncle was, after all, the Deputy Secretary of State for the Department of Justice, so his death had to be investigated.
Currently, everything was ready. Once Jonathan made his move, Claire would also disappear from New York.
After returning to the room, Lynn chatted with George Stacy for a while, then went back to his room to rest.
At this time, Gwen had already been waiting in Lynn's room for a while.
Seeing Lynn arrive, Gwen smiled and pounced on him: "What were you and my father talking about? You talked so late. I have so many things I want to tell you!"
Looking at Gwen, who was pouting in his arms, Lynn smiled and patted her backside, then took out a badge from his pocket and handed it to her.
【Illuminati - Spider-Woman】
Looking at the pattern and engraved text on the badge, Gwen asked curiously, "So, the organization we casually mentioned in front of Spider-Man really exists?"
"Yes, from now on, we are members of the Illuminati."
Looking at the pattern on the badge with some joy, and playing with it for a while, Gwen looked at Lynn and asked, "Where's your badge?"
"It's the same as yours."
He took out his badge, which was engraved with 【Illuminati - Leader】.
Lynn explained the Illuminati's organizational structure, philosophy, and Base to Gwen.
Lynn then said, "Currently, the Illuminati only has a few members, but the membership will definitely increase in the future."
Gwen, however, didn't pay attention to that, but sat on Lynn's lap and laughed: "So you're our Leader? Then, my dear Leader, do you need your subordinate Spider-Woman to serve you?"
"Of course, as the Leader, I need to know the health status of the organization's members."
"Tch."
After rolling her eyes at Lynn, Gwen happily put away the badge, then chatted with Lynn about what had happened over the past week.
"New York was semi-locked down for a while, and many gang members didn't dare to cause trouble, but Hell's Kitchen is still the same, still as chaotic."
"Oh, right, I heard that a street hero named Daredevil has appeared in Hell's Kitchen."
“Also, a ruthless character appeared in New York. While New York was semi-locked down, he actually massacred an entire gang.”
“And his actions were clean and swift. By the time my dad arrived at the scene with his men, this guy had already vanished.”
Lynn's attention was drawn to the so-called ruthless character as Gwen happily swung her feet and told him about what had been happening in New York.
In fact, Lynn was aware of this matter; Alan Maxi had investigated it after the gang was wiped out.
However, it seemed someone was covering up this ruthless character's identity, as even the New York Federal Bureau of Investigation couldn't find him.
“Oh, by the way, Lynn, is Spider-Man’s true identity Peter Parker?”
Gwen lifted her head from Lynn's shoulder and asked him curiously.
“Your guess?”
“Mm!”
Nodding, Gwen explained her guess.
At the same time, in an apartment in Brooklyn.
“You’d best disappear for a while. The New York Federal Bureau of Investigation has already taken notice of you!”
Nick Fury, wearing a leather trench coat and an eye patch, spoke to Frank, who was bandaging his cut arm.
“FBI?”
Facing Nick Fury's persuasion, Frank finished bandaging and casually picked up a beer from the table, saying, “I don’t care about them.”
With that, he chugged the entire bottle of beer.
“I know your capabilities, Frank. I’d even call you a ‘Level Ten Agent,’ but if S.H.I.E.L.D. hadn’t been covering your tracks, you would have been exposed long ago!”
As he spoke, Nick Fury sat down opposite him: “And you should be grateful that the guy investigating you this time isn’t Lynn Hall, otherwise—”
“You mean the young man who was interviewed on TV today?”
Hearing Nick Fury’s words, Frank put down his beer and said, “It’s my first time seeing you speak so highly of another government official. What, besides me, do you want to recruit him too?”
Nick Fury still valued Frank greatly.
Although Frank was just an ordinary person, Nick Fury believed that no matter if Frank's enemies were Mutants or supernatural beings,
They would be the ones to die in the end!
“Lynn Hall is the second person who made me strongly consider recruiting him, but like you, he’s rejected S.H.I.E.L.D.’s recruitment multiple times.”
At this point, Nick Fury stood up and said, “Get some good rest. Since your revenge has been taken, enjoy this World as an ordinary person.”
With that, Nick Fury turned to leave.
Looking at Nick Fury as he reached the door, Frank suddenly said, “Next time, send Nick Fury himself. Don’t worry, I won’t shoot him in the head!”
Hearing Frank say that, Nick Fury paused.
Ultimately, he said nothing more, but quickly left Frank’s apartment.
Casually tossing a miniature bomb onto the table, Frank picked up the remote control and turned on the TV.
The TV was still broadcasting news about the “Felton Family Cannibalism Case.”
Looking at the ordinary people on TV holding banners and protesting, demanding the execution of the cannibals,
Frank’s voice was somewhat low: “Cannibals…”
By the end of September, the sensational Felton Family Cannibalism Case had concluded.
In just half a month, all the cannibals had been tried in courts across various cities.
Normally, cases of such widespread involvement and numerous criminals would take at least half a year, or even a year, to complete.
But public opinion, from the President down to the common people, placed immense pressure on the Department of Justice.
Under this pressure, all the cannibals were sentenced to life imprisonment, with no possibility of parole.
This outcome satisfied everyone, and Lynn Hall became a hero in the public's eyes.
Early morning, on a flight from New York to Los Angeles.
This was already the third note Lynn had received from a flight attendant with a phone number, but the quality of American Airlines flight attendants... Lynn could only say his teeth weren't that good; he couldn't handle those auntie-level flight attendants!
“How does it feel to be a hero?”
Director James Duke asked with a chuckle, watching Lynn put the note away, intending to throw it in the trash after getting off the plane.
“Not bad, but being recognized by everyone is a bit inconvenient for fieldwork.”
“But fortunately, the public is forgetful, so it won’t be long before they forget me.”
Seeing Lynn remain calm and composed, Duke nodded in satisfaction: “If this had been Kenny or Alan, they would have jumped for joy. It’s good that you can maintain this mindset.”
At this point, Duke suddenly said, “Do you know? A few days ago, the President and the Secretary of State discussed personally awarding you a medal.”
“However, this matter was ultimately dissuaded by someone. In his words, these are within the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s duties, and internal commendation is sufficient.”
Hearing Director Duke say this, Lynn asked with a smile, “Department of Justice?”
“Who else but them? That Deputy Secretary of the Department of Justice…heh!”
Duke didn't continue his sentence, and Lynn nodded without pressing further.
The Deputy Secretary of the Department of Justice was Kenny Davis’s paternal uncle.
It was obvious that at a critical moment when Rich Hood was in a nominal position, the Deputy Director position was vacant, and several Assistant Directors were competing for the Director position,
It would be strange if the Deputy Secretary, as Kenny’s uncle, didn't stab him in the back!
However, he probably wouldn’t have imagined that Kenny Davis would soon be going to Hell to meet Mephisto.
“Lynn, this time I’m taking you to Los Angeles to broaden your horizons. If all goes well, you might be able to take on the Director position early after we return!”
Hearing Director Duke’s light words, Lynn feigned surprise but didn't ask further.
However, he understood in his heart that Duke was preparing to show his hand!
As for why Los Angeles was chosen instead of New York, which Duke oversaw?
Lynn wasn't sure about that either!
At the same time, in the Upper East Side of New York.
Alice stood by the window, holding binoculars and watching Kenny Davis on his morning run.
According to her investigation, for the past half month, Jonathan Polly had been silently observing Kenny Davis’s habits.
Furthermore, the Villa Kenny Davis lived in was Jonathan’s former home.
So Alice believed that Jonathan’s success rate in assassinating Kenny was at least 90%.
Success would be best, but even if he failed, she had prepared some backup plans to ensure Kenny wouldn't live past today.
As the executor of the “revenge” plan, Alice naturally wanted to personally watch this good show.
On the road.
Kenny continued his morning run along the roads of the Upper East Side, occasionally smiling and nodding at people on the roadside.
As a wealthy area of New York City, the security here was very high; if a crime occurred, the police would arrive within minutes.
Coupled with being a member of the FBI, Kenny didn't feel he would encounter any danger.
After running three miles along the road, Kenny Davis picked up his water bottle, ready to rehydrate.
Half of his morning run was over, and he planned to run back, shower, and then go to work.
Lynn becoming a national hero had put a lot of pressure on Kenny; he felt he had to find a way to get ahead of him.
After rehydrating, Kenny was just about to turn back.
His gaze, however, fell upon a man ahead, wearing a worn trench coat and a full beard, walking towards him.
Upon seeing this disheveled man, Kenny Davis instinctively frowned.
When did the wealthy district allow such a homeless person...
As soon as this thought appeared, the next second, the “homeless man” directly pulled out a pistol from his worn trench coat and aimed it at him.
“Bang!”
“Bang!”
“Bang!”
Several gunshots rang out in succession, and before Kenny Davis could react, several bullets penetrated his body.
Watching Kenny Davis fall into a pool of blood, his face filled with fear and confusion, Jonathan laughed manically with red eyes.
The gunshots shattered the tranquility of the wealthy district, and soon some people pulled out their phones to call the police.
In a Villa not far away.
“Alice, Jonathan has already taken care of Kenny. It seems our backup plan won’t be needed.”
Hearing Sean’s voice through her earpiece, Alice said, “Is Claire’s side handled?”
“Don’t worry, Claire should be in some small country in Eastern Europe by now. She’s a smart woman, she knows what would happen if she came back. With a large sum of money, she definitely won’t return!”
“Keep a close eye on her. If she even thinks about coming back within the next three years, just eliminate her!”
With that, Alice took off her earpiece, but her gaze remained fixed on Jonathan.
If Jonathan didn't choose to commit suicide, then someone would help him “commit suicide”!
Airport.
Just as they stepped off the plane, Lynn Hall and Duke’s phones rang simultaneously.
Picking up his phone and answering, Lynn heard Alice’s “urgent” voice: “Boss, it’s bad. Just now, the police received news that there was a shooting in the Upper East Side.”
“According to the police investigation, the victim of the shooting was Kenny Davis from our agency.”
“Because of Kenny’s special identity, the NYPD reported the case to us.”
“What?!”
Hearing Alice’s “angry” and “sad” tone, Lynn immediately frowned and said, “How could this happen? Where’s the killer?”
“Boss, the killer committed suicide immediately after shooting Kenny Davis. Currently, it’s still unclear if the killer was instigated by someone else.”
“I understand!”
After hanging up the phone, Lynn turned to look at James Duke.
At this moment, James Duke was frowning, his expression clearly somewhat grim.
It would be nothing if just one FBI Detective died, but the key was that Kenny Davis’s backer was the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Justice.
And the Federal Bureau of Investigation happened to be under the jurisdiction of the Department of Justice!
“Director, you’ve also received the news that Kenny Davis was shot, right? Should we rush back now?”
Seeing the Director’s grim expression, Lynn asked.
“Not yet, I’ll make a call first!”
Gesturing for Lynn to wait, James Duke took out his phone and walked aside.
A few minutes later.
When Duke returned, his expression had clearly softened considerably.
“I’ve already contacted the Department of Justice. Regarding Kenny Davis’s case, we must investigate it thoroughly!”
Hearing the Director’s words, Lynn nodded solemnly: “We must investigate thoroughly. Kenny is, after all, a member of our New York Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
“Someone killing him is equivalent to slapping our Federal Bureau of Investigation in the face!”
Seeing Lynn's determined look to investigate to the end, Duke smiled and patted Lynn’s arm: “That’s right, but before that, we have something more important to do!”
With that, Duke led Lynn out of the airport.
Outside the airport, black Chevrolets were parked. When they saw Duke walk out, a group of men in black suits, looking like bodyguards, immediately came forward.
“Mr. Duke, everything is ready.”
“Mm!”
Nodding in satisfaction, James Duke gestured for Lynn to get in the car with him.
Inside a restaurant not far from the airport.
Watching Lynn and Duke get into the car, Polaris put down her food and left the restaurant.
Watching the convoy drive away, she recalled the tracking methods Lynn had taught her and quietly followed them.
Driving along the road, the convoy gradually passed through the bustling downtown area and entered the slum.
Getting out of the car, they were met with a multi-story building.
Compared to the surrounding slums, this building stood out like a sore thumb.
Especially since the security around the building was extremely strict, there weren't even any homeless people nearby.
"Let's go, I'll show you something good."
Patting Lynn's arm, Duke led the way inside.
Following Duke, Lynn walked into the building with him.
However, unbeknownst to others, Lynn lightly tapped the ring on his middle finger with his thumb.
On the other side.
After witnessing Lynn being escorted into the building by that group of people, Polaris felt two vibrations from the sensor in her ring.
She then surveyed her surroundings and found a place to hide.
The two vibrations from the sensor meant everything was safe; this was the agreed-upon method of conveying information with Lynn.
Only when the sensor vibrated three times would it indicate he was in danger.
Originally, Lynn hadn't intended to bring Polaris along, as with the abilities Lynn currently concealed, even if HYDRA wanted to imprison or even kill him.
He would still be able to escape from them, or even counter-kill them.
Moreover, Lynn believed this time Duke was preparing to come clean with him and formally recruit him.
As for Polaris, she was merely an extra layer of security Lynn had for himself.
Upon entering the building, everything seemed perfectly normal, just like a regular office building, with a front desk, staff, and everything else.
However, once inside the elevator, after Duke scanned his fingerprint and retina.
Some hidden buttons appeared on the elevator panel.
"Sometimes, secrecy and security are paramount, Lynn. For people like us, no matter how glorious we are in public, until the 'future' arrives, we all need to learn to lie low."
As the elevator descended rapidly, James Duke looked at Lynn with profound meaning and said.
Listening to Duke's meaningful words, Lynn displayed a look of utter confusion.
This expression fell into Duke's eyes, and he chuckled, saying, "You'll understand soon enough!"
As his voice faded, the elevator doors slowly opened.
Following Duke out of the elevator, Lynn saw numerous large transparent containers.
The insides of these containers were all filled with orange-red liquid, and countless wires were connected to each container.
In front of these transparent containers, one technician after another, dressed in white coats, were operating something.
And at the central control panel, several researchers were observing various data sets.
Upon seeing James Duke arrive, these technicians immediately rushed over.
"Mr. Duke."
"How is the experiment progressing?"
"Everything is normal at the moment, but the experimental products produced have not yet met the standards and still require some time for research."
Hearing the researcher's answer, Duke nodded: "What about the semi-finished products?"
"Mr. Duke, the semi-finished products have entered the human trial phase. Test subjects who have taken the blue and red semi-finished products have, without exception, temporarily possessed various supernatural abilities."
"It's just a pity that the duration of these supernatural abilities is too short. The blue semi-finished product can ensure the test subject has supernatural abilities for thirty minutes to an hour."
"And the red semi-finished product can extend the ability to two hours."
At this point, the researcher pushed up his glasses and said, "However, the side effects are also very obvious. When the supernatural abilities disappear, test subjects who took the blue semi-finished product will experience side effects such as exhaustion, dehydration, and a significant decline in bodily functions."
"And 70% of the test subjects who took the red semi-finished product died of exhaustion!"
Hearing the researcher's report on the results, James Duke nodded with satisfaction.
Turning his head to look at a surprised Lynn, Duke smiled and said, "Surprised? But this is just a small part. Follow me!"
With that, Duke led Lynn further forward.
Following Duke deeper into the Base, Lynn was silent for a moment before asking, "Director, I don't quite understand, here..."
"Lynn, what do you think of this country, or even this World?"
Before Lynn could finish his question, Duke suddenly countered with one of his own.
Watching Duke stare into his eyes, Lynn was about to answer when he heard Duke continue: "Actually, this country isn't as beautiful as you imagine."
"Poor people think they can get rich by working hard, and those of humble birth think they can change their fate by studying."
"But in reality? This country is full of corruption, bureaucracy, capital, and the upward mobility of ordinary people is always controlled by a small group of people."
"They are greedy, tyrannical, and toy with one ambitious young person after another from a condescending position."
"At the same time, for profit, they instigate civil wars in one country after another."
At this point, Duke led Lynn further forward: "Lynn, compared to the ordinary people of this country, you are actually very lucky."
"Because your adoptive father, George Stacy, is the Director of the New York Police Department, so you've seen more and had a much higher starting point since childhood."
"If the person who adopted you from the orphanage wasn't him, but an ordinary person, then what do you think you would be like now?"
Facing Duke's words, Lynn followed him without answering.
However, the look in Duke's eyes was full of suspicion, as if he were treating him as a spy from another country.
Seeing Lynn's wary and suspicious gaze, Duke smiled but didn't mind.
"Don't worry, I'm not a spy from another country."
Pushing open a door in front of them, what appeared before the two of them was a long corridor.
Walking along the corridor, they soon arrived at a black iron door.
Stopping in front of this black iron door, James Duke looked at Lynn and said, "Lynn, I've always thought highly of you."
"That's also why I brought you into the Brotherhood. In fact, you should understand what I just said."
"As a member of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, you should be even clearer that in the eyes of the big shots, ordinary people are just ants that can be crushed at any time."
Hearing James Duke say this, the "alertness" in Lynn's eyes still did not relax: "So, what is your true identity?"
"Have you heard of HYDRA?"
As soon as Duke's voice fell, the next second, the black iron door suddenly opened.
Seeing the person who opened the door, Lynn Hall "instinctively" pulled out his pistol.
This person in front of him was none other than the Vampire whom Lynn had let go in Europe under orders.
When he saw Lynn pointing a gun at him, the Vampire showed no reaction, but respectfully said to James Duke: "Hello, Mr. Duke."
"Mm!"
Nodding to the Vampire, Duke looked at Lynn and smiled: "Put down the gun, Lynn, you should know that Vampires aren't afraid of these bullets!"
After speaking, regardless of Lynn's actions, James Duke walked directly into the door.
Standing at the doorway, Lynn hesitated for a moment, his expression filled with "solemnity."
"Actually, from the first time I saw you, I knew you would become one of us, Mr. Hall."
Saying this, the Vampire made an inviting gesture to Lynn: "I know Mr. Hall, you might not be able to accept reality right away."
"But Mr. Hall, half of your foot has actually already stepped into HYDRA!"
Hearing the Vampire's words, Lynn Hall was silent for a few seconds, then slowly lowered his gun.
"So the last time Duke ordered me to let you go, was it because you were also part of HYDRA?"
"I am, but the family behind me is not."
Facing Lynn's inquiry, the Vampire invited Lynn in while saying: "HYDRA's screening is actually very strict, the purpose is to prevent people from knowing the fact that HYDRA still exists."
"Ever since Johann Schmidt was defeated by Steve Rogers and HYDRA was 'eliminated' by S.H.I.E.L.D., many members went into hiding."
"Through generations of slow infiltration, HYDRA has now controlled various fields in most countries."
"Perhaps you cannot imagine how vast HYDRA's current scale is, but Mr. Hall, HYDRA is far larger than you imagine."
Following the Vampire, Lynn walked slowly forward, gripping his pistol.
A moment later, Lynn asked, "Why me?"
"Because Director Duke values you very highly."
"In fact, it's not just you; we have developed excellent companions in various fields, but compared to them, Director Duke feels you have more of a leader's temperament."
Saying this, the Vampire led Lynn to Duke's side.
"Come over here, Lynn, I'll introduce you to the true research direction of this Base!"
Waving to Lynn, Duke didn't care about Lynn's wary gaze.
New York, inside a gang Base.
"Oh my God."
Looking at the dozens of gang members' bodies in front of him, the ground was covered in blood, and the walls were riddled with bullet holes.
Peter Parker instinctively exclaimed.
Pressing the communicator under his mask, as soon as the communication connected, Peter Parker immediately said: "Illusionist, are you there? I've found a major case here."
"My God, those guys from the 17th gang were all killed. There are twenty-three bodies here."
"I need you to notify the New York Police Department immediately, and preferably inform the leader!"
As he spoke, Peter Parker carefully checked his surroundings, wanting to see if there were any clues left behind.
But he was also worried about disturbing the crime scene, so he could only rely on his Spider-Sense to search slowly.
Inside the Base.
Hearing Peter Parker's call, Laura, who was playing a game, immediately put down her PSP.
"Twenty-three bodies? All members of the 17th gang? Could it be a gang war? From what I know, those guys from the 17th gang specialize in selling drugs."
"Also, Spider-Woman is heading your way. I'll notify the New York Police Department, but the leader and Polaris are not in New York; they've gone to Los Angeles!"
As soon as Laura's voice fell, Gwen's voice rang out on the communication channel: "Illusionist, I'll notify the New York Police Department. You keep observing."
"Once the New York Police Department arrives, Spider-Man and I will evacuate the scene as quickly as possible!"
Saying this, Gwen swung with her web and landed directly outside the 17th gang's Base.
Noticing Spider-Woman's arrival, Peter Parker immediately walked out: "Spider-Woman, you might not know this, but it's almost a slaughterhouse in here. My God, I can't even imagine who killed them."
"But based on my examination of the traces at the scene, the killer of the 17th gang was only one person."
"My God, I can't imagine how he did all of this!"