Under the cover of night, the SUV gradually drove away from the bustling city.
60 kilometers north of New York, Bear Mountain State Park.
Splash, splash
A stream flowed, moonlight reflecting off it in sparkling glimmers.
The SUV slowly entered the forest park, eventually stopping at the foot of a small hill.
"We're here."
The men in suits escorted Charlie into the forest. Before long, they arrived at a hidden cave at the foot of the hill.
"I thought the meeting place would be a uniquely styled café, or perhaps a bar filled with women that girls love."
Looking at the dark cave entrance, Charlie shrugged. "Looks like Kingpin didn't intend to buy me a drink.
What I mean is, if he hired a dozen ladies to dance and sing with Spider-Man, this deal would be perfect."
"Move it, stop talking nonsense."
The man pushed Charlie forward, saying coldly, "You're Spider-Man's friend. You should know that heroes don't like vulgar women."
"Is that your stereotypical view of Spider-Man? You don't know Spider-Man at all."
Charlie took a few steps forward. "It's too dark. Turn on the light."
"It's on."
"Alright, thank you. I'll repay you later."
The group walked through a narrow passage until they saw a bright light ahead.
Inside the hollowed-out mountain stood a miniature pyramid, about ten meters tall, glowing a soft gold under the lights.
Surrounding the pyramid were various scientific devices and equipment.
Elsewhere, more than a hundred men in suits guarded each of the cave's exits.
"Where's your boss?" Charlie asked.
He hadn't seen Kingpin yet.
"The boss will be here soon."
As the man spoke, a custom armored vehicle slowly drove in from the other side of the mountain.
Vroom!
The engine's roar echoed throughout the mountain, and the gravel beneath their feet slightly trembled.
As the armored vehicle came to a stop, the door was respectfully opened by the men in suits. A pure gold cane was the first thing to touch the ground, followed by the large and massive figure stepping out.
Kingpin!
Kingpin's face was filled with rolls of flesh, his gaze imposing without anger. Dressed in a white suit, there was no fancy jewelry on him—only the simple design of the cane, topped with a gemstone the size of a pebble, glowed with the wealth of the world.
"Boss!"
The moment Kingpin appeared, the men in suits all bowed in greeting.
"Hmm."
Kingpin swept his eyes across his men, nodding slightly.
Suddenly, his brow furrowed. He approached one of the men, towering over him.
The man in front of him began trembling, lowering his head without daring to speak, barely daring to breathe.
The messenger from hell was looking right at him!
One second.
Two seconds.
Three seconds.
The man could feel his mouth dry, his forehead beginning to sweat.
After just a few seconds of such torment, he felt like he was breaking down.
Finally, Kingpin spoke.
"If it happens again, you will disappear from this world forever."
As soon as these words were said, the man went weak in the knees, nearly collapsing to the ground.
His face turned pale—he had no idea what he had done wrong.
Then Kingpin turned away.
Behind him, Kalyn sauntered over, her black-painted fingernail lightly brushing the stain on the man's collar.
"I warned you—don't let it happen again," Kalyn whispered with a smile before walking gracefully to catch up with Kingpin.
Seeing this, Charlie's expression turned odd.
This guy's a germophobe?
No wonder these thugs dressed so neatly. Wearing suits every day, especially in hot weather, must be uncomfortable.
Yeah, must be even worse in a fight.
Seeing Kingpin approaching, the man next to Charlie quickly bowed and backed away.
"Are you Charlie Parker?"
Kingpin stood there like a wall, blocking Charlie's way.
Charlie looked up at Kingpin's multiple chins and grinned.
"Yeah, hasn't anyone told you—that's a terrible angle?"
"Hmm?" Kingpin frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"It's a terrible angle for pictures. Makes you look ugly."
Kingpin: "..."
Seeing that Charlie showed no fear in his presence, Kingpin finally smiled.
"Good. No wonder you're a friend of Spider-Man. I'm a little interested in you."
"Hopefully, it's not that kind of interest."
Charlie glanced around. "Got a chair?"
Kingpin gestured, and a man in a suit quickly brought over a luxurious sofa.
"Wow, top-notch service."
Charlie plopped down on the sofa, paying no attention to Kingpin at all.
Seeing this, the men in suits instantly tensed up.
The kid had guts—he was really being bold.
They could already imagine Kingpin's imminent rage, and were ready to tear this kid to pieces.
But to their surprise, Kingpin calmly sat across from Charlie, showing no sign of anger.
Instead, his tone was friendly, striking up a conversation with the young man.
Their eyes widened in shock.
"How old are you?"
"Just became an adult."
"Do you have a girl you like?"
"Yes."
Charlie pointed to the man who brought him here. "He likes her too."
Kingpin didn't even glance at the man, his hands resting on his cane, fingers rubbing the gemstone. Kalyn waved her hand, and a man stepped forward to take him away.
"No, boss, listen to me. The kid's lying—I swear I didn't... Tell the boss it wasn't true! You said you'd repay me!"
Bang!
The sound of gunfire silenced the room.
That was Charlie's repayment.
Kingpin kept smiling. "Satisfied?"
Charlie nodded. "Satisfied. In return, I'll tell you a secret."
"Oh? What secret?" Kingpin asked, intrigued.
Charlie looked mysterious. "I just lied to you."
Kingpin: "..."
He was momentarily stunned before bursting into laughter.
"Hahaha, interesting. Very interesting. It's been a long time since something this funny happened."
Kingpin laughed, but his men were terrified. They couldn't begin to imagine what horrors might come next.
But soon, they understood.
The boss was genuinely just amused.
"Charlie Parker, you remind me of my late son. He used to lie to me a lot too."
Kingpin looked at Charlie. "Become my son. You'll inherit my vast dark empire and become the world's only dark emperor."
Charlie: "?????"
"No, big guy, that's way too random. Shouldn't we do a paternity test first?"
"Call me Dad!"
"Call your sister!"
Charlie got up and stood on the sofa, pointing at Kingpin's forehead, swearing angrily.
"What nonsense are you talking about? I hate people taking advantage of me. Don't think I don't know what you're planning—there's definitely something wrong with you. No way I'm letting you succeed, you pervert. You piece of %@#!"
Charlie's outburst left Kingpin dumbfounded. Kalyn didn't know what command to give.
Kill this guy? No, the boss hasn't said so. Let him be? No, the boss hasn't said so.
Finally, as Kalyn was struggling, Charlie took a breath.
Kingpin seemed to snap back to reality, waving his hand, prompting the men in suits to pull out their weapons.
The next second, Kingpin spoke. "Bring him a coffee."
The men in suits: "?????"
"Want sugar?" Kingpin asked.
Kalyn: "?????"
Charlie thought for a moment. "I want juice."
"Alright."
"Two glasses."
"Sure."
Kingpin had someone bring the juice. Charlie downed it in one gulp, exhaling slowly.
"I forgive you this time. Don't bring it up again."
"Alright. I'll give you time to think."
Kingpin watched as Charlie finished his second glass of juice, then continued.
"You're Spider-Man's friend. How did you meet?"
"Nothing special—just happened to run into each other, had a good chat. That's all."
"We're having a good chat too."
"You sure?"
"Of course."
Kingpin sat beside Charlie. "Captain Carter from S.H.I.E.L.D. is your elder. Spider-Man is your friend. Dr. Curt Connors has also treated you well. You are very lucky."
Charlie scoffed. "So, what are you trying to say?"
"So, you have the potential to become the Dark Emperor."
Charlie: "..."
"Let's not talk about that."
He looked at his watch. "If Spider-Man doesn't bring you what you want, what happens to me?"
"You die," Kingpin replied without hesitation.
Charlie was surprised. "Weren't you just saying you wanted me to be your son?"
"You didn't agree..."
Kingpin chuckled again.
"Cheeky kid. I really don't want to kill you."
"But I'm fine with it."
Charlie casually replied.
In any universe, Kingpin was always a ruthless figure.
Not necessarily the strongest, but certainly cunning and brutal.
His desire to be a "father" was straightforward—having Charlie would drastically change the relationship between S.H.I.E.L.D., Spider-Man, and Dr. Connors. At the very least, they wouldn't be hostile anymore.
How sincere his intentions were, no one knew.
But it wouldn't make Charlie go easy on him.
Before making a move, though, Charlie needed to confirm whether this Kingpin was the real one.
The Hydra Captain clone situation was still fresh in his mind—even if that clone hadn't been much trouble.
But Kingpin was different. If he made a mistake here, his identity would be exposed, leading to endless problems.
He looked at Kingpin. "I didn't expect you to come here personally. Aren't you afraid?"
Kingpin smiled, his tone full of disdain.
"I've spent my life turning defeat into victory. Do you think I'd be afraid?"
"What a lousy line."
Charlie glanced over at the pyramid. "What's that?"
"It's the pyramid that powers the Time Slate. As soon as I learned how to use it, that damned cat burglar stole it."
Kingpin's face darkened at the thought.
"The Phantom Cat, Black Cat—two despicable thieves. They must die."
He looked at Charlie. "If Spider-Man chooses to help them, Spider-Man must die too."
Charlie shrugged. "You can't beat Spider-Man."
"I told you—I've spent my life..."
"Turning defeat into victory, yeah, no need to repeat it. No, I mean, don't say it for the third time."
After Charlie finished speaking, the communicator in Kalyn's hand rang.
"Boss, Black Cat is here. She brought the Time Slate."
"Where's Spider-Man?" Kingpin frowned.
Kalyn shook her head. "He didn't come. He must be hiding."
"Hmph, looks like I overestimated him."
Kingpin sneered. "Let Black Cat in."
"Yes, sir."
Soon, the men in suits stepped aside, making way for Felicia, who was carrying a large case.
"Charlie, they really brought you here," Felicia frowned.
Charlie shrugged. "Sorry, they have guns. Hard to say no."
"Hmph, such a liability. I don't know why Spider-Man chose you."
Felicia showed her displeasure, but Kingpin had no interest in listening.
"Now that you've brought the item, you can die."
"Wait. How do you know what's inside is real?"
Felicia easily lifted the case. Kingpin sneered.
"What you're holding is fake, but someone will bring me the real one."
"What?" Felicia was stunned.
Could it be...
The next moment, a curly-haired man emerged from the crowd, holding an identical case.
"Felicia, I'm sorry."
The man placed the case before Kingpin, opening it to reveal the Time Slate. In that moment, the stone tablet glowed, seemingly resonating with the pyramid.
Seeing the real Time Slate being handed over, Felicia was in disbelief.
"Ryan, you betrayed me!" She couldn't believe it.
Ryan snorted. "Betrayed you—so what? Why is that surprising?"
Kingpin looked at the Time Slate in satisfaction, waving for it to be brought to the pyramid.
"Everything is tradable, including love, right, Ryan?" He laughed.
Ryan smiled back. "Yes, sir."
He turned to Felicia, mocking her.
"My dear, I spent too much time and effort on you. I even let you use the underground hospital to treat your father.
But despite all that, you still wouldn't go to a hotel with me. I couldn't wait any longer.
The boss has promised me—after this, you'll be mine. Plus, I'll get a big payday. It's the best deal possible."
As he thought about Felicia in that moment, Ryan's heart couldn't help but tremble with anticipation.
Felicia gritted her teeth. "You bastard! I trusted you so much. Before coming here, I handed over the most important thing to you—the Time Slate. It was like entrusting my life to you! Didn't you understand that?"
"Of course, I understood—the Hardy family tradition. You want me to complete a perfect heist with you before I can truly have you. But that's just an excuse."
Ryan sneered. "So, I changed my mind. I don't need you forever. Just one night—no, two nights, three nights will be enough."
"You scumbag, I'll make you pay!"
"Hahaha, I'm so scared!"
The two of them bickered, while Kingpin watched with amusement.
Charlie, meanwhile, was dumbfounded.
"They're a couple?"
He remembered—in another universe, Black Cat had been hurt by her boyfriend, leading her to hate all men except Spider-Man.
Hmm, yes—they were already boyfriend and girlfriend, but still chose strange ways of doing things.
It was hard for a normal person to understand.
Anyway, he didn't understand.
This was just too much.