Chapter 27: New Goal
An antique shop, small but filled with a bewildering array of "artifacts," sat near the edge of Hell's Kitchen.
At first glance, the items appeared ancient and valuable.
A closer inspection revealed they'd likely been unearthed last week.
Inside, the shop owner ate fast food while watching the news:
"A week after the Times Square bombing, the NYPD has made no progress."
"They've failed to capture John Wick and haven't even identified the Joker's origins!"
"We must ask..."
The owner, Yang Xu, sat at a wooden desk, consuming "authentic Chinese food" – General Tso's Chicken.
He soon tossed the sweet, greasy meal into the trash.
The news shifted from the bombing to Tony Stark's latest scandal. Yang Xu stroked his chin, pondering:
"The bombing's heat is fading, and my 'reputation' growth is stalling!"
Glancing at the system panel, he sighed as his reputation barely clung to 1,000.
"And the Joker, the most likely source of chaos, is gone. Should I risk a 'Black Iron Ten' draw and stir things up?"
Though tempting, he quickly dismissed the idea.
He knew further fictional character-induced chaos would invite unwanted attention.
The Joker and John Wick's untraceable origins were a fluke.
The pressured NYPD wouldn't easily overlook another similar incident.
However, challenging official organizations backed by national and social power required more than ordinary character cards.
Using extraordinary abilities would likely draw SHIELD's attention.
While SHIELD, in theory, dealt with strange events, America's strong presence meant they held considerable sway.
Within the US, SHIELD closely monitored supernatural activity.
Thor's hammer, for example, was discovered and "secured" within a day of landing.
Yang Xu could, of course, overpower SHIELD with his demon form and talismans.
But he preferred to avoid them until he fully recovered his strength.
Besides, SHIELD was currently operating under the radar, and exposure could lead to unpredictable consequences.
As Yang Xu pondered ways to boost his "reputation," the shop's doorbell chimed.
"Ding-ling~ Ding-ling~"
The door opened, and a suited middle-aged man with a cane entered.
"Welcome," Yang Xu greeted, feigning disinterest. "How can I help you?"
"I have some questions..." The man paused, his tone shifting to urgency. "Where did the previous owner go?"
"How should I know...?" Yang Xu glanced up, noticing the sunglasses and cane, and changed his tune. "I'm not sure!"
"The agent said he had family issues and left me in charge."
"If you'd like, I can inquire."
The man handed over a business card. "Thank you. Please let me know if you hear anything."
Yang Xu took the card. "Matt Murdock, right? I'll call if I learn anything."
Matt thanked him and left.
Yang Xu smiled. "Daredevil? Interesting!"
"The previous owner wasn't ordinary."
"Perhaps I can leverage these superheroes and villains for reputation."
"They're worth more than ordinary people."
He raised his hand, and the shadows in the shop formed armed ninjas.
"Shadow Troops, move!"
"Follow that blind man, discreetly."
The ninjas vanished into the shadows.
Unaware, Daredevil left the shop, his shadow growing subtly larger.
He changed into his black uniform in a secluded alley and headed to a rundown apartment.
"Pumbaa..."
A knock on the door elicited a hoarse reply: "Who's there?"
"Claire, it's me..."
The door opened, and a woman ushered Matt inside.
Claire closed the door, asking urgently, "Any clues?"
Daredevil shook his head. "Dead end! The shop's new owner promises to help, but it's a long shot."
Claire, frustrated, vented: "What's the Hand's goal?"
"Why blind their own workers? It makes no sense!"
Daredevil, with his heightened senses, felt her pain. He held her shoulders, saying gently:
"I don't know their goal, but I know their base!"
"No, Daredevil! It's too dangerous, I can't..."
Claire, overwhelmed, sobbed.
Daredevil comforted her, "Don't feel guilty, Claire!"
"Someone has to act, and you're a night nurse, not an expert."
"Leave it to me!"
As Daredevil reassured Claire, his shadow subtly distorted.