Having identified Carson Wolf as his next target, David threw himself into preparation with renewed vigor.
He had been anticipating this confrontation for months—the chance to strike at the man who had tried to kill him.
However, as a senior federal agent, Wolf maintained rigorous security protocols. Taking him down would require meticulous planning.
Meanwhile, Jason was attending to his priestly duties, organizing a long-overdue community gathering at Hopewell Sanctuary.
The event featured hymn singing, prayers, children's performances, and a complimentary lunch for all attendees.
During Father Julian's tenure, there had never been sufficient energy or resources to arrange such gatherings. Consequently, Jason's initiative earned unanimous praise from both congregation members and neighborhood residents.
Children raced playfully through the church grounds as adults conversed in small, comfortable groups. The atmosphere radiated peace and warmth—a rare quality in Hell's Kitchen.
Even David ventured downstairs to participate in the communal prayer, finding that the ritual temporarily calmed his restless mind.
That evening, after the festivities concluded, Jason was collecting discarded lunch containers in the backyard when a delicate chime rang through the church.
Ding-a-ling...
He paused, recognizing the distinctive bell of the confessional. Someone had come seeking absolution.
Upon entering the main hall, he noted that one confessional booth had already closed its door.
Though he had served as a priest for merely a week, Jason had already guided several penitent souls through confession. The psychological burden carried by Hell's Kitchen residents was evidently immense.
"Hello, I am Father Jason, your confessor today."
A male voice responded from behind the screen, surprise evident in his tone: "You're not Father Julian?"
"Father Julian has departed for the Vatican. I will be serving Hopewell Sanctuary for the next several months."
The man on the opposite side hesitated before sighing deeply.
"No matter—one priest is as good as another. My name is Wesley, and my life is an absolute disaster.
I have an insufferable supervisor—overweight and perpetually finding fault. That mouth never stops chattering, like a persistent fly buzzing around your head.
I was involved with a woman, but she betrayed me with my supposed best friend.
My apartment is in the cheapest part of town. Every time the subway passes, the entire building shakes like it's about to collapse.
And my job—my miserable, underpaid job—resembles nothing so much as those exploited factory workers from the last century, grinding away under merciless management."
Jason felt a jolt of recognition at this particular combination of complaints. A man named Wesley with a thoroughly miserable existence? Could it possibly be...
"I've been fatherless since childhood," the voice continued. "I also suffer from a genetic condition that periodically causes heart palpitations and visual distortions. The only relief comes from medication. God, is this your punishment for me?"
Jason was increasingly certain—this was indeed Wesley, the character from the film "Wanted" who possessed the extraordinary ability to curve bullets around obstacles!
After a thoughtful silence, the confessor suddenly became agitated. "I want to kill them all, Father! This thought has invaded my mind repeatedly—murder them! Decapitate them one by one—that treacherous couple, that insufferable supervisor—they all deserve death!"
Once Wesley had vented his frustrations, Jason responded in a measured, soothing tone: "Wesley, each of us exists within frameworks of constraint. Laws, moral codes, workplace regulations—this society can indeed be cruel and unforgiving.
Yet we remain alive, facing the sun, seeking light amidst darkness. Calm your heart, Wesley. Trust that positive transformation approaches, that your destiny stands on the cusp of profound change..."
"Hah..." Wesley laughed bitterly.
Jason continued undeterred: "Wesley, do you believe in divine providence?"
"What?"
"I have received... insight... that your life trajectory is about to shift dramatically. However, I must caution you to choose your path carefully. Should you ever feel lost, return here. Guidance awaits you."
Wesley remained silent for several moments, seemingly processing these words. "Father, I—"
"The truth is already known," Jason interjected gently. "Don't allow yourself to be blinded by seemingly noble ideals, only to live in permanent regret. This sanctuary remains perpetually open to you."
A bewildered Wesley departed in evident confusion. Watching his retreating figure, Jason couldn't suppress a satisfied smile.
Wesley—the protagonist from "Wanted" with the extraordinary ability to bend bullets—had unexpectedly manifested in this universe.
The Fraternity organization from that story possessed numerous valuable assets: bullet-curving techniques, regenerative medical technology, and a cadre of elite assassins. Given the opportunity, acquiring such resources would prove invaluable.
...
"BANG! BANG! BANG!"
In the dead of night, just as Jason had drifted into sleep, urgent knocking rattled his door.
"Get up! Daredevil's been ambushed!"
What?
Jason leapt from bed and rushed to David's surveillance room.
The massive monitor displayed drone footage—a dark street where multiple muzzle flashes converged toward a single point. Several vehicles had erupted in flames, illuminating the chaotic scene.
Jason tilted his head slightly, detecting faint explosions in the distance.
"What happened? Where's Daredevil?"
David wrung his hands anxiously. "He's been taken down. While traversing rooftops, a sniper's shot knocked him from his position. Then a dozen heavily armed operatives surrounded him and opened fire!"
He indicated several gunmen on screen. "Look at their tactical formation—providing cover fire while executing magazine changes during coordinated movement. Their proficiency rivals Delta Force operators. These are absolutely elite personnel.
Daredevil can't even raise his head without drawing concentrated fire! Moreover, the sniper who initially wounded him remains concealed, undoubtedly maintaining overwatch from an elevated position."
Damn!
Jason inhaled sharply. Could this universe's Daredevil be following an abbreviated script—one that ended with his premature death?
Observing the tactical situation, Jason struggled to envision how Daredevil might possibly overcome such overwhelming odds.
Unless... someone intervened?
Yet at this point in the timeline, he couldn't recall any established hero who might plausibly arrive as reinforcement.
Intense curiosity surged through him. Did Daredevil still possess the plot protection typically afforded to protagonists?
I'd like to witness that firsthand.
At that precise moment, his previously dormant system unexpectedly activated:
[Ding! Side Mission issued: Punish Evildoers!
Mission content: Prevention supersedes retribution.
Eliminate the team hunting Daredevil.
Mission time limit: Before Daredevil's death or after all assailants' deaths.
Mission Rewards: Reward packages will be allocated based on completion status.]
Son of a—
Jason's eyes widened in disbelief.
I've become Daredevil's supporting character!
After brief deliberation, he decided to intervene—the system rewards alone justified action.
"David, elevate the drone and locate that sniper!" he commanded.
David appeared startled. "What—what are you planning?"
"Divine guidance indicates Daredevil serves a righteous purpose and must not perish."
"What? God's playing favorites now?"
The words escaped before David could censor himself. He immediately looked stricken, realizing his potential blasphemy.
He glanced furtively at Jason. Would this self-proclaimed "knight" execute him for such irreverence?
Jason fixed him with a measured stare. "Show appropriate respect when referencing divine matters. Understood?"
"Yes—absolutely!" David hastily affirmed, suppressing a nervous cough.
Though he typically maintained a façade of casual irreverence around Jason, internally David had already categorized him as an extremely dangerous individual.
After all, he had personally witnessed Jason eliminate dozens of targets. Who knew how many others had fallen before their partnership began?
After changing into his black tactical gear and securing his devil mask, Jason rapidly approached the combat zone.
Rather than charging directly into the firefight, however, he awaited intelligence through his earpiece.
As additional vehicles exploded and Daredevil sustained what appeared to be a significant wound, rolling desperately into an abandoned building, David's voice finally came through.
"Sniper located! Positioned fifteen degrees southeast of your current position... Wait—he's spotted the drone... He's targeting—DAMN IT!"
David's voice turned frantic. "Knight! The drone's been shot down! He—"
Several seconds earlier...
The moment David shouted the drone was under attack, Jason had already launched into motion.
He materialized behind the rightmost gunman, his mental energy intensely focused, Compound Eyes ability activated to maximum capacity.
The movements of the dozen tactical operators suddenly appeared to decelerate dramatically.
"BANG! BANG! BANG!"
Both pistols extended horizontally, muzzle flashes illuminating the darkness as bullets streaked toward their targets!