Fisk Tower.
Wilson Fisk stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down upon the sprawl of New York City.
"I heard that multiple incidents involving unidentified biological entities killing humans have occurred in New York recently, causing quite a stir?"
In the room, David immediately replied, "We haven't collected specific, detailed intelligence yet. However, the NYPD seems to have named these unknown lifeforms 'Gurongi' and has formed a special task force to deal with them. Simultaneously, a team from a special department is also working to eliminate them."
Fisk nodded slightly, his gaze deep and inscrutable. "Gurongi, is it? They've caused quite a commotion in New York. Though I'd like to teach those who kill and destroy at will a lesson, I have more important matters at hand right now. I don't have time for them yet."
After obtaining the power of the Terror Gaia Memory, Fisk had already come to view New York as his personal property. The Gurongi's indiscriminate killing undoubtedly violated the rules Fisk had established, leaving him quite dissatisfied.
"Mr. Jim is here," the intercom on the desk buzzed.
"Send him up," Fisk spoke into the device.
Jim arrived to hand over the "Life Medals" created from the life force collected from casino gamblers and to report on the casino's status.
After listening to the report and looking at the Life Medals before him, Fisk nodded with satisfaction. "Jim, you've done well. The number of Life Medals collected has increased significantly."
Jim bowed respectfully, speaking with great humility. "It is all thanks to your influence, Mr. Fisk. It is nothing."
Fisk shook his head slightly. "When results are produced, I will never turn a blind eye. For merit, I will not be stingy with rewards. However, if mistakes are made, there will be punishment."
Jim stole a glance at Fisk—this Emperor of Fear—and asked tremulously, "May I ask... what is it you are referring to, Mr. Fisk?"
Fisk glanced at David.
David, who possessed the Eyes Memory, understood instantly. "Jim, your casino has been targeted lately, hasn't it?"
Jim's expression changed slightly, and he hurried to explain, "It's just two low-rate detectives. They can't influence our business operations."
Jessica and Luke, being amateur detectives, did indeed lack professional finesse. Their tracking and surveillance were somewhat amateurish and couldn't be hidden from trained eyes. However, once Jim learned that the request came from the director of the orphanage, he had quietly withheld that information, intending not to tell Fisk.
Firstly, he worried that if Fisk found out, he might kill the old director to eliminate future trouble. Secondly, he didn't particularly want to see Fisk move against Jessica and her partner. He had hoped to convince the director to drop the investigation on his own.
Fisk looked at Jim meaningfully. "Those two are no ordinary detectives. Jessica possesses the power of a Gold Gaia Memory."
"I... I will handle it. I won't let them interfere with the business..." Jim's expression was anxious.
"I don't believe you have the capability to solve this," Fisk said bluntly.
"Why don't you let me handle them? I've been feeling bored lately," Bullseye spoke up from the side, eager for action. "Since getting the power of a Gaia Memory, I haven't had the chance to find a worthy opponent to truly unleash its power."
"Mr. Bullseye..." Jim stammered, "There's no need for you to act personally..."
Under Bullseye's stare, Jim felt as if sharp weapons were pointed at every vital spot on his body, rendering him momentarily speechless. Having served under Fisk for some time, he had a fair understanding of Fisk's top assassin. Bullseye was an extremely dangerous man who took pleasure in killing and was entirely unpredictable. If Jim had to describe him in one word, it would be "maniacal."
Furthermore, every time Bullseye struck, he pulled the grass out by the roots, leaving no survivors. If Bullseye were to act, the old director who issued the request would likely not escape assassination.
"Bullseye," Fisk said, shaking his head slightly at the assassin.
The Gaia Memory Jessica used seemed to have special significance to Foundation X. Unless necessary, Fisk did not intend to move against her. Seeing Fisk stop Bullseye, Jim let out a small sigh of relief.
"Jim, do you know where you went wrong?" Fisk's voice wasn't loud, but it was filled with oppressive weight.
Jim broke into a cold sweat. "I wasn't meticulous enough. I let two detectives find the casino's trail."
Fisk shook his head. "The casino hosts many guests every day; it's impossible to block all news completely. Some leaks are inevitable; I prepared for that long ago. Your fault lies in the fact that when a problem arose, you chose to hide it instead of reporting it."
At this, Fisk's eyes narrowed as he looked at Jim. Jim's knees buckled, nearly causing him to collapse.
"Mr. Fisk, I..."
Fisk waved him off. "Enough. No need to explain. I've already investigated the cause and effect of this matter. I will handle this for you."
Bolstering his courage, Jim asked, "May I ask how you plan to handle it?"
Fisk glanced at him. "From today on, you are a manager of the Fisk Group. You can return to the orphanage as a 'successful businessman' and explain things. That should be enough to get the director to withdraw the request for those detectives, shouldn't it?"
Jim was overjoyed and nodded frantically. "No problem! Rest assured, Mr. Fisk."
"I'll let it slide this time. Do not let me find out you are hiding things from me again, or else..." Fisk's tone was solemn.
Jim reacted immediately, profuse with his gratitude and loyalty. Fisk, having no interest in listening further, dismissed him.
After Jim left, Fisk turned to David. "What news from the Hand?"
David replied, "Madame Gao has nearly finished consolidating the Hand's forces in North America. The New York branch is now entirely at our disposal. However, on Murakami's side, it will take some time to fully seize control of the territories belonging to the three deceased leaders."
Fisk nodded. "It's enough. With the power of the Gaia Memories in our hands and the support of the Hand, the entire New York underworld is within our grasp."
David's eyes lit up. "You mean...?"
"Terror!"
Fisk stood up and transformed into the Terror Dopant. "The time to unify the New York underworld and become its true Emperor has arrived."
"But those high-ranking officials probably won't want to see the underworld unified," Bullseye remarked, curling his lip.
Fisk picked up a Life Medal from the desk and smiled with absolute confidence. "With this 'Life Currency,' bribing those aging fossils couldn't be easier. Since I've decided to move, I have naturally already reached agreements with certain people."
Bullseye fell silent. Such matters were handled by David; Bullseye only cared about killing and didn't bother with negotiations.
"One more thing. Madame Gao and Murakami have frequently hinted that they want the power of Gaia Memories," David added.
"Should we grant their request?"
Fisk waved his hand dismissively. "If they want them, let them see if they are compatible with any. We are in the business of selling Gaia Memories, after all. If they gain that power, they can better carry out my missions."
Fisk possessed absolute confidence. Even with the power of Gaia Memories, Madame Gao and Murakami would never have the ability to revolt against him.
(End of Chapter)