Chapter 43: CHAPTER 43
Confirming that Irene stayed on course, it was after training with Daredevil that Russell began to lose focus.
Tonight, he and Gwen would patrol the streets to ensure the public security of New York City, aka the Big Apple.
Russell's immense psychic power surged out, and for a moment, he could sense every subtle movement—every gust of wind, every leaf stirred in New York. His mind filtered out unnecessary, private information.
Kamar-Taj's wizards generally avoid interfering in the real world, right?
Once the robe is discarded, call me the boyfriend of Ghost-Spider—New York's friendly, neighborhood guy.
—— Mr. Russell, a regular citizen.
"Gwen, let's go."
Los Angeles was once hailed as the "City of Angels" or the "night of God's coming." (Chapter 28)
Those still wavering or harboring malicious intentions should repent and abandon their evil ways.
Those with clean records may go home and reflect, while those with criminal pasts should voluntarily surrender to the police.
For those already lost in sin, who no longer had hope, their fate was sealed.
A web shot out from Russell, ensnaring the culprit, waiting for the police to arrive and make an arrest.
The criminal fell unconscious, and when some woke up, they were already in a police station.
For many others, they would never wake up again.
To Russell, it was just a night of fun alongside Gwen.
He directly and indirectly altered the fates of countless individuals.
Thump thump thump!
Thump thump thump!
Urgent footsteps echoed, followed by a sharp knock on the door.
Nick Fury: "Come in."
"Director Fury, we've detected energy fluctuations similar to what we saw in Los Angeles half a month ago—this time in New York."
A brief moment of silence.
Nick Fury waved for the extra agent to leave:
"Continue monitoring, but don't worry about it for now."
In the room with Nick Fury was also Coulson, who had delivered the report.
The phone call had been brief.
Nick Fury and Coulson exchanged glances.
This is why Fury had placed Russell at the top of the Avengers' priority list—even above Tony Stark.
Russell could sense every shift in New York with a single thought, stopping both ongoing and potential criminal acts before they could unfold.
In other words, Russell could wipe out all life in New York with a mere thought.
"Ah~"
Nick Fury sighed and addressed Coulson:
"Make some arrangements to cover up the news."
Coulson: "What about the higher-ups?"
Nick Fury: "Use the same excuse as last time. Keep them away from Russell."
He didn't want those politicians getting close to Russell.
Powerful superhumans cannot be controlled by mortal authorities.
In fact, if these politicians angered Russell, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Nick Fury had once resented Carol for leaving Earth to become an intergalactic peacekeeper.
It wasn't until Russell had emerged and gradually revealed his abilities that Fury had realized:
A superhuman like Russell—one beyond ordinary comprehension—was already being merciful to mortals by choosing to wield his powers with restraint.
"Huh?!"
After sweeping his psychic energy across New York, Russell frowned in irritation.
It was still better to stay out of sight and out of mind—seeing too much suffering could cloud one's mood.
He quickly shrugged off the negative emotions and focused back on playing the game of "punishing evil and promoting good" alongside Gwen.
So, what did Russell see?
A drug manufacturing facility filled with deaf-mute individuals.
This criminal syndicate was deeply entwined with various interests, making it difficult to dismantle.
Russell didn't want to take down the Hand just by following loose clues.
Days passed, and someone new took over the operation.
Russell's main goal wasn't to be a street-level vigilante; he needed a tool to help investigate, and then use official channels to bring down the organization all at once.
It was settled: Daredevil, Matt Murdock, would be the one to assist.
If memory served, Matt would eventually confront the Hand in a few years anyway.
And, by coincidence, Matt was also looking for Russell.
Dinglingling~
Russell's phone rang—it was Matt calling. A few missed calls were visible.
"Good evening, Matt."
"Good evening, Russell," Matt replied. "I need your help with something."
"Funny, I was just about to ask for your help too."
Matt: "How about we meet up to talk?"
"No need. Let's talk now."
A portal opened before Russell, and with Gwen by his side, they stepped through, arriving on the rooftop where Matt stood.
"Wow!"
Erin couldn't help but exclaim when she saw Russell and Gwen's sudden arrival.
She knew Russell was a mage, but his method of travel was nothing like she imagined.
She had pictured mages on broomsticks or wielding staffs, casting fireballs of all sizes.
Instead, Russell opened a portal with ease, crossing vast distances in an instant.
Matt, hearing the sound, turned and saw Russell standing before him, confused.
Why had two new presences suddenly appeared?
Russell waved his phone: "Matt, let's talk."
"Russell?"
Matt was bewildered. The man's voice and scent matched his memory of Russell.
Yet, the hidden, dangerous aura around him was so intense that Matt hesitated.
Russell smirked: "What's wrong, Matt? Can't recognize me after a few months?"
Matt composed himself and cautiously explained: "No, it's just... your aura now, it's terrifying."
"Oh?" Russell raised an eyebrow. "I see. Your perception is sharper than most. Very unique."
Ordinary people couldn't sense danger unless Russell actively projected malicious intent.
After a moment of silence, Russell got straight to the point: "Let's skip the small talk. You go first. What do you need from me?"
Matt hesitated, deep in thought.
Russell's combat power was far beyond what Matt had anticipated, and the plan might need some adjustments.
After a pause, Russell offered: "Should I speak first?"
Matt: "Okay."
"I need you to investigate a criminal organization in Hell's Kitchen—the Hand."
At Russell's words, Matt's eyes widened in surprise.
Russell raised his eyebrows: "Isn't this what you've been looking to do?"
Matt nodded, a spark of excitement in his expression.
It was like old times—when they teamed up to take down Kingpin.
Only, their partnership had soured since then.
"Let me lay out my plan first."
Having confirmed their mutual goals, Russell wasted no time.
"I've located one of the Hand's drug processing plants and collected evidence. You'll handle contacting the police and taking down the operation."
"You'll also track the clues to uncover other members of the Hand and the organization behind them."
"Got it." Matt nodded. He knew Russell didn't like working through official channels, and his own identity made it tricky.
"Just like before, I'll contact you before we take action, right?"
"No, this time it's different."
Russell extended his hand, and energy gathered in the air, forming a small pager.
"This time, you'll act alone. If things go south, press this pager, and no matter where you are, I'll be there in a second."
"I've become a god!"
Becoming a god had been a running joke between Russell and Matt.
"I, Russell—send money, and I'll take you flying after becoming a god!"
Matt: "..."
While Matt had never encountered a true god, he had witnessed Russell's strength firsthand.
Asking for Russell's help had always been about securing a powerful ally.
But now, was he truly seeking the aid of a god?
....
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