Marvel's Strongest Mage

Waste paper.

He called twenty percent of Hammer Industries waste paper.

Justina was on the verge of exploding. It wasn't just the insult—it was what it meant. Hammer Industries had always been firmly in the control of her family. Between her and her father, they held fifty percent. Giving away twenty percent? That was a massive sacrifice. It meant handing over veto power, losing unilateral control.

And yet… Daniel didn't even blink. He tossed it aside like it was garbage.

"We gave him everything," she whispered to herself. "And he still doesn't want it."

As if to twist the knife, Daniel pulled out his phone and turned the screen toward her.

"Take a look at today's stock activity," he said coldly.

Justina's eyes fell on the chart.

A steep green candlestick. Hammer Industries had plummeted all day. The price drop was brutal. And undeniable.

She clenched her fists, but she had no outlet for her anger.

"Mr. Daniel," the lawyer beside her finally spoke up. "What exactly do you want?"

He extended a hand politely. "I'm Royan Hall. Lead counsel for Mr. Hammer's defense. All legal matters go through me."

Daniel took the offered card, gave Hall a quick once-over, then flashed a dry smile.

"Then Mr. Hall must be a man Justin Hammer trusts very much. Let's hope that trust is deserved."

Daniel's tone shifted. He sat up straighter, folding his arms on the table.

"I'll be blunt. I don't want equity. I want a debt agreement valued at equal to the twenty percent stake you just offered."

Both Justina and Hall stiffened.

They had anticipated a tough negotiation, but this?

Debt agreements weren't just numbers on a sheet. In the event of bankruptcy, creditors were first in line, far ahead of shareholders. If Hammer Industries collapsed, Daniel would be entitled to carve out the juiciest pieces for himself while everyone else fought over scraps.

If the company survived, he'd either collect the debt or convert it into shares later, when it suited him. Either way, it was a no-risk, high-reward move.

Daniel wouldn't be responsible for any missteps, scandals, or lawsuits. He wouldn't be bound by boardroom politics. He'd stay clean and cash in.

Royan Hall's lips parted. "Mr. Adam—"

Daniel cut him off with a wave of his hand.

"I'm not here to debate. I've got one offer. Take it or leave it. As long as the company doesn't go under, I won't enforce the debt. But the option to convert it into equity remains mine. I won't interfere with operations."

Justina's eyes lit up. It wasn't ideal but it was a lifeline.

Hall, on the other hand, looked deeply troubled. He could see the trap clearer than she could. But before he could speak, Daniel continued.

"Go home. Talk it over. Come back with your answer. But know this—the longer you wait, the closer Hammer Industries gets to bankruptcy."

He stood, clearly done. "I won't keep you for dinner. You've got decisions to make."

The negotiation had ended just as fast as it began. Daniel didn't haggle. He didn't soften the blow. He gave them one chance.

Justina bit her lip. Every minute they delayed, pressure mounted—media leaks, government sanctions, financial collapse, legal threats. And now, the trial was hurtling forward. Every hour, jury pools were being influenced. Every second wasted was another point of failure.

"I accept," Justina said suddenly.

Hall turned toward her, shocked.

She didn't even flinch. "I agree to the debt. Right now."

Daniel had expected that.

But he didn't look at her—he looked at Hall. Everyone knew who had the real authority. If Hall said no, the deal was off. And given his reaction… Daniel wouldn't be surprised if Justina didn't even have the power to fire him. That authority probably still belonged to Justin Hammer himself.

Hall hesitated, his jaw clenched in silent resistance. Then, finally, with a heavy sigh, he muttered, "…Fine."

Daniel nodded. "Good."

He leaned back in his seat, eyes cold. "Had either of you hesitated… there would've been no second chance. I don't have time for people who can't commit. You passed the test. Barely."

Justina shivered.

So that's what it was. A test.

When he told them to "think it over," he wasn't offering mercy. He was gauging resolve. If they'd walked out without accepting, they'd have been shut out forever.

Hall's expression had hardened. He'd dealt with powerful men before, but Daniel's calm ruthlessness was something else entirely. The kind you only saw at the top of the food chain. Business tycoons. War generals. World leaders.

And in that moment, even Hall felt something he hadn't felt in years: fear.

Still… part of him wondered.

Maybe this man really could save them.

Daniel stood, brushing imaginary dust from his hands.

"Someone will reach out to you about the contracts tomorrow."

Then his gaze fell back to Justina.

"But now, let's talk about your backup plan. The other person you went to before me."

Justina froze.

"I know you've had options," Daniel continued. "The past two days proved it. Your so-called loyalty was all talk, no action. That means you weren't truly desperate. Not yet."

He narrowed his eyes.

"So tell me. Who was it?"

Justina hesitated.

Then, glancing once at Royan Hall—and seeing no objection—she spoke.

"… Kingpin."

The name hit like a thunderclap.

Daniel's expression darkened.

Hall's reaction was far worse.

He staggered back, then slapped himself—hard enough to leave a red imprint across his cheek.

"My god… I knew I should've left earlier," he muttered, horror in his eyes. "I had to get involved. My stupid curiosity—"

Daniel didn't move. But his entire demeanor had changed.

Wilson Fisk.

The Kingpin.

Daniel hadn't heard that name since returning to civilization. On the surface, Fisk had gone quiet. But his legend still haunted the streets. Gang members wouldn't even whisper it aloud.

Fisk wasn't just a crime lord—he was the crime lord. He had his fingers in every pie from Hell's Kitchen to D.C., from cartel gun-smuggling to Pentagon contracts.

He was the enemy of Spider-Man, Daredevil, the Punisher, even the Fantastic Four. And he had worked with groups like the Hand, Hydra, and A.I.M.

More terrifying—he wasn't even a superhuman.

But his raw power, combat skill, and sheer intelligence made him more dangerous than most enhanced beings. In a physical brawl, he could hold his own against the Hulk. Compared to him, Abomination was a toddler throwing a tantrum.

And he wasn't reckless.

He never crossed paths with Thor or Iron Man.

He left Doctor Strange alone.

He knew where not to meddle.

That restraint was what made him so terrifying.

Now Daniel understood everything.

"You went to him," Daniel said coldly. "No wonder you came running back. If Kingpin gets his hands on Hammer Industries, he won't stop at swallowing it whole. He'll digest it. Bones and all."

Justina's face paled. She had considered going to Fisk. She was this close. But then the prosecution filed charges earlier than expected. It gave her a chance to visit her father and everything changed.

Justin Hammer had nearly exploded when he learned of her plan.

He gave her a final, non-negotiable warning: Do not go to Kingpin. Not even if we lose everything.

If she did, she would be cut off from Hammer Industries forever. She'd never see her father again. He would sever their relationship… permanently.

Because even Justin Hammer, for all his recklessness, feared Kingpin.

Daniel scoffed.

"Your father's an idiot for even considering talking to him. But you? You were actually going to help him. That takes a special kind of stupidity."

Justina tried to protest, but Daniel raised a hand.

"No. Kingpin is off-limits. You work with him, and I destroy you. I'll bury Hammer Industries, your father, and you in the rubble. I won't leave anything behind."

Justina shuddered.

She believed him.

Daniel's voice was like steel, sharp and unflinching.

"Now get out. I'll handle your father's case and the company's restructuring. You? Focus on your job. And while you're at it, prepare a bankruptcy filing. Publicly announce it when I give the word."

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