Become Kingpin and build a hero mercenary company.

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The other person activated a handheld device, whose screen rapidly scanned the monster's energy composition and material structure.

The team leader then walked to the side of the cleaning vehicle and operated the control panel.

"Activate the 'High-Intensity Material Decomposition and Recycling Protocol'," the captain calmly ordered.

Instantly, the transmitters at the ends of the several hoses lit up, emitting a special energy field that was barely perceptible to the naked eye, precisely enveloping the "Shopping Festival" weirdo!

The monster, which was fighting Jessica and Iron Fist, suddenly stopped moving! Its body, made of waste, began to "loosen" at a visible speed. The cardboard boxes and plastics that were originally tightly glued together began to peel off and decompose into the most basic particles, which were then sucked into the hose by the powerful suction!

"What?!" Jessica's punch missed, and she watched in astonishment as the enormous monster "melted" rapidly, like a sandcastle melting in water.

Iron Fist also stopped what he was doing, watching the eerily efficient cleaning process with a serious expression.

The monster let out a terrified and furious howl, trying to struggle, but the energy field seemed to specifically counteract its temporary material reconstruction. Its size shrank rapidly, gradually revealing Karen at its core.

In less than two minutes, the enormous object, which was more than three meters tall, disappeared, leaving only Karen lying on the ground, unconscious, and the surrounding ground, which was cleaned up exceptionally well, as if it had just undergone a deep cleaning—even the scattered fragments of goods had been collected.

Logistics personnel stepped forward, skillfully checked Karen's vital signs, administered a mild sedative, and then lifted her onto a stretcher and into the isolation chamber at the rear of the cleanup vehicle. Meanwhile, the team member holding the scanning equipment had already completed the detection and recording of residual energy at the scene.

"Threat eliminated. Site cleared. Target has been contained." The captain reported to the command center via communicator, his tone flat and emotionless.

The entire process was efficient, professional, and silent, possessing a cold and breathtaking beauty.

Jessica and Jones watched as the cleaning truck drove away smoothly from the scene, just as it had arrived, leaving behind a deathly silence and... an overly clean ground.

“Wow,” Jessica raised an eyebrow, her tone complicated, “These logistics guys… they’re better at fighting than us.”

Iron Fist remained silent, gazing thoughtfully in the direction the cleanup truck had disappeared. The association demonstrated not only the combat prowess of its heroes, but also a complete, efficient system deeply involved in the entire incident.

[Mission "Uniform Shopping Festival Weird Guy" Completed! Reward points will be distributed according to contribution.]

The association's logistics unit, the "Rapid Response and Cleanup Team," has performed exceptionally well and has received internal commendation.

Onlookers outside the mall and belated media captured the entire process of the logistics team magically "cleaning up" the monster. The related videos and reports once again thrust the association, especially its mysterious yet efficient logistics department, into the spotlight.

People realized that the Hero Association's strength lay not only in the dazzling heroes on the front stage, but also in the unfathomable system behind them that supported their actions and minimized the impact of events.

Kingpin stood in front of the screen in his office, looking at the logistics unit's operation report, his face showing no surprise.

Cleaning up trash is the responsibility of logistics.

Whether that trash is ordinary waste or a monster twisted from human desires...

Chapter 34: The Brilliance of the Logistics Department

The Manhattan department store, fresh from the rampage of the bizarre "shopping festival" rioters, was now eerily silent. The previous clamor, panic, and fighting sounds had been abruptly wiped away by an invisible hand. Only shattered shop windows, overturned shelves, and merchandise scattered across the floor, as if battered by a hurricane, silently testified to the chaos that had just transpired.

The smoke (though there was no fire, the atmosphere was similar) had not yet dissipated, and tension and unease lingered in the air. Still shaken, customers and staff gathered in a safe area, whispering amongst themselves, their eyes filled with fear as they glanced at the mess inside the mall. Media reporters set up their cameras, trying to capture any worthwhile footage.

However, the expected scenes of heroes being interviewed, police maintaining order, and municipal departments starting to struggle with cleanup did not occur.

Instead, there was the association's multi-functional cleaning vehicle, all black with sharp lines, resembling a mobile fortress, and three logistics personnel who were as precise and silent as machines.

They ignored all stares, refused any interviews, and rarely even spoke to each other, coordinating solely through gestures and eye contact. It was as if they weren't dealing with a dangerous scene that had just witnessed an extraordinary event, but rather a pre-arranged "cleaning project" that needed to be completed efficiently.

Jim, a new logistics officer, was participating in his first field mission since joining the association's logistics department through "special channels." He wore the same blue overalls as everyone else, trying to appear as calm as the veteran team members, but his palms were still slightly sweaty as he gripped the equipment handles. Having previously worked in the municipal emergency services, he knew all too well that this scale of damage required at least several days of routine cleanup involving multiple departments, and often left behind various follow-up problems.

But here, everything is different.

The captain, a middle-aged man with a stern face and codenamed "Wrench," swept his gaze across the scene like a hawk, swiftly issuing orders. His voice, transmitted through built-in earpieces to Jim and another team member, said: "Area A (primary destruction area): Activate 'High-Intensity Wide-Area Adsorption' and 'Rapid Structural Scan.' Area B (Goods Scattered Area): Conduct 'Value Item Identification and Sorting.' Area C (Energy Residue Area): Deploy 'Inertization Units.' Action."

Jim took a deep breath and pushed the [Multi-Mode Material Recovery Unit] he was in charge of, which looked like an enhanced industrial vacuum cleaner but had a far more complex internal structure. He started the device, a deep hum emanating from it, and a special energy field unfolded at the front of the device.

The next moment, a scene that left him speechless unfolded.

On the ground ahead, the shredded and trampled goods, glass fragments, and twisted metal shelf remnants, torn apart and mixed together by the strange creature, seemed to come alive. Like iron filings encountering a magnet, they detached from the ground in an orderly fashion, piece by piece, and were sucked into the wide entrance of the recycling unit. Not only large fragments, but even the finest dust and spilled liquids were precisely captured by that invisible force field, without missing a single one.

This is no ordinary vacuuming! This is... some kind of matter manipulation!

Another team member operated a mobile platform equipped with a scanning arm—the "Intelligent Sorting and Evaluation Platform." The scanning arm emitted a soft beam of light, sweeping over the still-intact or slightly damaged goods. Images of the items, barcodes, and preliminary value assessments and damage determinations flashed rapidly across the platform's screen.

"Branded women's clothing, minor stains, repairable, marked 'returnable'."

"Electronic product, damaged packaging, internal components intact, marked as 'Association internal welfare discount'."

"Food, packaging damaged, contaminated, labeled 'decomposed harmlessly'."

The robotic arms below the platform, following instructions, place different categories of items into different storage boxes, achieving an efficiency comparable to the most advanced automated factories.

Captain "Wrench" himself walked towards the area where the monster's core had been located, where faint, unstable energy fluctuations still lingered. He took a metal box from the side of the cleaning vehicle, opened it, and inside were several strangely shaped, probe-like devices—[Environmental Energy Inertization Generators]. He precisely inserted these probes into several points on the ground where the energy reactions were strongest.

A faint blue light shone from the tip of the probe, and an invisible wave spread out. Jim could feel the unsettling, lingering afterglow of the extraordinary event in the air rapidly dissipating, becoming peaceful and stable. Was this... energy purification?

The entire cleanup process resembled a silent, highly efficient industrial ballet. There were no superfluous words, no frantic movements, only the low rumble of the equipment and the subtle sounds of items being sorted and processed. Broken display cases were covered with temporary energy membranes to prevent secondary damage; scattered goods were quickly put back in their places or disposed of; and residual energy was thoroughly removed.

In less than thirty minutes, when the logistics team packed up their equipment and returned to the cleaning truck, the mall was completely transformed. The floors were gleaming, the shelves were upright (severely damaged ones had been removed), the merchandise was neatly organized, and even the air felt fresher. Aside from a few structural damages requiring professional repair, the entire sales area was almost back to a usable operating state!

The customers and shop assistants who had been hiding cautiously peeked out, their faces filled with disbelief as they stared at the almost magical scene before them.

"This...is it over?"

"How did they do that? It's so fast!"

"They even mopped the floor clean?! That's better than our mall's own cleaning staff!"

The municipal workers and insurance company claims adjusters who arrived at the scene looked at each other with complicated expressions, seeing that there was almost nothing to do. They were used to dealing with the mess after various disasters and incidents, but this was the first time they had encountered a situation where someone had taken such thorough "after-sales service" measures.

Media reporters frantically pressed their shutters, documenting this unbelievable "cleaning" process. They already had their headlines ready: "Beyond Heroes! Unveiling the Association's Mysterious Logistics Team, Reconstructing a Disaster Scene in Half an Hour!"

Jim sat in the cleaning truck returning to headquarters, watching the street scenes rushing past the window, his emotions churning. He touched his seemingly ordinary blue overalls, feeling the miniature environmental monitoring, vital sign scanning, and short-range communication modules integrated within. He recalled those ridiculously powerful devices, the captain's precise commands down to the second, and the team's seamless teamwork.

This isn't some kind of logistics or cleaning service; it's clearly a special forces unit equipped with cutting-edge technology, highly trained, and focused on "post-war cleanup"!

"How's it going, rookie?" Hank, a veteran player who was resting with his eyes closed, suddenly spoke up without even opening them.

Jim opened his mouth, but ultimately only managed to utter one sentence: "...Are we really the logistics department?"

Hank's lips curled into a barely perceptible smile: "Otherwise what? Are we supposed to expect those 'big shots' who demolish buildings and destroy roads at the drop of a hat to clean up the mess after they've fought?"

Jim fell silent. For the first time, he realized so clearly that the Hero Association's strength was multifaceted and comprehensive. The glamour and power of the heroes on the front stage were built upon this efficient, professional, and equally unfathomable support system behind the scenes.

Fisker Building, Command Center.

Wesley looked at the on-site cleanup report and media feedback from the logistics team and nodded in satisfaction. He then connected with Kingpin's communications.

"Boss, the logistics unit's first public large-scale operation has been remarkably effective. Not only did it quickly restore order and greatly reduce social property damage, but its demonstrated technical capabilities and professionalism have also attracted widespread attention and discussion. This has been extremely beneficial in enhancing the association's overall image and credibility."

Kingpin's deep voice came from the other end of the communicator:

“Very good. Logistics is an indispensable part of the association. We need to make people accustomed to and dependent on our ‘services’.”

His words were calm, yet contained an undeniable sense of control.

The logistics department's prowess was revealed to the world so clearly for the first time. It showed everyone that the Hero Association not only dealt with "monsters," but also all the "trouble" they brought.

This silent performance, in some ways, even surpassed the heroes' direct confrontation with the monsters in its impact. It demonstrated the depth and breadth of a mature organization with an almost ruthless efficiency.

Chapter 35: S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Assessment Report

S.H.I.E.L.D., Trident headquarters, a highly soundproofed and electromagnetically shielded briefing room. The air was still, save for the faint hum of the holographic projector and the rustling of papers turning. In the center of the massive circular conference table, the Hero Association's simple yet striking blue shield emblem floated. Seated around the table were key figures like Nick Fury, Maria Hill, and Phil Coulson, along with several heads of technical analysis, strategic planning, and paranormal research departments, all with grave expressions.

Agent Coulson stood before the main seat, manipulating the holographic interface. His voice had lost its usual gentleness, leaving only the calm and objectivity characteristic of an intelligence officer.

"Sirs, based on the intelligence gathering, technical monitoring, and incident analysis conducted over the past few weeks, we have completed our first comprehensive threat assessment report on the 'Hero Association'." Coulson switched interfaces, and a summary of a document marked "Top Secret" was presented to everyone.

“First, there’s their organizational structure and speed of development.” Coulson pointed to a set of data charts. “From Kingpin’s press conference to now, in less than two months, the association has completed the entire process from conception, legal registration, platform building to initial operation. Its efficiency far exceeds that of any startup organization, and even surpasses the establishment speed of some departments within our S.H.I.E.L.D..”

"Their core management team is extremely lean, headed by Kingpin and overseen by James Wesley, yet their decision-making efficiency is astonishing. Their hero roster is already largely established: 'Sandman,' with S-class potential, serves as their flagship; 'Daredevil,' a B-class hero, fills the intelligence and reconnaissance gap; 'The Mind Master' targets the field of mental pollution; and several C and D-class heroes serve as supplements and reserves. More importantly," Coulson emphasized, "their recruitment capabilities. Their globally widespread, mesmerizing poster campaign, coupled with their app platform and substantial compensation and benefits, is creating a powerful gravitational field. We've detected that at least seventeen previously recorded but unaccounted low- to mid-level superhumans worldwide have recently shown a trend of converging on New York. There are also an unknown number of unrecorded new superhumans who may be attracted as well."

The head of the technical department said, his tone incredulous: "Secondly, it's their technological prowess. This is the biggest unknown and source of threat in our assessment. We still can't crack their app, their server architecture, their data encryption, and especially the real-time event monitoring and publishing system behind it, or even understand its basic principles. This is far beyond the reach of Kingpin's original forces or any technology known on Earth."

He pulled up several blurry photos taken by high-altitude reconnaissance satellites and undercover agents at great risk. "Their headquarters construction site uses construction technology that is equally unknown. There is no heavy machinery, no large number of workers, only a few pieces of equipment with unknown functions operating silently, and the construction speed is unusually fast. And their logistics troops are equipped," the scene switched to a shopping mall cleanup site, "that efficient material recycling, sorting, and energy purification technology also surpasses the level of existing civilian and even some military technologies."

Hill continued, “In terms of operational model and social impact, they have demonstrated a high degree of professionalism and a strong ‘after-sales service’ mentality. From mission issuance and hero execution to post-battle cleanup and psychological counseling, they have formed a complete closed loop. This has greatly reduced the collateral damage and social panic caused by extraordinary events, compared to some… lone-wolf heroes,” she paused subtly, “and has gained extremely high praise and support from the public. They are subtly redefining the public’s expectations of ‘heroes’ and ‘crisis management’.”

Coulson switched to the last section, his expression most serious: "The key figure: Wilson Fisk (Kingpin). All our psychological profiling and behavioral models have almost completely failed on him. He abandoned his lucrative underground empire, built up over many years, and invested astronomical sums of money and these dubious technologies to establish a ostensibly 'non-profit' organization of heroes. His motives could never be merely 'maintaining world peace' or 'social responsibility'."

"Our analysis suggests that its potential strategic objectives may include:"

1. Legitimization and Power Restructuring: By whitewashing itself through the association, and on this basis, establish a power entity that is independent of the existing international order and wields extraordinary power.

2. Talent and Data Monopoly: Systematically recruit and cultivate exceptional individuals, and use their monitoring systems to collect data on extraordinary events worldwide, thus forming a monopoly on information and talent.

3. Technology Verification and Expansion: Utilize the association as a testing ground and application platform for its unknown technologies, continuously iterating and upgrading them to serve the ultimate goal.

4. Challengers to Order: Their commercialized and institutionalized hero management model directly challenges the traditional heroic values ​​represented by the Avengers and the authority of S.H.I.E.L.D. in maintaining global security.

On the holographic projection, the indicator representing the Hero Association's threat level finally settled on a constantly flashing red – "High threat, requires continuous monitoring and the development of containment strategies."

The briefing room fell silent. Everyone realized that the association Kingpin had concocted was no longer a "novelty" to be taken lightly, but a potential adversary that had already taken shape, possessed unknown technological support, was developing rapidly, and whose fundamental purpose might conflict with the existing order.

Chief Fury's one eye swept over everyone present, finally settling on the red threat symbol, his voice low and cold:

"The conclusion is clear. This is not a charity, nor is it Kingpin's whim. This is a meticulously planned operation aimed at reshaping the landscape of supernormal power."

He stood up, his black leather jacket exuding a heavy sense of oppression.

"We're adjusting our strategy toward the Hero Association. From 'observation and engagement' to 'monitoring, restriction, and competition'."

“Hill, strengthen monitoring of all overt and potential affiliates and funds of the association, looking for clues about the source of their technology. At the same time, launch the ‘Lighthouse’ project to try to establish our own, more standardized network of contacts and support for exceptional individuals. We can’t push all our talent to their side.”

“Coulson, your people continue to try to infiltrate, targeting not only the technical staff, but also their middle and lower-level managers and heroes, looking for possible points of dive or information channels.”

"The technical department should set up a special task force and concentrate all resources. Even if they cannot crack it, they should try their best to analyze the blind spots or limitations of their monitoring system."

He glanced one last time at the red sign, a cold glint flashing in his single eye.

“Tell the World Security Council that we may need more authorization and budget. The world is becoming more…complex than ever before because of a mob boss who wants to be a ‘hero boss’.”

"And we must not allow him and his damned association to do whatever they want."

The meeting ended, and everyone left with somber expressions. Fury remained alone in the briefing room, staring at the association's logo on the holographic projection, his fingers unconsciously tapping the table.

Where did you get these technologies from?

What is your real purpose?

He knew that the next confrontation with the Hero Association would never be as "friendly" as the first. A battle without gunfire, but one that could be even more intense, had already begun.

Chapter 36: Tony's Second Taunt

In the laboratory of the Malibu villa, deafening heavy metal rock music blared, almost lifting the ceiling. Tony Stark was immersed in his world, the leg drive system of the Mark VIII armor undergoing final adjustments, data streaming across the holographic blueprints like a waterfall. Just then, Jarvis's calm voice rose above the music, clear and distinct:

"Sir, you might be interested in this message we just received. It comes from our... informal information channels within the Hero Association."

Tony didn't even look up, his finger tracing in the air as he adjusted the parameters of an energy valve: "If that muscle bastard comes up with some 'brilliant idea' again, or if that Sandman of theirs crushes some trash can again, don't tell me, Jarvis. I'm busy."

"That's not the case, Sir. The message contains several pictures about... a prototype product developed by the Hero Association's Equipment Department."

Several high-resolution images were projected onto the main workbench in front of Tony. The music stopped abruptly.

Tony's gaze swept casually over them.

The first picture is of the shield, which is called the "Multifunctional Adaptive Protection Unit - Prototype". It has irregular polygons, rough welding marks, and a very conspicuous, cheap green horn in the center.

Tony raised an eyebrow, as if he had seen something dirty.

The second picture is of the "Basic Tactical Bearing Platform Prototype" vest, which is covered with pockets, hooks, and exposed energy conduits.

Tony's lips began to twitch slightly.

The third picture shows Flint, a sandman, holding a spray can labeled "For Sand Use Only, Do Not Spray Eyes" as a "High-Efficiency Sand Granule Surfactant - Prototype".

"Pfft—" Tony finally couldn't help but let out a short, sarcastic laugh. He put down his tools, crossed his arms, and walked around the workbench twice, as if he were watching an absurd circus performance.

“Jarvis… are you sure this isn’t a still from some third-rate sci-fi movie’s props department? Or some ‘creative art’ dug out of a junkyard?” His tone was full of undisguised contempt. “Look at this! This shield! Is it kidding me? What’s that loudspeaker for? To annoy the enemies when they charge? Or to play square dance music for the user to liven things up?”

He pointed at the vest: "And this! Are they going to fight in Syria or go on an expedition in the Amazon rainforest wearing this? Do they have some kind of misunderstanding about the word 'tactics'? This is an insult to the word 'equipment'!"

Finally, his gaze fell on the spray can, and his expression became extremely exaggerated: "And this... 'sand hairspray'? Ha! Do they think superpowers are hair? Spraying it on makes sand hairstyles more flowing? More smooth? I simply can't imagine the scene of a sandman holding this thing, spraying it on himself, and saying 'I feel stronger!' That's so pathetic!"

The more he talked, the more absurd it seemed, a feeling of being doubly insulted in terms of both his intelligence and aesthetic sense welling up inside him. He, Tony Stark, Iron Man, represented the world's most advanced, cutting-edge, and coolest technology! His armor was a work of art, a symbol of power! And what Kingpin's organization produced was this... junk?

"With this junk?" Tony's voice rose eight octaves, filled with a smug, superior anger. "He thinks he can compete with Stark Industries' technology with this junk he salvaged from the junkyard? To manage his so-called 'heroes'? This is an insult to the entire tech world!"

He abruptly waved his hand, turning off the image projection, as if looking at it even once would pollute his eyes.

"Jarvis, get all the interview requests from the mainstream media! Now! Immediately!" Tony's face showed a mixture of excitement and sarcasm, as if he was about to do something big. "I want everyone to see what real hero equipment is! What real technology is!"

A few hours later, Tony Stark reappeared on a highly-rated tech interview program. This time, instead of a suit and tie, he wore a Stark Industries T-shirt stained with oil, looking casual and unrestrained, as if he had just been pulled out of a laboratory.

The host clearly knew what the audience wanted to see, and after a few pleasantries, immediately steered the conversation toward the Hero Association, which had been making headlines recently.