Viper smirked, leaning back in her chair. "I've had time. And, let's not forget, a little... help from the boss." Her tone was playful, but the respect was clear in the way she addressed him.
Michael took a seat in front of her desk, his eyes now focused on the stacks of paperwork, intelligence reports, and various dossiers laid out neatly before him. They were all signs of her meticulous control.
"Tell me about the latest move," he asked, leaning in slightly. "What's been happening in the underground? How's our hold on the city?"
Viper's gaze sharpened as she began to speak, slipping into the role of the Kingpin. "We've expanded our influence into the high-level political circles. I've made some... strategic alliances. There's an entire network of operatives across the globe now working under our command, and I've made sure to keep our hands clean of anything too public."
Michael raised an eyebrow. "And the new suppliers?"
"They're on board," Viper replied confidently. "The high-end arms and tech are flowing freely. I've been negotiating with the right people to make sure no one even suspects our involvement." She leaned forward slightly, locking eyes with him. "And as always, I kept your interests at the forefront. You'll find your cut in the usual accounts."
Michael gave a small, approving nod, his lips curling into a satisfied smile. "Good. You've done well."
There was a brief silence as Viper let his words hang in the air. Then, with a more serious expression, she added, "But there's something else I need to tell you. We've had some... opposition. Another group trying to take advantage of the chaos in the city. They've been trying to undercut us, and they're starting to make a name for themselves."
Michael's smile faded, and he leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Who?"
"Some new players," Viper answered. "They've been gathering momentum in the shadows, targeting our shipments, our businesses. They're calling themselves the Black Lotus Syndicate."
Michael's eyes narrowed, a dangerous spark igniting within them. "And what have you done about them?"
Viper didn't flinch. "I've made moves. They haven't made it far, but we can't let them grow any more. I've had our operatives take care of some of their leaders already, but they're slippery. It won't be long before they start striking back."
Michael thought for a moment, the weight of the situation settling in. The city was always teeming with power struggles, but this new threat could be a real problem if left unchecked.
"Get me the names of their leaders," he said quietly, his voice cold and controlled. "I want to know everything about them. We'll deal with them... quickly."
Viper nodded, her expression mirroring his seriousness. "Understood."
The tension in the room was palpable as Michael stood up, ready to take action. The Black Lotus Syndicate would soon learn that challenging the power of Lady Hydra—and Michael—was a mistake they wouldn't live to regret.
As Michael turned to leave, he paused for a moment, glancing back at Viper. "Keep up the good work, but don't let your guard down. No one else gets to play the Kingpin in my city."
Viper smiled, her confidence unshaken. "Don't worry. I've got this."
And with that, Michael left the office, the door shutting behind him with a soft click.
He stepped out onto the edge of Fisk Tower's rooftop, the night air cool against his skin as the city stretched endlessly before him. The glow of streetlights and scattered fires painted the streets in uneven patches of light and shadow.
Michael cracked his neck as he stood there, staring down at the city below.
"Hah… I guess peace doesn't suit me," he muttered to himself with a faint smirk.
Without hesitation, he leapt from the rooftop, soaring into the air as he summoned his power, dark mist trailing behind him as he shot through the night sky.
Time to see what this Black Lotus Syndicate really is, he thought.
After all, though he had taken over everything Fisk once controlled, he'd only claimed the legitimate and visible parts of the empire — the old, dirty underworld sections had either fallen silent or been taken by someone else. And now, it seemed those pieces were stirring again.
The streets were alive with whispers of new players, new alliances, and ruthless ambition. Michael could feel it in the air — power shifting, chaos brewing.
"Let's see who's foolish enough to try claiming my scraps," he muttered, eyes narrowing as he vanished into the city's shadows, heading straight for the heart of the Black Lotus territory.
Landing softly in a dark alley not far from where the Black Lotus Syndicate was rumored to operate, Michael let the shadows wrap around him like a cloak. The streets here felt different — quieter, but tense, like the city itself was holding its breath.
Neon signs flickered overhead, half-lit windows watching like silent eyes. A couple of shady figures lingered by a corner, their hushed conversation cutting off the moment they sensed his presence. One took a step back, another fumbled for a weapon — but Michael just shot them a glance.
"Relax. I'm not here for you… unless you want me to be," he said with a lazy grin, his voice carrying the kind of weight that made people reconsider their life choices.
They bolted without another word.
Michael made his way down the narrow streets until he reached an old warehouse by the docks, a place most avoided after dark. This was it — the supposed base of Black Lotus.
He placed a hand on the rusted metal door and pushed it open with ease, the heavy slab groaning against its hinges. Inside, the air smelled of oil, sweat, and blood.
Dozens of armed men looked up in shock as he stepped in. At the far end of the room, a woman in sleek black armor and a crimson scarf leaned casually against a desk — the unmistakable leader.
"You've got guts walking in here alone," she called out, her voice sharp, confident.
*******
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