In a large office.
The distant hum of New York City blended with the heavy silence that dominated the room. Through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, the metropolis stretched out like a living carpet of lights, traffic, and smoke. Reflected in the glass was the imposing silhouette of Wilson Fisk—known in the underworld as Kingpin—hands clasped behind his back, posture straight, broad-shouldered, each breath measured.
On the surface, to the public and the press, he was the model philanthropist: generous donations, heartfelt speeches, glamorous charity events. But beneath that polished veneer lay his true face—the crime lord, the center of a sprawling web of corruption that reached every corner of the city.
Fisk stood motionless for several long seconds, his eyes fixed on the horizon, before letting out a heavy sigh. At his level, erasing his tracks was easy. The real challenge was something else entirely: gaining full entry into the exclusive circle of the so-called "respectable" elite. No matter how much money he had, no matter the influence he commanded, there were still doors that would never open for a man like him.
"I hear several of our men have gone missing." His deep voice broke the silence, weighted with impatience.
"Have you found out what happened?"
The secretary, who had remained silent by his side until now, straightened her posture.
"Yes, sir." She handed him a tablet displaying an image. "We believe this… thing is responsible."
Fisk narrowed his eyes at the screen.
"What is it?"
"They say it's a mutant lizard. It appeared some time ago and nearly destroyed the whole city, but was stopped by… Spider-Woman."
The name was spoken with a mixture of disbelief and contempt.
"Spider-Woman…" Fisk shook his head, his low voice carrying frustration.
"As if having Daredevil breathing down my neck wasn't enough, now we have this."
In recent months, this "Spider-Woman" had quietly dismantled several of his operations. Fisk had spent a fortune trying to uncover her identity, but his investigators had turned up nothing concrete.
"Ah…" he sighed, as if deciding to drop the matter.
"Just say they were killed by mutants."
But fate had other plans for him.
A sudden phone ring cut through the air—not just any phone, but his personal one.
Fisk frowned. Very few people had that number. All of them were trusted, and each knew to call only in an emergency of the highest order.
The secretary glanced at the display.
"Sir… it's an unknown number."
That set off an even louder alarm in his mind.
"Answer it. See who it is. If they say it's a mistake, hang up… then find out who really made the call."
The woman nodded, tapped to answer, and spoke hesitantly:
"Hello?"
On the other end, a male voice replied—steady, direct:
{"Fisk there?"}
The secretary blinked in surprise. There was something in his tone that sounded… pleasant, almost friendly. Without realizing it, a faint smile touched her lips.
But Fisk froze.
The sound of that voice pierced his mind, dragging back memories he had tried to bury—memories of humiliation, pain, and helplessness. A cold shiver crawled down his spine.
It was him.
The man Fisk never wanted to meet again.
The monster.
Arthur Morgan.
Before the secretary could say another word, Fisk snatched the phone from her hands. She turned toward him—and saw something she would never forget: the Kingpin taking on an almost subservient posture, his head slightly bowed, speaking with uncommon respect.
"Mr. Morgan… may I ask what you require?"
Arthur's voice was blunt:
{"I'll get straight to the point, Fisk. You know the black market. I need a shipment of Vibranium. Can you get it for me?"}
Fisk blinked, processing the request. Vibranium. He had heard of it—a legendary metal, vanishingly rare, practically impossible to obtain, even in the darkest circles. But Fisk was Fisk: nothing was impossible, only… expensive and time-consuming.
"Of course. No problem." He swallowed hard.
"Mr. Morgan, when do you need it, and where should I send it?"
{"Just find the Vibranium first. When the time comes, I'll transfer the money. Call this number again and I'll tell you where to deliver it."}
Fisk didn't hesitate:
"Understood. And… there's no need to worry about payment."
It was the absolute truth—who in their right mind would try to profit off Arthur Morgan? Crossing that man was like asking to vanish from existence.
Arthur didn't bother with pleasantries. He simply hung up.
Fisk remained still for a few seconds, holding the phone in the air, taking a deep breath before regaining his composure. He turned to the secretary, who still looked puzzled.
"What did you just hear?"
Fear iced over her veins.
"I… didn't hear anything, sir."
"Good. You may leave."
"Thank you, sir."
She hurried toward the door… but never reached it.
BANG!
The gunshot echoed through the office. The impact made her stumble as a red stain spread rapidly across her blouse. She collapsed to the floor, eyes wide in disbelief, as if trying to understand why.
Security burst into the room within seconds, weapons drawn.
They found Fisk unharmed… and the secretary lying motionless on the floor.
He would allow no one to witness that side of him in front of Arthur—not even his closest allies.
Once the room was cleared, Fisk picked up another phone and dialed a different number—an equally dangerous contact.
{"Well, well… Kingpin. Rare to hear from you. Looking to buy weapons?"} The voice on the other end was hoarse, mocking.
"Cut the nonsense. How much Vibranium do you have?" Fisk said flatly.
The man seemed taken aback.
{"Vibranium? And what's a big boss like you want with that? Planning something big? Want me in?"}
"Just tell me if you have it. If you do… I want all of it."
The seller laughed, brimming with confidence:
{"Of course I've got it. I'm the only one in the world who can get my hands on this beauty. Without me, you wouldn't find a single ounce."}
Fisk took a slow breath. He knew it was true.
"If the delivery's clean, I'll wire the payment immediately."
{"No problem, Kingpin. But I still want to know… what's with all the Vibranium?"}
Fisk stayed silent for a moment.
(I'd like to know more than you…) he thought.
"Just send it. The sooner, the better."
{"Consider it done."}
The call ended, and the office door opened again. A new secretary stepped inside—young, attractive, her voice carrying a carefully measured hint of seduction.
"Sir… I'll be your new secretary."
Fisk didn't even glance at her.
"Be smart. When you know you shouldn't hear something… leave immediately."
"Yes, sir…"
And silence once again filled the office.
---
(End of Chapter)
"Hmph. If you really want to be useful, then entertain me, try to throw those pathetic power stones at me. Let's see if even your insolence can amuse a king."