Hell's Kitchen, located in Lower Manhattan, is the most chaotic area in New York City, a haven for criminals.
A taxi pulled up on Second Street, and two young people wearing caps—one male and one female—stepped out. The taxi quickly sped away from Hell's Kitchen.
"Do you smell that gunpowder?" Leo Bright frowned, the air quality here made him uncomfortable.
"This is the most chaotic area in New York, and Second Street is relatively safe. They say several people die every night over on Fourth Street," Skye said, checking the map sent to her. Today's destination was 'Daddy's Tavern.'
The Rising Tide contact would meet them there.
"Boom..."
A distant gunshot echoed from the direction of the harbor.
Leo frowned as a few pedestrians seemed unfazed by the faint sound of gunfire, continuing on their way as if nothing happened.
A burly man subconsciously touched his waist before continuing his walk.
Leo squinted, noticing the man was armed.
It was clear that in this city, only guns provided a sense of security.
"This place is messier than I imagined. Let's go," Skye said, glancing at the map as they set off to their destination.
Daddy's Tavern.
With a nostalgic architectural style, even the door was wooden, and the tavern's sign was adorned with neon lights. The lighting inside was dim.
But this place was special.
On Second Street, Daddy's Tavern was a rare safe haven. The owner didn't allow trouble on his turf—a well-known rule.
Soothing music played in the background as Leo and Skye found a corner booth.
"Why is everyone staring at us?" Skye asked, puzzled.
Leo noticed the curious glances from those around them.
"Maybe we seem out of place," Leo replied.
"Yeah, man, you look like a husky among wolves, all delicate and cute." A man with glasses approached with a smile, seating himself beside their booth.
"Call me Kevin. If I'm not mistaken, you're Skye?" the man named Kevin asked, looking at Leo.
"From Rising Tide?"
"Yes."
"Oh...you've got it wrong, Husky, the lady next to me is Skye," Leo replied, unimpressed by the man.
Kevin exuded a sense of superiority that rubbed Leo the wrong way.
"Oh my, the legendary Skye is a lady? And an Asian woman at that?" Kevin's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Do you have a problem with Asians or women?" Skye frowned, her voice cold.
"Dear, I didn't mean it like that. Just a slip of the tongue. Haha, please don't mind me. I came here with genuine intentions."
"Honestly, someone with your talents should not be alone. In the Rising Tide organization, you can fully utilize your skills and make a difference."
"Let me give you an example. Do you know Area 51? Our organization visited it last week. If you ask if there are aliens there, I can tell you, yes."
"I'm not interested in aliens," Skye said, frowning.
"Well, I thought you'd be intrigued. Haha, in fact, we haven't found real aliens, just some records. But Earth has had third-kind encounters with alien life, more than once," Kevin continued.
"If you're not interested in aliens, there's something else you might be keen on," Kevin said, lowering his voice, a mysterious look in his eyes.
"Do you believe there are people with super abilities in this world?"
Leo narrowed his eyes slightly, listening intently.
"Some can breathe fire, walk through walls, possess immense strength, or have bizarre appearances. They are real."
"We found out from records that the government refers to these beings as 'inhuman.'"
[Note: It's unlikely mutants will be involved for now. They are too intertwined with Marvel's main universe. If introduced, it might involve parallel universes later. This story focuses on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the TV series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is also relevant. Skye is a character from it, originally known as Daisy, an Inhuman with seismic powers. Her story with her scientific duo is quite tragic. The latest season even involves time travel and separation, poor duo.]
"We don't know much about aliens. We only know their genes differ from normal humans and can be activated under certain conditions," Kevin continued.
"Before their genes activate, they look just like regular humans, hidden in the crowd, but this information is concealed by the government."
"The unknown is terrifying."
"We hear only what they want us to know and live blissfully ignorant like pigs."
"The Rising Tide Organization aims to reveal secrets the authorities want hidden."
"If everyone is prepared, even if the world ends, there would be no panic. Our actions are for the public good, Skye. Are you ready to protect all humanity?" Kevin asked like a preacher, eyes full of fervor.
"I have a question," Leo interrupted, breaking Kevin's monologue.
"How many years has the Rising Tide Organization been around?" Leo asked.
"We have a long history. Do you know the 'Hand of God' from over 20 years ago? He was our founder," Kevin said, admiration in his voice.
"Never heard of it," Leo shook his head.
"Let me ask you a second question: What have you accomplished in the past 20 years? Besides some scandalous celebrity photos online, no significant secrets have been exposed, right?"
Leo pursed his lips, "Or, your aim isn't public good at all. You've been trading intelligence between countries, haven't you?"
Kevin's face stiffened: "To sustain the organization, we exchange some intelligence for resources, but it all serves the organization's ultimate goal."
"To protect all humanity?"
"Yes, to protect all humanity."
Just then, a commotion broke out in the tavern.
The wooden door burst open, and over a dozen gang members with guns stormed in.
The harsh sound of gunfire rang out as bullets hit the beams, sending dust everywhere.
Tap... tap... tap...
An elderly man descended from the bar's second floor, leaning on a cane, his expression dark.
"You know the rules; this is my tavern. I have an agreement with Wilson Fisk; he's a reasonable man," the old man said.
"Dad, it's not that we're disrespecting you. Daredevil attacked our port, killing over a dozen of our men. He was shot, and we followed the blood trail here."
"Dad, you're a man of reason. I hope you're not involved in this," the tough guy sneered, then gestured.
"Search!"