The next day.
Central Park.
In the woods behind the amusement park.
Over a dozen gangster bodies lay scattered in pools of blood.
Frank vigilantly surveyed his surroundings while methodically cleaning up the traces he had left during the fight.
Just a few minutes prior, Frank, still feeling uneasy, used the excuse of buying ice cream to leave his family and silently infiltrated these woods to investigate, following the direction he remembered.
Who would have thought that a group of gangsters had actually gathered here?
However, their attire was slightly different from what Frank had seen in his vision last night.
But what was somewhat strange was that these gangsters seemed to be waiting for someone to appear.
Each of them craned their necks, constantly looking into the distance.
The reason for saying this was because one of the Merren held a photograph in his hand.
Seeking revenge?
Or…
After adjusting his angle several times, Frank, a tactical sniper in the Marine Corps, finally discerned the figures in the photo with his exceptional eyesight.
It was none other than their family photo of all four of them!
Clearly, the presence of these gangsters here was no coincidence.
They had come specifically for his family…
Frank couldn't help but recall the vision he had seen last night.
No!
He absolutely would not allow that to happen!
Enraged, Frank immediately felt a surge of murderous intent.
Using a silenced pistol and a combat knife, he cleanly and decisively eliminated all of them!
Although he also wanted to know who the mastermind behind it all was and how they got his family photo, to avoid being discovered by passersby, he didn't leave anyone alive for interrogation.
But it didn't matter.
He already knew where he could get the answers he wanted…
So, after a thorough cleanup, Frank emerged from the woods with a look of relief.
Then, as if nothing had happened, he bought three ice cream cones and returned to his family.
"Dear, why did you take so long? Was the line very long?" his wife, Maria, asked gently.
"Yes, it seems there are exceptionally many people today…" Frank smiled as he handed the cones to the children, then pulled his wife into his arms, sharing the remaining cone sweetly, bite by bite.
Watching the happy expressions on his wife and children's faces, Frank's heart had never felt so warm and full!
…
Night fell.
Karl appeared in the restaurant on time.
He immediately saw Frank, who had been waiting for some time.
Before the other party could speak, he smiled and said, "Congratulations, you successfully saved your family."
Upon hearing this, a hint of shock flashed in Frank's eyes.
His first thought was that the other party had been secretly tracking him.
But he quickly dismissed that idea.
He must have seen the outcome using his "precognition" or "mind-reading" superpower, right?
Composing himself, Frank said with great sincerity, "Sir, thank you very much for your earlier warning; otherwise, today I would have lost my beloved family forever. I offer my sincere apologies for my rash actions last night!"
Karl waved his hand upon hearing this and said meaningfully, "It was your choice that saved you and your family, and it also proved your worth."
Undoubtedly, yesterday's warning was a deliberate test Karl conducted on Frank.
Although the Punisher was renowned, if the other party had chosen to avoid this matter or failed to deal with those gang members effectively, it would have proven that he was not worthy of recruitment at all!
Even if Frank had miraculously escaped with his family, Karl would not have appeared to meet him again.
Because what he needed were true talents who could stand alone, dared to face challenges in times of crisis, and possessed far greater courage, combat prowess, and intelligence than ordinary people!
And this single requirement was enough to screen out ninety-nine percent of the candidates!
But fortunately, Frank did not disappoint him!
Then, Karl changed the subject and continued, "Do you want to know what happened after that vision yesterday?"
"Ah?!"
Frank felt as though he couldn't quite keep up with the other party's erratic thoughts.
However, since the vision was mentioned, a hint of curiosity couldn't help but arise in his heart.
He really wanted to see how the story developed, so he nodded heavily and said, "Then I'll trouble you, sir."
As his voice fell, Karl's eyes narrowed slightly, and a strange memory, not belonging to Frank, instantly appeared in his mind.
…
The scene continued directly from the park attack last time.
After suffering that attack, Frank, seriously injured, received simple treatment in the hospital and then began to gather intelligence in his own way, eventually successfully identifying the murderers of his wife and children.
However, he naively thought that the law could give him a fair outcome.
But who would have thought that those gang members had spent a fortune hiring a famous team of lawyers, successfully finding loopholes in relevant regulations, and escaping the punishment they deserved.
When he saw that group of gang members walk out of the courtroom, smirking, Frank felt utter despair for this judicial system that always touted "fairness and justice."
He finally saw clearly that the "rule of law," "democracy," and "equality" that those politicians proclaimed during their campaigns were all just lies!
So, he decided to seek justice for his wife and children in his own way…
"If you are guilty, you must die!"
After transforming into the Punisher, all criminals appeared on his kill list.
…
"Phew…"
After regaining consciousness, Frank let out a long breath, allowing his turbulent emotions to calm down.
Undoubtedly, if he had truly suffered such unfair treatment as in the vision, he would definitely have transformed into the Punisher, using violence to curb violence.
Nothing was more important than his family!
Even if it meant becoming an enemy of the entire World, he would not hesitate.
He would use his own hands to send all those criminals to hell!
But fortunately, due to Karl's appearance, this tragedy ultimately did not unfold.
His and his family's destinies were changed because of it.
Therefore, Frank's gratitude towards Karl was beyond words.
He lowered his head and looked at the family photo he had taken from the gang members.
Frank's expression was extremely solemn, as if he had made a decision in his heart, and he said, "Sir, please tell me the truth of the matter. For this… I am willing to pay any price, even my life."
There's no such thing as a free lunch.
Just the previous warning alone was an immense kindness to Frank.
So, even if Karl now wanted him to assassinate the President, he would do it without hesitation.
He's very perceptive!
Karl had already seen through the other party's thoughts, and the corner of his mouth curved slightly. "Very good. There is only one condition, and that is to swear allegiance to me and become my subordinate!"
"Also, to correct you, accurately speaking, I am not some super-powered individual, but a Dimensional God!"
What is a Dimensional God? Whatever it is, it doesn't matter.
Frank said without hesitation, "No problem, as long as I can completely eliminate the source of the threat to my family's safety, I am willing to swear allegiance to you!"