"I understand. I will arrange for Madame Gao and Murakami to select suitable Gaia Memories. Do you intend to personally..." David nodded imperceptibly.
Fisk waved his hand, his tone casual. "You handle the arrangements. As long as they can trigger a reaction from the Memories, give them whatever they need. These ordinary Gaia Memories just need to find users; you can manage the details yourself."
"Compared to that," Fisk continued, "I am more concerned about another matter. Have you found a compatible user for the Nasca Memory?"
The power of Gold Gaia Memories was what Fisk truly valued; they had to be kept under his control as much as possible.
David's face twisted into a difficult expression. "We have already had many people attempt to use the Nasca Memory, but without exception, they have all failed."
Fisk's brow furrowed. "Meaning there has been no progress at all?"
David could only nod slightly.
Fisk looked deeply at David and spoke. "Gaia Memories—especially high-level ones—have specific psychological requirements for their users. You can immediately exclude those mediocre people with no defining characteristics. Don't waste time."
David nodded. "Next, I plan to have several sales representatives with outstanding performance records try it out. They deal with Gaia Memories frequently; perhaps they can adapt to the Nasca power."
Fisk nodded. "Act according to your judgment. I only care about the final result."
Jessica Jones and Luke Cage were currently conducting surveillance outside the casino managed by Jim.
It had taken them quite a bit of effort to locate Jim's casino. They had managed to sneak in a few times, but because they lacked funds, they couldn't actually sit at the tables. After a few visits, they realized that entering a casino and never gambling was too suspicious; the casino thugs seemed to have their eyes glued to them the moment they walked in.
Consequently, they stopped entering the casino altogether. Currently, they were staking out a nearby bar that served as a cover, waiting for an opportunity to speak with Jim one-on-one.
"It looks like a standard underground casino, just a bit more secretive. What exactly is Mr. Jim doing being assigned here?" Jessica, half-tipsy with glazed eyes, spoke to Luke beside her.
Luke looked at the empty bottles on the table and rubbed his forehead in exasperation.
"You two, come outside with me." A low voice came from behind them.
Jessica and Luke, thinking they had been discovered by the casino's muscle, immediately turned around with a start, ready to fight. However, seeing the burly man in the black trench coat, their surprise was replaced by relief.
"Your surveillance skills are pathetic. A normal person could see your intentions from a mile away," Frank Castle said in a monotone voice.
Jessica and Luke looked embarrassed. Was it really that obvious?
"Mr. Punisher, what are you doing here?" Jessica asked softly.
Frank scanned the room and lowered his voice. "This isn't the place to talk. You two were targeted a long time ago. Follow me out."
Jessica and Luke nodded. They carefully observed the people around them and followed Frank out of the bar.
"Why are you two eyeing this casino?" Frank asked directly, cutting off their questions.
Jessica and Luke shared a glance and explained their objective.
Frank nodded thoughtfully. "So, this casino really is connected to the organization selling Gaia Memories behind the scenes."
"Mr. Punisher, is your target this casino as well?" Jessica asked, surprised.
Frank nodded and briefly explained his reasons for being there. He had discovered several people recently falling into a strange, vegetative state and suspected Gaia Memory involvement. Upon investigation, the common denominator among the victims was that they were regulars at this casino.
"This 'Jim' you mentioned is highly likely a Gaia Memory user," Frank said, a dangerous glint in his eyes.
"Mr. Frank, it's just a suspicion for now. We should investigate thoroughly before deciding how to act," Jessica urged. She had seen Frank in action—he was absolutely ruthless—and wanted to prevent a bloodbath.
Frank nodded, glancing at them. "I will clarify the facts before I strike. I won't do anything to alert the enemy prematurely."
Jessica and Luke gave a sheepish smile.
The three of them continued to watch from the outside until Jim finally appeared, then they followed him stealthily.
"Mr. Robert, it is time to repay the debt you owe."
Jim arrived at the home of a gambler who had used his "life" as collateral at the casino. Finding his target, Jim spoke with a pleasant smile.
Robert didn't seem to care. Debt? He had already lost his entire life savings at the casino. "I don't have a penny left on me. I'm afraid you won't be getting any money back," Robert said, his heart like cold ash.
"No, you can definitely repay it," Jim said calmly. "With your life."
Robert shuddered. He remembered the mention of using "life" as gambling capital at the casino. But why hadn't they taken it then? Why come to his house now?
"Wait! Even if you kill me, you won't get the money I owe!" Robert may have been broke, but even an ant clings to life. If possible, he didn't want to die.
Jim shook his head. "Your life is the most valuable 'money' there is!"
"Money!"
Jim used the Money Memory to transform into a Dopant.
"Monster...!" Robert's eyes filled with shock. He collapsed to the floor, instinctively scrambling backward.
Jim produced a coin. "Back at the casino, since you didn't hesitate to put your life on the table as a chip, you should have had the corresponding resolve. Isn't it a bit late for regrets now?!"
With that, he used the coin to drain Robert's entire life force. Robert slumped to the ground. Jim looked satisfied at the Life Medal in his hand, which was pulsing with vitality, and absorbed it into his body.
Not far away, Frank, witnessing the scene, snorted coldly. "Just as I thought. Another Dopant at work!"
"Accel!"
Frank pulled out his Driver, strapped it to his waist, and pressed the Accel Memory. Transforming into the Kamen Rider, he charged toward the Money Dopant.
"Mr. Punisher...!" Jessica's words had barely left her mouth before Frank had already bolted. She and Luke had no choice but to rush after him.
Jim had been in a great mood after a successful "collection," thinking about returning to the orphanage in style as a corporate executive. Suddenly seeing Frank charging at him with a sword, he was scared out of his wits.
Although Jim worked under Fisk and possessed the Money Gaia Memory, he had never actually fought a real battle. Usually, he just collected the lives of ordinary people to turn into coins.
(End of Chapter)