Three days later, the largest ballroom of the New York Hilton Hotel was packed with people, and the atmosphere was almost explosively lively.
Flashlights, like dense lightning, almost engulfed the entire venue. Reporters from major mainstream media, financial media, entertainment media, and even some tabloids from around the World filled every corner, their cameras and microphones pointed at the podium in front. The podium was covered with deep blue velvet, and the backdrop featured a large, simple emblem—a shield composed of minimalist lines, with intertwined olive branches and stars at its center, and the striking English text "Hero Association" below.
The air was filled with a mix of curiosity, skepticism, excitement, and sensationalism. Everyone wanted to know what Wilson Fisk, a controversial business tycoon and philanthropist in New York and indeed the entire U.S., intended by suddenly and so publicly announcing the establishment of an organization called the Hero Association.
In the backstage lounge, James Wesley made a final adjustment to Kingpin's tie and the hem of his suit. His palms were sweating; although he had repeatedly checked all procedures and anticipated all possible challenging questions, facing such a huge event and the astonishing nature of the project itself, he still couldn't remain completely calm.
"Boss, all the media are here, and the procedures have been confirmed for the last time. This is the remote control for your teleprompter." Wesley's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible tension. "James, the editor-in-chief of The Daily Bugle, came personally, as did CNN, BBC... As for S.H.I.E.L.D., though they didn't come openly, there are definitely their people in the venue."
Kingpin stood quietly, letting Wesley busy himself. He wore a dark gray, top-tier custom suit today, ironed without a single wrinkle, which made his massive physique appear less like a gangster's menace and more like a business magnate's composure and authority. His shiny bald head reflected a cold, hard glint under the lights, and his face was expressionless, as if the tumultuous clamor outside had nothing to do with him.
"Very good." He responded faintly, took the small remote control, and put it into his pocket without even looking at it. His speech was already committed to memory, or rather, it was a distillation of his true inner thoughts.
"It's time, Boss." Wesley took a deep breath and stepped back.
Kingpin nodded, adjusted his cuffs, and walked with steady, firm steps toward the side door leading to the podium.
When his imposing figure appeared on one side of the podium, the entire venue fell silent for a moment, then an even more intense wave of flashes swept over him, almost engulfing him. He calmly walked to the center of the podium and adjusted the microphone's height—though it was still a bit short for him.
He didn't speak immediately, but slowly scanned the dense crowd below with his sharp eyes. Wherever his gaze landed, the clamor involuntarily subsided again, and everyone felt an invisible pressure.
"Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media." Kingpin began, his voice, deep and powerful, carrying an undeniable authority, resonated through the venue via the high-quality sound system. "Good morning. Thank you all for coming despite your busy schedules."
"Today, I stand here, not as the chairman of Fisk Industries, but as an ordinary citizen deeply concerned, an entrepreneur willing to take responsibility for the future of this city, to announce an important decision—the 'Hero Association' is officially established today."
A low murmur rose from the audience, but quickly quieted down again, everyone listening intently.
"The World we live in is undergoing unprecedented changes," Kingpin's voice carried a solemn tone. "Every day, we see, hear, and even personally experience events beyond normal human comprehension in the news. Powerful individuals, dangerous mutated creatures, disasters inexplicable by science… We call them 'anomalous events'."
"In the face of these events, ordinary people are so vulnerable. Existing law enforcement and emergency response systems are often overwhelmed. We are fortunate that there are individuals with extraordinary abilities, who are just and willing to step forward to protect the innocent. We call them—heroes."
At this point, he paused, his gaze sweeping the entire venue again.
"But!" His voice suddenly rose, carrying a sharp challenge, "Have we ever considered what risks these 'heroes' bear? When they fight danger, if they get injured, who will cover their medical care? If they unfortunately sacrifice their lives, who will provide for their families? They protect this city day after day, what is their source of livelihood? Relying solely on a burst of passion and occasional public donations?"
A series of questions, like heavy hammers, struck everyone's hearts. Many reporters showed thoughtful expressions; indeed, few people had deeply considered these questions.
"More importantly," Kingpin continued, his tone becoming firm and powerful, "their actions lack regulation, lack coordination, and lack effective logistical support. They might miss rescues due to poor information, might fall into danger due to conflicting abilities, or even cause unnecessary destruction and casualties due to misjudgment! This is irresponsible to the heroes themselves, and irresponsible to public safety!"
The murmurs from the audience rose again, this time with more agreement and surprise. Kingpin's words directly tore open the romantic veil covering the concept of "superheroes," revealing the cruel and realistic dilemmas behind it.
"Therefore, the 'Hero Association' came into being!" Kingpin's voice, like a declaration, echoed through the venue. "Our purpose is not to create heroes, but to provide a professional, standardized, and institutionalized platform for existing heroes, and those who may emerge in the future!"
"In the Hero Association, 'hero' will no longer be a vague title, but an official profession, a job worthy of respect, and one that enjoys due rights and protections!"
The word "job," like a giant stone thrown into a calm lake, instantly stirred up a thousand waves! The audience erupted in an uproar!
"We will establish a strict hero registration and ability assessment system to ensure that every association member is vetted and possesses the corresponding abilities and character."
"We will set up a clear mission issuance and ranking system to ensure that heroes receive accurate intelligence support and act within their capabilities when handling incidents."
"We will provide professional combat training, equipment research and development, and logistical support to maximize heroes' efficiency and safety factor."
"Most importantly," Kingpin said almost word for word, "we will provide all registered heroes with market-competitive salaries, comprehensive medical insurance, disability benefits, and… a retirement pension plan!"
"Boom—!"
The venue completely erupted!
Salary! Medical insurance! Pension!
These words, linked with "superheroes," created a nuclear-level chemical reaction! Reporters could no longer hold back, raising their hands, some even shouting out questions directly.
Kingpin raised his hand and pressed it down, his powerful aura once again quieting the venue slightly.
"I know, this sounds radical." Kingpin even curled his lips into a faint, almost mocking, arc. "Some will ask, does measuring a hero's sacrifice with money tarnish the purity of the word 'hero'?"
"My answer is: No! Quite the opposite!" His voice was firm and resolute. "Acknowledging the value of heroes, giving them their deserved rewards, and ensuring the lives of them and their families, this is not a defilement, but the greatest respect! It is the most practical way to tell those warriors willing to stand up for others—your worries will be solved by us! Your value will be recognized by society!"
"The Hero Association is not a charity organization; it is a modern, efficiently operating crisis response agency. We welcome all those with a sense of justice and ability to join us, regardless of the extent of your abilities or your background. Here, you will gain opportunities for growth, receive due respect, and obtain tangible security!"
"Our goal is to establish a global, professional network of heroes, so that whenever an anomalous event occurs anywhere, the most suitable hero can respond with the fastest speed and the most professional approach!"
"A hero should not be a lonely symbol, much less a tragic victim. It should be a glorious, promising, and… well-compensated profession with comprehensive social benefits!"
"Click!" "Click!" "Click!"
The flashlights once again flickered madly, recording this historic moment, capturing Kingpin's resolute and powerful face.
"My statement concludes here." Kingpin returned to a calm tone. "Now, it is time for questions."
Instantly, countless hands shot up in the audience, like a forest.
A male reporter wearing gold-rimmed glasses was called upon first; he immediately stood up, speaking rapidly: "Mr. Fisk! I'm James from The Daily Bugle! Are you implying that masked vigilantes like Spider-Man are unprofessional and irresponsible? Do you believe your association is superior to those traditional 'lone wolves'?"
Kingpin's expression remained unchanged: "I have no intention of evaluating any individual's actions. I merely state a fact: systematic, organized forces are usually superior to individual efforts in terms of efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The Association welcomes all like-minded individuals to join and collectively raise industry standards."
Next was a female reporter: "Mr. Fisk, you mentioned salaries and benefits. Where will this enormous funding come from? Will you accept government appropriations? Will this affect the Association's independence?"
"Initial funding is provided by Fisk Industries and myself personally. In the future, we plan to sustain operations through public donations, corporate sponsorships, and potentially paid specific security services. We insist on transparent financial disclosure and ensure the Association's independence and neutrality."
"Mr. Fisk! If a hero causes property damage or civilian casualties during a mission, who will bear the responsibility? The Association?" Another sharp question.
"The Association will purchase high-value professional liability insurance for all registered heroes. Simultaneously, we will establish strict mission assessment and operational guidelines to minimize such incidents. Should they occur, the Association will have a comprehensive investigation and compensation mechanism."
"Mr. Fisk…"
"Mr. Fisk…"
Questions poured in like a tide, sharp, direct, and full of skepticism. But Kingpin remained composed and articulate. His answers were logically clear, his posture firm, yet he showed meticulous consideration in the details, painstakingly portraying a seemingly absurd idea as a feasible and forward-looking grand blueprint.
Backstage, Wesley watched all this on the monitor, finally letting out a long sigh of relief, a smile of both relief and pride on his face. He knew that no matter how the outside World judged it, from this moment on, the concept of the "Hero Association" had, like a bombshell, been dropped into this already chaotic World, and was bound to stir up unprecedented waves.
And Kingpin, standing at the center of the podium, bathed in countless flashes, looked at the shocked, skeptical, or excited faces below, his heart utterly calm.
The declaration had been made.
The seeds had been sown.
Now, it was time for this World to witness firsthand how these seeds would break through the soil and grow into towering trees.
The wheels of the era began to turn.