"One-third of the mission is complete. This is something worth celebrating."
Walking out of the factory, Gotze looked at his boss strangely. But he dared not show any negligence, trotting over quickly.
"Boss, what are your orders?"
"Nothing. Dismiss the men, the mission is complete. Remember to file a report to Psylocke and have her issue your bonuses."
Vincent smiled.
"Thank you, Boss!!!" Gotze thanked him hurriedly. Who didn't like bonuses? Even super soldiers with high salaries were happy when the boss personally promised extra cash.
"Remember to keep this matter confidential," Vincent said lightly.
"Don't worry, Boss. No one will get any information about you from our mouths." Gotze patted his chest in guarantee.
Vincent shook his head. "No. If someone truly forces you, tell them the treasure inside has already been taken by me. If they want it, let them come find me."
Gotze looked at Vincent in surprise.
Vincent laughed loudly. "Are you worried I'll be unhappy if people trouble me? Gotze, you're an excellent soldier, but you know I am also an excellent warrior. So, I don't worry about anyone causing trouble. If they come to your door and force you, it means they intend to take your life."
"Then why tell them?"
"To let them send themselves to death, of course," Vincent joked.
Gotze's eyes brightened slightly. He didn't speak, but he understood his boss's meaning. The man standing before him was the most powerful figure in the world. Bar none.
This was one reason they followed Vincent. They just needed to do their jobs. No risks needed. Because the boss's existence invisibly solved many troubles.
Too many people wanted to trouble the boss. But trouble finding him meant death for them. They had full confidence in the boss's strength.
The cars moved slowly, weaving through London back to Vincent's castle manor.
But soon after Deep Chill left, a group of people arrived at the abandoned shipyard.
"The Ice Demon came to London specifically, and Deep Chill found this shipyard."
Celine, one of Britain's Knights of the Round Table, looked frosty.
"Celine, even if we know the Ice Demon is in London, you should understand the Council's orders: avoid the Ice Demon's group at all costs. Do not engage in any conflict." Another Knight, Raylen, spoke gravely.
"I'm just curious. With the Ice Demon's status, what kind of item could make him descend personally to London to retrieve it?" Celine looked around curiously.
Numerous agents surrounded the shipyard, scanning for energy field fluctuations. Instruments detected traces of powerful residual energy. They calculated this energy was no less than the massive gamma radiation burst in New York a year ago.
As for what the item was, no one dared to be certain. But the treasure had fallen into Vincent's hands. Snatching it from him was already a pipe dream.
"Whatever the item is, it's full of danger for Britain. Since Vincent Hall has already secured it, London won't be turned into a battlefield over it."
Raylen countered. Unlike the young Celine, Raylen was mature and steady. In his forties, having experienced too many battles, he understood the Ice Demon's terror.
He also understood that the Knights of the Round Table couldn't protect such a treasure. If they offended the Ice Demon, all the Knights combined wouldn't be enough for him to kill.
The only good news was that Captain Britain, Psylocke (Betsy Braddock), had become Deep Chill's leader. Although she left the Knights, she was still one of their own. Many issues could be resolved through her.
Outside the castle manor.
MI6 had established a surveillance net. Not to monitor Vincent with ill intent, but worrying that some blind fool might enter the manor, offend its master, and bring unimaginable trouble to the country.
They didn't want endless trouble. The British government felt the same. So, when Vincent landed in Britain and entered the manor, his every move was watched—not to plot against him, but to ensure no incidents occurred.
Deep Chill knew of the government's actions. But this was London, and their boss Psylocke had deep feelings for Britain. So, they turned a blind eye to these agents.
Vincent returned to the manor. Gwen had returned from her shopping spree. Seeing his little girlfriend's happy face, Vincent felt this trip was a good choice.
The two enjoyed a pleasant dinner and began touring London. Since it was a vacation, they naturally couldn't stay in the manor all the time.
Three days of playing in London kept the nerves of the entire London intelligence community tight. Although many agents didn't know who this big shot was—only that he was Oscorp's Chairman—the tension exceeded their imagination.
Three days later, Vincent left London and returned to New York. Gwen also ended her trip.
"Charles has recovered. You should be happier, Raven," Vincent said to Mystique, who snuggled into his arms.
"Something happened in New York while you were gone. A container of stowaway immigrants from China arrived, but everyone inside was killed. Slaughtered in the most cruel way, like beasts feasting."
Raven whispered the news.
Vincent's face turned serious. He didn't want to meddle in idle matters, but this involved his compatriots. He wouldn't let it slide. However, he didn't intend to use telepathy to invade others' minds immediately.
"Leave this to me. I sense an old friend has returned to New York. It's time to pay her a visit." Vincent smiled.
Raven nodded. "I can feel the unrest lately, but for some reason, all signs are being suppressed by a force, seemingly cutting off our information sources."
Vincent paused. Raven had worked hard to adapt to high society for Oscorp's sake, making many connections. Managing such a vital energy corporation meant dealing with high-level government officials.
But if Raven said this, it meant the US government top brass was implementing a blackout against them. Information blockade.
"It seems our honeymoon period with the US government is over. Clearly, the government found a source of confidence and has started ignoring our demands." Vincent smiled.
His identity made him a natural enemy of all US factions. Not to mention his past conflicts with the military—the destruction of the carrier group, the tsunami at the port. With US resources, they must have uncovered the truth.
Previously, pressured by Vincent, they turned a blind eye to Oscorp's expansion. They didn't even dare suppress it. But as Vincent used gene serums on a large scale to create a high-level agent organization, the US felt Oscorp's sharp edge again.
"I plan to recall Deep Chill personnel to the US," Raven suggested.
"No need. As long as I'm in New York, no one dares touch Oscorp." Vincent spoke dominantly.
Confidence comes from strength. Vincent clearly had it. He feared no attacks from US organizations. He even wished they would trouble him again, giving him an excuse to act against the US.
China's national power was at a critical period. If it continued advancing, it could surpass the US within a decade to become the strongest nation.
Vincent had immigrated to the US, but his loyalty to it was zero. He naturally hoped to attract all US firepower, allowing China to develop and grow.
So, he didn't worry about conflict. But attacking the US without cause didn't fit his current status. He worried the US might go for a scorched-earth strategy, paying any price to kill him. If it came to that, the result would be the destruction of the US, and China becoming supreme.
"I worry their methods kill without blood," Raven said. As the one controlling Oscorp, she knew how terrifying the upcoming scenario could be. One slip, and they'd be swallowed whole.
"Relax. With me here, no one can take Oscorp from my hands."
Vincent's expression remained unchanged. He knew his future couldn't be threatened. He never had a saintly heart. If anyone thought they could use his benevolence against him, that would be the moment their disaster arrived.
In the face of absolute power, schemes were the wrong choice.
Raven seemed to think of something. She could feel the heart beating in this man's chest—hot as molten lava. Once it erupted, it would destroy heaven and earth.
"I don't wish for that day to come," Raven said suddenly.
"Neither do I. But if someone wants to strip me of everything, let them understand: they live not by God's mercy, but by mine."
Vincent spoke plainly. "You can spread that statement."
"Some people seem to want to deal with me. I sense a force manipulating things, but it's of no concern. I just dislike it."
Raven nodded.
Hell's Kitchen. Chinatown.
Madame Gao prostrated respectfully on the ground, daring not to stand. Cold sweat covered her face as she looked at the handsome man before her.
Around them, Triad members bowed their heads, afraid to look up. Guests had been cleared from the restaurant.
"I heard you smuggled some people into New York, but a big problem occurred."
Vincent skillfully washed his bowl and chopsticks with tea, then began tasting the authentic Chinese cuisine before him. The fiery spice was indescribably satisfying.
His chopsticks didn't stop. Chefs served dishes continuously. Vincent demolished a plate in seconds, eating like a gluttonous beast.
Madame Gao knelt, sweating, stammering, "Mr. Hall, this isn't my fault. I don't traffic humans anymore, just helping compatriots smuggle into the US for work."
"Yes, just out for work, yet encountering such disaster. Hard to imagine what monsters they faced in that container, what painful scenes they endured."
Vincent paused, then continued eating. Bones turned soft as dishes under his teeth.
"It was Black Sky. The Hand's Black Sky. I didn't know the Japanese put a dangerous item in the container. The Black Sky lost control on the way and killed all our compatriots." Madame Gao said viciously.
"I've mobilized all Triad members to investigate, sparing no cost to retaliate against The Hand. But The Hand is too powerful, proficient in ninjutsu and magic. They come and go freely in Hell's Kitchen; even I struggle to find their tracks." Madame Gao said tremblingly.
"You shouldn't have come back, Madame Gao." Vincent shook his head.
Madame Gao smiled bitterly. "I lived in New York too long. It's hard to integrate back home, so I returned."
"The Hand's Black Sky is a mysterious item, rumored to bring the dead back to life. The 'Black Sky' you mentioned must be a monster created by this item, not the true Black Sky."
Vincent spoke slowly. Madame Gao lowered her head, daring not to speak or breathe loudly. She knew her fate hung on this man's whim.
"Alright, stand up. Respecting the old and loving the young is our good tradition. Letting you kneel is unfair to you."
"Not unfair."
"This meal is on you—thanks for sparing my life."
Vincent stood up, patted his stomach, and vanished.
Only then did Madame Gao stand up. Her gaze was cold as a knife.
"Search! Find those damn Japs for me."
Madame Gao understood that to exist in New York, she had to watch Vincent's mood. Otherwise, he'd kill her without hesitation. Finding The Hand would prolong her life.
"It should have been a small matter. But the Ice Demon is watching The Hand and knows the true secret of Black Sky. It seems someone in The Hand provoked Vincent."
Based on her understanding, Vincent was Chinese. And young. His methods against the Japanese would surely be the most intense.
But that night was calm. Vincent just stayed at Jessica Jones's apartment for the night.
He shouldn't have intervened in Hell's Kitchen matters. Small potatoes. But having not returned for a long time, he came to take a look.
"Boss!" Gotze stood respectfully at Jessica's door, having waited for a long time.
"Investigate this clearly. Bring me back an item from inside The Hand."
Vincent handed two photos to Gotze. He drove away from Hell's Kitchen himself.
The Hand? Did they need him to act personally?
Vincent was now strong in soldiers and horses. With the establishment of Deep Chill, it was time to tell some blind fools in New York that this was his territory. The Ice Demon's territory.
"Give me three days, Boss."
Gotze's blood boiled. He knew this was his chance. A chance to enter Deep Chill's upper echelon. Becoming a high-level executive meant access to multi-stage gene serums, becoming one of the strongest superhumans in the organization.
Gotze had ambition but waited for an opportunity. Now, it was here.
"I have only one requirement: Kill all those Japs."
Vincent said calmly.
"Boss, I will make them regret coming into this world." Gotze's eyes glowed. The more intense the mission, the greater the reward.
"Don't disappoint me. I transferred you back from London because I think you have potential. But this mission is your test. Pass it, and you are a core member of Deep Chill."
Vincent patted Gotze's shoulder.
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