Xu Feng traveled to the Marvel world and still didn’t understand what was going on.

He saw a car falling from a high place, almost crushing him to death.

Looking closely: it turned out to be Wolverine fighting the Hulk!

The abnormal spatial fluctuations also attracted their attention. Thinking Xu Tian was an enemy, they all rushed towards him!

A roar was deafening and fists were whistling.

One came towards him with sharp steel claws.

Just when Xu Tian felt that he was doomed, he awakened the All Worlds Summoning System.

The newbie gift pack summons Zac Super!

Flight, laser eyes, freeze breath….

One against two.

The whole world is shocked!

neither knows.

In the universe, a purple figure slowly stood up.

Marvel: Start Summoning Zack Super
1. Battle scene! Wolverine vs. Hulk!
Xu Feng blinked and gradually regained consciousness.
A shrill roar filled the air, mixed with terrified screams and the loud noise of collapsing buildings.
His vision gradually became clear, and the scene before him made him hold his breath for a moment.
Less than fifty meters away, a giant covered in green muscles was waving a fist as big as a car and attacking a short but swift figure fiercely.
The short figure flipped and moved in the air, and the cold light of metal kept flashing between his arms.
“Is this…Hulk and Wolverine?”
Xu Feng muttered to himself, unable to believe his eyes.
The scenes around me were incredibly real—the broken streets, the panicked passers-by fleeing, the sirens whistling in the distance.
The air was filled with the smell of dust and gunpowder, and the wind was mixed with the smell of fear.
This is by no means a movie special effect or a virtual reality experience.
Countless questions flashed through my mind.
I was just at home reviewing the plot details of “Avengers 4” and preparing to attend the Marvel fan meeting tomorrow.
How come you suddenly appear here?
And the scene in front of me.
The Hulk vs. Wolverine showdown – never before seen in an official MCU film.
“What the hell, what timeline is this?”
Xu Feng thought quickly, “Judging from the Hulk’s appearance, it should be the form in “The Incredible Hulk”, and Wolverine’s uniform style is close to the design before “Logan 3″…but these two have never met in the movie.”
There was no time for deep thought.
The battle between two superheroes – or super threats at the moment – was extending in his direction.
Hulk grabbed an abandoned car and smashed it at Wolverine, who dodged it nimbly. The car crashed less than ten meters away from Xu Feng, and the flying debris grazed his cheek.
Warm liquid flowed down his cheeks.
Xu Feng touched it and found his fingers covered in blood.
The pain surged up instantly. This was definitely not a dream.
“Damn it, I have to get out of here.”
Xu Feng tried to turn around and escape, but his legs felt as heavy as if they were filled with lead.
At this moment, the situation on the battlefield suddenly changed.
Wolverine dodged Hulk’s punch by turning sideways, but suddenly stopped, his nose twitching slightly, as if he smelled something unusual.
His gaze passed through the chaotic ruins and locked directly on Xu Feng.
Almost at the same time, Hulk stopped attacking and turned to look in Xu Feng’s direction, with vigilance and anger flashing in his green eyes.
“Something’s wrong, why are you all looking at me?”
Xu Feng’s heartbeat almost burst out of his chest.
As a veteran Marvel fan, he’s very familiar with the abilities of these two characters—Wolverine has the keen senses of a beast, while Hulk has an instinctive sense of threats.
Wolverine’s deep voice came:
“There are strange energy fluctuations on him… He is not a mutant, but not an ordinary human either.”
He retracted his claws and approached Xu Feng cautiously.
Xu Feng was speechless.
I am just an ordinary person!
What’s so special about it?
Could it be the fluctuation of time and space caused by time travel?
Xu Feng cried out in his heart that he was unlucky.
Hulk let out a deafening roar:
“Hulk hates You-Know-Who!”
A huge green figure suddenly rushed towards Xu Feng.
“It’s over. I’m dead.”
Xu Feng closed his eyes in despair, and fragments of his ordinary life over the past twenty years flashed through his mind.
As an ordinary person, he couldn’t even withstand a punch.
At this critical moment, a cold mechanical voice sounded in his mind!
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ActivityRegister as a Filo member and receive 200 points![Register Now]2. X-Men Fusion Universe! Zack the Great Falls from the Sky! (Old Version)
[Host life danger detected]【The Ten Thousand Worlds Summoning System is activated】
【Novice protection mechanism activated】
[Emergency Summoning Permission Opened]Before Xu Feng could comprehend this sudden information, the system’s voice came into his mind again:
【Newbie gift pack has been opened】
[Temporary summoning authority: DC Zack Snyder version of Superman, duration 24 hours]【Confirm the summon?】
“Yes! Summon! Quick!” Xu Feng shouted in his heart almost instinctively.
In an instant, a blue flash of lightning streaked across the sky, and a deafening sonic boom resounded throughout the entire block.
A figure in a dark blue uniform with a bright red “S” logo on his chest fell from the sky like a meteor and landed steadily in front of Xu Feng, with his back to him and facing the aggressive Hulk and Wolverine.
The image of Zack Snyder’s version of Superman, Henry Cavill, is incredibly real.
He turned around and glanced at Xu Feng, his deep blue eyes flashing with determination:
“Stay behind me.”
Hulk’s charge came to an abrupt halt, and the green giant stood there in a daze, obviously not expecting any new participants to join.
Wolverine became more alert and showed his steel claws, but did not attack rashly.
“Another guy in a cape,”
Wolverine sneered, “Who are you friends with? S.H.I.E.L.D.? Or another secret organization?”
Superman didn’t answer, but instead watched his two potential opponents warily, leaning forward slightly, ready to respond to any attack.
Xu Feng’s brain was working rapidly, trying to understand the current situation.
He did cross over to the Marvel Universe, and it was a version that might have been a blend of movie and comic book elements.
What’s even more incredible is that he seems to be bound to some kind of “All-World Summoning System” that can summon characters from other worlds.
Now, the DC Universe’s Superman is standing before him, protecting him from two powerful characters from the Marvel Universe.
This is literally the crossover scene every Marvel and DC fan dreams of.
But there is no time to sigh right now.
The situation was on the verge of breaking out, and Hulk’s patience was obviously exhausted, and the Green Giant let out a deafening roar.
Superman took a deep breath, his eyes flashing red—his heat vision ready to go.
“Don’t act rashly,”
Superman said, his voice filled with irresistible authority, “I was just protecting him.”
Wolverine chuckled disdainfully, his sharp adamantium claws flashing coldly in the sunlight.
“That’s what the guys in the tights always say. And then what? Is a whole team of agents going to drop from the sky next?”
Xu Feng hid behind Superman, his brain working fast.
Wolverine’s attitude and appearance, Hulk’s form
All of this helps him locate the current timeline.
But he must be careful not to reveal his true identity and knowledge.
“System, can you hear me?”
Xu Feng called out tentatively in his heart.
[Host, please speak]The cold mechanical sound rang in his mind again, and only he could hear it.
“Is it possible to tell me what time it is? And why are these two people fighting here?”
【Testing…】
[Based on the analysis of current cosmic energy fluctuations, the current time point is: May 2011, which is after the events of “The Incredible Hulk”, during the events of “Thor 1”, and before the events of “Avengers 1”][Reason for the battle between Wolverine and Hulk: SHIELD tracked the Hulk and hired independent mutants to help capture him][Note: The current universe is a fusion of the MCU and the X-Men movie universe, and there are differences with the complete Marvel history of the host world]Xu Feng was shocked.
It’s a hybrid universe!
This significantly increases the unknown, and his Marvel knowledge may only be partially applicable.
However, he is the only one who knows this information, which is his advantage.
There is no more time to think.
Hulk had lost his patience. After a roar, the huge green figure suddenly leaped up, raised his fists high, and smashed towards Superman and Xu Feng.
Three things to do when reading: read, collect, and reward!
3. The blue bug hurts Hulk! Hulk is going to be crushed! The situation is getting more and more chaotic! (Old version)
Superman took a deep breath, tapped his feet on the ground, and shot into the air like a rocket, heading towards Hulk.
The two super beings collided in mid-air, and the resulting shock wave shattered all the glass windows of the surrounding buildings.
“Bang!”
Superman’s fist hit Hulk’s chest with such force that the Hulk was sent flying dozens of meters away, crashing into an office building.
But Superman’s expression instantly turned into surprise——
He obviously didn’t expect Hulk’s skin to be so tough, and his finger joints were already turning a little red.
Wolverine seized the opportunity and attacked from the side.
His movements were as fast as lightning, and his three sharp adamantium claws went straight for Superman’s side.
Superman almost instinctively turned sideways, and the steel claws grazed his uniform, leaving three long cracks but failing to penetrate his skin.
“Interesting, this is adamantium! The hardest metal in the entire universe! And you’re not hurt?”
Wolverine narrowed his eyes, “What a tough guy.”
Superman didn’t reply, but used his speed advantage to quickly distance himself, while vigilantly observing the direction of the office building.
The Hulk can’t be taken down by a single blow, and he knows that.
Xu Feng watched all this in horror, not knowing whether to escape or stay.
At that moment, he felt the ground begin to shake.
Hulk rushed out from the rubble, the anger in his eyes even more intense than before.
“Blue Bug hurts Hulk! Hulk’s gonna be smashed!”
Hulk pounded his chest with his hands, like a wild beast about to charge.
Superman floats in the air, a thoughtful look on his face, clearly assessing his opponent’s strength.
At the same time, Wolverine readjusted his stance and became more alert.
His eyes flickered between Hulk and Superman, as if assessing who was the greater threat.
“Hey, cloaked man,”
Wolverine didn’t want to fight a meaningless battle, so he suddenly said, “Where did you come from? Why are you protecting that kid?”
Superman tilted his head slightly, “I just happened to be passing by and saw he was in danger.”
Give simple answers and avoid revealing the truth.
Wolverine obviously didn’t believe this explanation, but there was no time to ask questions now.
Hulk was already charging towards them again, leaving deep footprints in the ground with every step.
At the tense moment of the three-way confrontation, the roar of a helicopter was heard in the distance.
Several black helicopters appeared on the skyline and rapidly approached the battlefield.
“Looks like the party is going to get bigger,”
Wolverine sneered, “The official friends are here.”
Hulk hears the sound of helicopters and roars even more fiercely: “The Army! Hulk hates the Army!”
His attention shifted momentarily from Superman to the approaching helicopter.
Superman seized the opportunity and quickly flew back to Xu Feng: “We should get out of here. The situation is getting more complicated.”
Xu Feng nodded, having his own plan in mind.
He needed to find a safe place to clear his mind and learn more about the functions of this system.
But first, he needed to escape this increasingly chaotic situation.
“I think we should separate for a while,”
Xu Feng whispered to Superman, “I don’t want to enter the official sight of this world yet. If they target me, I will be in endless trouble! Those helicopters are probably heading for Hulk. If we can divert their attention…”
Superman thought for a moment, then nodded: “You’re right. I’ll create a distraction, and you’ll find a chance to escape. As for that Steel Claw, he’s not hostile.”
Xu Feng wanted to say something, but Superman had already taken off into the air and flew towards the angry Hulk.
He shouted in the air: “Hey, big guy! Come after me!”
Hulk’s attention was immediately drawn, and the green giant roared and chased after the flying Superman.
All combat helicopters immediately changed direction.
Wolverine glanced at the chaotic scene, then looked at Xu Feng, as if making some decision.
4. Are you kidding me? The whole world knows about the existence of mutants! (Old version)
“Boy, it looks like you’ve been in quite a bit of trouble,”
Wolverine suddenly said to Xu Feng, “If you want to live, follow me now.”
Xu Feng hesitated for a moment.
Trusting Wolverine is a risk, but he needs a guide who understands this world.
And based on his Marvel knowledge.
Although Wolverine is rough, he is essentially a hero. At least he will not kill innocent people for no reason.
“good,”
Xu Feng replied briefly, “Lead the way.”
Wolverine nodded and gestured towards an alley.
The two took advantage of the chaos created by the fight between Superman and Hulk and the distraction of the arriving helicopter to quietly leave the battlefield.
After passing through several intricate alleys, Wolverine slowed down his pace.
He didn’t look back, but Xu Feng knew that he was using his keen senses to confirm that he was not being followed.
“so,”
Wolverine finally spoke, his voice deep, “Who are you? And who’s that flying guy?”
Xu Feng had already prepared the answer: “My name is Xu Feng, I’m… an ordinary person. As for that flying man, I’m not sure. He suddenly appeared and saved me. I guess he is some kind of… superhero?”
Wolverine let out a dismissive chuckle, “In that uniform, of course. But I’ve never seen a mutant who could fly with that power.”
“Mutants?” Xu Feng pretended to be confused. “What is that?”
Wolverine stopped and turned to stare at Xu Feng, suspicion flashing in his eyes: “Are you kidding me? The whole world knows the existence of mutants.”
Xu Feng pretended to be suddenly enlightened: “Oh, you mean those people with special powers? I just… don’t pay much attention to these. I’m just an ordinary office worker.” He tried hard to show the confusion of an ordinary person facing supernatural events.
Wolverine stared at him for a few seconds, as if trying to determine if his words were credible.
Then he nodded and continued walking: “In any case, you are involved in trouble. That green monster is a scientific experiment of the government. It is very dangerous. And those people in the helicopter will not let any witnesses go easily.”
Xu Feng followed Wolverine’s pace: “Then why are you helping me?”
Wolverine didn’t answer immediately.
He led Xu Feng through a narrow passage and came to what seemed to be an abandoned factory area.
“I don’t like guys in suits, that’s all.”
This was obviously not the whole reason, but Xu Feng knew not to ask further.
The afterglow of the setting sun casts a golden hue on the abandoned warehouse.
Wolverine led him through several rusty iron doors with ease and into a spacious but dusty space.
“Safe for now,”
Wolverine looked around, his keen senses searching for potential threats. “At least no one will find this place in a short time.”
Xu Feng looked around and this abandoned warehouse did seem to be an ideal temporary shelter.
He found a relatively clean-looking wooden box to sit on and tried to sort out his thoughts.
【System Status Update】
[Newbie Gift Pack Summon: Superman, Remaining Time: 23 hours and 18 minutes]【System functions are gradually being released…】
[Warning: The current state of the universe is unstable, and some predictive functions may be distorted]The system prompt that suddenly sounded in his mind made Xu Feng frown slightly.
This reminded him that Superman’s summons were temporary, and in less than a day, this powerful umbrella of protection would be gone.
He needs to make a plan before then.
Wolverine paced in the warehouse, stopping from time to time to listen to the sounds outside.
Finally, he found a place to sit down and looked at Xu Feng with sharp eyes:
“Now, tell me the truth. You’re not an ordinary person, are you?”
5. Chaos created by Superman! Thought chain established! (Old version)
Xu Feng’s heartbeat quickened, but he remained calm on the surface: “What do you mean?”
“My senses are very sharp, kid.” Wolverine pointed to his nose, “There’s an unusual smell about you. Not a mutant, but not an ordinary human either.”
Xu Feng realized that it might be unwise to hide everything completely in front of Wolverine’s senses.
He needed to reveal part of the truth, but not the whole truth.
“I… am not exactly an ordinary person,”
Xu Feng chose his words carefully. “Recently, I’ve discovered that I seem to have gained some kind of ability. But I’m still unclear about what it is or how it works. That flying man is somehow related to my ability, but I don’t know why he appeared or who he is.”
Wolverine nodded thoughtfully, “New abilities often come with trouble. Especially when the government takes notice.”
“Do you think they will hunt me down?” Xu Feng asked, although he already knew the answer in his heart.
“If they think you’re valuable, there’s no doubt about it.” Wolverine’s tone was bitter with experience, “I suggest you learn to control your abilities and keep a low profile.”
Xu Feng nodded, pretending to accept the suggestion, while thinking about his next plan in his mind.
He needs to understand the specific situation of this hybrid universe, find possible allies, and explore the functions of this system in depth.
“Yes,”
Xu Feng suddenly thought of a question, “That big green guy…who is he? Why are you fighting?”
Wolverine narrowed his eyes. “People call him Hulk. It’s said that he’s the product of a scientist’s experiment gone wrong. As for why he fights…”
He paused. “I was paid to follow him. Not to hurt him, just to observe. Until he found me, and then… things got out of hand.”
Xu Feng nodded and didn’t ask any further questions.
He had learned the truth from the system, but he couldn’t show that he knew too much.
“So, about the flying man…” Wolverine continued.
At this moment, the iron door of the warehouse was suddenly pushed open, and a blue figure flashed in quickly.
It was Superman, he looked unharmed but his expression was grave.
“It’s not good out there,”
Superman said directly, “The government has sent a large number of personnel to search the entire area. They seem to be very interested in what just happened.”
Wolverine stood up, his muscles tensed. “Have they tracked us here?”
Superman shook his head. “Not yet. I managed to lure the Hulk in the opposite direction and created some chaos as cover. But they will search this area sooner or later.”
Now only Superman can lure the Hulk away unscathed, have enough time to create chaos, and then return safely.
Xu Feng knew he had to make a decision.
He looked at Superman and talked to the system in his mind: “System, can I let Superman hear our conversation? I need his help but don’t want Wolverine to know about our communication.”
[Yes. The Siwei link has been established. The designated summon [Superman] can receive the host’s Siwei information.]“Superman,” Xu Feng said in his heart, “I know you may have a lot of questions, but please trust me for now. I come from another world, and you were summoned here through my ability. We need to make a plan, but we can’t let Wolverine know too much.”
Superman’s expression hardly changed, he just nodded slightly, indicating that he heard Xu Feng’s message.
“We need to move,” Superman told the two, “It’s not safe here anymore.”
Wolverine frowned, “What do you suggest?”
6. From another universe? (Old version)
Xu Feng decided to show some initiative: “I think we should split up. Three of us together will be too conspicuous.”
“Smart idea,” Wolverine agreed, “but you probably can’t protect yourself on your own.”
Superman glanced at Xu Feng and said, “I can escort him. What about you?”
Wolverine shrugged, “I’m used to being on my own. And I have my own business to attend to.”
Xu Feng nodded: “Thank you for your help. Without you, I might have died in that neighborhood.”
Wolverine stood up and prepared to leave, but stopped at the door and looked back at Xu Feng: “Be careful of those guys in suits. They are much more dangerous than they look.” After that, he pushed open the door and disappeared into the night.
Only Xu Feng and Chaoman were left in the warehouse. They looked at each other and both understood that they could now talk freely.
“So,” Superman began, his voice calm and firm, “I was summoned by you? From another universe?”
Xu Feng nodded: “Yes. I also just traveled to this world and bound to this system. The system gave me a novice gift package, allowing me to temporarily summon you. But only for 24 hours.”
Superman digested this information. “You said this is the Marvel Universe? I’ve heard of it in… my original universe. The superheroes here are… different from ours.”
“Yes,” Xu Feng confirmed, “In my world, you and everyone here are fictional characters from comics and movies. I know a lot about this world, but it seems that this specific universe is a mixed version, and some details are different from what I know.”
Superman nodded thoughtfully. “So you actually have some kind of precognitive ability, knowing what might happen. It’s a powerful advantage, but also a dangerous one.”
“I know,” Xu Feng sighed, “If others knew that I had this kind of knowledge and summoning ability, I would immediately become everyone’s target.”
Superman approached Xu Feng: “In the remaining time, I will do my best to protect you. But we need a plan. What do you want to do in this world? Find a way to go back? Or…”
Xu Feng took a deep breath. “I’m not sure yet. First I need to learn more about the functions of this system, as well as the conditions of this specific universe. Then… I think I’ll try to survive here, and maybe do some good.”
Superman nodded in understanding. “Well, first we need to find a truly safe place where you can explore your abilities. Then we need to establish a new identity that will allow you to live in this world without arousing suspicion.”
Xu Feng looked at Superman gratefully: “Thank you for your help. I know you were summoned here by accident, but your support means a lot to me.”
Superman smiled, “In any universe, helping others is my instinct. Now, let’s get out of here and find someplace truly safe.”
Xu Feng nodded in agreement and followed Superman out of the warehouse.
The night is deep and the sky is dotted with stars.
Meanwhile, at the S.H.I.E.L.D. headquarters, a one-eyed man was staring at the surveillance footage transmitted from the battlefield, paying special attention to the blue figure that suddenly appeared and the ordinary people he was protecting.
Nick Fury’s expression was serious. He turned to the agent beside him:
“I need all the intel we can get about today’s events. Especially about that flying guy and the people he’s protecting.”
Turn on lazy reading mode
7. Hell’s Kitchen, New York (Old Version)
Agent Coulson nodded. “Yes, sir. We have begun the search.”
Fury walked to the window and looked at the night sky. “Something’s changing, Coulson. I can feel it.”
The morning light filtered through the gaps in the curtains, casting a narrow strip of light into the cheap motel room.
Xu Feng sat on the edge of the bed, carefully looking through the notebook and pen that Superman bought for him last night.
In the past few hours, Xu Feng has been recording and organizing his understanding of this world and the information provided by the system.
Superman stood by the window, watching the movements outside vigilantly.
Although they chose a nondescript motel on the edge of town and paid in cash to avoid leaving any electronic traces, caution is always necessary.
“Any findings?” Superman asked quietly, still staring out the window.
Xu Feng looked up and rubbed his tired eyes: “Some. This system… is more complicated than I thought.”
【System Basic Function Description】
[1. Summoning function: can summon creatures from all realms to assist the host. The summoning level, duration and controllability depend on the system level and host compatibility.][2. Perception function: can sense surrounding energy fluctuations and potential threats][3. Knowledge Base: Contains the host world’s knowledge of the target world, but is affected by the actual situation of the current universe][Current System Level: LV.1 (Novice)][Available Summoning Points: 0/100][Next summon cooling time: 24 hours after Superman disappears]This information had appeared repeatedly in Xu Feng’s mind last night.
He understands that his abilities are severely limited—
Superman’s Summoning is a special case of the Novice Gift Pack.
Once he disappears, Xu Feng will not be able to summon other powerful beings immediately.
He needs to accumulate “summoning points”, but the system does not clearly explain how to obtain these points.
“We have about 15 hours left,”
Xu Feng looked at his watch, “Before you…disappear.”
Superman nodded, his expression calm. “Enough for us to formulate a preliminary plan and ensure your safety. What are you going to do?”
Xu Feng closed his notebook. “First, I need to establish an identity. To survive in this world, I need legal identification, a job, and a place to live.”
“It’s difficult without an identity,” Superman agreed, “but faking one has its risks.”
Xu Feng thought for a moment: “In the Marvel world, there are some… gray area experts who can help. The problem is how to find them and how to pay them.”
Superman turned around and faced Xu Feng fully: “Have you considered seeking help from official agencies? Organizations like S.H.I.E.L.D.?”
Xu Feng shook his head with a firm expression: “Absolutely not. SHIELD is an organization that protects the world, but they also have their own agenda. And…”
He paused, choosing his words carefully, “Based on what I…know, there might be some problems within SHIELD. Big problems! The risk is simply too great! I can’t take that risk.”
Superman nodded in understanding. “Then we need another path. Perhaps… a civilian superhero? Someone who might be sympathetic to your situation?”
Xu Feng considered this suggestion.
In the current timeline, the Avengers have not yet been clearly established.
Tony Stark has gone public as Iron Man, but he has close ties to S.H.I.E.L.D.
Bruce Banner is on the run.
Captain America has most likely just been discovered and thawed
“Maybe there is a possibility,”
Xu Feng said slowly, “But it will take some luck to find him.”
“Who?” Superman asked.
“A lawyer named Matt Murdock. He’s in Hell’s Kitchen, New York. He… might be able to help people like me.” Xu Feng did not explicitly state the fact that Matt was Daredevil, although he believed in Superman.
Superman nodded thoughtfully. “A lawyer is a good idea. Legal help might be just what you need. We can go find him today.”
Xu Feng was about to respond when the system’s voice sounded in his mind again:
[Warning: Energy Fluctuation Detected][Distance: about 500 meters, approaching]【Recommendation: Evacuate immediately】
Xu Feng stood up suddenly: “Someone is coming. The system has detected abnormal energy fluctuations.”
Superman immediately became alert and scanned his surroundings with his X-ray vision. “I see it. Three black SUVs, four armed men in each. They’re in civilian clothes, but their movements are well-trained. They’re likely government agents.”
Xu Feng quickly packed up his notebook and a few personal belongings: “How did they find us?”
8. Let Superman destroy this country first (old version)
Superman shook his head. “Not sure. Maybe they were tracking him through surveillance cameras, or…”
He paused abruptly, his brow furrowed. “It could also be through energy signatures. Your system, or my very presence, might be producing some unique energy signature.”
Xu Feng gritted his teeth.
He wasn’t ready to face the agents.
Especially since he would have little ability to protect himself after 24 hours.
or
Let Superman destroy this country first?
Xu Feng was shocked by his own crazy thoughts.
But the peace-loving Superman certainly wouldn’t want to do that.
“Back door,” Superman decided quickly. “I’ll create a distraction so you can leave. Head west and I’ll meet you two blocks away.”
Xu Feng nodded and grabbed his backpack.
He hesitated for a second, then asked, “What if, I mean what if. What if we are separated?”
Superman thought briefly. “Find that lawyer. If I can’t reunite with you in the time I have left, he might be your best option in the world.”
Xu Feng took a deep breath and nodded in understanding.
Superman quickly moved to the window, gently opened it, and after confirming that there were no guards outside, he signaled Xu Feng to go first.
Xu Feng climbed out of the window and landed in the alley behind the motel.
He didn’t look back and walked quickly westward as planned.
A loud noise soon came from behind, which must be Superman starting to implement the interference plan.
After passing through several alleys, Xu Feng’s heartbeat gradually stabilized.
Just when he thought he was safe, a cold voice came from the front:
“stop.”
Xu Feng froze in place.
A man in black tactical clothing stepped out of the shadows, holding a gun that looked like an unlikely weapon.
“Mr. Xu Feng,”
The man said calmly, “We need to talk.”
Xu Feng’s heart sank.
Not only did they find him, they knew his name.
Could it be that Wolverine revealed it?
But even more disturbing is that this person doesn’t look like your standard SHIELD agent.
“Who are you?”
Xu Feng asked cautiously, while quietly calling the system in his mind, “What do you want?”
[Warning: The opponent’s energy reaction is abnormal][Analysis: Unconventional Earth technology may have the function of suppressing superpowers][Suggestion: Avoid direct conflict and seek assistance from summoned creatures]“My identity is not important,”
The man took a step forward. “The important thing is, we’re very interested in the abilities you demonstrated yesterday. Especially the abilities of the one who could fly.”
Xu Feng’s heart beat faster.
This person knows too much.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,”
He tried to deny it, “I’m just an ordinary person. The flying man appeared on his own and has nothing to do with me.”
The man chuckled. “We have many ways to detect lies, Mr. Xu Feng. Our monitoring equipment is very precise. The moment that flying person appeared, we detected energy fluctuations coming from you.”
Xu Feng swallowed, realizing that denial might be futile.
He needed to buy time, hoping Superman would find him.
“Even if I have some abilities, so what? Isn’t this illegal?”
“Of course not, Mr. Xu Feng.”
The man’s tone was almost friendly. “On the contrary, we wish to offer assistance. Your ability is unique, unprecedented in our records. We can offer protection, research facilities, and resources to help you understand and control it.”
Xu Feng scoffed at this “friendly” proposal.
In the Marvel universe, government “help” for people with super powers usually means experimentation and control.
He couldn’t take the risk.
Xu Feng’s brain was working rapidly, thinking about how to respond.
Every second seemed to be extremely long, as if time was stretched to its limit.
The air in the alley was filled with a faint smell of dampness, and the hustle and bustle of the city came in the distance, forming a sharp contrast with this enclosed space.
Xu Feng could feel his heartbeat echoing in his chest, again and again, heavy and rapid.
His palms began to sweat, but he forced himself to remain calm and not show any panic.
“What organization are you?”
Xu Feng asked tentatively, cautiously taking a half step back, “S.H.I.E.L.D.? The military? Or… something else?”
9. Every villain organization will say this (old version)
The corners of the man’s mouth rose slightly, revealing a cold smile.
His eyes were as cold as ice, revealing the indifference of someone who had experienced countless similar scenes.
“Our name is not important, Mr. Xu Feng. What matters is the help we can provide.”
He took a step forward, closing the gap between them.
“This world is far more dangerous than you think. Especially for…special people like you.”
Xu Feng felt the subtext of the threat.
He continued to back away until his back touched the rough brick wall.
The coldness of the wall penetrated his thin T-shirt and touched his skin, causing him to shiver involuntarily.
“I need time to think about it,”
Xu Feng tried to keep his voice steady. “This all happened too suddenly for me. Yesterday I was just an ordinary person, and today I’m told I have special abilities… I need to digest this.”
The man tilted his head, as if evaluating Xu Feng’s words.
His eyes never left Xu Feng’s face, as focused as a hunter staring at his prey.
“I’m afraid time is our most scarce resource right now, Mr. Xu Feng. Other… interested parties have also taken note of yesterday’s events. If you refuse our protection, I cannot guarantee your safety.”
Xu Feng licked his dry lips nervously.
He could feel his throat getting dry and swallowing becoming difficult.
The complexity of this world was far beyond his imagination.
There are not only official organizations such as S.H.I.E.L.D., but also various private forces and secret agencies.
Without confirming the other party’s identity, any decision may put him in greater danger.
At this moment, Xu Feng’s system sounded again in his mind:
[Warning: More energy fluctuations detected][Direction: Southeast, about 200 meters][Analysis: Multiple targets, energy signatures different from the current target][Recommendation: Seek cover immediately and prepare for conflict]Xu Feng’s pupils dilated slightly.
It looks like things are about to get more complicated.
He needed to find a way to get out, but outright refusal of the mysterious man would likely result in immediate coercive action.
“I understand the time pressure,”
Xu Feng responded cautiously, trying to stall again, “But you have to give me some basic information, right? For example, what is the name of your organization? Who is your leader? I at least need to know what I’m facing.”
The man’s expression turned a little impatient, but he still maintained that professional calm.
“We are an organization that protects the world, Mr. Xu Feng. Our goal is to ensure that special individuals like you do not cause harm out of ignorance or fear, and to protect you from those who would exploit your abilities.”
This description sounds almost like an official S.H.I.E.L.D. statement.
But Xu Feng knew that almost every secret organization in the Marvel world would describe itself in this way.
Hydra.
AIM.
Even the Cambridge League.
They will use beautiful words about protecting the world to package their true purpose.
Their manifestos are almost identical.
The other party even wants to hide his name.
Xu Feng didn’t want to gamble. When he was weak in the early stage, he just wanted to develop safely for a while.
The air in the alley seemed heavier.
Xu Feng could feel an invisible pressure, like the calm before the storm.
Every breath he took became cautious and slow, for fear of breaking this delicate balance.
“Then, Mr. Xu Feng,”
The man’s voice broke the brief silence. “What is your decision? Will you accept our protection and help, or choose to face the danger and the unknown alone?”
“I promise that our help will definitely satisfy you!”
Xu Feng’s eyes wandered slightly.
One end of the alley was blocked by the mysterious man, while the other end led to an even narrower passage.
If he tried to run, his chances of success were slim.
But just as he was about to reluctantly agree to buy more time, a sound of breaking air was heard in the sky.
That’s Superman.
The blue figure fell from the sky like a flash of lightning, landing precisely between Xu Feng and the mysterious man.
Superman’s red cape flutters gently in the breeze, giving people a sense of security.
10. Seven groups of forces and Superman glasses (old version)
“I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation,”
Superman’s voice was calm but powerful. “But I think Mr. Xu Feng has indicated that he needs time to think about it.”
The mysterious man’s expression did not change noticeably, but Xu Feng noticed that his fingers slightly tightened their grip on the weapon.
“This is none of your business, alien. We’re just having a peaceful conversation.”
Superman smiled slightly, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“If it’s a peaceful conversation, why do we need weapons?”
He gestured to the device in the man’s hand. “Besides, from what I understand, stopping an innocent young man in an alleyway can hardly be called peaceful.”
The atmosphere suddenly became tense.
Xu Feng could feel the hostility in the air that was almost cutting.
Although the mysterious man appeared relaxed on the surface, Xu Feng noticed that his body had leaned forward slightly, as if he was ready to act at any time.
“It seems our conversation has been forced to be interrupted,”
The man said coldly, his eyes shifting between Xu Feng and Superman, “But remember, Mr. Xu Feng, our proposal still stands. When you realize the truth of this world, you will know where to find us.”
After saying this, the man slowly backed away, his steps careful and precise.
His eyes never left Superman, alert for any possible attack, clearly considering Superman a formidable threat.
But what he didn’t know was that Superman could end the fight in a second.
The reason why Superman did not take action was simply because the other party did not take any substantial action.
When he retreated to the entrance of the alley, he suddenly raised his hand and pressed a device.
A blinding flash instantly filled the entire alley, accompanied by a shrill buzzing sound.
Xu Feng instinctively closed his eyes and raised his arms to block in front of him.
When he opened his eyes a few seconds later, the mysterious man had disappeared.
Superman remained standing, seemingly unaffected by the flashbang.
He quickly scanned the surroundings, activated his clairvoyance, and after confirming that there was no immediate danger, turned to Xu Feng.
“Are you okay?” Superman asked with genuine concern in his voice.
Xu Feng took a deep breath and felt his heartbeat finally begin to calm down.
“I think I’m fine,” he said, stretching his shoulders, which were stiff with tension. “Thanks for saving me again.”
Superman nodded, but his expression remained serious.
“We can’t stay long. That man was right—others are looking for you, too. I just had to shake off seven groups of pursuers before I could find you.”
“Group seven???”
Xu Feng felt a chill running up his spine.
In just one day, he had become the target of competition among multiple forces.
And when Superman disappears, he will completely lose this powerful protective barrier.
“We have to keep moving,”
Xu Feng said, trying to sound calmer than he actually felt, “Get as far away from here as possible.”
Superman agreed with the suggestion, but his expression showed he was thinking more.
“We need to change our strategy. Moving openly is too dangerous, especially considering you’re now under scrutiny.”
Xu Feng nodded and was also thinking about his next move.
Sunlight streamed through the narrow gap above the alley, casting mottled shadows on the dirty ground.
A cat meowed somewhere, followed by the sound of a trash can being knocked over.
The city continued to function normally, unaware of the tense standoff that had just taken place.
“What should we do?” Xu Feng asked, his voice low, fearing that it would be picked up by any possible monitoring equipment.
Superman looked around, seemingly checking his surroundings with his super senses.
“First, we need to change your appearance. If they have your picture and description, it would be very dangerous to continue operating as you are now. My work glasses are a good disguise, with the ability to change projections, but that’s in another universe. So we have to find another way.”
Xu Feng thought about this suggestion.
Changing your appearance is a reasonable first step.
His short black hair, medium height and Asian features wouldn’t stand out in the United States, but if someone were specifically looking for them, hiding them would be difficult.
“Then we need to find a place that is truly safe,”
Superman continued, “A place they wouldn’t think to look.”
Xu Feng’s brain was working rapidly.
There aren’t many truly safe places in the Marvel Universe.
SHIELD has a global surveillance network, and various super villain organizations also have their own intelligence systems.
But maybe…
11. Spreading news reports around the world (old version)
“I have an idea.”
Xu Feng said carefully, “But we need to leave this area first. We can use the public transportation system and blend in with the crowd.”
Superman considered the suggestion for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
“Flying is indeed too conspicuous. There are many powerful people in this world with diverse abilities. Crowded places can indeed provide some cover. But we need to be careful of surveillance cameras.”
Xu Feng thought of a key question: “How did they find us before? The hotel has no surveillance, and we paid in cash, leaving no electronic traces.”
Superman frowned. “I’ve been thinking about this. The most likely answer is that they’re tracking some kind of energy signature. Either from my presence or from your system itself.”
Xu Feng nodded, thinking about this possibility.
There are indeed many strong people in this world, and their abilities are very strange.
Like Professor X, it’s very easy to find out other people’s secrets.
There are also Apocalypse, Da Qun, etc., whose strength is even more abnormal.
There are other Omega-level mutants..
If his system or Superman’s presence produced an energy signature that could be tracked, hiding would become much more difficult.
He needed to find a way to block this signal, or at least weaken it.
“system,”
Xu Feng called out in his heart, “Is there any way to hide or block your energy signal?”
[Analyzing…][The current system function is limited, and it is not feasible to completely block the energy signal][Suggestion: Temporary suppression mode can reduce energy radiation by 80%, but it will limit the use of some functions][Do you want to activate temporary suppression mode? ]“Yes, start.” Xu Feng confirmed in his heart.
Temporary suppression mode activated
Duration: 12 hours
[Note: During this period, the system’s perception and warning capabilities will be greatly reduced]Xu Feng explained the change to Superman: “The system can enter a suppression mode, reducing energy radiation. This should make us more difficult to track, but at the cost of losing some warning functions.”
Superman nodded in understanding. “It’s a worthwhile exchange. Now, we need to act.”
The two carefully walked out of the alley and merged into the flow of people in the city.
Xu Feng noticed that Superman had changed out of his iconic blue uniform and was now wearing a plain grey jacket, dark jeans, and a pair of glasses – Clark Kent’s classic disguise.
This simple cross-dressing is often mocked in comics and movies, but in reality it does effectively change his overall appearance.
But this pair of glasses is an ordinary model and cannot completely change your appearance.
The hustle and bustle of the city surrounded them.
The sound of car horns, pedestrians talking, and street performers’ music interweave together to form a unique urban symphony.
Xu Feng felt a strange contradiction: he was a stranger in this world, but also felt extremely familiar with this world because of his knowledge.
They walked for several blocks, taking each step carefully to avoid looking directly at the security cameras.
Superman’s super senses became a valuable alarm system. Whenever any suspicious person approached, he would gently pinch Xu Feng’s arm as a warning.
“We need to change your appearance,”
Superman whispered as they stopped at a traffic light, “Hairstyle, clothes, maybe glasses.”
Xu Feng nodded in agreement.
The traffic light turned green and the crowd began to move, and they followed the flow of people across the street.
The sunlight hit the asphalt road, reflecting an almost blinding brightness.
Xu Feng narrowed his eyes and suddenly realized that sunglasses could not only change his appearance, but also provide practical protection.
They found a budget store and quickly bought some necessities:
A baseball cap, a pair of sunglasses, a bright-colored T-shirt that was completely different from Xu Feng’s usual style, and a new backpack.
At a nearby drugstore, they bought a box of temporary hair dye.
In the public restroom, Xu Feng quickly dyed his black hair dark brown and combed his hair back with water, completely changing his usual hairstyle.
When he put on his baseball cap, sunglasses, and bright orange T-shirt, the person in the mirror was a far cry from who he had been just a few hours ago.
“Looks good,”
Superman commented, “At least enough to confuse ordinary surveillance and witnesses.”
Xu Feng nodded, satisfied with this simple but effective disguise.
They left the bathroom and continued their journey.
The goal now is to find a safer way to leave the area.
The subway system became their choice.
The underground space provided additional cover, and the crowded carriages made tracking more difficult.
They bought one-way tickets to avoid using any electronic payment methods that could be tracked.
While waiting for the subway, Xu Feng noticed that the TV screen on the platform was broadcasting news reports about yesterday’s events.
Images showed destroyed neighborhoods and panicked witnesses.
The headline read, “Unidentified super-beings battle fiercely in the city center, causing massive destruction.”
Xu Feng couldn’t help but stare at the screen, trying to get more information from the report.
The report mentioned a green “monster” (obviously the Hulk) and an “unidentified claw-armed man” (Wolverine), but to Xu Feng’s surprise, the description of Superman was very vague.
The reporter only mentioned “a flying man in blue clothes” without any further details.
“strangeness,”
Xu Feng whispered to Superman, “They seem to know very little about you.”
Superman nodded slightly, “Probably because I don’t belong to this universe. There’s no reference point for them to connect me to known superheroes or villains.”
This is an interesting observation.
Superman is an iconic figure in the DC Universe, but in the Marvel Universe, he’s completely unknown.
This trans-cosmic strangeness provides a layer of protection to some extent – people don’t know how to categorize and understand him, which makes it more difficult to find and identify him.
The subway arrived at the station, the doors opened, one group of people poured out, and another group poured in.
Xu Feng and Superman followed the crowd into the carriage and found two adjacent seats.
The car was filled with a mixture of smells: perfume, sweat, food residue, and that unique smell of metal and plastic interior of the subway.
The view outside the window turned into a dark tunnel flashing by quickly, occasionally interrupted by pipe lighting.
“Where are we going?”
Superman asked quietly, his voice almost drowned out by the roar of the subway.
Xu Feng thought about this problem.
They need a temporary safe haven, a place where they can make longer-term plans.
Based on his knowledge of Marvel’s New York
12. Iron Man and Thor (old version)
“Hell’s Kitchen,”
Xu Feng finally decided, “There’s a mix of good and bad people there, there’s relatively little surveillance, and…”
He paused, considering whether he should reveal more. “There are some people out there who might be willing to help people like us. Without asking too many questions.”
Superman nodded in understanding.
The subway continues its journey through New York’s complex underground network.
Xu Feng looked out the window, his thoughts drifting away.
He had experienced so many dangers and challenges on his first day in this world, and this was just the beginning.
How will the future develop?
Can he survive in this dangerous and complex Marvel Universe?
As the subway entered the next tunnel, the lights inside the car flickered briefly.
In this moment of darkness, Xu Feng felt a deep uncertainty.
All he knew for sure was that whatever lay ahead, his life had changed forever.
The subway finally arrived at their destination.
The Hell’s Kitchen subway station is more run-down than its predecessors, with graffiti and peeling paint telling the story of the area.
They walked up the steps and returned to the ground level.
Compared to other areas of the city, Hell’s Kitchen has narrower streets and older buildings.
The atmosphere is different here too – more tense, more vigilant.
The eyes of passers-by are sharper and their steps are more determined.
This is a community that has experienced countless struggles and rebirths.
“We need to find a place to rest for a while,” Superman said, his eyes scanning the surrounding buildings, “preferably somewhere that offers some privacy.”
They walked a few blocks and finally stopped in front of a small hotel that looked relatively clean.
The hotel has no bright neon lights or eye-catching signs, just a simple “Rooms Available” sign hanging in the window.
This low profile is exactly what they need.
The inside of the hotel is nicer than it looks from the outside.
There was an elderly lady at the front desk. Her face bore the marks of time, but her eyes were still sharp.
She simply asked how many nights they were staying, took their cash, and handed over a key without asking for identification or filling out any forms.
In Hell’s Kitchen, not asking questions is sometimes a virtue.
Their room was a simple twin room on the third floor.
The wallpaper is a bit old, but overall it is clean.
The windows overlooked an alley, providing an additional escape route.
Superman quickly checked the room to make sure there were no listening devices or other hidden dangers.
“It’s safe for now,” Superman said, putting down his backpack and sitting on a bed, “We can rest here for a while and then make our next plan.”
Xu Feng felt a wave of fatigue rising in his heart.
The long period of tension and running around in the past is finally beginning to show its impact.
He sat on the other bed, took a deep breath, and then let it out slowly.
“Are you okay?” Superman asked with concern.
Xu Feng shook his head slightly, both in response and as an attempt to clear his mind.
“I just… need a moment to process all of this. Yesterday I was just a normal person, someone who loved the Marvel universe but never really thought about getting into it. Now not only am I in it, I’m a target of sorts.”
Superman’s expression softened.
“Big changes always take time to adapt to. You’ve done pretty well, considering the difficult circumstances.”
Xu Feng smiled gratefully.
Even in this chaotic situation, Superman’s presence still brings a sense of security.
But this peace of mind is short-lived – in less than 15 hours, Superman will disappear, and Xu Feng will have to face this dangerous world alone.
“I need to make a plan,”
Xu Feng said, with a new determination in his voice, “After you… leave.”
Superman nodded, understanding Xu Feng’s concerns.
“Yes. We need to find someone or a resource who can help you long-term.”
Xu Feng pondered possible allies in the Marvel Universe.
In the current timeline, many heroes he is familiar with have either not yet appeared or are struggling of their own.
Although Tony Stark has already revealed his identity as Iron Man, his connection to S.H.I.E.L.D. makes him a risky choice.
Captain America has just been discovered and thawed, and is adjusting to his new world.
Thor may be dealing with the events of Thor: Ragnarok.
“Matt Murdock,”
Xu Feng finally said, recalling his previous thoughts, “He is a lawyer who specializes in helping people who have nowhere to go. If we can find him…”
Superman nodded thoughtfully. “Legal help would be a good start. But are you sure he’d be willing to take the risk of helping you?”
Xu Feng didn’t reveal that he knew Matt was Daredevil, saying only, “He has a reputation… for helping the disadvantaged. And as a lawyer, he might know how to handle issues with identity and legal documents.”
Superman accepted this explanation.
“Then, tomorrow we will go find the lawyer. But tonight, you need to rest. Your body and mind need to recover.”
Xu Feng realized that Superman was right.
Fatigue had seeped into his bones, and thinking was becoming increasingly difficult.
But before going to bed, he had one more thing to do.
He called out in his mind, “While I rest, can you analyze more information about yourself? I need to understand how to increase your level, obtain more summoning points, and other possible functions.”
[Analysis in progress…][Note: Due to the activation of temporary suppression mode, the analysis speed is reduced and the results may be incomplete][Estimated completion time: 8 hours]This meant that when he woke up tomorrow morning, he should have more information about the system.
Xu Feng nodded with satisfaction, and then began to prepare to rest.
He took a quick shower and changed into a new set of pajamas they had purchased.
As he lay in bed, exhaustion quickly took over.
His last consciousness was hearing Superman moving softly by the window, guarding this makeshift shelter.
Then, the darkness gently embraced him.
This is an endless starry sky, and countless parallel universes unfold and disappear before your eyes like soap bubbles.
Xu Tian suddenly woke up!
“I traveled through time again?”
He looked up in disbelief.
See Iron Man flying over New York, see Thor swinging his hammer, see Hulk wandering aimlessly in the desert.
Then, new characters appeared, some he had never seen before, with characteristics that did not belong to the Marvel Universe.
13. Interaction of the Universe (Old Version)
“ah–“
Xu Feng woke up suddenly, cold sweat soaking his forehead.
The room was still dark, only the faint light from the street lamp filtered in through the gaps in the curtains.
His heart was beating so hard it felt like it was going to burst out of his chest.
“It was just a dream,”
He whispered to himself, trying to catch his breath, “It was just a dream.”
Xu Feng sat up and looked towards the window.
Superman still stood there, his figure an almost surreal silhouette in the dim light.
He seemed to sense Xu Feng waking up and turned his head.
“Having a nightmare?” Superman asked softly.
Xu Feng nodded, his voice a little hoarse from having just woken up: “Yes…it was a very strange dream.”
Superman walked over to his bed and sat down, looking at him with concern, “Want to talk?”
Xu Feng described the scene in the dream and the warning voice.
Superman listened quietly, his expression serious and thoughtful.
“Do you think this is just a dream, or… some kind of warning?” Xu Feng asked with a hint of uncertainty in his voice.
Superman was thinking about Xu Feng’s dream, his expression looked deep and heavy in the dim light.
The moonlight outside the window casts a silvery halo around his silhouette, adding a surreal quality to the scene.
“Dreams can sometimes reflect our deepest fears and premonitions,”
Superman finally spoke, his voice low and calm, “But they could also just be the way our brains process everyday stress and new information.”
Xu Feng looked at Superman’s profile and thought about the answer.
Superman did not directly deny the possible prophetic nature of dreams, which made Xu Feng feel a little uneasy.
The silence in the room was broken by the occasional car horn and the unique background noise of the city in the distance, reminding them that they were in a metropolis that never stopped.
“But that last voice,”
Xu Feng whispered, his fingers unconsciously clenching the sheets, feeling the texture of the fabric, “It mentions balance and correction… as if my existence violates some kind of cosmic law.”
Superman turned to Xu Feng, the moonlight reflecting a gentle light in his eyes.
“The multiverse theory suggests that there is a certain balance between parallel universes. In my world, scientists and philosophers have also discussed the possible consequences of interdimensional travel.”
Superman’s words didn’t alleviate his worry, they gave it more substance.
He took a deep breath, feeling the slightly musty air of the hotel room fill his lungs, and then slowly exhaled.
“Do you think… my existence could really cause some kind of cosmic reaction?” Xu Feng asked, with a hint of trembling in his voice.
Superman was silent for a moment, as if weighing his response.
Outside the window, a police car roared past, its blue-red light briefly illuminating the room, casting flowing shadows on the wall, before disappearing again, leaving behind a darkness even deeper than before.
“I’m not an expert on the multiverse theory,”
Superman finally said, “But I know that for every action there is a reaction. The universe always seems to seek some kind of balance. However,”
His voice grew firmer. “That doesn’t mean you don’t have choice or control. Whatever forces brought you here, you have the power to shape your own destiny.”
Xu Feng felt the power and confidence in Superman’s words and drew a little comfort from them.
He nodded, letting the thought settle in his mind.
The old air conditioner in the room made a slight humming sound, and the cold wind it blew made him shiver slightly.
“I think I need to learn more about this system,”
Xu Feng said, with new determination in his voice, “and how it interacts with this universe. Only in this way can I prepare for possible corrections.”
Superman nodded in agreement. “Knowledge is the most powerful weapon. And, whatever that dream portends, the best way to face it is to be prepared.”
Xu Feng thought of the analysis the system was conducting, and a sense of anticipation arose in his heart.
Maybe he’d wake up tomorrow with some crucial answers.
He looked at the night sky outside the window. The stars were obscured by the city’s light pollution, and only a few of the brightest stars were vaguely visible.
“We should continue to rest,”
Superman suggested, standing up, “Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day.”
Xu Feng agreed to the suggestion, lay down again and pulled up the quilt.
Although there was still a hint of unease in my heart, exhaustion eventually prevailed.
He closed his eyes and let his consciousness slip into the realm of dreams again. This time, the dream was calm and formless, leaving no memory.
The morning light filtered through the gaps in the curtains and fell into the room, dispelling the shadows.
Xu Feng woke up slowly, feeling refreshed after a good night’s sleep.
He blinked, adjusting to the increasing light, and looked around.
Superman stood by the window, his body erect, as if he had been on alert all night.
“Good morning,”
Superman said, a gentle warmth in his voice, “How did you sleep?”
Xu Feng sat up and stretched, feeling the stretch in his muscles. “It’s better than I expected. No more strange dreams.”
Superman smiled slightly, then pointed to a paper bag and two cups of coffee on the table. “I went out and bought some breakfast while you were sleeping. I hope you like bagels.”
Xu Feng nodded gratefully, realizing that he was indeed very hungry.
He got up, washed up quickly, and sat down at the table.
The aroma of the bagels made his stomach rumble immediately.
He picked one up and took a big bite. The chewiness of the bread and the richness of the cream cheese blended in his mouth, bringing a simple and pure satisfaction.
“Thanks,”
After swallowing the food, Xu Feng said, “I didn’t realize how hungry I was.”
Superman sat across from him, sipping his coffee. “Humans often neglect basic needs when under pressure. But maintaining physical strength is crucial, especially when facing a challenge.”
Xu Feng nodded in agreement and continued to enjoy his breakfast.
The bitterness and warmth of the coffee made his thoughts clearer.
He remembered the analysis he had asked the system to perform last night and immediately called the system in his mind.
14. MLM Boss: Superman (Old Version)
【Analysis Complete】
[Results may be incomplete due to temporary suppression mode]【Basic system information:】
[1. Level Up Conditions: Complete specific tasks, experience significant events, and establish a deep connection with summoned creatures][2. How to obtain summoning points: Resolve crises, assist others, and participate in events that change the world][3. Currently known summonable range: low-level creatures (short duration, high control)][4. System and host integration: 10%, increases with use][Warning: Abnormal energy fluctuations detected, possibly related to the host’s dream]【Suggestion: Upgrade the system level as soon as possible to deal with potential threats】
Xu Feng frowned. This information was both useful and vague.
The system does not provide a specific task list or a clear path for improvement, only broad directions.
And the warning about the abnormal energy fluctuations only added to his doubts.
It seems that his dreams may indeed be more than just ordinary nightmares.
“Did you find anything?” Superman noticed the change in Xu Feng’s expression and asked softly.
Xu Feng hesitated for a moment, then decided to share some information: “My… abilities seem to need to grow by helping others and facing challenges. But there’s no specific guidance.”
Superman nodded thoughtfully. “That sounds like a moral guidance mechanism. Encouraging positive behavior rather than pure pursuit of power.”
Xu Feng had never thought about it this way, but Superman’s observation did make sense.
Superman’s expression turned serious and focused. “The greatest meaning of having power is to use it to help others. Whether in my world or here, this will not change.”
Xu Feng felt the faith and power in Superman’s words.
This unwavering moral code is at the core of Superman’s heroism and why he’s been able to become a symbol of hope in so many universes.
Xu Feng didn’t expect that Superman was such a good preacher and had the potential to be the leader of a pyramid scheme organization.
But he is the master of his own life.
After breakfast, Xu Feng took out his notebook and began to plan today’s actions.
The paper rustled slightly, and the pencil left clear marks on it.
“First, we need to find Matt Murdock,”
Xu Feng said, writing the name on a piece of paper, “His law firm should be in Hell’s Kitchen. If I remember correctly, it’s called Nelson & Murdoch.”
Superman nodded in understanding. “It shouldn’t be difficult to find a law firm. But we need to be careful about how we act and avoid attracting unnecessary attention.”
Xu Feng continued writing about the problems they needed to solve: “In addition to legal help, we also need a long-term residence, some basic necessities, and perhaps a way to make money.”
Superman smiled faintly: “One step at a time. First, ensure your safety and identity, and the rest will be gradually solved.”
Xu Feng looked up and out the window.
The sunlight has become stronger, covering the city with a golden glow.
The streets began to become busy, people hurried to their destinations, immersed in their own lives, completely unaware that there were people from another universe among them.
“We should get going,”
Xu Feng closed his notebook and stuffed it into his newly bought backpack. “It would be safer to move in the morning when there are the most people,” he said.
Superman agreed to the suggestion.
They quickly tidied the room, making sure no obvious traces were left.
Superman changed into his ordinary casual clothes and glasses again, and Xu Feng confirmed that his temporary hair dye was still in good condition and put on a baseball cap and sunglasses.
As they left the hotel, the old woman at the front desk simply nodded without asking any questions.
This attitude of not asking about the past is one of the characteristics of Hell’s Kitchen, and it is also the reason why Xu Feng chose this area.
The morning air in New York is filled with a unique blend of scents:
Coffee, car exhaust, freshly baked bread from the bakery, and that indescribable but instantly recognizable smell of the city.
The buildings lining the street are a mixed bag, some are ancient brick and stone structures, others are more modern designs.
The passers-by walked in a hurry.
Xu Feng and Superman blended into the crowd, maintaining an observant but inconspicuous attitude.
Superman’s super senses allow him to detect any potential threats or surveillance in advance.
“There’s an unusual couple at the third intersection on the left,”
Superman muttered, his eyes looking forward. “Their stance and observation patterns look like they’ve been trained. They could be regular police officers, or they could be…something else.”
15. The Real Daredevil (Old Version)
Xu Feng calmly adjusted the route and led them to a narrower side street.
The shops on this street are older and their signs are faded, but there are still a lot of people coming and going.
The hawkers’ cries, conversations and music interweave to form a vivid city symphony.
“Do you know the exact address?” Superman asked, his eyes scanning the shops and office buildings on both sides of the street.
Xu Feng shook his head: “I’m not sure of the exact address, but it should be in this area. Maybe we can ask the locals.”
They stopped in front of a coffee shop.
The shop is small but neat, and through the windows you can see several customers enjoying breakfast or reading newspapers.
Xu Feng felt that the owners of such small shops were usually more familiar with the surrounding environment.
The atmosphere inside the coffee shop is warm and quiet, with the hum of the coffee machine and soft jazz music forming a comfortable background sound.
Behind the counter stood a middle-aged woman, her hair tied in a simple bun and a professional smile on her face.
“Good morning, gentlemen,” she said, her voice gentle but with that characteristic New York directness. “What can I do for you?”
Xu Feng ordered a simple American coffee, while Superman chose green tea.
As the hostess prepared their drinks, Xu Feng tentatively asked, “Excuse me, do you know where the law firm of Nelson & Murdoch is? I heard they’re in this area.”
The female owner looked up, a flicker of curiosity in her eyes, but she quickly regained her professional composure. “Of course. It’s just two blocks away. Go out and turn right. Go to the second intersection and turn right again. Then you’ll see a red brick building. Their offices are on the second floor. It’s a small place, but they’re nice people.”
Xu Feng nodded gratefully: “Thank you. They are… said to be good lawyers who help ordinary people?”
The shop owner’s expression softened. “Yes, they take cases that big law firms won’t. They take cases like the poor, immigrants, tenants being bullied by landlords… They don’t care about making a lot of money; they just genuinely want to help people. There aren’t many people like that left in this area.”
Superman and Xu Feng exchanged glances.
That’s exactly what they wanted to hear.
The female owner handed them their drinks, Xu Feng paid for them, and gave an extra generous tip.
“Good luck,”
“Whatever trouble you’re in,” the landlady said as they turned to leave.
Xu Feng paused, a little surprised at her insight, but did not look back.
He and Superman walked out of the coffee shop and followed the instructions in the direction of the law firm.
The streets of Hell’s Kitchen take on a rugged beauty in the sunlight.
Some of the graffiti on the walls is pure vandalism, while others are true artistic expressions.
People’s clothing ranges from suits and ties to worn jeans, reflecting the diversity and contrasts of the neighborhood.
“Do you think this lawyer would be willing to help us?”
Superman asked, a hint of doubt in his voice, “Our situation is rather…unusual.”
Based on his understanding of Matt Murdock, Daredevil has a strong sense of justice and a mission to protect the weak.
But he is also very cautious, especially when it comes to matters involving supernatural powers and the paranormal.
“I think it’s worth a try,”
Xu Feng finally replied, “Even if he can’t directly help us solve all the problems, at least he might be able to provide some legal advice and direction.”
Superman nodded in agreement.
They continued walking, crossed two blocks, turned a corner, and finally stopped in front of a red brick building.
The building looks a bit old, but it’s well maintained.
A plaque over the entrance lists various business and professional offices, including “Nelson & Murdoch LLP, Second Floor.”
Xu Feng took a deep breath and felt a strange sense of nervousness and anticipation.
He was about to meet someone who, in his original world, was just a character in comics and TV series.
The feeling was both surreal and exciting.
“Are you ready?” Superman asked softly.
Xu Feng nodded: “Ready.”
They pushed open the door and walked into the building’s entrance hall.
The lobby is simple but tidy, with some peeling paint on the walls, but the overall feel is practical rather than cheap.
An old-fashioned set of wooden stairs led to the second floor, each step slightly dented from years of use.
They climbed the stairs, the wooden boards creaking softly under their feet.
The corridor on the second floor is lined with various small offices, most of which have simple signs on their doors.
They soon found the frosted glass door with “Nelson & Murdoch LLP” written on it.
Xu Feng stood in front of the door and hesitated for a moment.
This is a crucial moment that may determine his initial path in this universe.
He glanced at Superman, and after receiving an encouraging nod, he raised his hand and gently knocked on the door.
The knock on the door echoed in the quiet hallway, seeming much louder than it actually was.
The few seconds of waiting felt like an eternity, and then the door opened.
Standing in the doorway was a blonde woman, probably in her thirties, dressed in simple but professional office attire.
Her eyes were bright and kind, and she had an inquiring smile on her face.
“Hello, and welcome to Nelson & Murdoch,” she said, her voice friendly and professional. “I’m Karen Page, the office manager. How may I help you?”
Xu Feng remembered this name.
Karen Page is an important character in the Daredevil series, being Matt and Foggy’s right-hand man and friend.
It was very strange to see her in person.
“Hello, Ms. Peggy,”
Xu Feng said politely, “My friend and I would like to consult on some legal issues. Specifically, regarding identity and possible asylum. We hope to speak with Mr. Murdoch, if he’s available.”
Karen looked them over for a moment, then nodded. “Please come in. Matt is indeed in the office right now, I’ll go see if he’s available. Please take a seat in the waiting area.”
They followed Karen into the law firm.
The office was smaller than Xu Feng had imagined, but it was decorated in a warm and professional manner.
Simple furniture, a few decorative paintings, a small waiting area, and two separate offices, presumably belonging to Matt and Fudge respectively.
Karen gestured for them to sit on the couches in the waiting area, then knocked on the door of one of the offices, whispered something, and walked inside.
Xu Feng felt his heart beating faster.
He was sitting in Daredevil’s law office and was about to meet the blind lawyer/superhero.
The feeling is hard to describe – familiar yet strange, nervous yet exciting.
“Are you okay?” Superman asked in a low voice. He noticed the change in Xu Feng’s mentality.
16. Ridiculous Feeling, Human Lie Detector (Old Version)
Xu Feng nodded: “Nothing. It’s just… all this is too unreal.”
Superman smiled in understanding. “I know that feeling. When you find yourself in a world you’ve only heard of in stories.”
Karen came out of her office and said to them with a smile, “Matt is available to see you now. Please follow me.”
They stood up and followed Karen to the office.
Xu Feng felt a strange sense of destiny, as if his entire journey through time was to lead him to this moment, this meeting.
He shook his head.
This idea is really ridiculous.
The office door opened, and Xu Feng saw Matt Murdock for the first time – Daredevil, the guardian of Hell’s Kitchen.
He sat behind a simple desk, wearing a dark suit and red sunglasses.
His demeanor was calm and composed, but Xu Feng knew what kind of strength and sharpness lay beneath that surface.
“Come in,”
Matt said, his voice calm and friendly, “I’m Matt Murdock. Karen said you have some legal issues you need advice on?”
Karen closed the door gently, leaving the three of them inside the office.
Xu Feng and Superman sat down on the two chairs in front of Matt’s desk.
The office was small but tidy, with law books neatly arranged on the shelves and Matt’s law degree certificate hanging on the wall.
Xu Feng took a deep breath and realized that this was a critical moment.
Although Matt is blind, his other senses are extremely sharp. He can hear heartbeats and detect lies.
It’s like a human lie detector.
Xu Feng needed to choose his words carefully, neither lying outright nor revealing too much truth.
“Mr. Murdoch,”
Xu Feng spoke, his voice steadier than he’d intended. “First of all, thank you for taking the time to meet with us. My name is Xu Feng, and this is… Clark. We’re facing some unusual legal issues, and I heard you’d be willing to take on some… unconventional cases.”
Matt tilted his head slightly, a movement that reminded Xu Feng of Daredevil’s characteristic pose that he had seen in the TV series.
The blind man turned his face towards Xu Feng, as if he could see him.
“Unconventional?”
Matt repeated the word, a hint of curiosity in his voice. “It can mean a lot of things. Perhaps you could be more specific about the problem you’re facing?”
Xu Feng felt that Matt was using his super senses to assess them.
There was a subtle tension in the air, like an invisible electric current flowing between the three people.
“I recently found myself in a…complicated situation,”
Xu Feng chose his words carefully. “I needed to establish a legal identity, but I didn’t have conventional identification documents. At the same time, I met some people who were particularly interested in me… in a not-so-healthy way.”
Matt’s expression didn’t change, but Xu Feng noticed that his fingers tapped lightly on the table, showing that his interest was aroused.
“You mean you don’t have any valid identification right now? Passport, driver’s license, social security number… none of that?”
Xu Feng nodded, then realized that this action would be invisible to a blind person, so he confirmed aloud: “Yes.”
Matt nodded thoughtfully. “That’s indeed a problem. It’s almost impossible to survive in modern society without legal identity. As for those people who are interested in you…are they law enforcement officers?”
“Not sure,” Xu Feng answered honestly, “They claim to be members of some kind of protection organization, but refuse to reveal their specific identities. They seem to think that I possess some…special abilities and want to study me.”
This answer is technically true, but it omits the fact that Xu Feng does in fact have a summoning system.
Matt’s mouth twitched slightly, almost into a suppressed smile. “Special powers? Sounds interesting.”
Xu Feng did not directly address the implication, but continued: “We hope to receive some legal advice on how to establish legal identity without the original identification and how to deal with possible…undue attention.”
Matt was quiet for a moment, seemingly digesting the information.
The office was so quiet that all you could hear was the ticking of the clock on the wall and the muffled noises from the street outside.
Xu Feng could feel his heart beating faster and knew that Matt probably heard it too.
Finally, Matt spoke. “Your situation is indeed unique. There are several possible avenues for identifying someone, but they all require time and resources. As for those mysterious individuals… do you have any specific information that could help us determine their identities or motives?”
Superman spoke now, his voice very calm: “They are well-equipped, well-trained, and use a high level of technology. But they don’t look like regular law enforcement agencies. More like some kind of…special agency.”
Matt turned in the direction of Superman’s voice, his expression slightly surprised, as if assessing his quiet companion.
There was silence for a moment.
“I see. It certainly sounds like more than just ordinary trouble.”
Xu Feng felt a glimmer of hope.
Matt didn’t reject them immediately, which was a good sign.
But he also knew it would take more than that to fully earn Daredevil’s trust.
Xu Feng said sincerely, “I know our situation sounds strange and may be hard to believe. But I assure you, we mean no harm. We just want to find a safe place in this city and not cause trouble for anyone. We would be very grateful if you could help us.”
Matt was silent for a moment, his fingers gently stroking the tabletop.
Then, he made a decision that surprised Xu Feng.
“I think I need to discuss this case with my partner,”
Matt said, “But before that, maybe you could share a few more details? Like, where are you from? Why don’t you have any identification?”
This is a tricky question.
Xu Feng needs to provide enough information to win trust, but not reveal too much truth.
He glanced at Superman and took a deep breath.
17. Don’t worry, we’ve seen a lot of weird things (old version)
“It’s complicated,”
Xu Feng began, “I recently went through some…unexpected events that caused me to lose all my identification. As for my origins, I come from…far away. A place very different from here.”
Matt leaned forward slightly, his attention completely focused on Xu Feng. “I understand some things are hard to explain, especially to strangers. But if I’m going to help you, you need to know what kind of situation I’m dealing with.”
Xu Feng felt an inner struggle.
He wants to trust Matt, but fully revealing that he’s from another universe and the future of everyone here could have unforeseen consequences.
Besides, Matt probably wouldn’t even believe such a crazy story.
At this critical moment, a noise outside interrupted their conversation.
Matt looked up immediately, apparently catching something with his keen hearing.
A few seconds later, the office door was flung open and a tall man in a slightly disheveled suit rushed in.
“Matt! You won’t believe what I just heard!”
He shouted excitedly, then suddenly noticed there were other people in the room, “Oh, sorry, I didn’t know you had clients.”
Matt sighed, but with a forgiving smile on his face.
The man who suddenly broke in was undoubtedly Foggy Nelson, Matt’s partner and best friend.
Fudge was tall, slightly overweight, with a friendly face that gave people an immediate sense of trust.
His tie hung loosely around his neck, and one pocket of his suit jacket was slightly turned outward, showing that he had arrived in a hurry.
“Fudge, this is Mr. Xu Feng and Mr. Clark,”
Matt calmly introduced, “Gentlemen, this is my partner, Franklin Nelson.”
Fudge adjusted his tie awkwardly, a professional yet friendly smile appearing on his face. “Please call me Fudge. Everyone does. I’m sorry to interrupt your meeting.”
Xu Feng and Superman nodded in greeting.
Xu Feng felt a hint of fate’s trick – he was about to face a difficult choice of whether to confess or not, but was interrupted by the appearance of Fudge.
It’s a chance to breathe, but it could also change the entire trajectory of the conversation.
“It’s all right, Fudge,”
Matt said, his voice filled with the patience that only old friends could find. “I’m checking in on Mr. Xu Feng and Mr. Clark. They’re facing some identity issues and…special concerns.”
Fudge’s eyebrows rose, an expression of interest crossing his face. “Special attention? Tell me about it.”
Matt turned to Xu Feng and Superman, “This might be a good time. If you’d like, you could explain the situation to both of us. Sometimes two lawyers are more helpful than one.”
This is an opportunity to reassess your strategy.
Xu Feng glanced at Superman, who nodded slightly, indicating his support for Xu Feng’s decision.
The atmosphere in the office became subtle and complicated, as if an invisible force was pushing them towards a certain intersection of destiny.
Fudge closed the door and pulled up an extra chair to sit down.
His eyes flickered with curiosity and a hint of wariness, but mostly genuine concern.
The sunlight from outside the window shone through the gaps in the blinds, casting streaks of light and shadow on the floor, which trembled slightly as the branches swayed gently in the breeze.
“All right,”
Xu Feng took a deep breath and decided to adopt a compromise strategy.
“I’ll be as honest as I can with you. First of all, I’m not really… from here. I lost all my identification in an accident, and now I’m being targeted by an organization that believes I possess some special abilities.”
Fudge and Matt exchanged a look—or, more accurately, Fudge looked at Matt, and Matt, though unable to see, seemed to sense the look.
This is a silent communication formed through years of collaboration.
“Not from here?”
Fudge repeated, tapping his fingers on his knee. “You mean… foreigners? Illegal immigrants? Or…”
His voice dropped. “Some kind of supernatural being? Don’t worry. We’ve seen plenty of weird things.”
Xu Feng noticed that the corners of Matt’s mouth twitched slightly, and he was obviously a little amused by Fudge’s straightforwardness.
Matt must have used his extrasensory senses to detect something unusual in both Xu Feng and Superman—Superman’s inhuman heartbeat rhythm, or Xu Feng’s own nervousness and uncertainty.
“I am 100% human!”
Xu Feng confirmed that this part was absolutely true, “But I come from… a very different place. And, as for those who are hunting me, I suspect they might be some kind of secret government organization, or a group claiming to be so.”
Matt nodded, crossing his fingers on the table. “You mentioned they thought you had some special abilities. Is that true?”
This was a direct question, and Xu Feng knew that Matt could tell lies.
18. Wait, you guys…you guys can’t be… (Old version)
He needed to answer carefully, neither admitting nor denying.
“I’m still trying to understand what happened. But I assure you, I have no ill intentions and I don’t intend to hurt anyone.”
This answer is technically true.
Xu Feng was indeed still trying to understand the full functionality of the system and indeed had no ill intentions.
But he cleverly avoided directly admitting that he did have special abilities.
Matt seemed to accept that answer, or at least decided not to pursue it for now.
He leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed a little:
“There are several possible avenues regarding your identity. But first, we need to ensure your safety. If someone is hunting you, we need to find a temporary safe place.”
Matt and Fudge seem willing to help them, despite not getting the full truth.
This was perhaps the best outcome—getting their help without risking revealing the facts of inter-universe travel and future knowledge.
Fudge suddenly remembered something. “Oh, by the way, I was going to tell you something, Matt. That weird fight in the city center yesterday? The big green guy and the weird guy with claws?”
He turned to Xu Feng and Superman, “You may have seen it on the news. Anyway, it is said that there were witnesses claiming to have seen a blue flying man at the scene, and then S.H.I.E.L.D. took over the entire investigation. The entire area is now on lockdown.”
Fudge inadvertently provided key information – SHIELD has intervened in the investigation.
This further confirms the timeline and adds complexity to the situation.
SHIELD has the world’s most advanced monitoring and tracking technology and has outstanding agents and professionals.
If they decide to hunt down Xu Feng and Chaoman with all their might, the situation will become extremely dangerous.
Matt’s expression didn’t change noticeably, but his head tilted slightly, a gesture Xu Feng recognized as a sign of intense concentration. “S.H.I.E.L.D.”
He said calmly, “The Strategic Homeland Defense Attack and Logistics Agency. They usually only deal with special cases and…unusual threats.”
Fudge nodded, then suddenly froze, his eyes moving back and forth between Xu Feng, Superman, and Matt, as if he had just realized something: “Wait, you…you are not…”
Matt raised his hand to calm Fudge. “Fudge, perhaps we should first discuss how to help our client with his identity.”
Fudge took a deep breath, obviously trying to control his imagination and excitement: “Yes, of course, professionalism comes first.”
But the way he looked at Xu Feng and Superman had completely changed, full of curiosity and a hint of excitement.
Xu Feng felt his throat tighten.
The situation was becoming more complicated. Matt seemed to have realized they had something to do with the battle, and Fudge probably had some idea as well.
But strangely, they didn’t show fear or rejection, but rather some kind of… professional curiosity?
“About our situation,”
Superman suddenly spoke, his voice calm, “There are some details we really can’t fully reveal. But I assure you, we’re not a threat, nor are we criminals. We simply need help in a… unique situation.”
Matt nodded, his expression serious and focused. “One thing I’ve learned throughout my career is that sometimes you don’t need to know every detail to help someone. Of course, the more information the better, but I understand some secrets need to be kept. As long as you assure me that your presence and actions won’t harm innocent people, I’m willing to help within my ability.”
Fudge looked like he wanted to say something, but in the end he just nodded in agreement.
The atmosphere in the office subtly changed, from initial wariness to one of cautious cooperation.
Xu Feng said sincerely, feeling a sense of relief, “We really don’t want to hurt anyone. In fact, if possible, we hope to be able to… help people.”
Matt nodded slightly, an almost imperceptible smile appearing on the corner of his mouth, as if Xu Feng’s words confirmed one of his guesses.
“So,”
Fudge clapped his hands and returned to the actual issue. “Regarding the identity issue, we have several possible options. The first is to apply for political asylum, but this requires some basic identification and an explanation of the reason…”
As Fudge was explaining the various legal options in detail, Matt suddenly raised his head and his posture became alert.
His nose moved slightly, as if he was sniffing something, and his whole body tensed up instantly.
Superman also turned to the window almost at the same time, his eyes moved, and he obviously sensed something unusual.
19. After all, this is also a superhero (old version)
“Someone’s coming,”
Matt said briefly, his voice low and alert, “Multiple people, well-trained, and fully armed.”
Fudge’s expression immediately changed from professional lawyer to panic: “What? Who? How could it be…”
They were found much faster than expected.
What’s going on?
He has activated the system’s suppression mode, which should theoretically reduce the energy signal.
He was already cautious.
Are there really so many powerful people in this mixed universe?
Superman walked to the window and carefully observed outside through the gap in the blinds. “Four black SUVs, men, in casual clothes but obviously trained. I recognize two of them; they were the ones who tracked us yesterday.”
Matt stood up quickly, his movements smooth and precise, unlike a blind man. “We need to leave. Now.”
Fudge’s eyes widened. “Wait, you said us? Matt, this isn’t our fight…”
Matt turned to Fudge, his expression serious. “Fudge, if these people are willing to break into a law firm and arrest potential clients, they don’t care about attorney-client privilege. I can’t put you or Karen in danger.”
Fudge looked like he was about to protest, but he finally sighed and nodded in understanding. “Okay, but you’ll have to give me a full explanation later.”
Matt turned to Xu Feng and Superman: “There is a back way out, through the fire escape. If we act now, we may be able to leave before they surround the building.”
Xu Feng and Superman exchanged a glance and quickly nodded in agreement. The situation suddenly became critical, and every second could determine their freedom or imprisonment.
Matt walked over to a door at the back of the office and quickly opened it.
Behind the door was a small storage room that looked filled with files and office supplies.
Matt moved to a bookshelf with ease and pushed it open, revealing a hidden exit.
“This leads to the fire escape at the back of the building,”
Matt explained, his voice calm and focused, “Follow me.”
Fudge quickly walked to the front desk: “I’ll go tell Karen to hold those people back.”
Matt nodded in thanks, then motioned Xu Feng and Superman to follow.
They passed through a hidden door and entered a narrow passage.
The passage was dimly lit, and the air was filled with dust and the peculiar smell of old buildings.
Matt led the way, his movements swift and precise, not at all like a blind man relying on a cane.
“You… know this road very well,” Superman said diplomatically, a hint of curiosity in his voice.
Matt’s mouth curled up slightly. “I’ve studied this building thoroughly. As a blind man, it’s important to know all possible entrances and exits.”
Xu Feng knows the truth – Matt used his extrasensory senses to develop a kind of “vision” that allowed him to navigate in complete darkness.
But he remained silent, respecting Matt’s choice to keep his identity secret.
They quickly descended a narrow staircase, the metal steps echoing softly under their feet.
Matt stopped in front of a door and held up a finger for them to be quiet.
“There are people outside,” he said softly, “two people, about twenty meters away.”
Superman used his super hearing to confirm, “Yes, two people, on patrol. We need to wait for an opportunity.”
Xu Feng was once again amazed at the two superheroes.
One is from the DC Universe and the other belongs to the Marvel Universe.
Such a natural collaboration.
In his original world, this kind of scene could only exist in Filo’s fan works.
Matt listened for a moment, then nodded. “They’re turning to the other side now. We have about a thirty-second window.”
He pushed the door open gently, and the hinges creaked faintly.
The cold air rushed in immediately, carrying with it the unique mixture of city smells – car exhaust, garbage cans, the aroma of food wafting from distant restaurants.
They walked out the door and found themselves in a narrow back alley, flanked by dilapidated brick walls and littered with all sorts of trash and waste.
“This way,”
Matt whispered, leading them toward the north end of the alley, “There’s a path leading to the main street there. We can blend in with the crowd.”
They moved quickly and quietly, trying to avoid puddles and broken glass that might make noises.
Xu Feng’s heart beat faster. The feeling of escape was so real and urgent, completely different from the experience of watching movies or reading comics.
Oh shit.
This is real life after all.
Just as they were about to reach the end of the alley, a voice came from behind: “Stop! Don’t move!”
The three of them froze.
Xu Feng slowly turned around and saw two men in black tactical uniforms standing about ten meters away from them, holding devices that did not look like conventional weapons.
“Mr. Xu Feng,” one of them said, his voice calm and professional, “We just want to talk. There’s no need to run away.”
Matt adjusted his stance slightly, and Xu Feng recognized that it was his stance ready to fight.
Superman straightened up as well, his eyes narrowed slightly, obviously assessing the threat and his course of action.
“Who are these people?” Matt asked in a low voice, a voice only Xu Feng and Superman could hear.
“Not sure,” Xu Feng replied in a low voice, “but they have been tracking us since yesterday.”
Matt nodded slightly, making a decision. “When I say now, you two run forward. Don’t stop, don’t look back. I’ll hold them back.”
Xu Feng wanted to protest – he couldn’t let Matt take risks for them, especially when Matt didn’t even know the whole truth about them.
Superman can finish a fight in a second.
But Superman touched his arm lightly and gave him a warning look.
“Trust him,” Superman whispered, “He’s more capable than he looks.”
Xu Feng then remembered that Superman had X-ray vision and super hearing, and he must have realized that Matt was not an ordinary person.
This realization made him feel a little relieved.
After all, Daredevil is also an awesome superhero.
“Gentlemen,” the man in black continued, approaching slowly, “we do not want to use force. Please cooperate with us. It will be in everyone’s best interest.”
Matt tilted his head slightly, as if listening for something only he could hear. Then, suddenly, he said loudly, “Now!”
Xu Feng and Superman immediately rushed forward and ran towards the exit of the alley.
There was a chaotic sound behind him – screams, objects colliding and bodies coming into contact with each other.
Xu Feng forced himself not to look back and continued running forward.
They rushed out of the alley and onto a busy street.
Crowds, cars, shops and restaurants form a typical New York street scene.
They quickly merged into the flow of pedestrians, trying to blend into the surrounding environment.
“We can’t just leave him like this,”
Xu Feng said anxiously, slowing down his pace, “After all, he is helping us.”
Superman was also observing his surroundings, his eyes constantly scanning for possible threats: “Trust me, Matt Murdock can take care of himself. He is much stronger than you think. We need to leave this area as soon as possible.”
At this moment, Xu Feng’s system sounded a warning in his mind!
20. Powerful mutants, SHIELD intervenes to investigate (old version)
[Warning: Multiple energy signals detected approaching][Speculation: The tracking device has locked the host’s location][Suggestion: Change your route immediately and look for a signal-blocking environment]Xu Feng relayed this warning to Superman: “They may be using some kind of device to track us. Even with the system in suppression mode, they seem to still be able to locate us.”
“I forgot to tell you that there are powerful mutants in this world. Wearing specific technological equipment, they can even locate anyone in the world.”
Superman’s expression turned serious. “Then we need to find a place where we can jam the technology signals. An underground space or an area with a lot of electronic equipment might help.”
Xu Feng looked around, looking for possible options.
The street is lined with various shops, restaurants and office buildings.
Not far ahead, the entrance to a large shopping mall caught his attention.
“There,” Xu Feng pointed to the shopping mall, “there are a lot of people, a lot of electronic equipment, and multiple entrances and exits. We can go through and then come out from the other side.”
Superman nodded in agreement, “Good idea. But we need to be careful about the security cameras.”
They moved swiftly but unobtrusively toward the mall.
The crowd around him provided a certain degree of cover, but Xu Feng felt that every stranger’s gaze could be a potential threat.
The hustle and bustle of New York filled his senses—car horns, voices, and music intertwined to form an almost dizzying background noise.
Inside the mall, the area is bright and busy, and holiday decorations have begun to appear, adding an extra layer of festive cheer to the space.
Shop windows gleam with displays of various products, and people walk in and out, shopping bags or drinks in hand.
This scene of normal life formed a sharp contrast with Xu Feng’s current state of escape.
They went deeper into the mall, passing various stores and food areas.
Xu Feng noticed several security cameras and tried to avoid their direct line of sight.
Superman is always alert to the movements around him.
As they passed an electronics store, the news on the TV screen caught Xu Feng’s attention.
The screen showed footage of yesterday’s battle, with the caption “Mysterious entities are fighting fiercely in New York, and S.H.I.E.L.D. is investigating.”
The blue figure that flashed across the news footage made Xu Feng certain that it was Superman.
But thankfully, the footage is blurry and the angle is poor, making it difficult to make out details.
“They know very little about you,” Xu Feng whispered to Superman, “and that’s a good thing.”
Superman nodded, but his expression remained wary. “But they are searching. And they seem to have quite advanced tracking technology.”
Just then, Xu Feng noticed several people in ordinary clothes but alert posture entering from the main entrance of the shopping mall.
Their eyes scanned their surroundings, their movements coordinated and purposeful.
There was no doubt that this was another group of pursuers.
“Entrance on the right,” Xu Feng warned Superman softly, “There are at least four people, they may be from the same organization.”
Superman took a quick look, “Confirmed. We need to change our route. There’s a service tunnel to the left that might lead to the rear loading area.”
They changed direction and moved as naturally as possible toward the service channel.
The flow of people inside the shopping centre increased at this point, with a group of young people who looked like students emerging from a large chain coffee shop, providing additional cover.
The service access door has an “Employees Only” sign on it, but there is no electronic lock or alarm system.
Superman gave the door a nudge and it swung open silently.
They quickly slipped into the passage, gently closing the door behind them.
The lighting in the service corridor is much dimmer than in the main shopping mall area, the walls are undecorated concrete, and the ground is marked with various signs.
The air smelled of cleaning agents and cardboard boxes.
The hum of mechanical equipment came from the distance.
Superman pointed to a door marked “Emergency Exit,” “Should lead outside.”
They moved quickly but quietly, passing several storage rooms and areas where cleaning equipment was stored.
A cleaner pushing a cart gave them a puzzled look but said nothing to stop them.
Maybe in a city like New York, people have learned not to question the oddities.
The emergency exit did lead outside, but when they pushed the door open, they were greeted not by the expected street or parking lot but by an enclosed loading area.
High walls and iron fences surrounded the area, and several trucks were parked next to loading docks.
The only exit is a large iron gate, but it appears to be electrically operated and is currently closed.
“We’re trapped,”
Xu Feng whispered, feeling frustrated, “Unless…”
Superman understood what Xu Feng had not finished saying.
He could easily fly over these obstacles and take Xu Feng with him.
But doing so would expose his abilities publicly and draw even more attention.
After all, Xu Feng has emphasized many times that there are too many strong people in this world.
Just as they hesitated, the door of the service passage was pushed open.
Four men in black walked out quickly, holding the strange devices they had seen before.
They quickly dispersed and formed a semi-encirclement.
“Mr. Xu Feng!”
The leader spoke, his voice calm but firm, “Please stop running. We just want to talk.”
Xu Feng stood behind Superman, observing his surroundings vigilantly.
He is not worried about his own safety now, but is concerned about the future.
Even if Superman defeats these men, more are probably on the way.
What to do when summoning time comes?
Xu Feng asked, while thinking of a countermeasure quickly in his mind, “Why are you tracking me?”
21. Superman shows off his power! (Old version)
The leader tilted his head slightly. “We represent an organization focused on exceptional individuals. The abilities you demonstrated during yesterday’s events were… quite unique. We simply wish to learn more and offer assistance and protection.”
Superman took a step forward and stood in front of Xu Feng. “If you really just want to talk, why do you need to chase us down with all your weapons? Why don’t you contact us through normal channels?”
The leader’s gaze turned to Superman, a hint of caution in his eyes. “Because we’re not the only organization interested in you. SHIELD, the military, and possibly even other more… shadowy groups, are all searching for you. We simply wish to reach you first.”
Xu Feng keenly noticed the key information in this answer – this organization is separate from S.H.I.E.L.D. and the military, and may be in competition with them. This could be a point of disagreement that could be exploited.
“If you are not S.H.I.E.L.D.” Xu Feng asked carefully, “then who are you?”
The leader seemed to consider answering the question. “We are a private organization dedicated to the study and protection of exceptional individuals. We believe these abilities should be understood and protected, not controlled or exploited by governments.”
This description almost sounds positive, but Xu Feng knows that in the Marvel Universe, beautiful words often hide darker intentions. This organization could be a branch of AIM, or a villain organization that has not yet appeared in the movie.
Just as Xu Feng was thinking about how to respond, a new voice sounded from the shadows behind them:
“I suggest you leave now. They have received legal representation and your actions constitute harassment.”
Everyone turned toward the source of the sound. Matt Murdock stood in a corner of the loading dock, his white cane in hand, his posture calm but somehow majestic. His red sunglasses gleamed faintly in the shadows, giving him an almost supernatural aura.
The leading man in black frowned. “Mr. Murdoch, this is none of your business. This is a matter of national security.”
Matt took a step forward, a barely perceptible smile playing on his face. “Actually, as their lawyer, this is all my business. And if this truly is a matter of national security, why isn’t SHIELD or the military directly involved? Why a… private organization?”
The men in black exchanged glances, clearly unprepared for such a legal challenge. The leader’s expression grew more serious. “Mr. Murdoch, I respect your profession, but I must insist on speaking with Mr. Xu Feng and his friends.”
Matt shook his head. “No search warrant, no arrest warrant, not even official identification. You have no legal authority to force anyone to speak with you. So I say again, please leave.”
A flicker of irritation flashed in the leader’s eyes, and his hand moved slightly toward his waist, perhaps where a weapon or communication device might be located. The tension in the air became almost palpable, like a powder keg ready to explode. The metal structures of the loading dock creaked softly in the breeze, and the low roar of truck engines in the distance provided a strange background sound for the standoff.
“This is my final warning,” the leader said, his voice filled with unquestionable authority. “Do not interfere in government affairs.”
Matt remained motionless, his posture calm but firm, tapping the ground with his white cane. “Then show me your ID. Prove you truly represent the government.”
After a brief silence, the leader made a decision. He nodded to two of the men in black, and they immediately moved towards Xu Feng and Superman. The devices in their hands emitted a slight humming sound, as if they had been activated.
“I have to say, I regret this,” the leader said, his eyes hardening, “but you didn’t give us a choice.”
At this crucial moment, Superman made a decisive move. A barely perceptible red light flashed in his eyes, and then a large truck in the center of the loading dock was suddenly lifted off the ground. Everyone, including the man in black and Matt, watched in shock.
Superman didn’t reach out, didn’t make any obvious movements, but the truck, weighing at least two tons, seemed to be grasped by an invisible force and slowly lifted into the air, hovering approximately three meters above the ground. The body of the truck trembled slightly in the air, the metal structure creaking slightly, but it remained incredibly stable.
All the men in black stopped moving immediately, their expressions changing from professional composure to pure shock and alarm. The leader’s hand immediately moved to the communication device, but before he could react, Superman’s eyes flashed again.
Two precise thermal vision beams shot out, precisely severing the communications equipment and weaponry attached to the waists of all the men in black. The metal at the cut glowed slightly red, and a thin wisp of smoke rose. The entire process took less than a second, with incredible precision. No one was harmed, only their equipment was destroyed.
The truck remained suspended in mid-air, a physical impossibility that defied the laws of gravity. Superman stood there, his posture relaxed and confident, but his eyes gleamed with an unmistakable warning. Even in his ordinary clothes and glasses, he exuded a sense of pure power, an almost mythical presence.
“Gentlemen,” Superman began, his voice calm yet carrying an incredible amount of authority, “I think now is a good time to reconsider your methods.”
The leader slowly stepped back, his expression changing completely, from one of confidence in control to one of caution in the face of an unknown force. He looked Superman up and down, as if reassessing the situation.
“Who are you?” he asked, unable to conceal the shock in his voice. “This ability… we don’t have any record of you in our database.”
22. Your heartbeat pattern is different… (old version)
Superman didn’t answer the question directly. Instead, he tilted his head slightly, and his heat vision flashed again, this time precisely severing one of the metal pillars in the loading dock.
The pillar broke with a sharp sound of metal breaking, but the structure above the pillar did not collapse because the heat vision shot out from Superman’s other eye immediately melted the broken parts together. The metal melted under the high temperature and quickly solidified, forming a perfect welding line.
The entire process took less than two seconds, demonstrating incredible precision and strength. Superman turned his gaze back to the Man in Black, and the red light in his eyes gradually disappeared.
“My identity is not important,” Superman said calmly. “What is important is that you should know that continuing to pursue Mr. Xu Feng is a mistake. Not only because it is against the law, as Mr. Murdoch pointed out, but also because…” He raised his head slightly, and the truck suspended in the air gently rotated under his gaze, then landed steadily in its original position without making a sound, “…you have no ability to enforce it.”
Silence fell on the loading dock. The men in black stood there, their expressions somewhere between fear and awe. Matt Murdock’s expression was an interesting blend of surprise and something like admiration. Xu Feng, on the other hand, felt a complex mix of shock, pride, and a hint of worry about the unknown consequences.
The leader finally broke the silence, his tone changing completely, from commanding to almost pleading. “Please understand, we have no ill intentions. We simply wish to understand and study… these special individuals. For the sake of science, and for the advancement of humanity.”
Superman’s expression grew serious. “In my experience, forced research has never been for the benefit of the subjects.” He took a step forward, his posture erect, radiating an indescribable majesty. “Now, I have a message for you to convey to your superiors, whoever they may be.”
The leader involuntarily straightened his body, as if receiving a formal order.
“Tell them that Mr. Xu Feng is now under protection. Any attempt to forcibly contact or study him will face…consequences.” Superman’s last word was gentle but intimidating. “At the same time, I suggest you investigate the true purpose of your organization. I suspect those who sent you here may not have told you the whole truth.”
The leader nodded slowly, as if shaken by Superman’s words. He signaled to the other men in black, and they began to retreat, their eyes still fixed on Superman warily, as if he might display that amazing power again at any moment.
“We will… convey your message,” the leader said, a new respect in his voice, “but this will not be the end. Some things… are beyond our control.”
Superman just watched them quietly, his expression calm but his gaze determined. The men in black continued to retreat, eventually turning and leaving the loading area, disappearing into the service corridor of the shopping mall.
Only after making sure they had really left did Superman relax and turn to Xu Feng and Matt: “We should leave here immediately. They might be back with reinforcements.”
Matt nodded, his expression complicated. “I agree. And I have many questions.” He paused, a barely perceptible smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “It’s a very… interesting display of ability.”
Superman smiled slightly, but didn’t take the hint. He walked over to the iron fence of the loading dock and easily opened a gap wide enough for one person to pass through. “This way. We can go into the back street from here and find a safe place to talk.”
They quickly passed through the exit Superman had created and arrived at a narrow street behind the shopping mall. The street was flanked by the back entrances of various shops and restaurants, and a few trash cans emitted a rather unpleasant smell. But at this moment, this ordinary and unremarkable environment was exactly what they needed.
“I know a safe place,” Matt said, starting to lead the way. “Follow me.”
They moved quickly along the back streets, avoiding the main streets and possible surveillance cameras. Xu Feng’s heartbeat was still racing from the events of the previous incident, and his thoughts were in a turmoil. While Superman’s public display resolved the immediate crisis, it might also bring new problems. When Superman’s summons expired, would these people return? Moreover, such a public display of power might attract the attention of even more organizations, including S.H.I.E.L.D.
But now wasn’t the time to worry about that. They needed to find a safe place and make their next plan. Xu Feng followed Matt and Superman through the complex network of Hell’s Kitchen streets, each step filled with uncertainty but also a glimmer of hope. At least now, he wasn’t facing this strange and dangerous world alone.
Matt led them through several intricate alleys, the path so winding that Xu Feng quickly lost his sense of direction. But Superman seemed unfazed, his super senses allowing him to easily remember every turn and fork in the road.
Finally, they arrived at a rather ordinary-looking apartment building. The building looked old, with ivy climbing all over the red brick walls and small, square windows, giving it a low-key and warm feeling.
“My apartment,” Matt explained briefly, pulling out his keys, “should be safe for now.”
They followed Matt into the building and up the stairs to the top floor. Matt’s apartment was clean and tidy, but the decor was simple, almost austere. Large windows let in plenty of light, and outside was the New York City skyline, the silhouettes of the distant skyscrapers shimmering golden in the afternoon sun.
“Please feel free to sit down,” Matt said, leaning his white cane against the wall and removing his red sunglasses, “We have a lot to talk about.”
Superman and Xu Feng sat down on the sofa in the living room. Matt brought three bottles of water from the kitchen, distributed them to everyone, and then sat down in the armchair opposite them.
“So,” Matt said straight to the point. His eyes, though blind, seemed to see straight into people’s hearts, “who wants to tell me what happened in the loading dock just now?”
Xu Feng and Superman exchanged a glance. Superman nodded slightly, indicating that Xu Feng should explain.
“Matt,” Xu Feng took a deep breath and decided to tell part of the truth, “I told you before that I’m not from here, which is true. But the specific situation is much more complicated than you think. Superman – Clark, has some…special abilities, as you can see. That’s why those people are interested in us.”
Matt listened quietly, his expression unreadable. Then he turned in Superman’s direction. “You’re not a mutant, are you? Your heartbeat pattern is… different. In fact, I’ve never heard anything like it.”
23. Tony Stark declares himself Iron Man (old version)
Superman smiled faintly, “Your senses are indeed very keen, as the rumors say. No, I am not a mutant. I am… from somewhere else.”
Matt thought for a while, as if digesting the information, and then he made a decision that surprised Xu Feng.
“I think we should be honest with each other,” Matt said, his voice calm but firm. “You just saw me act in a dangerous situation. It’s clearly not like an ordinary blind lawyer. And I just saw—or rather, sensed—Superman display some… extraordinary abilities.”
He paused, then continued: “In this city, in this world, some people possess special abilities. Some choose to reveal these abilities publicly, like Stark, who calls himself Iron Man. Others choose to keep a low profile, working in the dark.”
Xu Feng understood what Matt was hinting at. He was indirectly admitting that he was Daredevil, showing them a certain degree of trust in the hope of gaining the same trust in return.
“Matt,” Xu Feng began cautiously, “We know you’re more than just a lawyer. We know you have another…identity at night.”
Matt’s expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure: “So do you know I can trust you?”
Superman nodded firmly. “I assure you, Matt, we mean no harm. In fact, we share similar goals as you do – to protect the innocent and help those in need.”
Matt seemed to accept this answer. He leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed a little. “So, tell me the truth. Who are you? And why are these people so interested in you?”
Xu Feng took a deep breath. This was an important decision point. He had already decided not to reveal the full truth about his origins in another universe, but he needed to provide enough information to win Matt’s trust and help.
“I do possess a certain… ability,” Xu Feng said cautiously, “an ability that allows me to summon help in certain situations. Superman emerged through this ability. But my ability is not stable yet, and I am learning how to control it.”
This explanation is technically true, but omits the specific mechanics of inter-universe travel and systems.
Matt nodded thoughtfully. “That explains the interest those men have in you. Being able to summon a being as powerful as him…will certainly attract the attention of many organizations.”
“The problem is,” Superman added, “Xu Feng’s powers are time-limited. I can’t stay here and help him forever. In fact, my time will be up soon.”
Matt’s expression turned serious. “Then we need to make a long-term plan. When you leave, Xu Feng will need protection and guidance.”
Xu Feng felt a surge of gratitude from the bottom of his heart. Matt was willing to help him, even if it was based on only a partial truth. This generosity and sense of justice were the qualities that made Matt Murdock Daredevil.
“There’s something else you should know,” Matt continued, his voice becoming more serious. “Those people following you are not government officials. At least not from any legally recognized government agency. I can tell lies; their heartbeats noticeably quicken at the mention of government matters.”
This information made Xu Feng even more alert. If it wasn’t S.H.I.E.L.D. or the military, then what could this organization be? In the Marvel Universe, there were too many secret organizations that might be interested in people with super powers—Hydra, AIM, or even some villainous organization that hadn’t yet appeared in the movies.
“But they do seem to know about S.H.I.E.L.D.” Xu Feng said thoughtfully, “and they have quite advanced technology.”
Matt nodded. “This city, this world, is becoming increasingly complex. Ever since Tony Stark declared himself Iron Man, reports of superhumans and paranormal activity have increased. Various forces are adapting to this new reality, some openly, others moving in the shadows.”
Superman stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the cityscape. “The world is at a turning point. The emergence of superheroes is changing the rules of the game.”
Xu Feng knew Superman was right. According to the current timeline, the Marvel Universe was in a critical period before the Avengers movies. Superheroes were just beginning to emerge, and various forces were adjusting and repositioning. This was an era full of opportunities, but also fraught with danger.
“So,” Matt brought the conversation back to the actual issue, “regarding Xu Feng’s identity. We need to establish a legal identity so that he can live without attracting attention. At the same time, he needs a safe place to live and some form of income.”
Superman turned to face them. “And he needs to learn how to survive in this world, how to control and use his abilities, and how to protect himself from those organizations that are interested in him.”
Matt thought for a moment, then nodded. “I can help with the identity issue. I have some… unconventional channels to obtain the necessary documents. As for safe housing, you can use my downstairs apartment for the short term. It was originally used to provide temporary housing for witnesses or clients who need protection.”
Xu Feng was surprised and grateful for the offer: “Matt, this is so generous. I don’t know how to thank you.”
Matt smiled slightly: “You’re welcome. To survive in this city, we need to help each other. Besides, I think your appearance may not be accidental. Maybe you were brought here for a reason.”
This sentence gave Xu Feng a jolt. Matt’s intuition was sharper than he’d imagined. He truly suspected his journey through time might have some greater purpose, especially considering the dream about “balance” and “correction.”
“Regarding the income issue,” Superman suggested, “Xu Feng needs a job or some kind of financial support.”
Matt nodded. “We can find you a position at the law firm, perhaps as an assistant or researcher. The salary won’t be too high, but it’s enough for basic living, and it can provide a legal cover.”
Xu Feng was pleasantly surprised by the offer. Working at Matt’s law firm would not only solve his income problem but also allow him to access more information and resources about the city. Furthermore, working with Matt and Fudge could be very helpful in understanding this particular version of the Marvel Universe.
“I… don’t know what to say,” Xu Feng said sincerely, “You are willing to take such a big risk to help someone who is almost a stranger.”
Matt’s expression softened. “I became a lawyer to help people, especially those who have nowhere else to go. And,” he paused, his voice firmer, “if this city, this world, is about to face greater challenges, we’re going to need all the allies we can get.”
Superman nodded in agreement. “Matt is right. In my experience, true strength comes from unity and cooperation, not just individual ability.”
Xu Feng felt a strange sense of destiny. Having traveled to this universe, he could have found himself in countless dangers, but by chance he met Matt Murdock—a hero willing to help him unconditionally. This almost made him believe that there was some kind of guiding force.
“One more question,” Matt offered, his voice growing more serious. “Superman said his time is limited. What does that mean? Will he disappear completely, or just lose his powers?”
24. Night Devil Suit (Old Version)
Xu Feng and Superman exchanged a glance. This was a complex issue, involving the specific mechanisms of the system.
“He will… leave temporarily,” Xu Feng explained cautiously, “My ability allows me to summon help in certain situations, but each summoning has a time limit. And after a summoning ends, it will take some time before I can use this ability again.”
Matt pondered this information. “Then we need to prepare for what happens after Superman leaves. Those people might come back.”
Superman nodded in agreement, “That’s why we need to make sure Xu Feng has adequate protection and resources before I leave.”
“I can provide some protection,” Matt said, clearly referring to his abilities as Daredevil, “but we need other strategies as well.”
Xu Feng felt that warm feeling of gratitude again. In this strange universe, he had found a true ally. Matt Murdock not only provided practical help, but was also willing to take risks to protect him, even without fully understanding the situation.
“Superman’s public display just now may attract additional attention,” Xu Feng said worriedly, “especially from S.H.I.E.L.D. or other organizations with surveillance capabilities.”
Matt nodded. “Indeed. But it could also be a form of protection. Those private organizations now know you have powerful allies, and it might make them think twice.”
Superman walked back to his seat. “Also, my display was intentionally kept to a certain extent. I didn’t fly or use my full strength. It gave them a vague impression, but not enough to fully understand the full extent of my abilities.”
Xu Feng realized that Superman was right. His display of strength was indeed impressive, but it actually only showcased a small part of his capabilities. This strategic ambiguity could be beneficial.
“So,” Matt concluded, “our plan is this: create a new identity for Xu Feng, provide him with temporary housing, give him a position at the law firm, and continue to provide protection after Superman leaves. In the meantime, Xu Feng will learn how to survive in this world and use his abilities.”
Superman and Xu Feng both nodded in agreement. This was a simple but reasonable starting point.
“We still need to contact Fudge,” Matt added. “He’ll have a lot of questions, but he can be trusted. His legal expertise will also be helpful in creating a new identity.”
Xu Feng felt a little uneasy about this suggestion: “Are you sure it’s safe to disclose this information to more people?”
Matt’s expression hardened. “Fudge is my best friend and partner. I trust him more than anyone else in this world. And, in the days ahead, you’re going to need all the allies you can get.”
Superman nodded in agreement. “Matt is right. Isolation is dangerous. Building a network of trust is key to survival.”
Xu Feng accepted the suggestion. He knew that Foggy Nelson was an upright and reliable character in the Marvel Universe, although sometimes a little exaggerated and emotional.
As they were discussing the details, Xu Feng suddenly felt a strange tingling sensation, as if an electric current was running through his body. At the same time, the system’s voice rang in his mind:
[Warning: Summoning time is almost over]【Time remaining: 30 minutes】
[Suggestion: Complete necessary communication and prepare to summon the creature back]Xu Feng’s expression became tense: “Superman’s time is running out. We need to finalize the details quickly.”
Superman nodded in understanding, “Before I leave, is there any key information I should share?”
Matt sensed the change in atmosphere. “If time is limited, I suggest we focus on safety. Superman, from your perspective, what is the biggest threat facing Xu Feng?”
Superman thought for a moment. “Those who are tracking them have quite advanced technology that can detect some kind of energy signature. Even if Xu Feng’s system is in suppression mode, they are still able to locate him. This means that conventional hiding methods may not be enough.”
Xu Feng frowned, “But I can’t keep the system in suppression mode forever. It will limit my ability to learn and use my abilities.”
Matt pondered the question. “Perhaps we need to find a way to shield or interfere with this energy signal.” He paused, as if recalling something. “I know an expert…who has a unique understanding of various signals and electronic devices. He might be able to help us create some kind of shielding equipment.”
Xu Feng guessed that Matt might be referring to Melvin Potter, the technical genius who built Daredevil’s equipment in the series. If Matt was willing to introduce him to such an important contact, it once again proved his trust in Xu Feng.
“That will be very helpful,” Xu Feng said gratefully, “but I also need to learn how to protect myself without Superman’s help.”
Matt gave him a meaningful smile. “I can help you learn some… self-defense techniques. Not super powers, but enough to handle most conventional threats.”
Superman nodded in agreement. “Physical training and alertness are equally important. Even if you have the ability, if your reaction is not quick enough or your judgment is not accurate enough, you may be in danger.”
Xu Feng felt a little relieved. With Matt as his coach, he could at least learn some basic fighting and survival skills. It wouldn’t turn him into a superhero, but it would improve his chances of survival.
“One more thing,” Superman said seriously, “about those who are tracking you. They mentioned that S.H.I.E.L.D. and the military are also interested in you. This means you may be under pressure from many sides. You need to proceed with caution to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.”
Matt nodded in understanding. “Keeping a low profile in this city isn’t easy, but it’s not impossible. The key is to establish a routine, blend in, and not do anything to draw attention.”
Xu Feng knew this was wise advice. In his original world, he was a relatively low-key person. But in this universe, he needed to be more cautious because he knew too much and had a system that could attract attention from all sides.
“I’ll try to keep a low profile,” Xu Feng promised, “at least until I better understand this system and its capabilities.”
As the discussion continued, Xu Feng noticed that Superman’s image began to become slightly blurred, as if a layer of mist was shrouding him. This was a sign that the summoning time was about to end.
[Warning: 5 minutes left for summoning]【Prepare to return program start】
“Time is almost up,” Xu Feng said nervously, “Is there anything else we need to decide right away?”
25, what does this mean? Other dimensions? Parallel worlds? (Old version)
Superman stood up, his expression serious and firm: “Matt, I entrust Xu Feng to you. I believe you will do your best to protect and help him.”
Matt nodded, his gesture equally firm. “I will. You have my promise.”
Superman turned to Xu Feng, his eyes filled with gentle concern. “Xu Feng, remember, true power lies not in what you can summon, but in your own decisions and actions. In my world, there’s a saying: The symbol of hope is not just about ability, but also about the meaning and value it represents. No matter what happens, maintain your beliefs and moral standards.”
Xu Feng felt his throat tighten, his emotions barely under control. In just over a day, Superman had become his anchor and guide in this strange world. Now that he was about to lose that support, it felt like he was being thrust once again into the abyss of the unknown.
“Thank you,” Xu Feng said sincerely, his voice trembling slightly, “for everything. Without you, I wouldn’t have made it through this first day.”
Superman smiled, that warm and resolute smile that had given people hope in countless crises. “You’re stronger than you think. And now you have an ally.” He turned to Matt and nodded. “I believe Matt will be an excellent mentor and friend.”
Matt nodded solemnly, and even though he couldn’t see it, his posture and expression conveyed a firm commitment: “I’ll do my best.”
Superman’s image grew increasingly blurred, and the air around him began to distort slightly, as if a heat wave were rising from the surface of a desert. The sunlight from the window refracted strangely through this distortion, casting rainbow-like spots on the wall.
[Summoning time ends]【Return procedure completed】
【The system will enter sleep mode: 24 hours】
[Next summon available time: Same time tomorrow]With a faint flash of blue light, Superman’s figure completely disappeared, as if he had never existed. Only Xu Feng and Matt were left in the room. The air was filled with a strange aftertaste, like the special ionized smell in the air after a thunderstorm.
Xu Feng stood there, feeling a sudden surge of loneliness and vulnerability. Even though Matt was right beside him, he still felt naked and exposed without Superman’s protection. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself.
Matt stood quietly, as if giving Xu Feng some space to process the moment. Then, he spoke, his voice gentle but powerful: “He disappeared, didn’t he? I could feel the change in the air.”
Xu Feng nodded, then remembered that Matt couldn’t see, so he confirmed aloud: “Yes. He… went back.”
Matt walked to the window and placed his hands lightly on the windowsill. The New York skyline looked particularly beautiful in the afternoon sun, the glass of the tall buildings reflecting the golden light.
“A being from another world,” Matt whispered, more to himself than to Xu Feng, “possessed unimaginable power, yet chose to use it to protect and help.” He turned to Xu Feng, “Whatever your ability is, Xu Feng, it connects you to a true hero. That speaks volumes.”
Xu Feng felt a warm feeling in his heart. Matt might not know the whole truth, but he keenly grasped the most important part – the essence of Superman and the values he represented.
“He is,” Xu Feng replied simply, not knowing what else to say.
Matt returned to the sofa, his posture more pragmatic. “Right now, we need to focus on the issues at hand. First and foremost, your safety and identity.” He pulled his phone from his pocket. “I need to contact Fudge. He’s probably still at the law firm dealing with today’s chaos.”
Matt dialed the number, and Fudge answered almost immediately. The voice that came through the receiver was filled with anxiety and concern: “Matt! God, are you okay? After those men in black left, the whole neighborhood was talking about those strange noises and flashes. The police came, but I didn’t tell them anything. Where are you?”
“I’m fine, Fudge,” Matt replied calmly, “I got Mr. Xu Feng and his friends to safety. I’m in my apartment now. Can you come over? We need to discuss something.”
There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone, followed by an impatient sigh: “Of course, I will go. But you have to tell me the whole truth this time, Matt. No more vague explanations.”
Matt’s mouth curled up slightly. “I promise, Fudge. I’ll do my best.”
After hanging up the phone, Matt turned to Xu Feng: “Fudge will be here soon. Before he comes, perhaps you can tell me a little more about yourself? It doesn’t have to be the whole truth, just… enough for me to understand who I’m helping.”
Xu Feng pondered how to respond. He needed to give Matt enough information to build trust, but he couldn’t reveal too much about inter-universe travel and future knowledge, lest he interfere with the natural development of this world.
“I come from a… very different place,” Xu Feng began, choosing his words carefully. “Where people like you—superheroes, mutants, mystical powers—exist only in stories. Then one day, I experienced an event I can’t explain, and I woke up in New York, just in time to witness that battle.”
Matt listened quietly, his head slightly tilted, indicating that he was concentrating on sensing Xu Feng’s heartbeat and breathing patterns, and judging the truthfulness of his words.
“That’s when I discovered I seemed to have gained this ability—the ability to summon beings from elsewhere. Superman was the first,” Xu Feng continued. “I don’t fully understand how this ability works, or why it was given to me. But I know I don’t want to use it to hurt anyone.”
Matt nodded thoughtfully. “Your heartbeat suggests you’re telling the truth, or at least what you believe to be the truth.” He paused. “You mentioned the existence of other places. What does that mean? Other dimensions? Parallel worlds?”
26. Damn it! Xu Feng’s superpowers cause a bloody storm. Matt Fudge’s law firm becomes a battlefield. What’s the beauty up to? (Old version)
Xu Feng felt a little nervous. Matt’s senses and intelligence enabled him to keenly grasp the subtleties of words. Xu Feng needed to be more careful.
“I’m… not sure of the specific mechanism,” Xu Feng answered, completely honest this time. “The system—I mean this ability—seems to be able to connect to other… existences. I only know that Superman doesn’t belong to this world, just like me.”
Matt stood up and walked towards the kitchen. “Are you hungry? We can eat something while we talk.”
Xu Feng was a little surprised by the sudden change of subject, but he was indeed hungry. He hadn’t eaten since the simple breakfast at the hotel that morning.
“Yes, thank you,” Xu Feng replied, “I am indeed a little hungry.”
Matt pulled some ingredients from the refrigerator, his movements smooth and precise, unlike a blind man, and began to prepare a simple sandwich while continuing the conversation.
“You know, New York, especially in recent years, has seen a lot of strange things,” Matt said, cutting the bread with a knife in his hand with precision. “Iron armor, mutants, modified soldiers… The world is changing. A lot of people don’t know how to deal with this change.”
Xu Feng understood what Matt was talking about. According to the film’s timeline, this period coincided with the emergence and public activities of superheroes. Society and government agencies were still adapting to this new reality, leading to a variety of different reactions and responses.
“I guess those who hunted me were part of this reaction?” Xu Feng asked, “Trying to understand and control the newly emerged abilities?”
Matt placed the cut sandwich on a plate and handed it to Xu Feng. “Partly. But I suspect there’s more. The desire for power and control will always exist. New abilities mean a new balance of power, and some will do whatever it takes to maintain or tilt that balance.”
Xu Feng took the plate and nodded gratefully. The sandwich was simple but looked delicious—whole-wheat bread, turkey breast, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a thin layer of mayonnaise. He took a bite, and the taste of the food seemed especially delicious despite his hunger.
“So, how should I deal with this situation?” Xu Feng asked between bites. “How can I survive in this new world and learn to control this ability at the same time?”
Matt made himself a sandwich and settled back into his armchair. “One step at a time. First the basics—identity, shelter, income. Then safety—learning how to protect yourself, how to recognize threats. And finally, exploring your capabilities.”
Xu Feng nodded in agreement. This was a reasonable order of priorities. Without basic security and stability, he couldn’t risk exploring the system’s full capabilities.
“Regarding my ability,” Xu Feng began cautiously, “Do you have any suggestions? Should I try to understand it, or avoid using it for the time being?”
Matt thought for a moment, took a bite of his sandwich, and chewed slowly, as if savoring the food while also pondering this complex issue.
“Abilities are like muscles,” Matt finally replied. “If you don’t use them, they atrophy. If you overuse them, they injure. I suggest finding a balance. Explore them carefully in a safe environment, but don’t demonstrate them publicly. At least not yet.”
Xu Feng understood Matt’s suggestion. The system did mention the need to upgrade levels and functions through use, but using it in public was obviously too dangerous. He needed to find a way to learn without attracting attention.
“I have another question,” Xu Feng said, “Those who are following me…how do they find me? We’ve been very careful, but they always seem to be able to lock onto my location.”
Matt’s expression grew more serious. “They might be using some kind of energy-detection technology. If your powers produce a unique energy signature, someone with the right equipment might be able to track it.” He paused. “That technologist I mentioned who might be able to help us, Melvin, might be able to create some kind of shielding device.”
Xu Feng’s heart was shocked. Matt directly mentioned Melvin’s name, and this character is an important supporting role in the series “Daredevil”. Matt did this either out of great trust or because he had guessed that Xu Feng knew more information.
“Melvin…is your friend?” Xu Feng asked cautiously.
Matt’s mouth curled up slightly: “A trustworthy…partner. He helped me make some special equipment.” This was almost a direct acknowledgement of his identity as Daredevil.
Just as Xu Feng was about to respond, the doorbell rang. Matt stood up and walked to the intercom: “Who is it?”
“It’s me, Fudge,” Fudge’s slightly nervous voice came from the loudspeaker, “Let me come up, Matt. It’s too weird outside. The whole neighborhood is talking about those people in black and something about S.H.I.E.L.D.”
Matt pressed the door button and turned to Xu Feng: “Are you ready? Fudge can be a little intense sometimes, but he’s one of the best friends and lawyers.”
Xu Feng took a deep breath and nodded: “I’m ready.”
A few minutes later, there was a sharp knock on the door. Matt went to open it, and Fudge practically rushed in, his face a mixture of worry, curiosity, and slight fear.
“Matt,” Fudge said as he took off his coat, “You owe me a huge explanation. What happened today was just…wait.” He suddenly noticed Xu Feng sitting on the sofa, “You’re here. But where’s that blue flying man?”
Matt closed the door and motioned for Fudge to sit down. “Fudge, this is Xu Feng, our new client and possibly a new colleague. Xu Feng, this is my partner, Franklin Nelson.”
Fudge looked at Xu Feng suspiciously, then sat down heavily in an armchair. “Well, it’s nice to officially meet you, Xu Feng. Now who can tell me what happened today? Who are those men in black? Who is that flying blue guy? And why did my law firm almost become a battlefield?”
Xu Feng and Matt exchanged a look. Matt nodded slightly, as if to say, “You explain it.”
Xu Feng cleared his throat and decided to offer a simplified but basically honest version: “Fudge, here’s what happened. I recently discovered that I seem to have an…unusual ability. An ability that allows me to summon help when needed. The blue flying man you saw appeared through this ability.”
Fudge’s eyes widened. “Wait, you mean you can summon superheroes? Like some kind of…superhero summoner?”
Xu Feng smiled slightly. Fudge’s reaction was almost endearing—one of pure wonder, like a child discovering Santa Claus was real. “Not exactly. I can’t control who responds to the summons, and the ability has significant limitations. Time limits, cooldown periods, and so on.”
Fudge looked both excited and bewildered. “This is crazy. But at the same time… totally in line with how crazy this city has been lately.” He turned to Matt. “So those men in black are after his abilities?”
Matt nodded. “It seems so. They represent a private organization interested in particular individuals. But they are not government officials, despite their attempts to imply that.”
Fudge rubbed his temples. “So we’re now caught up in some kind of…superpower politics game? Great, as if our normal jobs weren’t complicated enough.” Despite his complaining tone, his expression showed that he wasn’t really objecting, but was using humor to deal with this unconventional situation.
“I know it’s a lot, Fudge,” Matt said calmly, “but Xu Feng needs our help. He needs legal protection, identity documents, and a safe place to live. This is exactly why we started our law firm in the first place – to help those who have nowhere else to go.”
Fudge sighed, then looked directly into Xu Feng’s eyes: “How dangerous are you? I mean, will those who are following you cause real trouble? Will it affect other clients of the law firm or Karen?”
Xu Feng admired Fudge’s directness and concern. He wasn’t just concerned about his own safety; he also considered the risks to the law firm and others. This sense of responsibility and care was at the heart of Fudge’s character.
“I can’t guarantee there are no risks,” Xu Feng answered honestly, “but I will do everything I can to reduce them. And the public display of Superman—the blue flying man—should have sent a message to those people: hunting me down might cause more trouble than it’s worth.”
Fudge seemed to weigh the answer, then he nodded, his decision made. “Alright, I’m in. But I have conditions.”
“What conditions?” Matt asked.
“Complete honesty,” Fudge said firmly, “at least on the crucial matters. I don’t need to know every superhero’s secret, but if there’s immediate danger, if there’s a chance it could affect the firm or our friends, I need to know.”
Xu Feng nodded in agreement. “That’s fair. I promise to be honest with you on key matters.”
Fudge seemed to accept the promise. He leaned back in his chair, his expression becoming more relaxed. “Okay, so now we have a client, or potential colleague, who can summon a superhero. This is definitely the strangest turn of events in my career.” He turned to Matt. “You know, sometimes I really miss the days when we just handled ordinary legal cases.”
Matt gave a rare smile. “Boring days? I don’t remember us ever having any.”
The little joke lightened the mood, and as the three of them sat there, each lost in their own thoughts, the atmosphere shifted from tension to a strange camaraderie—three very different people, connected by an unlikely series of events.
Fudge finally broke the silence. “So, what’s the plan? How do we help Xu Feng establish a new identity? Where does he live? What do we tell Karen?”
Matt gathered his thoughts. “First, identity. We’ll need basic documentation—birth certificate, Social Security number, driver’s license or ID card. Fudge, do you remember the records clerk who owed us a favor?”
Fudge nodded, his expression turning serious. “Yes. But this goes beyond a little clerical help, Matt. We’re talking about creating an entire identity.”
“I know,” Matt admitted, “but we have no choice. Xu Feng needs these documents to survive.”
Fudge thought for a moment, then nodded slowly. “I’ll contact him. But it’ll take time, and probably some… expense.”
Xu Feng felt a pang of guilt. He was asking these two people to risk their careers and possible legal consequences to help him, a virtual stranger. “I’m sorry to have dragged you into this situation,” he said sincerely. “If there were any other options…”
Matt raised his hand to signal him to stop. “No need to apologize. This is exactly what we do—help those who have been forgotten or ignored by the system. And,” his voice grew firmer, “if your abilities are as you describe, then helping you might also indirectly help more people.”
Fudge’s expression suggested he wasn’t entirely convinced by such idealism, but he didn’t object. Instead, he turned to more practical questions. “Regarding accommodations, Matt mentioned the safe apartment downstairs?”
Matt nodded in confirmation. “Yes. Apartment 18 on the second floor is currently vacant. It’s designed for witnesses or clients who need protection, with extra security measures and a private entrance. Xu Feng can stay there temporarily until we can find a more permanent solution.”
Fudge looked pleased with the arrangement. “Okay. So what about the income and cover identity?”
“I’m thinking of giving Xu Feng a position as an assistant or researcher at a law firm,” Matt suggested. “The salary won’t be too high, but it’s enough for basic living expenses. And this way, his existence will have a legal justification.”
Fudge considered the proposal. “That might work. We could certainly use some extra help, especially with research.” He turned to Xu Feng. “Do you have a legal background?”
Xu Feng shook his head. “I have no formal legal training. But I’m a quick learner, and… I have some special knowledge that might be helpful in research.” He was careful not to mention specifics, but the implication was true—his knowledge of the Marvel Universe might offer a unique perspective in certain cases.
“That’s enough,” Fudge decided. “We can say you’re a research assistant specializing in background investigations for special cases. Considering our client base, it wouldn’t even be a lie.”
Xu Feng felt a surge of relief. It seemed the housing, identity, and income issues all had preliminary solutions. Of course, there were still many details to be worked out, but at least the framework was there.
“There’s another problem,” Matt raised, “the technology used by those who are tracking Xu Feng. If they can detect some kind of energy signal, we need to find a way to block it.”
Fudge frowned. “That’s beyond my expertise. Unless you know some tech genius…”
Matt’s expression changed slightly, as if he was considering whether to share a secret. “Actually, I do know someone who might be able to help.”
Fudge’s eyes widened slightly, as if realizing something. “Wait, you’re saying… well, whoever it is, if they can help solve this problem, I won’t ask too many questions.”
Xu Feng speculates that Fudge may have guessed who Matt is referring to. Although in the series, Fudge eventually discovered Matt’s secret identity, in the current timeline, he may not know the whole truth yet, but only has suspicions.
“So,” Xu Feng concluded, “our plan is: create a new identity, use a safe apartment as a temporary residence, work at a law firm as a cover and source of income, and at the same time find a way to block energy signals. This sounds feasible.”
Matt and Fudge both nodded in agreement. The plan was simple but sound, and it gave Xu Feng a foundation on which to begin building a life in this new world.
“One more thing,” Fudge suddenly remembered, “Karen. What do we tell her?”
27. Exciting! When Xu Feng first entered Hell’s Kitchen, he was targeted by the gang. How did the blind man team and the beautiful woman deal with it? (Old version)
Matt thought for a moment. “For now, just tell her that Xu Feng is our new research assistant and needs some help adjusting to life in New York. She doesn’t need to know all the details, at least not yet. It’ll be better for her safety this way.”
Fudge nodded in agreement. “Good idea. She’s already worried enough. The incident with the men in black today scared her.” He turned to Xu Feng. “Karen is a good person and very smart. She deserves protection.”
Xu Feng fully understood Foggy’s concerns. Karen Page was a key character in the Daredevil series, having endured many dangers while remaining brave and upright. Protecting her from unnecessary risks was a wise choice.
“I agree,” Xu Feng said, “The fewer people know the details, the safer they will be.”
The conversation paused for a moment, each lost in their own thoughts. Outside the window, the sun began to set, and the sky took on a beautiful orange-red hue. The New York skyline looked particularly magnificent in this light, the glass of the tall buildings reflecting the setting sun, and the entire city seemed to be coated in a layer of gold.
Fudge finally stood up and stretched. “Well, guys, we have a lot of work to do. I’ll contact the records clerk right away and see what he needs to create a new identity document.”
Matt nodded. “I’ll prepare a safe apartment and make sure everything is ready. Xu Feng, you can stay there tonight.”
Xu Feng nodded gratefully: “Thank you both. I know you took a big risk to help me.”
Fudge waved his hand and made a nonchalant gesture: “Hey, that’s the style of Nelson & Murdoch Law Firm – always taking on impossible cases.” Although his tone was light, his eyes showed that he fully understood the seriousness and potential risks of this kind of help.
Matt stood up and walked to the window. “It’s getting dark. Fudge, can you take Xu Feng to a safe apartment? I have some…things I need to take care of.”
Fudge and Xu Feng exchanged a glance. Xu Feng knew what Matt was referring to—night was falling, and Daredevil was about to go out. Perhaps it was for a patrol, or perhaps to gather more information about the men in black.
“Of course,” Fudge replied, a hint of understanding of Matt’s “things” in his voice, “I’ll make sure he’s settled.”
Matt nodded gratefully, then turned to Xu Feng and said, “See you at the law firm tomorrow morning. We’ll start working on identity documents and other arrangements. In the meantime, keep a low profile and avoid using your abilities unless absolutely necessary.”
Xu Feng nodded in understanding: “I will. And I will start thinking about how to better understand and control this ability. Maybe there is a way to reduce the energy signature it produces, making it more difficult to track.”
Matt nodded thoughtfully. “That’s a good idea. Anything that can increase your safety is worth exploring.”
Fudge picked up his coat. “Are you ready, Xu Feng? We can buy some basic necessities on the way. The safe house has the basic facilities, but you will need your own clothes and personal belongings.”
Xu Feng stood up and picked up his backpack. At this moment, this simple backpack contained all his possessions in this world. “I’m ready. Thank you both again.”
Matt smiled faintly. “You’re welcome. Remember, starting tomorrow, you’ll be a member of Nelson & Murdoch Law Firm. Welcome to the team.”
This simple welcome warmed Xu Feng’s heart. In this strange universe, he had found an ally, perhaps even a friend. This was a starting point, a foundation on which he could build a new life.
Fudge led Xu Feng out of the apartment and downstairs to the safe house. Matt stood by the window, listening to their footsteps gradually fade away. Once he was sure they had left, he walked to a specially designed closet and opened a hidden compartment, revealing the iconic crimson suit—Daredevil’s battle suit.
As night falls, one begins a new life, while the other prepares to continue his secret mission. The lights of New York flicker in the darkness, and countless stories unfold in this city that never sleeps.
Fudge led Xu Feng through the hallway of the apartment building to an unassuming door. With no number or markings on it, it looked like a storage room or the entrance to a repair shop. Fudge pulled an ordinary-looking key from his pocket, inserted it into the keyhole, and gently turned it. The lock cylinder made a slight but distinct click, and the door swung gently inward.
“This is the back entrance,” Fudge explained, his voice barely above a whisper. “The main entrance is in the front corridor, and it looks just like an ordinary apartment 18. But this entrance allows you to come and go unnoticed.”
They walked into a narrow corridor, its walls made of undecorated concrete, illuminated only by a simple row of LED lights overhead. The corridor was about ten meters long and ended in another door. Fudge used the second key to open this door and led Xu Feng into the apartment proper.
The interior was beyond Xu Feng’s expectations. While the building looked rather old from the outside, the interior of the safe apartment was clean and tidy, with simple yet modern decor. The open-plan kitchen connected to the living room, while a short hallway led to the bathroom and bedroom. The windows were small, but they let in plenty of light, and the thick curtains completely blocked out the view of the outside world.
“This is much better than I thought,” Xu Feng said sincerely as he looked around.
Fudge smiled proudly. “Matt’s invested a lot in this place. He always said everyone deserves a safe haven.” His tone betrayed both admiration and a hint of impatience for his partner. “There’s some basic groceries in the kitchen, and clean towels and some toiletries in the bathroom. It’s not much, but it’s enough for an emergency.”
Xu Feng walked to the kitchen and opened a few cupboards to check. As Fudge had said, they were stocked with non-perishable foods—canned soup, pasta, oatmeal, a few bottles of water, and some snacks. The refrigerator was nearly empty, with only a few basic condiments.
“Here are the keys,” Fudge handed a bunch of keys to Xu Feng, “the big one is for the front door, and the small one is for the back door. And this -” He took out an ordinary-looking mobile phone from his pocket, “This is a prepaid phone, no contract, and it can’t be tracked. I’ve entered my number and Matt’s number, as well as the law firm’s number. If there’s an emergency, don’t hesitate to call immediately.”
Xu Feng took the keys and phone, feeling a surge of warmth and gratitude. Fudge and Matt had been so thoughtful about every detail for him, even though they had only known him for less than a day.
“Thank you, Fudge,” Xu Feng said sincerely, “this all means a lot to me.”
Fudge waved his hand, looking a little embarrassed. “You’re welcome. This apartment is empty most of the time anyway, so it’s good to have something useful.” He looked around and continued, “As for the security measures, you should know: the doors and windows are reinforced, and the front door has a hidden anti-theft chain.” He walked towards the front door and pointed to a small, almost invisible mechanism on the door frame. “Pull this to release an additional bolt. Only someone who knows the mechanism can open it.”
Xu Feng carefully observed and memorized the location and operation of this mechanism. In this strange world, extra safety measures are never too many.
“Also,” Fudge pointed to a small, unassuming box in the corner, “this is a simple alarm system. If anyone tries to break in, it’ll sound the alarm and automatically call Matt and me. The activation code is 2-8-4-7, and the deactivation code is the reverse. Simple, but effective.”
Xu Feng repeated these numbers in his mind, making sure he remembered them. It was obvious that although this apartment was simple, every detail had been carefully designed, with safety being the top priority.
“We’ll do some more shopping for necessities tomorrow,” Fudge said, “but you might need some basics tonight. We can go to a nearby convenience store and pick up some food and toiletries.”
Xu Feng nodded in agreement. He did need some basic supplies, and this was also a good opportunity to get to know his surroundings.
They locked the apartment and left through the front door—this time using the regular entrance, which looked like the regular door to Apartment 18. A few light bulbs in the hallway cast a warm yellow glow, illuminating the old but immaculate floors and walls. The sound of a television and the faint sound of conversation from behind a neighbor’s door gave the building a hint of life.
Evening had fallen, but Hell’s Kitchen’s nightlife was just beginning. The streets were still crowded, and the neon lights of bars and restaurants flickered in the darkness. The air was filled with the aroma of food, car exhaust, and that unique urban scent—a complex blend of countless individual lives.
“Hell’s Kitchen can be a little… tricky at night,” Fudge explained as they walked, “but as long as you avoid certain areas, it’s generally safe. Like any city, knowing where is safe and where is not is key to survival.”
Xu Feng listened carefully, observing his surroundings. Every detail—the graffiti on street corners, the types of people gathering in specific areas, the distribution of streetlights—could become crucial navigation and safety information in the future.
“Over there,” Fudge pointed to a bright 24-hour convenience store, “we can buy basic necessities there. The owner, Morris, is a nice man. His store has a full range of goods at fair prices.”
The convenience store was clean and bright, with shelves neatly lined with daily necessities and food. An elderly man with a white beard stood behind the cash register, reading a newspaper. Seeing Fudge enter, he looked up and a friendly smile appeared on his face.
“Fudge!” the old man greeted warmly, his voice thick with Italian accent. “Long time no see, young man. How is your blind friend?”
Fudge walked to the cashier and shook the old man’s hand. “Matt is fine, Maurice. Busy saving the world, one case at a time.” There was a hidden meaning in these words, but only those who knew Matt’s secret could understand it.
“Ah, you lawyers are always so exaggerated,” Morris smiled and shook his head, then turned his gaze to Xu Feng, “Who is this?”
“New colleague,” Fudge introduced simply, “We just moved to this area and need some basic supplies.”
Morris nodded without asking further questions. “Welcome to Hell’s Kitchen, young man. It’s not as scary as the name sounds, as long as you know how to survive.”
Xu Feng nodded politely. “Thank you. I look forward to getting to know this community.”
Morris waved his hand. “Just look around and ask if you need anything. I have everything here, from toothbrushes to hangover remedies.”
Xu Feng and Fudge began to walk through the shelves, picking out necessities. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, some simple food – bread, cheese, ready meals and drinks. Xu Feng noticed that Fudge seemed to be very familiar with the store, finding each item expertly.
“Do you come here often?” Xu Feng asked while picking a box of cereal.
Fudge nodded. “I live a few blocks away. This is my go-to place. Morris knows everyone and everything. If you want to know what’s going on in Hell’s Kitchen, there’s no better way to get caught up on the goings-on here.”
Xu Feng took this message to heart. In a new environment, understanding information channels and community networks is crucial for survival. Someone like Morris, though superficially a convenience store owner, might know the realities of the neighborhood better than many official sources.
They continued shopping, with Fudge offering occasional suggestions—which brand of coffee was better, which bread was fresher—and there was something oddly comforting about this mundane activity, a reminder to Xu Feng that even in this world of superheroes and secret organizations, the mundane details of daily life still existed.
As they approached the cashier, the door suddenly flung open, and three young men walked in noisily. Their demeanor was somewhat arrogant, their eyes sharp and alert, clearly carrying a provocative air.
Fudge’s body language changed immediately, becoming more alert and nervous. “Those are members of Kitchen Irish,” he whispered to Xu Feng, not looking directly at the young men. “They run some businesses in this area. It’s best to avoid attracting attention.”
Xu Feng nodded slightly, understanding. He knew that “Kitchen Irish” was an Irish gang in Hell’s Kitchen, appearing in both the “Daredevil” and “Punisher” series. This was his first real encounter with the dark side of the world—not the exaggerated threats of supervillains, but the everyday dangers that existed in the streets.
The young men, chatting and laughing loudly, walked towards the liquor section and selected a few bottles of wine. Morris’s expression became alert but calm, obviously he was used to this kind of customers.
“Morris,” one of the young men called out, his voice deliberately casual, “how’s business going lately?”
The old man shrugged slightly. “Same old as always, Eddie. No more, no less, just enough to live on.”
Eddie smiled, but the smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Really? I heard you made a good income last month. Remember to settle with Finn before Friday, okay? He’s been in a bad mood lately.”
The threat in this statement was clear. Morris simply nodded, his expression neutral.
Xu Feng and Fudge tried to keep a low profile, placing their shopping baskets on the counter. Morris quickly calculated the total, his movements smooth and silent, clearly intent on completing the transaction quickly and avoiding any potential conflict.
Just as Fudge was about to pay, one of the young men noticed them. “Hey, isn’t that the lawyer?” He raised his eyebrows. “Nelson? The guy who always litigates for the poor?”
Fudge remained calm, but Xu Feng noticed that his hands were shaking slightly: “Yes, Franklin Nelson. Nice to be recognized.” He tried to keep his tone relaxed but professional.
The young man took a few steps closer, his attitude challenging. “You know, I have a cousin who was put in jail last month. He said it was because a blind lawyer testified against him. Could that be your partner?”
28. Xu Feng faces a major crisis! The abnormal energy just disappeared last night, but a greeting from the beautiful Karen brings danger back? (Old version)
The air suddenly grew tense. Morris’s hand quietly moved under the counter, perhaps hiding some kind of self-defense weapon there. Xu Feng felt his heartbeat quicken, but he forced himself to remain calm. The system was in suppression mode, but he knew that if the situation became truly dangerous, he might need to risk using it.
Fudge straightened up, his voice steady despite the obvious threat he felt. “My partner and I are simply doing our jobs, ensuring the law is fairly enforced. If your cousin has any questions about his case, he can contact our law firm.”
This professional yet respectful answer seemed to surprise the young man. He frowned at Fudge for a moment, then suddenly smiled. “Never mind, that guy’s a jerk anyway.” He turned back to his companion, looking disinterested.
Xu Feng and Fudge quickly checked out and filled their shopping bags. As they prepared to leave, Morris whispered to Fudge, “Be careful, kid. These people have become more active lately.”
Fudge nodded gratefully. “Thanks for the reminder, Maurice. Take care.”
They left the convenience store, feeling scrutiny from behind. The night air seemed to grow heavier, the streetlights casting long shadows across the damp sidewalk. Only after turning a few corners and confirming they weren’t being followed did they relax.
“This is Hell’s Kitchen,” Fudge said softly, with a hint of impatience and fatigue in his voice. “Things appear to be getting better on the surface, but the undercurrents beneath never stop.”
Xu Feng nodded in understanding: “Every city has its two sides.”
Their footsteps echoed in the quiet street, and the light from the street lamps formed halos around them, like small islands dotted in the dark ocean. In the distance, the sound of sirens echoed between the buildings like the heartbeat of the city.
Back at the apartment, Fudge helped Xu Feng settle in and made sure he understood all the safety measures and how to use the facilities.
“Come to the law firm tomorrow morning at eight,” Fudge said before leaving. “We’ll formally introduce you to Karen and then start working on your identity documents. And…” He hesitated, “If you have any problems tonight, no matter how small, call me.”
Xu Feng nodded solemnly: “I will. Thank you again, Fudge.”
Fudge smiled and patted his shoulder. “Welcome to the crazy new world, Xu Feng. Get some rest.”
After the door closed, Xu Feng stood alone in the middle of his apartment, truly feeling the full weight of the day for the first time. Less than 24 hours ago, he had been in his own world, living an ordinary life. Now, he was in the Marvel Universe, being hunted by various organizations, and had just met Daredevil and his partner, while Superman had returned to his own universe.
This dramatic shift in reality is almost breathtaking.
Xu Feng walked to the window, gently parted the curtains, and gazed out at the New York nightscape. The city lights twinkled in the darkness like scattered stars. Somewhere, Matt Murdock was probably leaping from rooftop to rooftop, searching for someone in need or tracking down clues to some mysterious organization.
[Currently in suppression mode, remaining time: 10 hours and 32 minutes]【Energy signal attenuation: 80%】
[Warning: After suppression mode ends, the signal will return to normal strength][Suggestion: Find a long-term signal shielding solution]The system prompt rang in Xu Feng’s mind, reminding him of his current status and potential risks. He needed to find a way to shield the energy signal for a long time, otherwise those pursuers would find him again sooner or later.
Xu Feng walked to the kitchen and began to sort out the food and supplies he had just bought. This ordinary domestic activity was strangely comforting, as if reminding him that even in this extraordinary situation, elements of ordinary life still existed.
Simple actions like putting milk and cheese in the refrigerator, bread and cereal in the cupboards, and toiletries neatly arranged on the bathroom shelves helped him calm down and think about his next steps.
After washing up, Xu Feng sat on the edge of his bed, took out his prepaid phone, and examined it carefully. It was a very basic model, without any smart features, just call and text messaging. As Fudge had said, it already had a few contacts stored in it—”Fudge,” “Matt,” and “Law Firm.” This simple connection gave him a sense of security, knowing there was someone he could contact when he needed it.
Xu Feng lay down, feeling the touch of the unfamiliar bed. The room was eerily quiet, with only the sounds of the distant city filtering through the window—car horns, the occasional laugh, the echo of a distant sirens. These sounds formed a New York nighttime symphony, at once familiar and yet strange.
Just as he was about to fall asleep, the system sounded in his mind again:
Abnormal energy fluctuations detected
[Source: Unknown][Nature: Uncertain, possibly circumference interference][Recommendation: Stay vigilant and collect more data]This warning instantly woke Xu Feng up. He sat up and looked around warily, but everything in the apartment was normal. There were no visible threats or unusual phenomena.
What did the abnormal energy fluctuation mean? Dimensional interference? Was this related to the “balance” and “correction” mentioned in his dream? Xu Feng’s thoughts returned to that strange dream—a huge shadow shrouding the universe, and that deep voice warning him that his existence was an “anomaly.”
Xu Feng shook his head, trying to dispel these uneasy thoughts. Now, he needed to rest and prepare for tomorrow. Whatever that energy fluctuation was, he couldn’t solve it right now. But he would remain vigilant and gather more information.
With such mixed feelings, Xu Feng lay down again, letting fatigue take over. His consciousness gradually blurred, and he fell into an uneasy but necessary sleep.
Night falls over New York City, particularly Hell’s Kitchen, a district rife with contradictions and struggles. Somewhere in this world, the Avengers may be gathering; in a laboratory, scientists may be studying the secrets of the Tesseract; and in the shadows of the city, various organizations and forces are quietly moving, pursuing their own goals and ambitions.
Xu Feng is just a tiny existence in this vast universe, but his arrival may have already caused ripples, and those ripples are spreading, touching every corner of the world. His journey has just begun, and the future is full of endless possibilities and dangers.
The dream returned, but this time it was different. Xu Feng dreamed he was standing in a vast cosmic library, countless bookshelves stretching beyond his sight. Each book seemed to represent a story, a world, a possibility. He wandered aimlessly until he came upon a unique book.
There was no title on the cover, only a strange symbol—a complex geometric pattern nested within a circle. Xu Feng reached out and touched it, and the book automatically opened. The words and images on the pages began to flow, as if they had life.
A voice sounded in his ears. It was not the threatening voice in his previous dream, but a calm and ancient voice: “Every journey brings change, and every change creates a new path. The universe seeks balance, but balance does not mean stillness. Sometimes, anomalies are the beginning of a new order.”
Just as Xu Feng tried to understand the meaning of these words, the dream began to blur, the voice gradually disappeared, and only the afterimage of the strange symbol remained, flickering in his consciousness.
The morning sun shone through the cracks in the curtains, waking Xu Feng. He blinked, adjusting to the light, and recalled the strange dream. Unlike the previous one, this one lacked a sense of threat, instead carrying a mysterious, revelatory quality. That symbol… he seemed to have seen it somewhere before, but he couldn’t quite place it.
Good morning, host.
[System suppression mode remaining time: 4 hours and 12 minutes][Warning: The energy fluctuations detected last night have disappeared][Suggestion: Today’s goals: 1. Obtain identification documents 2. Find a signal blocking solution 3. Learn more about system functions]Xu Feng sat up, stretched, and felt the morning light in the unfamiliar room. Today was his first full day in this new world, the day he would begin building a new life. He needed to focus on the practical issues at hand—identity, safety, work—rather than those mysterious dreams and warnings.
He got up, washed up, and took a quick shower. The warm water washed over his body, washing away some of his fatigue and tension. After drying himself, he put on the new clothes he had bought yesterday—simple jeans, a T-shirt, and a light jacket. They weren’t fashionable, but they were clean and neat enough for a temporary wear.
In the kitchen, Xu Feng prepared a simple breakfast with his newly purchased ingredients—toast with cheese and a cup of instant coffee. The taste and texture of the food reminded him that certain fundamental experiences are similar in every universe. This simple realization brought him a sense of comfort.
After breakfast, Xu Feng checked his prepaid phone to confirm the time and contacts were correct. It was 7:30, and he still had half an hour to get to the law firm. He decided to leave early to familiarize himself with the route from his apartment to the firm.
After locking the door and activating the alarm, Xu Feng walked out of his apartment and merged into the morning atmosphere of Hell’s Kitchen. Hell’s Kitchen during the day had a completely different atmosphere than at night—brighter, more vibrant, and more ordinary. People hurried to work, shops began to open, and the laughter of children echoed from the nearby school. This rhythm of daily life had a reassuring sense of normalcy.
Xu Feng walked the streets, noting the landmarks and features around him, constructing his own mental map. Understanding the environment was essential if he was going to live and work in this area. He memorized every corner, every prominent building, every possible shortcut or escape route. As a Marvel fan, he knew that in this world, a battle between superheroes and villains, or other supernatural events, could break out at any moment.
As he approached the block where the law firm was located, Xu Feng noticed several workers repairing the damage from yesterday’s battle. Broken windows were boarded up, and cracks in the walls were marked for repair. These scars reminded him that the existence of superhumans had a real impact on the daily lives of ordinary people.
The law firm building looked much the same as it had yesterday, its red brick exterior appearing warm and quaint in the morning light. Xu Feng walked into the lobby and climbed the stairs to the second floor. The wooden steps creaked familiarly under his feet, like the greeting of an old friend.
When he reached the door of Nelson & Murdoch, Xu Feng took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. A few seconds later, the door opened, and Karen Page appeared. She looked neat and professional, but the dark circles under her eyes suggested she hadn’t slept well.
“Hello?” she asked politely, a hint of caution in her eyes. Yesterday’s events had clearly affected her.
“Good morning, Ms. Peggy,” Xu Feng responded politely, “I’m Xu Feng. Matt and Fudge may have mentioned me? I’m the new… research assistant.”
Karen’s expression immediately became friendlier. “Oh, yes! Fudge mentioned that you would start today. Please come in.” She stepped aside to let Xu Feng into the office. “Matt and Fudge haven’t arrived yet, but they should be here soon. Can you sit in the waiting area first, or can I make you a cup of coffee?”
Xu Feng gratefully accepted the coffee offer. The office looked much the same as yesterday, but it was tidier, with traces of yesterday’s chaos having been cleared away.
“What happened yesterday,” Xu Feng said carefully, “I’m sorry for causing you trouble.”
Karen handed Xu Feng a cup of steaming coffee and shook her head. “It’s not your fault. To be honest, I’ve seen a lot of strange things since I started working here. Those men in black are just the latest.” She paused, lowered her voice, and said with a hint of curiosity, “Fudge said you were a special client of theirs, and now you’re a colleague?”
Xu Feng took a sip of coffee. The bitterness and warmth of the coffee gave him some time to think. He needed to be cautious and follow Matt and Fudge’s advice, not revealing too many details.
“Yes, I have some…unique legal issues,” Xu Feng replied tactfully. “Matt and Fudge suggested that I could work here as a research assistant while they help me deal with these issues.”
Karen nodded and didn’t ask for details, which made Xu Feng feel relieved and grateful. In the series “Daredevil”, Karen Page showed extremely high emotional intelligence and judgment, knowing when not to interfere too much.
“Well, by all means, welcome to the team,” Karen said with a smile, “It may look small and chaotic here, but we do important work. At least that’s what I think.”
Xu Feng returned the favor with a sincere smile: “Thank you. I’m looking forward to being a part of the team.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the front door opening and Fudge walking in, carrying two paper bags full of doughnuts and a coffee tray.
“Good morning, sunshines!” He held up the paper bag.
“I brought breakfast!” Fudge’s voice echoed in the law firm’s small office, as energetic and warm as ever.
Xu Feng turned around and watched Fudge place the paper bag on the front desk table, carefully placing the coffee tray beside it. Fudge was wearing a dark gray suit with a slightly loose tie. He had obviously just come out of the subway, and his cheeks were slightly flushed from his brisk walk.
“Fudge, you’re an angel,” Karen said with a smile, immediately taking a cup of coffee from the tray, “I could use another one.”
Fudge grinned and pushed one of the paper bags in Xu Feng’s direction. “I wasn’t sure what flavor you’d like, so I bought a few. There’s chocolate frosting, cinnamon, and regular frosted donuts.”
Xu Feng took the paper bag gratefully, “Thank you, anything is fine actually.” He hesitated for a moment, then added, “I haven’t eaten real donuts in a long time.” This was not a lie. In his original world, he had not enjoyed this simple delicacy for a long time.
“Then you can’t miss it,” Fudge patted his shoulder. “It’s the traditional breakfast of Nelson & Murdoch Law Firm. Although usually Matt and I share it.”
Xu Feng took a cinnamon donut from the bag, and the sweet smell immediately made him feel strangely comforted. After experiencing so much chaos and danger in the past 24 hours, this ordinary morning moment seemed particularly precious.
“Speaking of Matt,” Karen looked up at the door, “is he going to be later than usual today?”
29. Xu Feng is involved in a complicated dispute! Behind Stanley’s fear, the mysterious man in sunglasses, how will the beautiful Karen deal with it? (Old version)
Fudge shrugged, “Maybe. He said last night that he had some things to deal with.” He looked at Xu Feng meaningfully, and Xu Feng immediately understood that this might be related to Daredevil’s activities.
“Then we can discuss today’s arrangements first,” Fudge said, pulling out a small notebook from his suit pocket. “I’ve contacted Melvin, and he can meet with us at three in the afternoon. Regarding that…particular technical issue.”
Xu Feng nodded, understanding that Fudge was euphemistically referring to the energy signal shielding device.
Karen looked at the two curiously. “What’s the specific technical issue? Is it about the office equipment?”
Fudge smiled and changed the subject naturally. “Just some security measures. By the way, Karen, could you help me organize the files for Jeffreys’ case? I need to call my client back later.”
Karen nodded thoughtfully, obviously noticing Fudge’s evasion, but she was professional enough not to press the issue. “No problem, I’ve already left them on your desk. And the replies to last week’s emails are all done.”
Xu Feng took a bite of the donut, savoring the aroma of cinnamon and the softness of the dough. This small, ordinary enjoyment made him suddenly realize that even in a crisis, life is still full of details worth cherishing.
“So,” Fudge turned to Xu Feng, lowering his voice slightly but maintaining a relaxed tone, “your main task today is to familiarize yourself with our filing system and office operations. Karen will give you a basic understanding. As for those identity documents… I have a few ideas, but we need to wait for Matt to come and discuss them together.”
Just then, the office door opened again, and Matt Murdock walked in. He wore a dark suit, red-lensed sunglasses shading his eyes, and held a folded cane in his hand. Despite the events of the previous night as Daredevil, he stood tall and straight, his face calm, showing no signs of fatigue.
“Good morning,” Matt said with a smile, “I hope I didn’t miss too much.”
“It’s just breakfast,” Fudge replied, moving forward to help Matt hang his coat on the hanger, “We were just about to start discussing Xu Feng’s matter.”
Matt nodded and tilted his head slightly in Xu Feng’s direction, “How did you sleep? Is the apartment comfortable?”
Xu Feng put down the donut in his hand and wiped the powdered sugar off his fingers. “It’s much better than I expected. There aren’t any…uninvited guests, and no abnormal energy fluctuations were sensed.”
Matt walked towards his desk with ease, as if he could clearly “see” his surroundings. Xu Feng knew that this was due to his extraordinary sensory ability, which allowed him to perceive everything around him through sound, air flow, and even temperature changes.
“Great,” Matt said, “then we can start discussing how to resolve your identity issue.”
The three of them moved to Matt’s office, and Fudge closed the door. Karen understood this as a sign that they needed to talk privately, so she continued with her work.
Matt’s office was tidier than the main area outside. His law school diploma hung on the wall, and the windows faced the street, letting in the weak sunlight that filtered through the blinds, casting streaks of light and shadow on the floor.
“I did some research last night,” Matt said, tapping his fingers lightly on his desk as he sat down. “On how to create a reliable identity for you. Fudge mentioned that you needed documentation that would exist in the system.”
Fudge sat on the chair opposite, while Xu Feng chose to stand aside and listen attentively.
“Yes,” Xu Feng nodded in confirmation, “I need proof that I can legally exist in this world. Social Security number, identification, and possibly some background history.”
Matt frowned slightly. “This is a bit of a… gray area legally. But considering your unique situation, I think we can find a compromise solution.”
“Are you thinking about Brett’s line?” Fudge asked, and it was obvious that they had discussed this issue before.
Matt nodded. “Brett Mallory, he works at the immigration office and owes us a favor. After we helped him solve that tricky custody issue last time, he said we could contact him if we needed help.”
Xu Feng felt a glimmer of hope. “Can he create an official record?”
“Not exactly creating one,” Matt explained, his voice careful and precise. “But exploiting loopholes in the system. Sometimes, there are temporary programs for refugees or undocumented people in special circumstances. He can help you go through a similar route, creating a temporary identity, and then we’ll gradually build the other necessary documents.”
Fudge added: “It’s not about outright fabrication – that would get us all into legal trouble – but about taking advantage of the flexibility of the existing system. After all, you are a special kind of refugee, aren’t you?”
Xu Feng pondered the suggestion. Indeed, in a sense, he was a “refugee,” someone from another universe, unable to return. This perspective might offer some moral justification for this form of identity creation.
“That sounds like a feasible plan,” Xu Feng finally said, “I don’t want you to take too much risk, but I do need these documents to survive in this world.”
Matt nodded slightly. “I’ll contact Brett this afternoon. If all goes well, we might see some progress in a few days. Before then, you can get familiar with the firm’s work. We can introduce you as a new intern assistant or researcher.”
As they were discussing the details, Karen knocked on the office door and poked her head in.
“I’m sorry to bother you,” she said, “but Mr. Stanley has arrived regarding his case with the landlord.”
Fudge immediately stood up and said, “I’ll take care of it. Xu Feng, do you want to come along? This is a good opportunity to see what our normal work is like.”
Xu Feng nodded, grateful for the offer. Being able to integrate into the daily work of the law firm would not only help him establish a cover identity, but also allow him to begin to understand how the world actually works.
“Of course, I’d love to.”
Fudge nodded to Matt, “Shall we continue discussing the shielding device in an hour?”
Matt agreed. “I should have contacted Brett by then. Also, remember to tell Xu Feng about the meeting this afternoon—you know Melvin’s… characteristics.”
Fudge smiled slightly, “Oh, yes, our genius friend does have some peculiar social habits.”
As Xu Feng followed Fudge out of Matt’s office and into the outer area of the law firm, every detail of the conversation still reverberated in his mind. Especially the part about identity documents, which meant he would gain legitimacy in this strange universe. He felt a sense of relief, but then a wave of mixed emotions welled up—this sense of relief itself reminded him of the reality of being in a foreign land.
The office’s wooden floor creaked softly beneath Fudge’s leather shoes. Xu Feng noticed that while the law firm’s space was small, it was neatly organized. An old-fashioned filing cabinet in the corner took up almost an entire wall, piled high with files and legal reference books. A few potted plants added a touch of life to the space. Outside the window, the Hell’s Kitchen streetscape loomed, and sunlight filtered through the half-open blinds, casting streaks of light and shadow across the floor.
“Mr. Stanley,” Fudge said, approaching a middle-aged man sitting in the waiting area, his tone warm and professional, “It’s nice to see you again.”
Mr. Stanley, who looked to be in his early fifties, was wearing a slightly worn but neat suit, and his face was clearly tired and anxious. He stood up and nervously shook Fudge’s outstretched hand.
“Thank you for seeing me, Mr. Nelson. Things have gotten worse.”
Fudge nodded and gestured for him to enter the reception room – a small space separated by a glass wall, which provided relative privacy.
“This is Xu Feng, our new research assistant,” Fudge introduced him to Stanley. “He will assist me with your case.”
Xu Feng nodded slightly to Stanley, trying his best to appear professional and calm, although he was full of curiosity and nervousness about the first “job” he was about to face.
“Please take a seat,” Fudge pointed to a chair in the reception room, then sat down opposite and took a folder from his briefcase. “Last time we talked about the landlord violating the terms of the lease and trying to evict you under false pretenses. Any new developments?”
Stanley drummed his fingers nervously on his knee. “They cut the heat in my apartment yesterday, claiming it was system maintenance, but I and two other inconvenient tenants were the only ones affected in the entire building. The temperature plummeted to 50 degrees. My wife’s arthritis flared up again, and the pain kept her awake all night.”
Listening to Stanley describe his predicament, Xu Feng couldn’t help but feel a resonant connection. In this world of superheroes and cosmic threats, ordinary people face down-to-earth challenges—landlords’ harassment, the hardships of life. This reminded him that the Marvel Universe isn’t just about glamorous superhero stories; it’s also about the day-to-day struggles of ordinary people like Stanley.
Fudge frowned, his expression becoming serious. “This constitutes harassment and a violation of the housing regulations. New York City law clearly stipulates that between October and May, landlords must ensure that the indoor temperature does not drop below 62 degrees at night.”
Xu Feng noticed a change in the way Fudge spoke—when he discussed legal issues, his tone became more confident and resolute, a stark contrast to his usual lighthearted and humorous persona. This made Xu Feng realize once again why Matt chose Fudge as his partner—beneath that seemingly easygoing exterior, he was a lawyer who truly understood how to protect the rights of the vulnerable.
Fudge opened the folder, took out a pen and notebook, and began to record Stanley’s statement. “Tell me the specific time and the measures you took. Did you notify the landlord or the property management company?”
Stanley nodded and pulled a folded piece of paper from his pocket. “I texted the property manager and saved a screenshot. He replied saying the repairs would take at least 48 hours, but we all knew that was an excuse. Mr. Hart—the developer—openly stated in the lobby last week that they were going to clear out the building’s old tenants to make way for the upcoming high-end renovation.”
Xu Feng silently observed every subtle expression on Stanley’s face as he spoke, sensing a deeper fear beneath his anxiety—the fear of losing his home. Xu Feng suddenly realized that he and the stranger before him had something in common—both were forced to face unstable housing situations, albeit for very different reasons.
Fudge took the paper, read it carefully, and put it into the folder. “This is very good evidence. We can use it to support our application for an injunction.” He turned to Xu Feng, a teaching gleam in his eyes. “Xu Feng, what legal action do you think we should take in this situation?”
This sudden question caught Xu Feng off guard. He knew little about New York tenant law, let alone professional legal strategies. But he decided to try to think about the problem from a logical perspective.
“Well, first of all, we need to ensure that Mr. Stanley and his family have a safe and warm environment,” Xu Feng answered carefully, choosing his words carefully so as not to reveal his identity as an outsider. “Perhaps we can apply for an emergency order to require the heating to be restored immediately? At the same time, record all relevant evidence in preparation for a possible harassment lawsuit?”
Fudge’s mouth curled up slightly, as if he was satisfied with Xu Feng’s answer. “That’s right. We need to take a two-pronged approach.” He turned to Stanley and said, “I will apply for an emergency order from the Housing Court today, requiring Hart to restore the heating immediately. At the same time, this is the third such incident. We have sufficient grounds to file a harassment lawsuit.”
Stanley’s shoulders relaxed slightly, a glimmer of hope appearing on his face. “Can it really work? Hart has a lot of money, and I heard he has some… unusual backers behind him.”
Fudge’s eyes gleamed with determination. “That’s why lawyers like us exist, Stanley. Money and power shouldn’t be above the law.” He paused. “Also, I need you to continue documenting everything – take photos, keep records of all correspondence, and write down any unusual incidents, including eyewitness testimony if possible.”
Xu Feng noticed the subtle change in Fudge’s tone when he used the word “unusual supporter,” which made him suspect that the landlord might be connected to some dark forces in Hell’s Kitchen. This thought made him listen more attentively to every detail of the conversation.
Stanley swallowed nervously. “There’s something I haven’t mentioned yet… there were two strangers hanging around downstairs last night. They were wearing suits but didn’t look like typical businessmen. They were studying the building, taking notes, and were paying particular attention to our apartment. My wife said… she thought they looked like they were doing an evaluation.”
Fudge and Xu Feng exchanged a look. In Hell’s Kitchen, this description usually meant trouble was brewing.
“Can you describe their appearance?” Fudge asked, his tone still calm, but Xu Feng noticed that he pressed the tip of his pen a little harder on the paper.
“One is tall, blond, with a scar on his face; the other is shorter, bald, and wearing sunglasses, even though it’s dark. They give me a feeling…not quite right.” Stanley whispered, the fear in his voice more obvious.
30. Help! Xu Feng is in danger while filling out the form, and Karen, who is buying the meal, is completely unaware of it. Who is behind this? (Old Version)
Xu Feng’s heartbeat quickened slightly. This description reminded him of gang members, perhaps preparing for some kind of “cleanup operation.” He could feel his internal system vibrating slightly, as if responding to his alarm, but it quickly calmed down.
Fudge’s expression grew more serious as he wrote down these details. “I see. This could be part of an intimidation tactic.” He closed his notebook. “Stanley, given the urgency of the situation, I will submit my application today. I’ll also contact my friends at the Housing Advocacy Group to see if we can arrange for additional patrols around your building.”
“Cost…” Stanley began hesitantly, “I know the legal process is expensive, and our savings…”
Fudge raised his hand to signal him not to worry. “We’ve already discussed this. Nelson & Murdoch exists to help those truly in need. We’ll use a contingent fee structure—we’ll only take a percentage of the fee if we win a settlement. Until then, you don’t need to worry about any fees.”
Stanley’s eyes moistened. “Thank you, Mr. Nelson. There are fewer and fewer lawyers like you in this city.”
Fudge smiled and stood up, extending his hand to shake Stanley’s. “Don’t worry, we will resolve this. If there are any new developments, feel free to contact me. I will have news for you this afternoon.”
After Stanley left, Xu Feng and Fudge returned to the outer office area. Karen looked up at them and asked, “How is the situation?”
Fudge shook his head. “Another trick by Hart Development. This is already the third complaint from the same building this month.” He turned to Xu Feng and said, “Welcome to the true face of Hell’s Kitchen—the endless battle between ordinary people and developers, landlords, and the various forces hidden behind them.”
Xu Feng nodded thoughtfully, “Is there really any illegal force behind Hart?”
Karen looked up from her computer and joined the conversation. “It’s well known throughout Hell’s Kitchen that Hart has connections.” She made a quotation mark gesture. “Especially in recent months, with all the sudden access to cash, he’s been buying up entire blocks of properties.”
Fudge walked over to the coffee machine and poured himself a cup. “The problem is, we can’t prove these connections. On the surface, Hart is just a successful businessman, using legal—albeit morally questionable—means to expand his real estate empire.”
Xu Feng could sense the deeper issues lurking beneath this topic. This wasn’t just a typical landlord-tenant dispute, but a reflection of Hell’s Kitchen’s long-standing dark underbelly in real life. He recalled the Hell’s Kitchen depicted in the Daredevil series—a battlefield where various factions vie for power, and ordinary people often become innocent victims.
“So this is what you do here,” Xu Feng said slowly, “to stand on the side of ordinary people, even when facing powerful opponents.”
Fudge took a sip of coffee and nodded. “This is the original intention of Matt and I to establish this law firm. The law should protect everyone, especially those who cannot protect themselves.” He paused, looking in the direction of Matt’s office, and lowered his voice slightly. “Of course, some problems cannot be resolved through legal means alone.”
Xu Feng understood the implication of Fudge’s words. Daredevil’s existence filled a void beyond the reach of the law. This made him ponder his own place in this world—with the knowledge of a time traveler and a summoning system, where could he find his place?
Matt walked out of the office with his phone in his hand. “I just spoke to Brett on the phone. He agreed to meet with us next Monday to discuss…Xu Feng’s situation.”
Fudge’s eyes lit up. “Great! That’s faster than I expected.”
“But there’s a condition,” Matt added. “He needs some basic information to prepare. Date of birth, place of birth, educational background, and so on. Even a temporary identity requires a basic framework.”
All three turned their gazes to Xu Feng, awaiting his reaction. Xu Feng realized this was a crucial moment—he needed to begin constructing his “past” in this world. This “past” needed to be realistic enough to pass scrutiny, yet not too detailed to provoke unnecessary investigation.
“I think I can provide these,” Xu Feng replied cautiously, “Do you need me to prepare them now?”
Matt nodded. “The sooner the better. Brett said he’d need at least two days to get ready.”
Karen pulled out a folder from under the table. “Actually, I’ve prepared a standard form. We often use it to help undocumented immigrant clients organize their information.” She handed the folder to Xu Feng. “Perhaps this will be helpful to you.”
Xu Feng took the folder, grateful for Karen’s thoughtfulness and impressed by her efficiency. He flipped to the first page and saw a list of personal information fields that needed to be filled in: full name, date of birth, place of birth, education, work experience, family members, and so on.
Faced with this form, Xu Feng suddenly felt a strange dizziness. This wasn’t just about constructing a new identity; it was about redefining himself in this unfamiliar universe. On this blank sheet of paper, he had to create a new “Xu Feng”—a character who could both fit in with this world and protect his true identity.
“Thank you, I’ll fill it out as soon as possible,” Xu Feng said, and then another question came to mind, “Regarding my professional background… Considering that I will be working in a law firm, perhaps I should have a relevant legal background?”
Fudge rubbed his chin, thinking. “That’s a good idea, but we need to avoid getting too specific in the details so that no one actually checks. Perhaps you have a background in legal studies, but don’t practice law in the United States?”
“Or,” Matt suggested, “you could say you worked at a law library or research institute overseas, organizing documents and conducting research. That would explain your background without prompting too much specific inquiry.”
Xu Feng nodded, liking the idea. It provided him with enough plausibility to explain any legal knowledge (or lack thereof) he might have demonstrated, while avoiding the risk of needing to provide specific proof.
“I think that’s appropriate,” Xu Feng responded, then turned to Fudge, “What do I need to know about my meeting with Melvin this afternoon?”
Fudge’s expression became a little strange, somewhere between amusement and helplessness. “Ah, Melvin. He’s a genius, really. An absolute master in electronics and mechanics. But socially…” He made a funny gesture, “Let’s just say he has his own unique way of communicating.”
Matt chuckled. “What Fudge means is that Melvin is very direct, and sometimes that can make people uncomfortable. But he’s a good guy, and his technical skills are unmatched. He’s helped me—well, helped a lot of people.”
Xu Feng caught Matt’s slip of the tongue and realized that he originally wanted to say that Melvin helped Daredevil. This made him even more curious about this mysterious technical expert.
“Can he create an energy shielding device?” Xu Feng asked in a low voice, making sure only Matt and Fudge could hear.
Fudge shrugged. “If anyone in the world could do it, it’s Melvin. The problem is convincing him to help, and making sure he doesn’t become too curious about your…peculiar circumstances.”
Matt took a step closer, his voice lowering. “Melvin knows about me, but he’s very private and confidential. However, we need to figure out how to explain your situation to him. We don’t have to tell him the whole truth, but we need to tell him enough for him to understand the seriousness of the problem.”
Xu Feng understood Matt’s concerns. Even the most trusted ally didn’t necessarily need to know the entire truth about the time travel and summoning system. This made him think about how to explain his needs to Melvin without lying too much while still protecting the most important secrets.
“Perhaps we could say I possess some special ability,” Xu Feng suggested, “an ability that emits an energy signal, and this signal is attracting unwanted attention?”
Fudge nodded, seeming to like the idea. “That’s basically the truth, but it omits key details. People with special abilities are not uncommon in this world, especially since the Battle of New York. People’s acceptance of this has greatly increased.”
“It’s settled,” Matt agreed. “We’ll meet at Melvin’s studio at three in the afternoon. It’s in an old warehouse on the Lower East Side. It looks unassuming from the outside, but the equipment inside might surprise you.”
The conversation was interrupted by the ringing of the office doorbell. Karen quickly answered the door and soon led a young woman in.
“Ms. Perkins is here,” Karen announced to Fudge and Matt, “about that workers’ compensation case.”
Matt nodded. “I’ll take care of it.” He turned to Xu Feng and whispered, “During this time, you can start filling out that form and think about your background story. We’ll discuss the details after lunch.”
As Matt went off to meet a new client, the office returned to a bustling state of work. Xu Feng sat at his assigned desk and began studying the personal information form. He needed to create an identity that was both plausible and secure, one that could protect him in this strange universe.
The blank fields on the form seemed to mock his situation—a time traveler with no past, only an uncertain future. But as the pen touched the paper, Xu Feng felt a strange sense of relief. This wasn’t just filling out a form; it was redefining his existence. In this strange universe, he had the opportunity to rewrite his own story.
At the same time, the system pulsed gently at the edge of his consciousness, as if reminding him that no matter how his outward identity changed, his core mission remained unchanged. Images from those two mysterious dreams would occasionally flash through his mind, hinting at a greater destiny awaiting him.
Xu Feng took a deep breath and began to write the first line on the form:
“Name: Xu Feng”
At least this point will not change no matter which universe it is in.
Time slipped quietly by amidst the rustling of pens and paper. Outside the window, the sunlight from Hell’s Kitchen grew brighter, casting a golden glow across the wooden floor of the law firm. Xu Feng could sense that beneath this seemingly calm surface, countless storylines were interweaving, and his own journey through time was a crucial node in this grand cosmic tapestry.
Lunchtime quietly approached. The atmosphere in the law firm relaxed slightly as the last client of the morning left. Karen closed the computer screen at the front desk and stretched.
“I’m going to get some sandwiches from the Panini Cafe,” she announced. “Anyone want anything special?”
Fudge popped his head out of his office. “I’ll have the turkey avocado with double cheese.”
Matt also walked out of the reception room, adjusting his suit cuffs. “I’ll just have a classic Italian panini. Thank you, Karen.”
Everyone’s eyes turned to Xu Feng, who was momentarily unsure how to respond. In his original world, he was well-versed in New York’s dining options, but he wasn’t sure what kind of menu the Panini Cafe in this universe offered.
“Uh, I’m not very familiar with the menu there,” Xu Feng confessed, “Maybe the same one as Matt’s will be fine?”
Karen smiled and nodded. “A classic Italian, got it.” She picked up her purse and coat. “Be back in about twenty minutes.”
As Karen left, the atmosphere in the office became more relaxed. Fudge walked out of his office and pulled a chair to sit opposite Xu Feng.
“How’s it going?” he asked, pointing to the half-filled form.
Xu Feng put down his pen and rubbed his aching wrist. “The basic framework is complete.” He pointed at the contents on the paper. “I chose Shanghai as my birthplace, then studied at a foreign university, and eventually worked at a law library in East Asia, organizing and researching English literature.”
Fudge nodded, looking satisfied. “This background is international enough to be difficult to verify, and it also explains your knowledge background and language ability.”
Matt came over and leaned on the edge of the table. “What about family members?”
Xu Feng’s expression darkened a little. “I set my parents to be deceased and have no siblings. This will avoid any situation where I need to provide family contact.”
Matt frowned slightly. Even though his eyes were hidden by his red sunglasses, Xu Feng could still sense his concern. “That sounds… lonely.”
Xu Feng nodded silently, a strange emotion welling up in his heart. To some extent, this fictional background did reflect his current situation – a stranger without family in a strange universe.
“Sometimes, a simple background story is safer,” Xu Feng said softly, “Fewer connections mean fewer loopholes.”
Fudge and Matt exchanged glances, as if they understood the unspoken part of Xu Feng’s words.
“Okay,” Fudge broke the brief silence, “about your reasons for coming to America?”
Xu Feng pushed the paper in front of him. “I wrote that I’m looking for new career opportunities, especially in the field of legal research. I met Matt online before and was very interested in his work in Hell’s Kitchen, so I decided to come and try to collaborate.”
Matt nodded and said quietly, “That gives us a natural point of contact and explains why you came directly to us.”
Fudge flipped through the rest of the form. “The educational background seems reasonable, too. Undergraduate study in Shanghai, followed by a Master’s degree in legal studies abroad. It’s sufficiently specialized but not too specific.”
Xu Feng felt a slight sense of relief. Constructing this identity was far more complex than he had imagined, requiring consideration of countless details and potential issues. Every choice could have a chain reaction in the future, or expose contradictions in some unexpected situation.
“Is there anything else that needs to be modified?” Xu Feng asked, hoping to complete this identity as soon as possible.
31. There is a hidden secret at Melvin’s place, and the mastermind behind it is preparing to launch a fatal attack! (Old version)
Matt thought for a moment. “How well do you know the United States? As a new foreigner, you need to show a certain degree of unfamiliarity, especially when it comes to local knowledge or cultural habits. This may be the most difficult part to balance.”
Xu Feng understood Matt’s concerns. As a time traveler, his knowledge of American culture and New York City likely surpassed that of a true foreign visitor, especially when it came to pop culture, geography, or history. He needed to carefully manage this knowledge to avoid inadvertently appearing overly familiar.
“I’ll pay attention,” Xu Feng promised. “Maybe I can portray myself as someone who’s very interested in American pop culture and history, and has learned a lot through books and the internet? That would explain the familiarity I might accidentally reveal.”
Fudge snapped his fingers. “Smart idea! An overseas bookworm fascinated by American culture. Totally reasonable.”
Matt smiled slightly, “That also explains why you know something about superheroes and the events in New York. After all, ever since the Battle of New York, the whole world has been paying attention to these superheroes and their activities.”
Xu Feng breathed a sigh of relief, feeling that they were building an increasingly solid cover story. Every detail, every possible problem, was carefully considered, woven into a seemingly impeccable backstory.
“One more question,” Matt said suddenly, his tone becoming more serious. “What if someone asks about your visa status? It could be a sensitive issue until we get official documentation.”
Before Xu Feng could answer, the office door opened and Karen walked in with a paper bag full of food. The air was filled with the smell of freshly baked bread and spices.
“Lunchtime!” she announced, placing paper bags on the counter and beginning to pass out sandwiches. “It’s a lovely day outside. Would you like to have lunch on the rooftop? The view is amazing, with a view of all of Hell’s Kitchen.”
Fudge immediately agreed, “Great! This is a good opportunity to let Xu Feng see our luxurious terrace.” He made an exaggerated gesture, with a humorous tone in his voice.
Matt smiled and nodded, “The rooftop is indeed a nice place, especially now that the weather is so nice.”
Xu Feng took the sandwich Karen handed him and felt a surge of warmth. This ordinary, everyday moment gave him a brief sense of peace, as if he were just an ordinary person starting a new day at work. But then he remembered his own secrets and the mysterious pursuers who might be looking for him.
“Is the roof…safe?” Xu Feng asked in a low voice, loud enough only for Matt and Fudge to hear.
Matt seemed to understand his concerns and leaned closer, “The roof door is locked, and we are the only ones who have the key. And the view from up there is very good. If someone approaches, we can discover it in advance.” He didn’t say it explicitly, but Xu Feng understood that Matt’s sensory abilities were more advantageous in open spaces.
The four of them, carrying food and drinks, walked up the narrow staircase to the rooftop. Xu Feng walked last, observing every detail of the old building. The stairwell walls were a little mottled, showing the traces of time, but the overall structure remained solid. The lights were a little dim, but sufficient for illumination.
Karen used the key to open the door to the rooftop, and sunlight immediately poured in, so bright that it made her squint. They stepped onto the flat roof and saw the panoramic view of Hell’s Kitchen in front of them – the jagged buildings, the silhouettes of skyscrapers in the distance, and the people and cars flowing on the streets.
There are a few folding chairs and a small table on the roof, which seems to be a resting place often used by law firm employees. A few pots of plants are dotted in the corner, adding a touch of life to this concrete space.
“Welcome to our private garden,” Fudge said with an exaggerated gesture. “The view is first-class, and the air… well, it’s the best in Manhattan.”
Everyone found a seat, and Karen began distributing drinks—a few bottles of water and soda. The sun warmed them, and a gentle breeze brought a touch of coolness. Xu Feng carefully unwrapped his sandwich, and the aroma immediately hit him: perfectly toasted Italian bread, smothered in ham, cheese, and a variety of spices.
“This is delicious,” Xu Feng took a bite and exclaimed sincerely, “In the places I’ve been to before, there are very few such authentic Italian sandwiches.” He corrected his wording in time to avoid mentioning “the original world.”
Karen smiled and looked at the distant skyline. “I love coming here for lunch, especially on nice days. It makes me feel like I can temporarily escape the pressure of Hell’s Kitchen and see the bigger world.”
This simple comment resonated deeply with Xu Feng. Of all people, perhaps Karen’s situation was most similar to his—an ordinary person caught up in events beyond her comprehension, yet still trying to find her place.
“By the way, Xu Feng,” Karen turned to him, curiosity glittering in her eyes, “where did you work before? Matt only said you were a new research assistant, but didn’t mention your background.”
Xu Feng felt the gazes of the three men fixed on him. This was the first time he had to explain his newly constructed identity to outsiders. He tried to keep his tone steady and his expression natural.
“I used to work at a law library near Shanghai, where I was mainly responsible for organizing and researching English legal documents,” Xu Feng answered smoothly, following up on his previous discussion with Matt and Fudge. “I met Matt online and was very interested in their legal aid work in Hell’s Kitchen, so I decided to come to New York to try out new opportunities.”
Karen seemed pleased with this explanation and nodded. “Then you must be quite knowledgeable about comparative law. That will be very helpful when dealing with international clients.”
Matt coughed lightly. “Xu Feng does bring some…unique perspectives, which is exactly what our law firm needs right now.”
The pun nearly made Fudge choke on his sandwich, and he quickly drank some water to recover. Xu Feng secretly thanked Matt for his humor, which just relieved the tension without arousing Karen’s suspicion.
The conversation turned to lighter topics—life in New York, good restaurants nearby, the daily grind of the law firm. Xu Feng mostly listened, occasionally asking questions, trying to delve deeper into the details of this world. He noticed that while it was ostensibly just normal lunchtime chat, Matt and Fudge carefully avoided any mention of Daredevil or superheroes.
Karen mentioned the recent news. “Did you hear? Stark Industries announced that they’ll be building a new R&D center in Manhattan. Ever since the alien invasion, Tony Stark seems to be more invested in rebuilding the city.”
Xu Feng’s heartbeat quickened slightly. This was the first time he’d heard news about the Avengers from a local. According to Karen’s description, the timeline should be shortly after the Battle of New York in “The Avengers.” This information was crucial to his understanding of the current course of the universe.
“Mr. Stark seems to have really changed a lot,” Fudge commented, a hint of admiration in his voice, “From arms dealer to superhero, and now to the leader of reconstruction.”
Matt’s expression was unreadable. “Everyone has the potential to change. The key is the direction you choose.”
Xu Feng carefully observed the three people’s attitudes as they discussed superheroes. Karen seemed to hold a cautious admiration; Foggy was more enthusiastic, with a hint of fanboy excitement; and Matt’s reaction was the most complex, a mixture of admiration for the good deed and reflection on the method. This made Xu Feng realize once again that in this world, superheroes are no longer fictional characters on the screen, but real people with real influence and controversy.
“Your timing in New York was… unique,” Karen said to Xu Feng. “You happened to catch up with all these superhero and alien things. What did you think of all this when you were in Shanghai?”
It was a tricky situation. Xu Feng needed to appear knowledgeable about these events—they were global news, after all—without appearing overly familiar or involved.
“The alien invasion certainly shocked the world,” Xu Feng answered cautiously. “In Shanghai, people were talking about it a lot, curious but also scared. Seeing these superheroes step up to protect civilians gave many people hope.” He paused, then added, “But honestly, seeing how quickly New York recovered still surprised me. Human resilience is truly admirable.”
Matt nodded slightly, seeming satisfied with Xu Feng’s answer. Karen continued to talk about the various superhero anecdotes she had heard, such as the eyewitness report of Captain America jogging in Central Park in the morning, and the rumor that Black Widow and Hawkeye were said to have appeared in a bar in Brooklyn.
As lunch drew to a close, the conversation naturally turned to the afternoon’s plans. Fudge glanced at his watch. “I need to go to the courthouse to file Stanley’s emergency order. Karen, can you help me with the final paperwork?”
Karen nodded and gathered up the remaining wrapping paper. “No problem. I’ve already got most of the details ready. I just need your final signature.”
Matt turned to Xu Feng and said, “We have an appointment with Melvin this afternoon. Until then, you can continue to familiarize yourself with the law firm’s case filing system. If you have time, perhaps you can read some news reports about Hell’s Kitchen over the past few months to get a feel for the local situation.”
Xu Feng understood Matt’s hint – it was not only for his cover identity, but also for him to better understand the current situation and background of the world.
The four of them gathered up their lunch remnants and returned to their downstairs office. Sunlight slanted through the windows, casting long shadows across the floor. The firm resumed its afternoon workday. Karen began printing documents, Fudge quickly scanned emails, and Matt returned to his office to finish some paperwork.
Xu Feng sat at his assigned desk, opened the firm’s filing system, and began browsing the case files from the past few months. These cases formed a picture of daily life in Hell’s Kitchen—housing disputes, workers’ compensation, small business legal advice, immigration issues, and protective orders for victims of domestic violence. Most of the cases handled by Nelson & Murdoch involved the everyday plight of ordinary people, real struggles that were overlooked by larger, more heroic stories.
Xu Feng noticed that Matt’s office door was slightly ajar. Through the reflection in the window, he could see Matt standing by the window, seemingly lost in thought. Xu Feng couldn’t help but wonder what kind of world Matt was “seeing” when he used his extrasensory perception to perceive the city.
The system vibrated gently deep within his consciousness, as if responding to his thoughts. Xu Feng closed his eyes, sensing the faint flow of energy. The system was still in suppression mode, but he could sense its presence, like another life force coursing through his veins. The images from those two dreams flashed through his mind again—the strange symbols in the Universal Library, and the “balance” and “abnormality” the voice had spoken of.
He opened his eyes and saw Karen walking towards him with a stack of printer paper in her hand.
“This is a collection of Hell’s Kitchen news clippings from the past six months,” she smiled, placing the paper in front of him. “Matt recommends you read it to help you understand our work environment. I compile this regularly, focusing on local news related to our law firm’s business.”
Xu Feng took the document gratefully and said, “Thank you, this is exactly what I need.”
Karen hesitated, as if about to say something, but finally spoke. “I know your situation might be… unique. Matt and Fudge don’t bring anyone into the firm casually, let alone accept them as colleagues so quickly.” Her tone was gentle but direct. “I don’t need to know the details, but I want you to know that this office is like a small family. If you need any help, not just work-related, please let me know.”
Xu Feng felt an unexpected warmth well up in his heart. In this strange world, Karen’s kindness and acceptance were like a ray of light shining into the darkness.
“Thank you, Karen,” he replied sincerely, “it means a lot to me.”
She smiled faintly and turned back to her workstation. Xu Feng began flipping through the newspaper clippings, gradually constructing a picture of life in Hell’s Kitchen—the fluctuations in crime rates, changes in real estate prices, the opening and closing of businesses, the organization of community events. Some of the articles mentioned mysterious “vigilante activities” at night and cases of criminals being found tied up outside police stations—clearly the work of Daredevil, although he was never mentioned by name in the articles.
Even more interesting were the reports on real estate development. Xu Feng noticed several articles mentioning Hart Development’s rapid expansion in recent months, acquiring numerous properties in Hell’s Kitchen. One in-depth report questioned the source of the company’s sudden surge in funding, suggesting possible underworld connections, but without providing concrete evidence.
The minutes ticked by, the atmosphere in the law firm quiet and focused. Fudge hurried off to the courthouse, while Matt continued to work in the office, occasionally answering the phone. Karen efficiently handled various administrative tasks and occasionally answered inquiries.
At 2:30 in the afternoon, Matt walked out of the office with his coat and cane in hand.
“Xu Feng, it’s time to get ready to meet Melvin,” he said. “We should leave early, his studio is a little…hard to find.”
Xu Feng immediately stood up and straightened his clothes. “I’m ready.” He turned to Karen, “When will we be back?”
Karen glanced at Matt and replied, “It’s usually hard to predict when you’re meeting Melvin. Once he starts talking about technology, it’s hard to stop. Maybe you should plan to stay out all afternoon.”
Matt smiled slightly, “That’s right. If there’s anything urgent, you can call me.”
Xu Feng and Matt left the law firm and headed towards a nearby subway station. Xu Feng noticed that although Matt was holding a cane, his movements were very natural, as if he was fully aware of his surroundings. On the sidewalk, Matt naturally avoided a trash can and an improperly parked bicycle, obstacles that would be difficult for a blind person to detect.
“Your senses are truly amazing,” Xu Feng commented in a low voice, making sure only Matt could hear. “Even though I knew your abilities, it was still impressive to see it in person.”
Matt’s mouth curled up slightly. “This is the result of years of practice. It’s hard to control at first, with all the sensory information pouring in at once. It’s overwhelming, like standing under a waterfall.”
They turned into an alley, and Matt’s voice became more cautious. “Regarding Melvin, we need to discuss how to explain your situation to him. He’s smart and perceptive, and won’t easily accept vague explanations.”
Xu Feng thought for a moment. “The plan we discussed earlier—I have some special ability that generates energy signals and attracts unwanted attention—do you think this explanation is sufficient?”
32. Unknown danger is opening its bloody mouth! (Old version)
Matt stopped and turned in Xu Feng’s direction. Although his eyes were covered by sunglasses, Xu Feng could still sense his seriousness. “Melvin has helped many special people, including those with various abilities. But he pays great attention to details and will ask a lot of technical questions. You need to be prepared to describe the specific manifestations of this ability, its energy characteristics, and why it is being tracked.”
Xu Feng understood Matt’s concerns. In a world filled with superheroes and mutants, simply claiming to possess “special abilities” wasn’t enough, especially for a technologist. He needed to construct an explanation that was close to the truth without revealing the system’s true nature.
“I would say this is a kind of energy projection or dimensional perception ability,” Xu Feng answered thoughtfully, “It allows me to… sense or briefly contact the existence of other dimensions. But this ability will produce unique energy fluctuations. A certain organization discovered this and started tracking me.”
Matt nodded slightly, seeming satisfied with the explanation. “It’s specific enough, yet leaves room for ambiguity. Most importantly, it bears a certain resemblance to the truth, so you won’t run into too many contradictions when answering the question.”
As they continued walking towards the subway station, Matt added, “As for why we need to block energy signals—we can say that those trackers have advanced technology that can detect your energy fluctuations and lock onto your location even in a noisy environment like a city.”
Xu Feng agreed with this addition, which perfectly explained why conventional hiding methods were not enough to protect him.
They descended to the subway platform and boarded the L train, heading for the Lower East Side. The train was packed with people, a cacophony of sounds, smells, and vibrations. Xu Feng noticed Matt frowning slightly; it was clear that this environment was a significant challenge to his senses.
“Are you okay?” Xu Feng asked in a low voice.
Matt nodded slightly, “I’m used to it. I just need to focus more and filter out most of the information.”
The train passed through an underground tunnel, its occasional jolts shaking the passengers. Xu Feng gazed out the window at the rapidly passing darkness, contemplating his upcoming meeting. Melvin had been a crucial ally of Matt’s in the Daredevil series, providing him with crucial technical support. Enlisting his assistance would greatly enhance their ability to evade pursuers.
The train arrived, and Xu Feng and Matt exited the subway station and entered the streets of the Lower East Side. This area had a distinctly different vibe from Hell’s Kitchen—it had a more artistic atmosphere, with more creative graffiti, and was dotted with cafes and small galleries. However, there were also abandoned factory buildings and old warehouses, testament to the area’s industrial past.
Matt led Xu Feng through several alleys and turned into an almost forgotten narrow street. Most of the buildings here looked dilapidated, with windows sealed with boards or painted black, and there was no sign of life.
“Right here,” Matt stopped in front of a three-story brick building that looked completely abandoned and pointed to a rusty metal door. “Melvin’s lab.”
Xu Feng surveyed the building. From the outside, no one would have guessed it might contain advanced technology. Perhaps this was exactly what Melvin intended—a perfect cover.
Matt stepped forward and pressed a nearly invisible button next to the door. Seconds later, a camera emerged from a small hole above the doorframe and mechanically turned toward them.
“Matt,” an electronically processed voice boomed from a speaker near the door, “you’re three minutes and seventeen seconds late.”
Matt smiled slightly, “Good afternoon, Melvin. This is the friend I mentioned, Xu Feng.”
The camera turned to Xu Feng, the lens adjusted the focus, and observed carefully for a few seconds.
“Unusual energy readings,” the voice commented, its tone distinctly curious. “Interesting. Come in.”
The door buzzed and unlocked automatically. Matt pushed it open, motioning for Xu Feng to follow. They walked into a seemingly ordinary warehouse entrance, but as the door closed behind them, the wall in front suddenly parted, revealing a modern elevator.
“The security system here is very advanced,” Matt explained, as if sensing Xu Feng’s surprise, “Melvin attaches great importance to privacy and protection.”
The elevator doors opened and they stepped inside. Without pressing a button, the elevator automatically began to descend. Xu Feng could sense they were going deeper underground, perhaps even deeper than he had imagined.
“Melvin’s a genius,” Matt said as the elevator descended, “but he has some…peculiar social habits. He’s direct, sometimes even rude, but he means no harm. He’s just too focused on facts and figures and rarely considers social graces.”
Xu Feng nodded. “I understand. I won’t be offended by his directness.”
The elevator finally stopped and the doors opened, revealing a breathtaking scene: a spacious underground laboratory. Monitors lined the walls, cutting-edge equipment was neatly arranged, and workbenches were piled high with electronic components, tools, and half-finished devices. The air was thick with the faint smell of ozone and welded metal.
In the center of the lab, a tall, thin man stood before a holographic projection, his fingers rapidly manipulating the virtual interface. He was about forty, with slightly messy dark curly hair and sharp eyes behind thick glasses. He wore a T-shirt emblazoned with complex circuit diagrams, and a white lab coat that looked like it hadn’t been changed in days.
“Melvin Porter,” Matt introduced, “This is Xu Feng.”
Melvin didn’t even look up as he continued to operate the holographic interface. “42 seconds. I need to complete this calculation. Please wait.”
Xu Feng and Matt stood there, patiently waiting. Xu Feng took the opportunity to look around and was struck by the scale and sophistication of the laboratory. A row of monitors on the wall were analyzing various data streams in real time. Some displayed surveillance footage from different parts of the city, while others displayed complex energy waveforms.
Workbenches are littered with prototypes of various devices, from miniature drones to what looks like stealth technology. There’s even a model of a small particle accelerator in the corner. This underground space is more like a miniature R&D center than a laboratory, housing equipment only large research institutions could afford.
“It’s done,” Melvin finally said, turning off the holographic projection and turning to face them. His movements were somewhat mechanical and abrupt, his eyes fixed on Xu Feng. “Your energy signature is very unique. It’s not gamma radiation, not cosmic energy, not any known mutant energy pattern.” He tilted his head, as if trying to solve a puzzle. “Source? Function? Frequency characteristics?”
Xu Feng was startled by this sudden and direct question, but he quickly adjusted his attitude and answered according to what he had discussed with Matt before: “It is a kind of dimensional energy that allows me to perceive and even briefly contact the existence of other dimensions.”
Melvin’s eyes lit up, and he immediately grabbed a handheld device from the workbench and walked towards Xu Feng, “Dimensional energy? Quantum level or macroscopic level? Naturally generated or artificially induced? Energy signal characteristics? Degree of controllability?” Questions were fired out like a machine gun.
Matt coughed lightly, “Melvin, perhaps we could explain our purpose first?”
Melvin paused, as if realizing his own faux pas. “Oh, yes, of course. Forgive my directness. This energy pattern is so rare that it piqued my… professional curiosity.” He didn’t look particularly apologetic, but at least he lowered the scanning device. “How can you help me?”
Matt succinctly explained the situation – Xu Feng’s energy signal was being tracked by a mysterious organization, and they needed a way to shield or cover up the signal to avoid being located.
Melvin’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “A technical challenge. Interesting.” He turned to a workstation, his fingers tapping rapidly on the keyboard. “I need to understand the characteristics of this energy first. Can I perform some non-invasive scans? Purely passive reception, without interfering with or stimulating the energy source.”
Xu Feng looked at Matt, who nodded slightly. He turned to Melvin and said, “Okay, but I’m a little worried. Will the scan itself be detected by those trackers?”
Melvin shook his head. “My equipment uses proprietary frequencies and encryption protocols, making it virtually impossible for external detection. Unless they’ve installed sensors inside this building, they won’t be able to detect our activities.” He paused. “This building has seven layers of Faraday shielding and a quantum jammer system, which can block 99.97% of known detection technologies.”
After hearing these assurances, Xu Feng relaxed a little, “Okay then, please get started.”
Melvin quickly operated the equipment, and several sensors descended from the ceiling, forming a scanning array around Xu Feng. A complex data stream and three-dimensional energy map immediately appeared on the screen.
“Amazing,” Melvin muttered to himself, his eyes fixed on the screen. “The energy pattern shows multidimensional characteristics and does seem to be related to parallel dimensions. The wavelength structure suggests some kind of… control mechanism.” He turned to Xu Feng, “Is this ability innate or acquired?”
Xu Feng recalled the story he discussed with Matt, “It was acquired the day after tomorrow. It appeared after an…accident.”
Melvin nodded and continued analyzing the data. “Interesting. The energy core appears to be located within your consciousness, not your physical body. This explains why conventional shielding methods are ineffective—it’s not a simple electromagnetic radiation or particle emission, but a more fundamental dimensional resonance.”
He walked over to another workbench and began to quickly assemble a small device. “In theory, I could design an anti-phase generator that produces a waveform that is the exact opposite of your energy fluctuations, thereby neutralizing the signal to an outside observer.”
Matt sounded interested. “How big is this device? Does Xu Feng need to carry it with him?”
Melvin answered as he worked, “The initial prototype might be the size of a cell phone. But if the results prove feasible, I can shrink it down to the size of a ring or a watch.” He looked up at Xu Feng and said, “The key is to find the precise frequency characteristics of the energy fluctuations. This requires more testing.”
For the next hour, Melvin performed a series of scans and tests, constantly adjusting his equipment. Xu Feng followed every instruction, carefully observing Melvin’s methods.
The technical genius’s concentration was impressive—he was completely absorbed in his work, as if the outside world no longer existed. Xu Feng noticed that Melvin would occasionally mumble unconsciously, reciting some complex formulas and technical terms, many of which Xu Feng had never even heard of.
“I’ve discovered,” Melvin straightened suddenly, his eyes gleaming with triumph. “Your energy fluctuations have a unique quantum signature, like… a fingerprint. That’s how they tracked you. Conventional shielding methods are ineffective because this energy penetrates normal dimensional barriers.”
Xu Feng felt a mixture of nervousness and hope. “Can you do anything to block it?”
Melvin picked up the small device he was assembling, a palm-sized metal box covered in microcircuits and several small crystals. “This prototype should work. It will generate a special quantum field that will cancel out your energy fluctuations. To outside observers, you will become invisible—at least to the level of energy sensing.”
Matt sounded relieved. “That’s exactly what we need. Are there any restrictions on its use?”
Melvin adjusted a few tiny controls on the device. “The battery lasts approximately 36 hours and requires periodic recharging. The effective range is approximately three meters around the user. Large energy fluctuations or strong electromagnetic interference may temporarily affect its effectiveness.” He paused. “Also… to adjust to optimal operation, it needs to learn your energy patterns. This means that the first time you turn it on, there may be a delay of approximately 30 seconds while the device calibrates itself.”
Xu Feng understood these limitations, but was still ecstatic about this solution. It would provide him with a much-needed shield of protection, at least preventing those trackers from locating him directly.
“Besides,” Melvin added, his eyes still fixed on his work, “this is only a temporary solution. If you truly want long-term protection, I’ll need to delve deeper into the nature of your energy. Perhaps design a micro-device that can be implanted, or some technology that can directly affect the energy source itself.”
This suggestion made Xu Feng hesitate. Further research meant that Melvin might discover the true nature of the system, a risk he was not willing to take at the moment.
“Let’s start with this,” Xu Feng replied cautiously, “and see how it works, and then consider the next step.”
Melvin nodded, seemingly satisfied with the response. “It’s a reasonable approach. The scientific process requires verification and iteration.” He made the last few adjustments and then handed the device to Xu Feng. “Try it out. The button on top turns it on, and the indicator light next to it shows its operating status – green for normal operation, yellow for low battery, and red for imminent failure.”
Xu Feng carefully took the device. It was heavier than it looked, but still small enough to slip easily into his pocket. It warmed slightly and emitted a barely perceptible hum. He pressed a button, and the device immediately lit up blue and began to vibrate slightly.
“Right now it’s scanning and analyzing your energy patterns,” Melvin explained, walking towards a large monitoring device. “I’ll use this to test the effects.”
The three of them waited in silence, the only sounds being the slight vibration of the device and the background noise of various equipment in the lab. After about half a minute, the device’s blue light turned into a steady green, and the vibrations stopped.
Melvin stared at the monitoring device’s screen, his brow furrowed. Then, suddenly, a rare smile broke across his face. “Success. External scans show that your energy signature has completely vanished. Only the most advanced quantum detectors at extremely close range could possibly detect the faint residual signal, but such equipment is extremely rare and not generally used for field tracking.”
Xu Feng felt a wave of relief, “Thank you, Melvin. This means a lot to me.”
Melvin waved his hand, seeming a little uncomfortable with the thanks. “This is an interesting technical challenge. I enjoy solving problems.” He went to a drawer and pulled out several spare batteries and a small charger. “These are for you. There’s a small hatch on the right side of the device to change the batteries. Remember, even if the device is working properly, you should avoid areas with strong energy fields—such as large power plants, quantum labs, or… alien technology.”
33. The law firm is in crisis because of the gang. Will the beautiful Karen be killed? (Old version)
The last example made Xu Feng smile slightly. In this world, “alien technology” has become a realistic factor that needs to be considered.
Matt took a step closer, “Melvin, we owe you a favor.”
Melvin waved his hand again. “There’s no need for such formalities between us. You know how to contact me if there are any problems with the device or if it needs an upgrade.” He paused, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. “Does your… special ability have any practical applications? Besides sensing other dimensions?”
The question came a little suddenly, but Xu Feng was ready with an answer. “Sometimes I can sense impending danger or perceive things that are usually hidden. But this ability is very unstable, and I am still learning how to control it.”
Melvin nodded, seemingly satisfied with the explanation. “A macroscopic manifestation of the quantum uncertainty principle. Interesting.” He turned to a computer, seemingly ready to begin new work. “If you’re willing to participate in some controlled experiments in the future, I’d be very interested in further studying the mechanisms of this ability. Purely scientific, of course.”
Matt shook his head slightly, “Maybe later, Melvin. Right now we need to focus on ensuring Xu Feng’s safety.”
Melvin shrugged. “The proposal still stands. Scientific progress requires exploring the unknown.”
Xu Feng and Matt thanked Melvin for his help and prepared to leave. As they walked toward the elevator, Xu Feng suddenly thought of a question and turned to ask, “Melvin, if someone were using similar technology to track me, would they know the signal had suddenly disappeared? Would that arouse their suspicion?”
Melvin paused his work, thinking for a moment. “Intelligent question. Yes, if they were actively monitoring, the sudden loss of signal would be noticeable.” He walked over to the workbench and picked up another small device. “Here’s this. It simulates your energy decay, as if you’d left the area. Activate it, then quickly leave your current location. The trackers will think you’ve simply moved out of range of their equipment.”
Xu Feng took the second device and nodded gratefully, “Thank you, you thought of everything.”
Melvin’s expression was slightly proud. “That’s my job. Anticipate problems and solve them.”
Leaving Melvin’s underground lab, Xu Feng and Matt returned to the surface world. The sunlight on their faces felt particularly beautiful, especially after experiencing that enclosed space. In Xu Feng’s pockets were two devices. They were light, but they carried great hope.
“Is Melvin always like this?” Xu Feng asked as he followed Matt to the subway station.
Matt chuckled, “This is actually one of the times he’s been pretty friendly. Usually he’s more…direct. But he’s a genius, and he has a good heart, even though he might not want to admit it.”
Xu Feng nodded, gaining a deeper understanding of the character of Melvin. In the Daredevil series, Melvin was a relatively minor character, but in real life he was obviously more complex and three-dimensional.
As they walked toward the subway station, Xu Feng noticed a slight warmth emanating from the shielding device in his pocket. He placed his hand on it, feeling its presence, a surge of gratitude. With this device, he could at least avoid being directly targeted by those mysterious pursuers, giving him valuable breathing space.
“Where do you want to go?” Matt asked, as they stood at the subway station entrance. “Back to the law firm or straight to your apartment?”
Xu Feng thought about it for a moment. “Maybe we should test this device first? Go to an open place and see if it really works?”
Matt thought for a moment, then nodded. “Central Park. Open space, densely populated but not crowded. If anything goes wrong, it’s easy to find a way out.”
This suggestion was in line with Xu Feng’s idea: an open public space would allow for testing the effectiveness of the device and for quick evacuation if necessary.
They took the subway to Central Park. The train was bustling with people, a cacophony of sounds and smells. Xu Feng noticed that Matt frowned again, but more naturally, as if he was used to filtering information in this environment.
As the subway traveled, Xu Feng’s thoughts drifted into the distant future. With the shielding device, his short-term safety concerns were alleviated, but his long-term plans remained unclear. How should he utilize his knowledge of time travel? What was the system’s true purpose? And what mission were those two mysterious dreams hinting at?
When the subway arrived at their destination, these questions were still lingering in Xu Feng’s mind, with no clear answers.
As they exited the subway station, the vast green expanse of Central Park unfolded before them. Even in the heart of a metropolitan city like New York, the park maintained a tranquil and natural atmosphere. People dotted the grassy lawns enjoying the sun, pedestrians crisscrossed the paths, and a few boats dotted the lake in the distance.
“Let’s find a relatively quiet place,” Matt suggested. “I need to concentrate and sense any unusual activity around me.”
Xu Feng followed Matt along a more secluded path and eventually came to a small open area surrounded by trees. There were not many tourists around, and a few joggers and people walking their dogs could be seen in the distance.
“This place is perfect,” Matt paused. “First, shut down the shielding device, then activate the energy decay simulator. After that, we quickly leave this area and find a secluded place to observe.”
Xu Feng followed the instructions and first disabled the shielding device in his pocket. He immediately felt the system’s energy become more active, like a suppressed stream suddenly freed. He then activated the energy decay simulator, and a slight tingling sensation spread through his fingertips.
“Okay,” Xu Feng whispered, “activate the shielding device now and leave?”
Matt nodded, “Press the button, and then we’ll walk briskly down that path. Don’t run, that’ll draw attention, but keep a brisk pace.”
Xu Feng pressed the button on the shielding device and felt the faint vibration of it starting to work. They immediately turned and headed in the direction indicated by Matt. Xu Feng noticed that Matt’s posture had subtly changed – more alert, more tense, as if ready to face any possible threat at any time.
They walked for about five minutes and came to a bush behind a small hill. This position had a good view and could observe the open area they were in just now, while also providing sufficient cover.
“Now we wait,” Matt whispered, “to see if anyone shows any interest in that area.”
Xu Feng nodded, his heartbeat quickening with nervousness. If Melvin’s device truly worked, then the pursuers would be misled by the energy decay simulator, thinking he had left the range and not discover his true location.
They waited in silence, the only sounds around them being the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze and the faint chatter of distant tourists. Matt stood straight, his head tilted slightly, apparently scanning his surroundings with his extrasensory senses.
“There’s movement,” Matt suddenly said in a very low voice about ten minutes later, “Two people, approaching from the northwest. They’re searching for something.”
Xu Feng looked in the direction Matt pointed. At first, he saw nothing, but soon, two men in casual clothes came into view. They seemed to be walking casually, but their eyes were constantly scanning their surroundings, their movements conveying a professional alertness. One of them was holding a device that looked like an ordinary cell phone, but the way he was using it was clearly different from ordinary communication.
“That’s a tracking device,” Xu Feng whispered, recognizing the scanning motion. “They’re looking for energy signatures.”
Matt nodded slightly, “They seemed particularly interested in where you were standing, but looked confused.”
The two men moved around the open area, constantly checking their devices and occasionally exchanging whispers. Their expressions became increasingly confused and irritated, clearly not finding the results they expected.
“It worked,” Xu Feng whispered, a surge of triumph welling up in his heart. “They can’t find me.”
Matt’s mouth curled up slightly. “Melvin’s device is indeed effective. They seem to think you left the area.”
The two men searched for several more minutes, until one of them finally pulled out a device that looked more like professional equipment and performed a seemingly more in-depth scan. Even then, their expressions betrayed confusion and disappointment. Finally, they exchanged a few words, put away their equipment, and headed towards the park’s exit.
“They’ve given up,” Matt said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. “At least for now. We should wait a little longer to make sure they’re really gone.”
Xu Feng nodded, his nervousness slightly relieved. They continued to wait in the hidden place until Matt confirmed that the two men had completely left the park.
“We can go now,” Matt said finally, “but stay alert. They might have other members watching outside the park.”
They chose a different route to leave the park, always alert to the surroundings. Xu Feng noticed that although Matt appeared to be an ordinary blind man, his senses were clearly on high alert, capturing the slightest anomaly in his surroundings.
“How does it feel?” Matt asked once they were safely out of the park and into the flow of the city.
Xu Feng took a deep breath, “I feel relieved, but also a little bit unbelievable. I didn’t expect that this problem could be solved so quickly.”
Matt smiled faintly. “Melvin may be eccentric, but he’s unmatched when it comes to technology. However, we shouldn’t let our guard down too much. This is only a temporary solution. We still need to learn more about those who are tracking you.”
Xu Feng completely agreed. The shielding device gave him a temporary safe space, but the real question remained—who was tracking him? Why? And what did they have to do with his crossing into this world?
“Where are we going now?” Xu Feng asked.
Matt thought for a moment. “I suggest we go back to the law firm and reunite with Fudge. We need to discuss our next plan. With this shielding device, we can be more proactive instead of just passively avoiding it.”
This proposal opened Xu Feng’s eyes to a new possibility—to transform from the hunted into the hunter. He had been on the run for the past 24 hours, but now, with this technological protection, perhaps he could begin to find answers and understand the real reason for his journey.
They took the subway back to Hell’s Kitchen, keeping a vigilant eye out for anyone following them. But everything was calm, with no signs of anything unusual. The shielding device in Xu Feng’s pocket was working steadily, its indicator light remaining a steady green.
It was almost evening when they returned to the law firm. Karen and Fudge were the only ones in the office. Fudge looked like he had just returned from court, his tie loose and his expression slightly tired but satisfied.
“How’s it going?” Fudge asked as soon as he saw them. “Can Melvin help?”
Matt nodded, taking off his coat and hanging it on the hanger. “It’s better than we expected. Melvin made a device that can block Xu Feng’s energy signal. We’ve tested it, and it works well.”
Karen looked up from her computer and watched them curiously, but kept a professional distance and didn’t ask for details.
Fudge’s expression immediately brightened. “Great! So Xu Feng can move freely now? No need to worry about those… uh, special circumstances?”
Xu Feng took out a small device from his pocket and showed it to Fudge. “This can block my signal, making me invisible to those tracking devices. We tested it in Central Park. Two trackers showed up, but they couldn’t locate me.”
Fudge took the device and examined it carefully. “It’s indeed Melvin’s work. It looks like some kind of high-tech spy equipment.” He returned the device to Xu Feng. “So, what’s the plan next?”
Matt moved to the conference table, and the others followed. Karen hesitated, looking at the three of them, as if unsure whether she should join.
“Karen,” Matt said gently, “I know this may seem confusing and mysterious to you, but you’re part of the team. You can join our discussion if you’d like.”
Karen smiled slightly, nodded gratefully, and walked over to the conference table. “Thank you. I do have a lot of questions, but I understand there are some things you may not be able to fully explain.”
The four of them sat around the table, the atmosphere relaxed yet a little tense. Xu Feng realized that this might be his first real team meeting since he came into this world, which gave him a strange sense of belonging.
“First, regarding Stanley’s case,” Fudge began his report. “I’ve filed a petition for an emergency order, and the judge has granted an expedited hearing. We’ll have a decision tomorrow morning. If all goes well, Hart will be forced to restore the heat and face a harassment fine.”
Matt nodded in satisfaction, “Good news. The Stanley family needed this good news.”
“But I saw something interesting at the courthouse entrance,” Fudge continued, his voice lower. “Hart’s lawyer and the guy we’ve always suspected of having connections with—Costa—were talking in the hallway. They seemed very nervous, especially after seeing me file the application.”
The name Costa made Matt’s expression grow serious. “Costa is a small-time boss in the East Side of Hell’s Kitchen, rumored to have ties to a larger criminal organization. If he’s truly working with Hart, this real estate acquisition might be about more than just profit.”
Xu Feng listened carefully, trying to connect this new information with his understanding of the Marvel world. The gang activities in Hell’s Kitchen are an important background in the Daredevil series, but when it comes to this character named Costa, he has no relevant information in his memory.
“Do you think this has something to do with those who are tracking Xu Feng?” Karen asked suddenly, showing her keen insight.
34. The pursuer is close at hand. Daredevil and his pursuer go deep into the factory. Will they fall into the trap of the gang and the mysterious organization? (Old version)
A moment of silence fell in the room. This possibility hadn’t been considered before, but now that it was brought up, it seemed certain there might be some connection. The Hell’s Kitchen gangs and the pursuit of a person with supernatural powers—the two things seemed unrelated on the surface, but in this world of superheroes and secret organizations, any connection was possible.
“I’m not sure,” Matt finally answered, “but it’s a clue worth exploring. If there really is a larger organization behind Hart, they might be interested in a special individual like Xu Feng.”
Xu Feng pondered this possibility. “The people who were following me were wearing black suits. They looked more like members of some government or professional organization than ordinary gangsters.”
“They may not be the same group of people,” Fudge speculated, “but they may be different related organizations. Nowadays in New York, various forces are looking for resources and talents related to superpowers, especially after the alien invasion.”
Matt stood up and walked to the window. “We need more information. About those pursuers, about Hart and Costa’s connection, about their plans in Hell’s Kitchen.”
Karen coughed lightly, catching everyone’s attention. “I might be able to help in some way.” She stood up and walked to her desk, picking up a folder. “I’ve been tracking the activities of Hart Development as research supporting our client’s case.” She opened the folder and displayed the information inside. “In the past six months, they’ve acquired over a dozen properties in Hell’s Kitchen, all of which have been concentrated in a specific area, forming a strange pattern.”
She pulled out a map with all of Hart’s properties marked on it, connecting them with red pen to form a nearly perfect circle.
“This looks like a plan,” Xu Feng observed the map. “They are arranging it around a central point.”
Matt walked closer and gently touched the surface of the map with his fingers, feeling the location of the marked point. “Where is the center of the circle?”
Karen pointed to the center of the circle. “This is an old factory building, currently vacant. According to records, it belongs to a company called Pioneer Technologies, but I can’t find any concrete information about this company. It seems to be just a shell.”
Fudge and Matt exchanged a meaningful look, and Xu Feng noticed that Matt’s expression became more serious.
“Avant-garde Technology,” Matt repeated in a low voice, “This name has appeared before. In a case related to underground arms trafficking, but we couldn’t find any solid evidence.”
Xu Feng felt a mixture of curiosity and alarm. These seemingly scattered clues were gradually connecting, forming a larger, more complex picture. Hart Development’s real estate acquisitions, Costa’s gang connections, the mysterious pioneering technology, and those who were tracking him—were all of these truly connected?
“We need to investigate that factory,” Xu Feng said what everyone was thinking, “to see what’s so special about it and why Hart is acquiring properties around it.”
Matt pondered for a moment, then finally nodded in agreement. “Now that you have the shielding equipment, the operation will be much safer. But we need to plan carefully. This isn’t just a simple reconnaissance; it could involve far more dangerous elements.”
Fudge’s expression showed a hint of worry. “I’m not sure barging in directly is a good idea. Perhaps we should try to get more information through legal channels first?”
“We’ll proceed with both approaches simultaneously,” Matt suggested. “Fudge, you and Karen will investigate AIM’s background and the history of that factory through legal and public channels. And I… will obtain some intelligence in my own way.”
Xu Feng immediately understood that Matt was referring to investigating under the guise of Daredevil. This was a perfect opportunity to not only learn about the backgrounds of those pursuers, but also to witness Daredevil in action.
“I want to go with you,” Xu Feng said to Matt in a firm tone, “With the shielding device, my actions will be safer, and I may notice some details that you overlooked.”
Matt hesitated, as if weighing the pros and cons. “This would be dangerous. Even with shielding, if we were discovered, we could face direct conflict.”
“But two people are always safer than one,” Xu Feng retorted, “and if this really is related to those who are following me, I have the right to know the truth firsthand.”
A brief silence fell in the room. Fudge and Karen both looked at Matt, waiting for his decision. Finally, Matt nodded slightly.
“Alright,” he agreed, “but you must follow my instructions exactly. We’re only scouting, not fighting. If the situation becomes dangerous, we’ll retreat immediately.”
Xu Feng nodded in understanding, feeling both nervous and excited. This would be his first time truly participating in a “superhero” activity in this world. Although it was just a reconnaissance mission, it was of great significance.
“When will we take action?” Xu Feng asked.
Matt thought about it. “Tonight. The darkness is the best cover. Let’s go back and rest for a few hours, and then meet at your apartment after sunset.”
Fudge still looked a little worried, but he knew he couldn’t change Matt’s decision. “At least bring your communication equipment. If you have any questions, contact me immediately.”
Matt nodded, indicating that he understood his friend’s concerns. “We’ll be careful. In the meantime, you and Karen focus on researching Avant-Garde Technologies’ background and see if you can find any connection to Hart Development.”
Karen quickly stood up and walked to her computer. “I can start searching company records and real estate information. Many of the old buildings in Dimple Kitchen have complicated ownership histories. I might find some interesting clues.”
Fudge also took action, pulling out a notebook from his briefcase. “I have a few old classmates who work at City Hall. Maybe they can help me look up some information that’s not publicly available.”
The meeting ended in an atmosphere of intense focus. Everyone had their own tasks, and a sense of teamwork permeated the air. Xu Feng watched all this unfold, and a strange feeling welled up in his heart—he was no longer just a passive spectator or fugitive, but was becoming an active participant in this world.
“We need to make some preparations before we take action,” Matt said to Xu Feng, “Follow me.”
Xu Feng followed Matt into his office, and Matt closed the door to ensure the privacy of the conversation.
“If we’re going to operate together, you’ll need to learn some basic stealth and reconnaissance techniques,” Matt said, his voice low and serious. “I don’t know what your previous experience is, but in situations like this, even the smallest mistake can have serious consequences.”
Xu Feng nodded and listened carefully. Although he had watched countless superhero movies and TV series in his original world and understood various theoretical techniques, he had almost no practical experience.
“First, clothing,” Matt continued. “Dark, non-reflective clothing. No metal parts to avoid clattering noises. Lightweight shoes that offer basic protection. I’ll leave some appropriate gear at your apartment.”
Xu Feng nodded again and kept this information in mind.
“Secondly, communication. We’ll use this,” Matt took out two small earphones from the drawer, “short-range encrypted communication, specially made by Melvin. It can’t be intercepted by ordinary equipment.”
Xu Feng took one of the earphones and studied this ingenious device. It could be almost completely hidden in the ear canal, making it difficult for outsiders to detect.
“Finally, and most importantly,” Matt’s voice became more serious, “rules of conduct. We are going to scout, not fight. Remain quiet and follow my instructions. If I signal to retreat, execute it immediately and unconditionally. No heroism, no acting alone. Do you understand?”
“I understand,” Xu Feng answered seriously, “I will follow your instructions strictly.”
Matt seemed satisfied with the answer and relaxed slightly, “Great. Meet at your apartment after sunset. Now, go back and rest for a few hours to keep your energy up.”
Xu Feng left the law firm and walked down the street near Dixiao Kitchen, feeling a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. The evening sun slanted across the buildings, tinting the rugged area with a golden hue. Pedestrians hurried along, each going about their business, completely unaware that around them, a time traveler from another universe was preparing to join forces with a superhero to investigate the forces of darkness.
Back at his apartment, Xu Feng checked the shielding system, confirming it was still functioning properly. The steady flashing green indicator light gave him a sense of reassurance. He sat down on the edge of his bed, gently closing his eyes, and tried to gather his thoughts for the upcoming nighttime operation.
But the moment he closed his eyes, the system suddenly vibrated slightly in the depths of his consciousness, and a strange feeling came over him. Xu Feng held his breath, focusing on this feeling. This didn’t sound like the previous warning, but more like the system trying to convey some kind of message.
“System?” Xu Feng called softly in his heart.
[Unusual energy fluctuations detected] The system’s voice echoed in his mind, calm and mechanical. [Fluctuation direction: 25.7N, 87.3% similar to the energy signature of the previous pursuer]This information immediately made Xu Feng nervous. The system was telling him that the pursuers were likely nearby, and were heading in the direction of the old factory they planned to investigate tonight.
[Warning: Energy fluctuations are increasing in intensity, please be vigilant]Xu Feng opened his eyes and looked out the window. The sun was setting, and the shadows on the street were lengthening. He picked up his phone, wondering if he should contact Matt immediately to tell him about the system’s warning. But that would mean revealing some sensitive information over the phone, which might not be the safest approach.
Ultimately, he decided to wait for Matt to arrive and share his new discovery directly. Meanwhile, he began preparing his nighttime gear, following Matt’s advice. He dug into his closet and found a dark hoodie, black stretch pants, and a pair of lightweight sneakers. These items were dark enough not to reflect light at night, but also light enough not to restrict his movements.
When he changed his clothes, there was a slight knock on the door. The rhythm was special and it was obviously a preset signal. Xu Feng walked to the door and saw Matt standing outside through the peephole, holding a small backpack in his hand.
Xu Feng opened the door and Matt slid into the apartment quickly, his movements surprisingly smooth, especially considering his identity as a “blind man”.
“How are you getting ready?” Matt asked, putting his backpack on the table.
“Almost ready,” Xu Feng replied, then lowered his voice, “but the system just gave me a warning. It detected energy fluctuations similar to those of the pursuer, in the direction of the factory we planned to investigate.”
Matt’s expression grew more serious. “This might not be a coincidence. If Hart is indeed connected to that mysterious organization, then the factory is likely some kind of base or center of operations for them.”
He opened his backpack and took out some equipment. “Given the new situation, we need to be more cautious. These are some extra protective measures.”
Matt handed Xu Feng a piece of equipment that looked like a lightweight bulletproof vest. “This is not an ordinary bulletproof vest. It is made of special materials designed by Melvin. It can withstand most conventional weapons without affecting mobility.”
Xu Feng took the vest and felt it was surprisingly light, only slightly heavier than ordinary clothes. He put it on and was surprised to find that it fit his body perfectly, almost not feeling it.
“And this,” Matt continued, pulling out a pair of gloves. “Special fibers that enhance grip while resisting fingerprints.”
Xu Feng put on the gloves and bent his fingers to test their flexibility. The material was soft yet tough, which indeed enhanced the grip without affecting the sense of touch.
“Finally, this,” Matt pulled out a small device, resembling a miniature camera, “a recording device that can be attached to a collar. It automatically captures and stores images for use as evidence or for later analysis.”
Xu Feng fixed the small device on his collar and adjusted it to an angle that was not obvious but had a good field of view. These devices made him feel more at ease, and he also realized how much Matt valued this operation.
“The system’s warning makes me more confident that we’re heading in the right direction,” Matt said, checking his equipment. “But it also means the danger is greater. We need to develop a clear plan and retreat route.”
He pulled a map from his backpack and unfolded it on the table. “According to Karen’s research, the factory has three possible entrance points. The east side is the main entrance, which may be monitored and guarded. The north side has a freight passage that is less frequently used. The west side has a damaged wall, which may be the least noticeable entrance point.”
Xu Feng studied the map, noting the terrain and street layout around the factory. “The west entrance looks the most suitable, but there may also be traps or alarm systems.”
Matt nodded. “That’s what I was thinking. We’ll approach from the west, but before we enter, I need to use my senses to scan the area for guards or electronic surveillance.”
They spent some time discussing retreat routes and emergency meeting points, ensuring they had a clear plan of action in any situation. Matt emphasized that if they encountered a danger they couldn’t handle, their priority would be to evacuate safely rather than risk confrontation.
“One more thing,” Matt said, his voice becoming more cautious, “You’re going to see me in action tonight in a different capacity. I know you’ve been informed of my…special abilities and activities, but there’s something different about witnessing and knowing firsthand. Are you ready?”
Xu Feng understood that Matt was referring to his side as Daredevil. Although Xu Feng had long known about Matt’s dual identity, actually witnessing Daredevil in action was indeed another matter.
“I’m ready,” Xu Feng replied firmly, “Your secret is of vital importance to me. I will keep it as I would my own secret.”
Matt seemed satisfied with the answer and nodded slightly, “It’s getting dark, it’s time to go.”
He pulled the last item from his backpack—his Daredevil uniform. Instead of the elaborate red armor from the TV series, it was a simpler black outfit, complete with mask and gloves. This could be an earlier version of his, more practical and understated.
“I’ll change gear in a secluded spot nearby,” Matt explained, stuffing his uniform back into his backpack, “and then meet you at the west entrance. You go ahead and follow the route we discussed, keeping a low profile.”
Xu Feng nodded in understanding and checked his equipment—shielding device, communication headset, recording equipment, and the protective gear Matt had given him. Everything was ready.
“Be careful,” Matt warned finally. “Remember, this is just a reconnaissance mission.”
Xu Feng left his apartment and blended into the night. Hell’s Kitchen at night had a unique atmosphere: dim streetlights, deep shadows, and the occasional sirens in the distance. As planned, he avoided the main streets, choosing instead to navigate the more secluded alleys and backstreets.
The shielding device operated smoothly in his pocket, giving him a sense of security. However, as he approached the target area, an inexplicable sense of tension began to rise. The system vibrated slightly at the edge of his consciousness, as if responding to the surrounding environment.
[Warning: Energy fluctuations continue to increase in intensity] The system’s voice sounded again, [Advise further vigilance]Xu Feng moved more cautiously, paying close attention to every corner and shadow. This area was obviously more desolate than other places. Most of the buildings looked abandoned, and the street lights flickered on and off, adding a bit of an eerie atmosphere.
35. Daredevil is in danger. The factory is about to collapse. How can he escape from this predicament? (Old version)
Finally, he saw the factory he was targeting—a sprawling, old building surrounded by high walls, most of its windows boarded up. From the outside, it certainly looked like an abandoned industrial facility, but the details were incongruous: the barbed wire around the walls looked too new, a few surveillance cameras were hidden in the shadows, and there were unremarkable security devices tucked into corners.
Xu Feng followed his plan and circled to the west side of the factory, where a wall had partially collapsed due to years of disrepair. He found a secluded spot and waited for Matt to arrive. The night breeze rustled the leaves, and the occasional car engine roared in the distance, but overall, the area was eerily quiet.
“I’m in position,” Matt’s voice suddenly came from the headset, deep and clear. “Move 20 meters north. There’s a blind spot where you can safely approach the wall.”
Xu Feng quietly confirmed, then moved as instructed. In the darkness, he could barely see Matt, only vaguely aware of a darker shadow moving nearby. When he reached the designated location, the shadow suddenly appeared beside him, nearly startling him.
Matt had now completely transformed into Daredevil—all dressed in black, with a mask covering the upper half of his face, leaving only his chin and mouth exposed. Even knowing it was Matt beneath the mask, Xu Feng still felt a wave of awe. This was the legendary Daredevil, the guardian of Hell’s Kitchen.
“Things have changed,” Daredevil whispered, his voice rougher than Matt’s usual. “There’s activity inside the factory. At least six people are moving around, seemingly preparing something. There’s also some kind of… energy source. I can feel vibrations and heat, concentrated in the central area.”
Xu Feng felt nervous. “What do you think it is?”
“Not sure, but it’s getting stronger.” Daredevil paused, as if focusing his senses. “We need a closer look. Follow me, and be quiet.”
They approached the damaged section of the wall silently. Daredevil took the lead, his movements smooth and silent as flowing water. Xu Feng tried his best to imitate him, but he still managed to break a few branches, earning Daredevil a warning look.
Passing through the breach in the fence, they entered the factory’s outer reaches—a deserted parking lot and loading dock, overgrown with weeds and littered with discarded equipment. Daredevil led the way, choosing the most shadowed path and constantly scanning his surroundings with his extrasensory senses.
“There are two guards,” he said, pausing suddenly and pointing to a small outpost ahead. “The way they rotate shows that they are professionally trained personnel, not ordinary security guards.”
Xu Feng squinted his eyes and could vaguely see two figures patrolling near the outpost. Their movements were indeed military-like precise and alert.
“We need to avoid them,” Daredevil continued, “Moving along that row of containers will allow us to approach the main building undetected.”
They advanced slowly, keeping close to the container, taking every step carefully to avoid making any noise. Xu Feng could feel his heart pounding in his chest, adrenaline coursing through his veins. This wasn’t a movie or a game, but a real infiltration operation, and danger was imminent.
As they approached the main building, a strange humming sound began to become clear, low and rhythmic, as if coming from inside the building. At the same time, Xu Feng noticed a pale blue light flickering from several windows that were not sealed.
“What is that?” Xu Feng asked in a low voice.
Daredevil tilted his head slightly, as if listening intently or sensing something. “Some kind of energy device. The vibration frequency is very special, not like a regular generator or industrial equipment.”
He pointed to a side door. “There’s an entrance there. It doesn’t seem to have electronic surveillance, but it might be guarded. I need to confirm the situation inside first.”
Daredevil approached the door silently, pressed himself against the wall, and put his ear close to the crack. His entire body was in a state of high tension, and he was concentrating on sensing every move inside.
“Two people are inside, about 15 meters from the door,” he finally reported in a low voice. “Talking, seemingly waiting for something. There’s more activity deeper in, probably some kind of central control room or laboratory.”
Xu Feng pondered this information. “If they are waiting for something, more people may be arriving soon. We should act quickly.”
Daredevil nodded in agreement, “I’ll deal with the two men inside the door, and then we can investigate further. Remember, stay quiet, follow me, and don’t take any initiative.”
Xu Feng reconfirmed his understanding and checked the shielding and recording equipment for proper function. Daredevil pulled a small tool from his belt and began silently picking the lock. After a few seconds, the door unlocked with a slight click.
Daredevil slowly pushed the door open, leaving just enough space for a person to slip sideways through. He gestured for Xu Feng to wait, then slid through like a wisp of smoke. Xu Feng held his breath, pricked up his ears, but heard almost nothing—no alarms, no sounds of fighting, not even the sound of an interrupted conversation.
Less than a minute later, Daredevil reappeared at the doorway, motioning Xu Feng in. Xu Feng carefully slipped through the doorway and immediately saw two men in black uniforms lying unconscious on the ground, with no apparent injuries. Daredevil’s efficiency was astonishing.
“They’ll be unconscious for about an hour,” Daredevil explained in a low voice as he dragged the two men to an inconspicuous corner, “We need to complete our investigation before then.”
The interior space was a wide corridor, flanked by small offices and storage rooms. At the end of the corridor was a large door, from beneath which shone a strange blue light, and the humming sound became clearer.
They moved cautiously along the corridor, Daredevil constantly using his senses to scan the surroundings and the situation ahead. Xu Feng noticed some strange charts and diagrams hanging on the corridor wall, which contained complex formulas and designs that he had never seen before.
“It looks like some kind of physics experiment,” Xu Feng murmured, recognizing some symbols similar to particle acceleration or quantum physics, “but it’s a little different. It seems to involve dimensional theory.”
Daredevil nodded his approval, but didn’t pause to study the diagrams, continuing forward. As they neared the gate at the end, the humming grew louder, almost giving him a slight headache.
“There are four people behind the door,” Daredevil warned, “all working at the console. There’s a large device in the center, which is where the power source is.”
Xu Feng recalled the system’s warning—energy fluctuations similar to those of his pursuers. This mysterious device was likely directly related to those who were pursuing him.
“We need to see that device clearly,” Xu Feng said firmly, “If it is related to those pursuers, it may contain important clues.”
Daredevil considered this for a moment, then pointed to the ceiling, “The ventilation duct. We can enter through it and get a bird’s-eye view without being seen.”
He quickly found an inspection hatch, jumped up easily, opened the lid silently, and then climbed in. He stuck his head out and offered Xu Feng his hand, helping him climb in as well. The ventilation duct was narrow but wide enough for one person to crawl through, and they moved forward carefully, avoiding making any noise that might attract attention.
The pipe turned several corners and finally came to a grille, which overlooked the hall behind the door. Xu Feng finally saw the situation inside through the gap in the grille.
In the center of the hall stood a massive ring-shaped device, approximately five meters in diameter, its surface covered in a complex web of electronic components and wiring. Blue energy flowed within the ring, forming a strange, rippled pattern that constantly shifted in shape. Surrounding the ring were several control consoles, where four technicians in white coats manned them, constantly adjusting parameters and checking readings.
But what really caught Xu Feng’s attention was a huge display screen hanging on the wall behind the ring, which showed a very familiar image – a scene similar to the cosmic library he saw in his first dream, and those strange symbols.
[Warning: Highly similar energy fluctuation pattern detected] The system suddenly warned in Xu Feng’s consciousness, [Similarity: 98.7%]This warning nearly took Xu Feng’s breath away. This device was directly connected to his system, his time travel, and even his dreams. He suddenly realized that this might not be a coincidence, but the real reason why this mysterious organization was so interested in him.
“That ring-shaped device,” Xu Feng said to Daredevil as quietly as possible, “I think it’s some kind of dimensional portal, which may be directly related to my…special situation.”
Daredevil ‘watched’ intently for a moment, then nodded. “The energy pattern is very unusual, unlike any known technology. They appear to be trying to open some kind of portal or window.”
As they watched, a new voice echoed from the hall. A man in a black suit stepped into view, followed by two bodyguards. The technicians immediately stopped their work and turned to face him.
“How’s it going?” the man asked, his voice calm and authoritative.
“Energy stability has improved by 27%, sir,” a technician replied, “but we still can’t keep it on long enough for physical transmission.”
“What about that signal?” the man continued, “Have you found the source?”
The technician looked nervous. “The signal has suddenly dropped out, sir. We’re trying to reposition it, but there seems to be some kind of interference.”
The man’s expression darkened. “Unacceptable. That signal is crucial. Without it, we cannot accurately calibrate the portal. Keep searching. No matter the cost.”
Xu Feng and Daredevil exchanged a glance. It was obvious that the “signal” they were discussing was Xu Feng’s energy signature, and Melvin’s shielding device had successfully blocked their tracking.
“We’ve dispatched every available search party,” the man continued. “Every corner of Hell’s Kitchen is under surveillance. If the signal returns again, we’ll know immediately.”
“Understood, sir.” The technician nodded in understanding.
The man turned to the ring-shaped device. “How are the latest test samples?”
Another technician took over. “The subject disappeared during transmission, sir. We believe it may have been transported to an unknown dimension and did not return. There is no conclusive evidence that it successfully reached its target location.”
The man sighed, looking a little impatient. “Speed up the process. Headquarters is putting pressure on us. They want to see substantial progress by the end of the week.”
At this moment, an alarm suddenly sounded and red lights flashed in the hall. Everyone immediately became alert and quickly checked the consoles and display screens.
“What happened?” the man asked sharply.
“The energy fluctuations have suddenly increased,” a technician replied, his tone filled with surprise and worry, “The portal is activating on its own, but we didn’t activate it!”
Xu Feng felt the system vibrate violently in his consciousness, almost out of suppression mode. In response, the blue energy in the ring device became more intense, and the ripples accelerated, forming a vortex pattern.
“Stabilize it!” the man ordered, but the technician looked helpless.
“We have no control, sir. The energy pattern is completely out of range. It seems… it seems like an external signal is affecting it!”
Xu Feng realized the situation was spiraling out of control. The system seemed to be automatically responding to the energy from the ring device, establishing some kind of resonance between the two. He urgently needed to suppress the system’s activity, otherwise their position might be exposed.
“We need to evacuate immediately,” Daredevil said firmly, obviously sensing the increasing danger, “The situation is beyond detection range.”
Xu Feng nodded in agreement, but his heart was filled with contradictions. Leaving meant giving up the opportunity to learn more, but staying might mean facing uncontrollable risks.
They began to retreat, preparing to return the way they had come. At this moment, the ring-shaped device suddenly erupted with a dazzling blue light, and the powerful energy wave shook the entire building, including the ventilation duct where they were.
“It’s stabilizing!” the technicians below exclaimed. “The portal is forming!”
A transparent “window” gradually appeared in the center of the ring-shaped device, through which a vague picture of another space or dimension could be vaguely seen – it seemed to be some kind of vast cosmic landscape, dotted with strange stars and energy flows.
“This is incredible,” the man whispered, his tone full of admiration and ambition. “The project has finally made a breakthrough.”
Xu Feng couldn’t look away. The scene was strikingly similar to the Universal Library he had seen in his dream. The system was throbbing in his consciousness, as if trying to establish a connection with that window.
[Warning: Dimensional interference detected] The system’s voice sounded again, this time sounding a little distorted. [Unstable interdimensional channel is forming, it is recommended to evacuate immediately]Daredevil grabbed Xu Feng’s arm and forced his attention back, “We must leave immediately. The entire structure is becoming unstable.”
Only then did Xu Feng notice that the building was vibrating slightly, and the ventilation ducts were creaking with fatigue. The energy released by the ring device had obviously exceeded the designers’ expectations and was putting pressure on the entire structure.
“Let’s go,” Xu Feng agreed, and began to crawl away with Daredevil along the same path they came.
Just as they were less than two meters from their observation point, a more violent tremor struck, and the entire ventilation duct suddenly tilted. Metal joints broke apart with a sharp, tearing sound. Xu Feng and Daredevil lost their balance and slid downward.
Daredevil reacted quickly, grabbing the bracket inside the pipe with one hand to steady himself, and with the other hand, grabbing Xu Feng’s wrist to stop him from falling. But the broken metal could not bear the weight of the two men, and it groaned ominously.
“Hold on!” Daredevil whispered, looking for a safe way to descend.
However, fate didn’t allow them this opportunity. The pipe support completely broke, and the entire section of the ventilation duct came crashing down, carrying them into the hall below, scattering metal fragments. Xu Feng felt a sharp pain in his shoulder as he landed, but the well-trained Daredevil had already adjusted his posture in the air, landing perfectly on the ground and immediately assuming a fighting stance.
Everyone in the hall stared in shock at the unexpected guest who had suddenly descended from the sky. After a moment of silence, the man in the suit was the first to react.
“Intruders! Catch them!” he ordered sternly.
The two bodyguards immediately drew their weapons and advanced on them, while the technicians frantically busied themselves over the control console, trying to stabilize the still unusually active ring device.
Daredevil didn’t hesitate at all. He pulled his nunchaku from his belt and quickly deployed it. “Stay behind me,” he said to Xu Feng, his voice firm and calm. “I will clear a path for you, and then we will evacuate immediately.”
The first bodyguard pulled the trigger, but Daredevil had already anticipated his move and dodged the bullet with a roll, while throwing a small smoke bomb. Thick smoke instantly filled the entire area, providing them with temporary cover.
36, Shocking! Xu Feng’s system transmits data, Daredevil guards both sides, and the mysterious power of the mysterious beauty is terrifying! (Old version)
Xu Feng tried to stay calm and followed Daredevil closely.
He noticed that the abnormal activity of the ring device seemed to be intensifying, the blue energy ripples became more violent, and the “window” in the center was constantly expanding and contracting, as if breathing rhythmically.
The system vibrated violently within his consciousness, nearly breaking through the constraints of its suppression mode. Xu Feng felt a powerful attraction coming from the ring-shaped device, not just physically, but also a deeper resonance, as if the system were actively responding to that dimensional window.
[Warning: Dimensional interference threshold has exceeded 75%] The system’s voice rang out in his mind, with an unprecedented sense of urgency. [System stability is seriously affected. It is recommended to immediately move away from the interference source.]Within the smoke, Daredevil countered the attacks of his two bodyguards with astonishing speed and precision. His movements were fluid and deadly, each strike precisely targeting vital points while avoiding fatal damage. Xu Feng had never witnessed a true superhero fight so closely, and even in this critical situation, he couldn’t help but be astounded by Daredevil’s skill and strength.
“Move to that side door!” Daredevil instructed after knocking down the second bodyguard, while also fending off another guard who came to support him.
Xu Feng began to move in the designated direction, but at that moment, a more powerful energy wave erupted from the ring-shaped device. A blue light instantly filled the entire hall, and all electronic equipment simultaneously issued a piercing alarm. Xu Feng felt dizzy, as if the entire gravity of the space had been distorted.
“It’s collapsing!” a technician yelled in horror. “The portal is unstable, and energy feedback is imminent!”
The man in the suit paled. “Shut it down! Shut down all systems immediately!”
The technicians frantically operated the consoles, but it was too late. The “window” at the center of the ring suddenly expanded dramatically, and energy ripples surged outward like a tide, engulfing the nearest technician. The man didn’t even have time to scream before he was enveloped by blue light and instantly disappeared without a trace.
“Evacuate! Everyone evacuate!” the man in the suit ordered and started running towards the exit.
Daredevil grabbed Xu Feng’s arm, “We need to leave this building immediately!”
But Xu Feng could barely move. The system within him was fully activated, establishing a resonance with the ring-shaped device. He felt an irresistible pull, dragging him toward the ever-expanding dimensional window.
“I can’t move!” Xu Feng said with difficulty, feeling his body being controlled by that mysterious force. “The system…it’s responding to that portal!”
Daredevil immediately grabbed his shoulders and tried to pull him out of harm’s way, but even Daredevil’s extraordinary strength was no match for this supernatural pull.
“Hold on!” Daredevil gritted his teeth, sliding his feet on the ground, still holding on to Xu Feng.
The energy vortex within the ring-shaped device grew more violent, its blue light almost stinging his eyes. Xu Feng felt as if the system was completely out of his control, propelling him forward with a will of its own.
[Warning: System is under external control.] A mechanical voice echoed in Xu Feng’s mind, but this time it sounded different, with a strange emotional tone. [Original signal source detected… Attempting to establish a connection…]Xu Feng’s eyes widened in surprise. The system had never shown such an almost emotional reaction before. What could this mean? He vaguely realized that the ring device might not just be a random scientific experiment, but was directly related to his time travel and the origin of the system.
At this critical moment, the energy in the device suddenly reached its peak, and a dazzling blue lightning shot out from the central window, striking Xu Feng directly in the chest. He felt a sharp pain, followed by a strange feeling of floating. Daredevil’s hand slipped from him, and the whole world began to blur.
“Xu Feng!” Daredevil’s shout seemed to come from far away.
Xu Feng tried to respond, but found himself unable to utter a sound. His vision began to distort, and everything around him—the hall, the ring, Daredevil’s figure—began to fade, replaced by a strange void filled with flowing energy and flickering points of light.
[Establishing connection…] The system’s voice continued to echo in his mind, [Transferring data…]Xu Feng felt like he was crossing a boundary, similar to the feeling he had when he first crossed over, but more intense and purposeful. He couldn’t be sure whether he was returning to his original world or being taken to another completely new dimension.
Suddenly, a human figure appeared in the void, vague but unmistakably human. The figure seemed to be reaching out to him, trying to touch him.
“Who…?” Xu Feng asked in his mind, unable to express it with words.
[Confirming identity…] The system responded, [A matching quantum signature was detected…]Just as he was about to make contact with the mysterious figure, a more powerful force pulled him from behind, yanking him away from the void passage. Xu Feng felt himself being pulled back into the physical world. The blue light quickly faded, and his vision became clear again.
Daredevil had somehow grasped his legs and, with superhuman strength, pulled him free from the portal’s pull. The ring began to crackle dangerously, flashing with lightning, and it was obvious that it was about to collapse.
“I caught you!” Daredevil gritted his teeth and continued to drag Xu Feng towards the exit.
37. The connection between the system and the dimensional portal leads to the emergence of mysterious forces! (Old version)
This time, Xu Feng was able to move, and the system’s violent reaction seemed to calm down with the disappearance of the mysterious figure.
He managed to stand up and ran towards the exit with the help of Daredevil.
As they rushed out of the hall, a deafening explosion erupted behind them. The powerful shockwave propelled them forward, landing on the corridor floor. Debris and dust rained down, and smoke quickly filled the area.
Xu Feng climbed to his feet, coughing, feeling sore all over but miraculously unharmed. Daredevil had already stood up and helped him steady himself.
“Are you okay?” Daredevil asked, a rare hint of concern in his voice.
Xu Feng nodded, although his mind was still occupied by the unusual experience just now, “I think so…but what happened just now?”
“We’ll discuss this later,” Daredevil said firmly, “We need to get out of here immediately. The explosion will attract attention, including the police and possible reinforcements.”
They quickly ran down the corridor towards the exit they had come from. Fortunately, most of the staff seemed to have evacuated, and no one blocked their way. As they rushed out of the building, they could hear sirens approaching in the distance.
Daredevil led Xu Feng through the abandoned parking lot and found the hole in the wall they had entered through. The sirens were getting closer and closer, and the headlights of several cars had already illuminated the main entrance area of the factory.
After passing through the wall, they didn’t stop, continuing to move quickly in the shadows, away from the factory area. Only when they entered a secluded alley and confirmed that they were not being followed did they finally slow down and take a short rest.
Xu Feng leaned against the wall, breathing heavily. His adrenaline gradually faded, and his body began to feel the fatigue brought by the escape. Daredevil stood aside, vigilantly listening to the movements around him to ensure their safety.
“What happened when you were in front of that device?” Daredevil whispered. “I felt an unusual energy fluctuation that almost dragged you into that…whatever it was.”
Xu Feng took a deep breath, thinking about how to explain this experience that was beyond conventional understanding. “There is some kind of connection between the system and that device. When the portal opened, it was almost fully activated, beyond my control.” He paused, “I saw… someone, or some kind of existence, on the other side of that dimension. It seemed to recognize me, or to be more precise, recognized the system.”
Daredevil was silent for a moment, seemingly digesting this information. “Do you think that organization built that device specifically for you, or for your system?”
Xu Feng shook his head. “I’m not sure. They seem to be searching for my energy signature to calibrate the portal, but I suspect they don’t fully understand what they’re dealing with.” He recalled the suited man’s words. “They mentioned the experimental subjects, suggesting they’d attempted similar teleportation before, but without success.”
“If that device is used to open a dimensional passage,” Daredevil reasoned, “then their purpose could be to bring something in, or send something out. In either case, it’s unlikely to be out of good intentions.”
Xu Feng nodded in agreement. “Especially considering the methods they used to track me. I suspect they are some kind of secret research organization, possibly connected to the government or military, but also possibly operating independently.”
In the distance, the sirens and the hum of helicopters were clearly audible, indicating that security forces had arrived at the explosion site. Daredevil looked up at the sky and made a decision.
“We need to leave this area,” he said, “but first, check your shielding. Make sure it’s still working properly.”
Xu Feng quickly pulled the device out of his pocket and checked the indicator light. To his surprise, the light was yellow, indicating low battery or impaired functionality.
“It’s been disturbed,” Xu Feng said worriedly, “Maybe the energy from the ring device is affecting it.”
Daredevil nodded, his expression serious. “Then we need to be more cautious. Follow me closely. I know a safe route back to your apartment.”
They set off again, this time avoiding main streets and possible security cameras, choosing routes through rooftops, back alleys, and abandoned buildings. Daredevil’s nighttime navigation skills were impressive, and he seemed to be able to find the safest and most discreet routes in complete darkness.
Xu Feng followed, his body exhausted but his mind remarkably clear. Tonight’s discovery had changed the game—he was no longer just a passive traveler, but part of a larger plan. The connection between the system and the dimensional portal suggested that his travel might not be accidental, but purposeful.
He recalled the Universal Library in his dream, and the mysterious voice that had mentioned “balance” and “anomaly.” Could all of this be connected to the portal he had seen tonight? And who was the figure trying to reach him? Many questions swirled in his mind, with no clear answers.
As they approached Xu Feng’s apartment, Xu Feng noticed that Daredevil’s movements became more cautious, stopping from time to time as if he was sensing his surroundings.
“What’s wrong?” Xu Feng asked in a low voice.
38. Forced into a corner, a secret conversation takes place at Daredevil’s home, revealing the shocking connection between the system and the organization! (Old version)
Daredevil nodded slightly, “I sense someone patrolling nearby, and they’re not just ordinary police officers.”
He tilted his head, as if listening intently. “At least four people, scattered in different locations, covering several main routes leading to your apartment.”
Xu Feng felt a surge of worry. “You think they’re here to find me? But how do they know I live here?”
“It could be from the previous pursuit,” Daredevil speculated. “Before you acquired the shielding device, they might have locked down this area and were just waiting for your return. Now that there’s an explosion at the factory, they might have intensified their search.”
“What should we do?” Xu Feng asked, realizing that going back to the apartment might no longer be a safe option.
Daredevil thought for a moment, “Let’s go to my place. Don’t go back to your apartment yet, at least until we’re sure it’s safe.”
This proposal surprised Xu Feng. Matt Murdock’s residence is a very private space in the series, and he rarely invites others in. This invitation shows how much Matt trusts him.
“Thank you,” Xu Feng said sincerely, “I don’t want to cause you any trouble.”
Daredevil shook his head, “We are already involved in this matter. The key now is to ensure your safety and find out the true purpose of that organization.”
They changed their route and headed towards Matt’s residence. This time the journey was more complicated, with Daredevil leading Xu Feng through a series of rooftops, fire escapes, and hidden passages to ensure no one was following them.
Eventually, they arrived at a seemingly ordinary apartment building, but unlike an ordinary house, Matt chose to enter through the roof, going down to the penthouse through a hidden entrance.
“Be careful with the steps,” Daredevil warned, leading Xu Feng down a narrow flight of stairs.
They arrived at a spacious apartment, with large windows covering an entire wall, revealing the city lights. The apartment’s decor was simple and functional, without much ornamentation, yet each piece of furniture was carefully selected and strategically placed. A punching bag and training equipment in one corner hinted that this was not only a living space, but also a training ground.
Daredevil closed the portal and removed his mask, transforming back into Matt Murdock. He set down his gear and headed towards the kitchen area.
“Feel free to do so,” he said, his tone much softer than it had been during his Daredevil days. “The water is in the fridge, and if you need medical supplies, there’s a first aid kit in the bathroom cabinet.”
Xu Feng nodded gratefully, although he realized that Matt couldn’t “see” the action, “Thank you. I’m not injured, just a little tired.”
Matt went to a cabinet and pulled out two glasses and a bottle of whiskey, “I think we all need a drink. Things tonight are… unusual.”
Xu Feng took the wine Matt poured and felt the warmth of the liquid. He silently thanked Matt for his hospitality and trust. In this strange universe, he was lucky to have such an ally.
“Regarding the device in the factory,” Matt said, sitting on the sofa opposite Xu Feng, “What do you think its real purpose is?”
Xu Feng took a sip of whiskey, letting the spicy liquid soothe the dryness in his throat. “Based on their conversation and what I saw, it seems to be some kind of dimensional teleportation device, designed to establish channels between different dimensions or universes.” He paused. “But what bothers me most is the system’s reaction to it, and the symbols displayed on the device – they are exactly the same as what I saw in my dream.”
Matt nodded thoughtfully. “Do you think your time travel and system binding might be directly related to that organization?”
Xu Feng shook his head. “I’m not sure. My feeling is that the system recognized the device, or the source of the technology behind it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that organization created the system. It could be… they come from the same source, but are used for different purposes.”
“The figure that tried to touch you,” Matt continued, “can you describe it?”
Xu Feng recalled the vague humanoid outline. “It’s hard to describe. It’s basically humanoid, but the details are completely blurry. But there’s one strange thing – when it appeared, the system seemed to become sentient, almost like… recognizing an old friend.”
Matt’s expression grew more serious. “This suggests that the system might not just be a tool or capability, but something more complex, perhaps with its own purpose or mission.”
Xu Feng nodded in agreement, “I’ve always suspected the system is far more complex than it appears. Those two dreams, the hints about the Universal Library and balance, and now this dimensional portal…all of these seem to point to a larger plan or mission.”
They fell into a brief silence, each lost in their own thoughts. As the night deepened, the hustle and bustle of the city gradually subsided, with only the occasional sirens breaking the silence.
“I need to contact Fudge,” Matt said finally, “tell him what we found out, and make sure he knows you’ll be staying here for the time being.”
Xu Feng nodded. “Of course. I also want to know what he and Karen found out during their investigation.”
Matt pulled out his phone and dialed Fudge’s number, setting it to speakerphone. After a few rings, Fudge’s voice came through the speaker, sounding both worried and relieved.
“Matt! Thank God you guys got in touch. I’ve been watching the news—there was an explosion in East Hell’s Kitchen, right near that factory. Was it you guys?”
39. “Eternal Frontier” locked, crisis imminent! (Old version)
Matt and Xu Feng exchanged glances, and Xu Feng couldn’t help but feel a little amused – even in this tense situation, Fudge still maintained his slightly exaggerated direct style.
“Not exactly,” Matt replied. “We were there, but the explosion was caused by the device’s own instability. It was more complicated than we anticipated.”
He briefly described their findings at the factory, especially the ring-shaped device and its strange connection to the Xufeng system. Fudge listened attentively, occasionally making sounds of surprise or concern.
“Wait, wait,” Fudge interrupted when Matt mentioned the dimensional window. “You mean they actually opened some kind of… portal to another universe? Like in the sci-fi movies?”
“Basically, yes,” Xu Feng replied, “although it was unstable and eventually collapsed.”
“Goodness,” Fudge sighed, “this is more than my lawyer brain can process. Speaking of investigations, though, Karen and I did make some discoveries.”
The two men immediately became more focused, waiting for Fudge to share their findings.
“Avant-Garde Technologies is ostensibly a research company focused on quantum computing and high-energy physics,” Fudge began to explain. “It was founded five years ago, and its funding sources are rather murky. But Karen dug deeper and discovered its ties to an organization called Eternal Frontier.”
“Eternal Frontier?” Xu Feng repeated. He had no memory of this name in his knowledge base of time travel.
“Yes,” Fudge continued, “according to the information Karen found, it’s a semi-secret scientific research organization that claims to be dedicated to pushing the boundaries of human cognition. Its members include top scientists, military personnel, and some wealthy sponsors. They have facilities in multiple locations around the world, but their core activities are kept secret.”
Matt thought for a moment. “Any official contact with the government or military?”
“That’s what’s strange,” Fudge replied. “On the surface, they’re a completely independent private organization. But Karen discovered some vague connections through public records of military contracts. It seems that certain government departments are aware of their existence and may even provide some kind of support or oversight, but everything is very secretive.”
Xu Feng felt a chill run down his spine. The description reminded him of certain secret organizations in the Marvel Universe, like branches of S.H.I.E.L.D. or the predecessor of Hydra. A semi-official, secretive scientific research organization with powerful resources, researching dimensional travel technology—it sounded both dangerous and full of conspiracy.
“What about Hart Development?” Matt asked. “Have you found a direct connection to the Eternal Frontier?”
“There’s no direct evidence,” Fudge admitted, “but we’ve discovered that a significant amount of Hart’s capital inflows in recent months have come from several shell companies whose registered addresses are the same as some of Eternal Frontier’s known affiliates. There are too many coincidences.”
“So Hart might be their puppet or front,” Xu Feng deduced, “through his acquisition of properties in Hell’s Kitchen, creating a safe zone for that factory.”
“That’s right,” Fudge confirmed. “And according to Karen’s research, several of the security personnel Hart recently hired previously worked for private military contractors and have indirect ties to the Eternal Frontier.”
This information began to paint a more complete picture. The Eternal Frontier, a secret organization researching interdimensional technology, used Hart Development to establish a base in Hell’s Kitchen and sent trackers to search for Xu Feng – or more accurately, to search for the energy signature generated by his system.
“Will they have backup facilities?” Xu Feng suddenly asked, “If the main base is destroyed, where might they move to?”
Fudge was silent for a moment. “I’m not sure, but Karen mentioned that the Eternal Frontier may have multiple facilities in New York. Considering the explosion tonight, they may have already started to activate the backup plan.”
Matt’s expression grew more serious. “That means they won’t give up. Especially if they’re convinced Xu Feng or his energy signature is crucial to their research.”
“So what do we do now?” Fudge asked, concern evident in his voice. “We are lawyers, not agents or superheroes… well, at least Karen and I aren’t.”