Become Kingpin and build a hero mercenary company.

The easy days are over.

No, perhaps it was never truly easy. The previous battles were more like rehearsals and training for this real storm.

He put down his glass, turned away from the window, and walked towards the control panel. His massive body moved silently across the soft carpet.

"Notify all S-rank and A-rank heroes to cancel all non-essential leave and enter standby status."

"The Technology Department should concentrate all computing power to prioritize the analysis of all data in the Pacific energy anomaly zone and attempt to build a more accurate prediction model."

"Logistics Department, activate the 'Cruze' protocol and allocate all non-core resources to combat readiness."

"Liaison Department, prepare a well-written announcement. The content... awaits my instructions."

The instructions were clear, concise, and swiftly transmitted through the encrypted channel. The association's machines, which had just enjoyed a brief moment of tranquility, instantly roared back to life, as if injected with high-pressure steam, operating with even greater efficiency and a more solemn atmosphere. The laughter in the lounge area vanished, replaced by hurried footsteps and the incessant beeping of communicators.

Kingpin sat back down in his seat, his gaze returning to the decreasing countdown.

71 hours and 28 minutes.

He had no idea what was coming—a behemoth from the deep sea, a rift tearing through space, or some kind of catastrophe completely beyond his imagination.

But he knew that the Hero Association, an organization he had founded and which brought together various forces from different circumstances to establish a new order, was about to face its most severe test since its inception.

This is not only a test for the association, but also a validation of the path he has chosen.

He slowly leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, not to rest, but to enter a deeper level of thinking and planning.

A storm is approaching, and he is already standing in the eye of the storm.

Chapter 61: The First "Dragon-Level" Alert!

In the command center atop the Fisk Tower, the air seemed to solidify. The suffocating calm that had lasted for over seventy hours was utterly and brutally shattered at this moment.

It was no longer the calm parameter prompts of the system, but a shrill, high-pitched buzzing sound like the dying howl of a dying beast, bursting out from every speaker at maximum volume, instantly piercing everyone's eardrums and gripping every heart tightly!

[Alarm! Alarm! Alarm!]

[Global monitoring networks have detected that energy responses in the Mariana Trench region of the Pacific Ocean have exceeded a critical threshold!]

[Energy Level Assessment: Dragon-level (City Destruction Threat)!]

[Target codename generated: "Deep Sea King"!]

[Energy Characteristics: Manipulated by abnormal water pressure mixed with ultra-high intensity bio-energy, accompanied by massive psychological pressure!]

[Movement trajectory prediction: Currently moving northwest at a speed of 120 km/h, heading towards Tokyo Bay, Japan! Estimated arrival time: 3 hours 47 minutes!]

[Urgent Recommendation: Immediately activate the highest level of emergency response plan! Repeat: Immediately activate the highest level of emergency response plan!]

A crimson glow replaced the usual calm blue and white light, flashing wildly throughout the command center, illuminating everyone's astonished and even pale faces as if stained with blood. On the main screen, the Pacific region, which had previously only been marked as having abnormal energy, was now covered by a huge, ferocious, and constantly pulsating skull symbol. The thick red arrow representing the "Deep Sea King's" path of advance, like the fingertips of death, mercilessly pointed towards the Japanese archipelago.

Tokyo! A megacity with nearly 40 million inhabitants!

“Dragon-level…” a young analyst murmured unconsciously, his voice trembling uncontrollably. Before this, “Dragon-level” was more of a theoretical concept in system evaluation, the highest level of difficulty in training simulations. But now, it had transformed into a real, destructive marker on the screen, hurtling towards one of the most densely populated areas of human civilization.

"Confirm energy reading! Compare with historical database!" Kingpin's voice, like thunderclaps on an ice field, instantly drowned out the piercing alarm and forcefully stabilized the situation that was about to spiral out of control. His massive body had somehow appeared before the control panel, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, showing no sign of panic, only an almost cold focus.

"Reading confirmed! The energy peak has reached the mid-level standard for Dragon-class! Exceeding any natural or extraordinary event recorded in the database!" The technical director's voice was hoarse, and he spoke extremely quickly. "The target's bio-energy response... is immeasurable! The surrounding sea pressure is abnormal, forming a super-heavy water field with a diameter of over twenty kilometers! Satellite images show a giant whirlpool on the sea surface, accompanied by abnormal thunderstorms!"

"Activate the 'Sky Curtain' protocol! All global branches, enter Level 1 combat readiness! Immediately contact the Japanese branch and authorize it to activate all defensive measures and forcibly evacuate the civilians in coastal areas!" Kingpin's orders came like a machine gun, without the slightest pause. "Technology Department, I need the real-time energy structure model of 'Deep Sea King' to find its weaknesses! Logistics Department, initiate the transoceanic delivery procedure, prioritizing the material needs of the Japanese branch!"

The entire command center spun wildly like a top being whipped, at an unprecedented speed. The communication channels were filled with urgent calls and confirmations in various languages, and data streams surged across the screens like a burst dam. After a brief rest, the association's massive machine roared back up with power exceeding its limits to meet this unprecedented challenge.

Meanwhile, at S.H.I.E.L.D., Trident headquarters.

Similarly, the crimson alert, representing the highest threat level, is flashing wildly here.

"Director Fury! A Dragon-level energy reaction has been detected deep in the Pacific Ocean! The target is Tokyo!" Hill's voice came through the communicator, carrying an unprecedented sense of urgency.

Nick Fury's one eye was fixed on the terrifying symbol representing "Deep Sea King" on the screen, his face so dark it could drip water. His worst fears had come true, and so quickly and violently.

“Contact the World Security Council and activate the global emergency response mechanism! Order all S.H.I.E.L.D. agents stationed in Japan to assist the local government in evacuation and defense! Notify the Avengers…” He paused, his voice resolute, “…Assemble!”

Stark Tower.

Tony Stark was making final adjustments to the Mark VIII armor when the piercing SHIELD top alert, relayed by Jarvis, made him freeze in mid-air.

"Sir, a Dragon-level energy burst has been detected in the Mariana Trench region of the Pacific Ocean, targeting Tokyo. S.H.I.E.L.D. has declared a global emergency and is requesting the Avengers to assemble."

Tony put down his tools, and his visor automatically closed, concealing the sudden grim expression on his face. "Dragon-level... so it's finally here?" he muttered to himself without hesitation. "Jarvis, prepare the long-range delivery protocol. Lock onto Tokyo coordinates. Let's go meet this 'Deep Sea King'."

Chaos has begun to spread across news channels and online platforms around the world. Despite official attempts to control information, such a massive energy disturbance cannot be completely concealed. Blurred satellite cloud images, videos of unusual tsunamis and celestial phenomena taken from the Japanese coast, and all sorts of speculation and panic-mongering, some true and some false, are spreading like a virus across the internet.

"Is it the end of the world?"

Is Tokyo about to sink?

"Where's the Hero Association? Where's S.H.I.E.L.D.? Where are the Avengers?"

Pray for Tokyo!

Panic, like an invisible tsunami, began to shake the nerves of the entire world, preceding any physical disaster.

At the Hero Association headquarters, Kingpin stared intently at the Deep Sea King's steady yet terrifying movement on the screen, as well as the chaotic specks of light that began to appear in the Tokyo Bay area, representing a large-scale evacuation of the population.

He connected to a dedicated line leading to the Tokyo branch in Japan.

The screen lit up, displaying the head of the Tokyo branch, a middle-aged man with a resolute expression, wearing the association's uniform, with a busy and tense scene behind him.

"How is the situation?" Kingpin asked directly.

“Mr. Fisk, the forced evacuation of the coastal area has been initiated, but the resistance is great and time is too tight! All our heroes have been deployed and the defenses are being activated at full capacity, but we lack effective means to deal with the Dragon-level threat!” The person in charge’s voice was filled with suppressed anxiety.

"Hold your ground and buy time," Kingpin's voice left no room for argument. "Reinforcements are on their way. The Sandman is arriving soon and will be a pillar of your battlefield."

He paused, then added, "Tell all members that this is not a drill. We are facing a disaster capable of wiping out a city. The association's purpose is right now."

"Understood! We will complete the mission to the death!"

Kingpin slowly raised his head, his gaze seemingly piercing through layers of barriers, landing on the light spot marked "Sandman" that was crossing the Pacific Ocean at an extremely high speed.

He then brought up the association's emergency mobilization interface for all registered heroes. A global, top-priority mission was issued, the scarlet font stinging everyone who saw it:

[Emergency Call-Up (Dragon-level): Engage the "Deep Sea King"!]

[Mission Location: Tokyo Bay and surrounding waters, Japan.]

[Mission Objective: Prevent "Deep Sea King" from landing at all costs and protect the safety of the people.]

[Participation Requirements: Heroes of Rank B and above are required to be recruited; Rank C and D heroes may apply voluntarily, subject to ability assessment.]

[Note: This battle is a matter of life and death.]

The order has been given, and the war drums have been sounded.

The first Dragon-level alert's mournful cry was like the clarion call of doom. The Hero Association, this newly emerging guardian of order, will face its true judgment amidst the turbulent waves of the Pacific Ocean.

The storm has arrived.

Chapter 62: The Avengers, Move Out!

Deep in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, sweltering heat and clamor are the constant tones. Bruce Banner huddles in his cramped room, his faded vest soaked with sweat. Physics journals spread out on the table and radio parts scattered about are his fragile fortresses against the beast within him, his defenses of "humanity."

However, at this moment, the fortress is suffering from an invisible attack from afar.

"...Repeated, breaking news! An unusually large-scale energy burst has occurred in the Pacific Ocean. A UN agency has confirmed its threat level as 'Dragon-level,' and the target is suspected to be the Tokyo area of ​​Japan! Countries are activating emergency response mechanisms..."

The old radio he had repaired and used to receive news from the outside world was intermittently broadcasting this news that was enough to shake the world. The announcer's voice had lost its usual composure, carrying a hint of undisguised panic.

Banner's fingers tightened suddenly around the precision screwdriver, his knuckles turning white.

The word pierced his taut nerves like a cold needle. Although he was far from the center of the vortex, he was not completely ignorant of the outside world. Through scattered newspapers and cautious online browsing, he roughly understood the threat level classification system introduced by the "Hero Association"—Dragon level meant a catastrophe that would destroy the city.

Moreover, it was Tokyo. That vibrant and orderly metropolis he had visited many times at academic conferences.

A familiar, chilling surge of heat coursed uncontrollably through the depths of his veins. It was it—the Hulk. It seemed to sense the overwhelming malice and destructive aura in the distance, becoming restless and letting out a low, violent roar within the mental prison.

“No… Quiet… not now…” Banner closed his eyes, his forehead pressed against the cold, damp wall, straining to control his breathing, a technique he had honed to perfection, in an attempt to suppress the monster about to break free. Every global crisis like this was an ultimate test of his willpower. He wasn’t afraid of joining the war, but of losing control, of the immeasurable collateral damage that the Hulk might cause in the chaos.

The radio broadcast continued, mentioning that the Hero Association had taken the lead in responding and the global panic. Banner's mind uncontrollably conjured up images of that organization again—efficient, systematic, possessing unknown technology, and… its leader, Kingpin, who dared to confront multiple forces simultaneously.

"Can they...stop them?" A tiny thought sprouted in his mind. If even that seemingly omnipotent association needed to go all out, they might not even be able to stop them...

Just then, he keenly detected an extremely faint vibration, one that did not belong to any known sound source in the slums. It was not the roar of a car, nor the beat of a samba drum, but a... a deep, specific frequency of engine whistling, as if coming from above the clouds.

He suddenly looked up, and despite the thick walls and the intricate shantytowns, his gaze seemed to pierce through everything, looking towards the northern sky.

"Kunite...fighter jet..."

He recognized the sound. It was the iconic sound of a S.H.I.E.L.D. vehicle.

They've come. Not to see him (at least not this time), but towards the Pacific Ocean, towards Tokyo.

The Avengers are about to be deployed.

Almost at the same time Banner caught the faint engine sound, at S.H.I.E.L.D., Trident headquarters.

Nick Fury's single eye swept across the breathtaking data of "Deep Sea King" on the main screen and the chaotic scene beginning to unfold along the Tokyo Bay coast. He then issued a concise and cold command into the communicator:

"Activate the Avengers Protocol."

The order, like a pebble thrown into a still lake, created ripples in several specific corners of the world.

In a modest apartment in Brooklyn, New York, Steve Rogers, having just finished his morning run and preparing a simple breakfast, felt the retro-style communicator on the table buzz urgently. The screen lit up, displaying the S.H.I.E.L.D. eagle emblem and the words "Supreme Assembler." He picked up the communicator, glancing at the "Dragon-level threat" and Tokyo's location. A hint of seriousness flashed in his azure eyes, but without hesitation. He put down his half-eaten toast, picked up the Star Shield leaning against the wall, and strode resolutely towards the door.

On the rooftop of Stark Tower, the gold and red Iron Man suit was in place, its thrusters spewing a ghostly blue trail of flame. Tony Stark's visor was closed, isolating him from the outside world and from any emotion he might reveal. Jarvis's voice crackled through the internal channel: "Sir, all systems online. Remote delivery channel calibrated. Target: Outer Tokyo Bay."

“Keep the channel clean, Jarvis. Let’s go give that big fish a ‘check-up.’” Tony’s voice came through the visor, carrying a deliberately relaxed tone, but the clenched fists in the armor betrayed his true readiness.

Meanwhile, thousands of miles away, over a mysterious sea area in Northern Europe, a stealthy Quincy fighter jet was tearing through the clouds, speeding eastward at top speed. Inside the cockpit, Natasha Romanoff (Black Widow) expertly checked her equipment, while Clint Barton (Hawkeye) closed his eyes to rest, his fingers unconsciously stroking the specially made arrows in his quiver, as if listening to the whispers of the wind.

“Fury has gone all out.” Natasha broke the silence in the cabin, her voice as calm as ever. “Dragon-class…the first truly full-scale operation.”

Hawkeye opened his eyes, his gaze sharp: "Perfect, let's see if our 'alliance' can really handle this kind of big scene."

Their goal was not to go directly to Tokyo Bay, but to reach a designated area to reunite with Stark and Captain Rogers, forming the complete initial Avengers team, and then head to the battlefield together.

In the favela of Rio, Dr. Banner remained leaning against the wall, his vest soaked with sweat. The restlessness within him intensified slightly as the Quinjet flew by in the distance, and the roar of the Hulk echoed in his mind.

He heard radio reports about the public panic and saw in his mind the hellish scene that Tokyo Bay might become. He also recalled the Hero Association's introduction to the "Mental and Physical Health Center" and Kingpin's theories about "order" and "systematization".

An unprecedented impulse, mixed with deep fear and a faint hope that was almost drowned out by despair, grew wildly in his heart.

Maybe...maybe this time will be different?

Perhaps on that chaotic battlefield, when everyone was fighting with all their might against a common threat...

Perhaps... the Hulk's power can be guided, or... needed?

The idea sent chills down his spine, yet it also carried a deadly allure.

He slowly straightened up and walked to the small window that faced the cluttered alleyway and a sliver of sky. In the distance, the faint contrails left by the Quinjet fighter jet had long since disappeared into the clouds.

He looked down at his hands, which seemed ordinary but contained destructive power.

On the radio, the latest news about "Deep Sea King" approaching Tokyo, the Hero Association's precarious situation on the front lines, and the world holding its breath in anticipation continued to pour in.

The storm has arrived, and the world's guardians are rushing from all directions to the battlefield that is destined to become scorched earth.

What should become of him, Bruce Banner, or the version of himself within him?

Silence spread through the stuffy, shabby room, broken only by the sound of the radio and the increasingly clear roars of the monster inside him, counting down the days.

Chapter 63: The Association's Rapid Response

Over Tokyo Bay, leaden clouds hung low, as if the heavens themselves, fearing the terror approaching from the depths of the Pacific, had donned mourning clothes prematurely. The air was thick with a pungent odor mixed with saltiness and panic, and the piercing air raid sirens and evacuation announcements echoed like a never-ending dirge over the city that had suddenly fallen into a doomsday rehearsal.

Just as this chaos and despair began to breed and spread, a completely different "voice" rang out among a specific group of people in a way that transcended physical boundaries.

"Ding--!"

"Ding--!"

"Ding--!"

Unlike the monotonous and shrill sound of official alarms, this was a crisp, short alert with a specific rhythmic quality. It came from thousands of mobile phones, from special terminals worn on wrists, and from miniature receivers hidden within the heroes' uniforms.

On the heroes of the Hero Association who were on high alert along the Tokyo Bay coast; among the police and volunteers who assisted in evacuation and maintained order on the streets; and even among the crowds who had already retreated to relatively safe areas but were still concerned about the front lines... countless screens were forcibly lit up at the same time, jumping to that now widely known interface—the Hero Association APP.

The once harmoniously colored and clearly laid-out task list interface was now covered in a chilling crimson. A huge, constantly flashing skull icon occupied the top, below which were the unsettling task information in bold font:

[Ultimate Emergency Call-Up (Dragon-level): Engage the "Deep Sea King"!]