In a luxurious building, Frank, the drug lord who masqueraded as the chairman of a foreign trade company, listened to his confidant's report.
"Boss, Guy has gone to handle it. You don't need to worry about such a small matter," the confidant said respectfully.
"I know, but something feels off," Frank replied. Dressed in an expensive suit, he looked every bit the high-class elite, but his wealth came from the darkest corners of society. His empire was built on drug smuggling and other illegal enterprises. The local patrols and even high-ranking officers were on his payroll. Even Chief George, who wanted to arrest him, found his plans leaked by informants.
Despite his suspicions, Frank couldn't shake the feeling that Xu Mo, the young Chinese man under suspicion, might not be responsible for the murder. The incident had occurred in Manhattan, near Hell's Kitchen, a hotspot for vigilante cops and the territory of the powerful underworld boss, Kingpin. If either was involved, Frank knew he was out of his league.
Suddenly, gunfire erupted outside the office. Frank didn't panic. Calmly, he picked up the phone. "What's happening?"
"Boss, two intruders have been spotted inside the building, but don't worry. Our security forces are more than adequate," the voice on the other end reassured.
As a seasoned crime lord, Frank had seen many enemies try and fail to reach him. From righteous cops to undercover journalists, none had succeeded. His extensive security, including top professional killers like Guy and mutants with a penchant for cash, ensured his safety.
Downstairs, chaos reigned. Gunfire and screams echoed as bullets tore through the air. Among the pandemonium, a petite figure darted through the fray, lethal and swift, while a burly man provided covering fire. The girl, Jia Li, moved with deadly precision, dispatching gang members with cold efficiency.
But the tide quickly turned. The gang's reinforcements arrived, bringing heavy firepower and devastating shotguns that filled the air with explosive noise. The attackers found themselves pinned down, unable to advance.
Meanwhile, outside the building, a taxi pulled up. The driver, nervous, asked, "Kid, are you sure it's here? It sounds like a war zone. This is gang territory."
Xu Mo stepped out, paying the driver. "Yes, this is the place," he confirmed, watching the building with a calm expression. He knew trouble was brewing. The presence of the assassin, Guy, meant Frank was after him. With Jia Li's help, Xu Mo had uncovered Frank's entire operation.
Deciding to confront the issue head-on, Xu Mo headed towards the chaos. His plan was simple: eliminate the threat to prevent any future interference, particularly with his comic company. Frank's retaliation could delay his work and affect his fans.
As he ascended, the scene became increasingly grim. Bodies of gangsters, some dead, others incapacitated, littered the path. Reaching the fourth floor, he stepped out of the elevator into a gunfight.
"..."
The sudden arrival halted the battle. The gangsters stared, stunned by the calm demeanor of the newcomer. Among them, Jia Li and the man known as Big Daddy Damon exchanged puzzled looks.
A heavily tattooed white man, brandishing two guns, stepped forward. "Who the hell are you? Speak up, or you're dead."
Xu Mo responded, unfazed, "I suggest you put down the guns. Otherwise, you won't leave here in one piece."
The man laughed, thinking it a joke. "You're a dead man walking, kid. I'll chop you up and feed you to the dogs."
Bang!
He fired. Time seemed to slow as the bullet sped towards Xu Mo. The gangsters braced for the kill. But instead of dropping, the bullet bounced off Xu Mo's forehead, harmlessly clattering to the ground.
"Mutant!" the gunman gasped, shocked.
Without a word, Xu Mo stepped forward and punched the man in the stomach. The force lifted him off his feet, sending him crashing into the wall with a sickening thud.
"I warned you," Xu Mo said coldly. The gangsters, witnessing this display of power, felt their courage drain away.
Jia Li, her fake purple hair vibrant in the dim light, whispered to Damon, "Daddy, he's incredibly strong."
Damon nodded, cautious. "Yes, but don't forget, Frank has his own mutant."
As if on cue, a massive figure emerged from the crowd of gangsters. The man, dressed in a stark white hat, stood out against his dark skin. His presence alone made the temperature in the room rise, the air becoming hot and oppressive.
The mutant cracked his neck, the sound like popping beans, and smiled. "Not bad, kid. But you're not the only one with tricks up your sleeve." The air around him began to shimmer with heat as he prepared to attack, his eyes locking onto Xu Mo with a dangerous intensity.
The stage was set for a showdown, the outcome uncertain as the two sides squared off in the heart of the gang's fortress.