East of Upper New York Harbor.
In the past, even at night, there would be patrols here. But tonight, it's different. No one will interfere with your business.
Tonight, the Viper Gang—one of the most notorious criminal organizations in New York—is meeting for a trade. Naturally, they've paid to ensure the area remains secure.
"Boss, why did you choose to trade in such a place?"
About fifty gang members have gathered, and in front of them is a table with two chairs. One is already occupied by a large, muscular man in a black suit, a cigar in hand. This man is Billy, the leader of the Viper Gang, and he will personally oversee tonight's deal.
"There are plenty of containers around, making the area like a maze," Billy responds. "If things go sideways, we can just disappear into the stacks. Plus, we're far enough from the police. This is the perfect spot for a trade."
Billy shoots his subordinate a cold look, disappointed by how little his gang understands the basics. The most important detail: Billy has already secured the area. No one, not the police nor his adversaries, will escape with anything tonight—especially not the DPs or the money.
Fifteen minutes later, a convoy of eight Ford Explorers arrives, their headlights blinding.
"Ah, Mr. Billy, let's make tonight's deal a celebration!"
The leader of the rival group, a sharply dressed man, steps out, surrounded by his own entourage. He approaches Billy with a confident grin and sits down. Both sides are ready. Ten men from each group take up positions as sentries, keeping watch over the area. The deal is about to begin. Billy's supply of DPs is running low, and his customers are growing impatient.
…
Outside the port terminal, a black modified Lexus is parked. Gasko, sitting in the driver's seat, watches the meeting through the tinted windows.
"Master, I'm going in now. Switching to contact-receive mode."
Gasko adjusts his gear, prepares his equipment, and silently exits the car. He melts into the shadows, heading toward the chaos ahead.
Initially, he had considered a direct approach, but upon seeing the sheer number of gang members, he decides against it. More than a hundred men are involved, and he's not foolish enough to take them all on head-to-head.
Meanwhile, Kyle watches from his manor, a bit surprised by the scope of the operation. What he initially thought would be a small deal is now looking like a big fish.
The night grows darker as clouds obscure the moon.
"There are seven guards at the front gate and three more hidden in secret posts," Gasko observes through his infrared goggles. "I'll start with the high-ground sentries."
Using the sniper rifle slung over his shoulder, Gasko takes out one sentry at the top with a single shot before slipping deeper into the shadows. His silenced weapons ensure the chaos remains unnoticed.
The goggles, designed by Celtic, provide enhanced vision and tactical data, which Gasko plans to use later. Kyle, in particular, will need the technology to create some of the advanced equipment he's conceived. After all, in the Marvel universe, the most brilliant minds often have their quirks—be it genetic mutations, super-tech, or sudden magical powers.
Gasko pulls two pistols from his legs and sneaks closer to the remaining guards.
With a soft roll, he positions himself behind a container, peering at the three sentries. The silenced shots echo faintly, but they're far from loud enough to draw attention.
Meanwhile, a group of six gang members relax behind a container about 60 meters away, chatting and smoking.
Gasko moves in, silently drawing two short knives from his belt. He moves like a ghost, closing the distance quickly.
In five rapid steps, he's upon them. His cold, focused eyes lock onto his targets as he strikes. His first knife slashes through a man's throat in a blur of motion. Blood sprays, but Gasko dodges expertly, already stabbing another enemy before the rest can react.
The remaining four quickly scramble for their weapons, but panic sets in. They shout to warn each other—but it's too late.
Gasko sweeps one opponent to the ground with a high kick before drawing his pistol. A quick heel kick, and the gun is loaded. He fires three rapid shots—each one hitting its mark. All six gang members drop within 15 seconds.
"Gasco, anyone with proper training can do that," Kyle's voice comes through the contactor. "What I want to see is your true strength."
Kyle, having observed the fight from afar, wants to know if Gasco's abilities are truly enhanced—what he's capable of after the evolution triggered by Crystal No. 7.
"As you wish, Master."
With a slight smile, Gasco removes the silencer from his pistol and walks over to finish off the last of his victims. He can now go in full force—this fight has just begun.
The gang members are no match for him. They might be armed, but they lack real training or any special abilities. Gasco, enhanced by Crystal No. 7, is in an entirely different league.
But then, the unexpected happens.
"Something's wrong!" one of the gang members shouts. The gunfire has caught the attention of both groups at the trade, and chaos erupts.
Billy and his adversaries react quickly. The deal is abandoned. Each side grabs their suitcase and prepares to flee.
"Dale, take your men and get out of here," Billy orders, his face contorted with frustration. He doesn't know how the trade was compromised, but he suspects an inside leak.
Just as the panic sets in, two grenades explode in the middle of the crowd, adding another layer of chaos to the situation.