Become Kingpin and build a hero mercenary company.

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"Now! Captain! Coordinates (X-7, Y-23, Z-5), angle of incidence 37.5 degrees, use your full strength!" Otto's voice was like the most precise navigator.

Without the slightest hesitation, Captain America spun half a circle, channeling all his strength into his arm. The vibranium shield sliced ​​through the scorching air, accompanied by a whistling sound, and slammed with unparalleled precision into the spot Otto had designated!

"clang--!!!!!"

A deafening roar, unlike the metallic clang of metal, exploded forth! At the point of contact between the shield and the protective barrier, there were no sparks, only a visible ripple in space that suddenly spread outwards! The resilient energy shield, like glass being struck, instantly became covered with countless cracks centered on the point of impact!

"Success!" Flint roared, manipulating the sand to surge towards the crack like a giant wave. The crystallized sand grains frantically embedded themselves into the crack, preventing it from repairing!

"The node core has been exposed!" Otto shouted. "Quick!"

Amazon, "Green Tragedy".

Spider-Man Peter Parker pushed his speed to the limit, following the path indicated by Daredevil Matt Murdoch. The surrounding vines and mutated plants were like a living hell, constantly wrapping around, lashing, and spraying venom from all directions. His spider-sense screamed so loudly it almost tore his nerves apart, and he relied entirely on instinct and agility to navigate through the narrow gaps.

He could see the enormous strangler fig tree ahead, its trunk bearing a distorted, blurry face made of bark and veins, emitting a silent roar. That was the command core!

But the closer they got, the greater the resistance became. Countless vines intertwined to form an impenetrable net, and sharp leaves rained down like a storm.

Below, Natasha Romanov's situation was even more critical. Having drawn most of the fire to create an opportunity for Peter, she was now tightly bound by countless vines. The widow's sting's electric shocks could only temporarily paralyze them, and more vines surged up like venomous snakes. Her movements grew slower and slower, her breathing rapid.

The meditator Lin sat cross-legged on the ground, a trickle of blood escaping from the corner of his mouth. He concentrated the power of his mental barrier around Natasha, barely resisting the mental pollution and physical oppression, but he was already at his limit. Matt, relying on his extraordinary senses, constantly corrected Peter's sprint route for the last few dozen meters, while also dodging the attacks that bypassed Natasha.

“Peter! Hurry! We can’t hold out much longer!” Matt’s voice was unusually urgent.

Peter gazed at the core, so close yet seemingly so far, and at Natasha and her struggling companions below, surrounded and desperately holding on. An unprecedented resolve surged within him. He no longer tried to completely evade the attacks, but instead used his body to withstand the slicing of several sharp leaves. His armor tore, blood seeped out, but his charging speed surged once more!

"Aaaaaah!" Peter roared, no longer holding back. The spider silk that shot out from his wrists was no longer ordinary spider silk, but "energy spider silk" that was condensed with all his bioelectricity and will and was flashing with white light. Like two javelins, it shot hard at the twisted human face on the strangling banyan tree trunk!

"Pfft! Pfft!"

The energy spider silk struck its target with pinpoint accuracy! The face emitted a silent shriek, momentarily halting the frenzied commotion throughout the rainforest!

However, this pause lasted only a second. More and thicker vines burst forth from within the strangler fig, like raging pythons, instantly binding Peter tightly. The immense force made his bones crack, and he almost suffocated!

"Peter!" Lin exclaimed, and the mental barrier shook.

Natasha looked at Peter, who was entangled, and a hint of despair flashed in her eyes.

Matt gripped his guide cane tightly, but was powerless to break through the layers of plant barriers.

At this critical moment——

"Om-!"

A vast, stable, and vibrant spiritual force, like warm sunlight, suddenly pierced through the dense, malevolent rainforest canopy and descended upon us! This force was completely different from the twisted vitality of "Green Sorrow"; it was pure, peaceful, and possessed healing and soothing qualities.

It's Professor Charles Xavier! The leader of the X-Men, at a crucial moment, projected his mental power here from a great distance!

This powerful mental force was not an attack, but rather the most steadfast "existence." Like a stabilizing force, it instantly solidified the forest's collapsing mental barrier, greatly reduced the rainforest's mental pollution, and even caused those frenzied plants to experience a moment of confusion and hesitation!

The vines binding Peter and Natasha weakened considerably!

"Now!" Matt keenly seized this fleeting opportunity!

Peter felt the restraints loosen, and his survival instincts and sense of responsibility erupted. He unleashed his energy spider silk again, not to attack, but to violently pull himself out of the vines and shoot like a slingshot towards the strangler fig core that was within reach! At the same time, he flicked his wrist, and several high-explosive spider web projectiles shot towards the eyes of the distorted human face!

Natasha also took the opportunity to break free of her restraints. Widow Sting was unleashed at full power, crackling with electricity, temporarily clearing a small area around her!

Chapter 102: The End! The Unyielding Dawn!

Siberia, the "Nest of Winter".

Doctor Green's ferocious strike merged with Iron Man's metallic storm, slamming into the cracks surrounding the eerie blue core. The core, resembling an icy heart, emitted a piercing wail, like a glacier collapsing, its surface flashing a rapidly shifting, unpredictable blue light. Finally, the thick ice barrier enveloping the core gave way, shattering with a deafening roar!

But destructive energy also erupted from it! A cold wave of absolute zero, ten times more intense than before, spread rapidly outward in a spherical shape like an invisible ring of death! Wherever it passed, space seemed to freeze and shatter!

"Back off!" Doctor Green's pupils contracted, and he shoved Iron Man, who was temporarily stiffened by his full power, aside. He then crossed his arms, burning his gamma energy to the limit, and stood firmly at the forefront of the cold wave's impact!

"Crack...knock..."

A sickening freezing sound rang out, and Dr. Green's massive body was instantly covered by a layer of ice several meters thick, shimmering with a ghostly blue light! He remained in his blocking stance, frozen in place like an ancient ice sculpture!

"Banner!" Tony steadied himself, his eyes bloodshot as he stared at the frozen Green Doctor. But he knew this wasn't the time for grief; the core had been exposed!

"Jarvis! Lock onto the target! Concentrate all energy into the chest cannon!" Tony roared, and the core reactor on the chest of the armor shone brightly. An unprecedentedly thick beam of energy, like a divine spear of judgment, slammed into the unprotected, violently pulsating dark blue core!

“Rumble——!!!”

Under the impact of extreme energy, the core finally reached its limit and exploded in a spectacular explosion! The violent icy energy, unrestrained, ran rampant in all directions like a wild horse, turning the entire storm area upside down!

The shockwave from the explosion cracked countless fissures in the ice that had frozen Dr. Green. Inside the ice, a stubborn green light flickered, slowly pushing the ice apart and melting it...

The Sahara, "the heart of the scorching sands".

The vibranium shield's precise strike, combined with Electro's continuous energy interference and Sandman's embedding of crystallized sand, finally shattered that tough energy shield completely! The dark red energy node core, like a peeled egg, was exposed to the scorching air, pulsating wildly and emitting a heart-palpitating high temperature and radiation.

"Now! Destroy it!" Dr. Otto shouted, his mechanical tentacles quickly switching from analysis mode to attack mode. High-frequency oscillating drills and high-energy laser emitters spewed from the tips of the tentacles, attacking the core first!

Without pausing, Captain America charged forward like a cheetah, caught the rebounding shield, aimed its edge at the most vulnerable connection in the core, and slashed down with all his might!

Flint the Sandman roared, crystallizing all the sand he could control around him, whether it was contaminated or not, and condensing it into an incredibly thick giant sand spear with a dazzling crystal light at its tip. Like a boulder launched from a catapult, it crashed towards the node with the force to crush everything!

Despite his weakness, Electro Max transformed his last remaining energy into several thin but extremely dangerous chains of lightning, which bound the core like shackles, restricting its energy burst and destroying it from within!

Focus fire! Unreserved focus fire!

“Swish—Boom!!!”

Four different types of attacks, each with different attributes, struck the dark red core almost simultaneously! It twisted and expanded violently, finally exploding with a resentful, ear-piercing shriek! Scorching energy fragments and liquid magma scattered like fireworks, further ravaging the already ravaged land.

The impact of the explosion sent Captain America and Sandman flying. Otto managed to steady himself by gripping the ground firmly with his mechanical tentacles, while Max, having completely exhausted his energy, fell from the sky and was caught by a sandstorm that Sandman had just created.

With its core destroyed, the expansion of the entire "Heart of Scorching Sands" domain came to an abrupt halt. The ground ceased spewing energy, the boiling sand began to cool slowly, and the suffocating heatwave began to subside.

Amazon, "Green Tragedy".

With the support of Professor X's powerful and peaceful mental strength, the pressure on the meditator Lin was greatly reduced, and his mental barrier was stabilized again. Daredevil Matt Murdoch's senses also became much clearer; he could "hear" the commands emanating from the strangler fig's core becoming chaotic and anxious.

Spider-Man Peter Parker seized this precious opportunity, enduring the excruciating pain in his body, and pushed his speed to the limit, dodging the vine attacks that were slowed down by the damage to his core, and finally rushed to the giant strangler fig!

The distorted human face, formed from bark and veins, writhed in agony as the high-explosive spiderweb bomb exploded in its "eyes," emitting a silent roar. More vines were surging wildly from within the trunk, attempting to protect the core.

"There's no time!" Peter knew that Professor X's support and Miss Lin's barrier couldn't last. He had to deliver a fatal blow!

He held nothing back, channeling all his power, along with his spider-sense's early warning abilities, into his next attack. What shot from his wrist was no longer spider silk, but a fusion of bioelectricity and a deeper power within him, derived from the spider totem, coalescing into a nearly materialized energy blade with dark red patterns—a new ability awakened in his subconscious, one he himself had not yet fully mastered!

"Disconnect it...!"

Peter let out a tearing scream and swung his arms out! The dark red energy blade sliced ​​through the thick vines blocking his path with ease, like a hot knife through butter, and struck precisely in the center of the human face on the strangler fig trunk!

There was no explosion, only a mournful wail, seemingly from the depths of an ancient forest, filled with endless pain and resentment, which abruptly ceased.

Where the energy blade sliced ​​through, it left a smooth cut, burning with dark red embers. The distorted face froze instantly, then crumbled and peeled away like weathered rock.

The entire Amazon rainforest, previously turbulent and restless, fell into a deathly silence. All the waving vines drooped limply, the razor-sharp leaves ceased trembling, and the thick, foul-smelling pollen mist began to slowly dissipate. The rainforest remained lush, but that suffocating, living malice vanished as quickly as the tide receded.

The silence lasted for several seconds.

Then, the surviving members of the "Jungle Eyes" team cheered with relief. Natasha collapsed to one knee, panting heavily, but a look of immense relief crossed her face. Matt put away his cane, silently sensing the gradually returning life force of the area, albeit its scarred state. Lin slowly opened her eyes, her face pale but filled with the satisfaction of victory. She nodded slightly towards the void, thanking the powerful, unknown benefactor.

Peter slumped on the roots of the strangler fig tree, looking at his hands, which were still trembling slightly and flickering with dark red embers. His expression behind the mask was full of shock and bewilderment.

The three main cores were destroyed one after another on the same day.

The blizzard in Siberia gradually subsided. Although the bitter cold remained, the will that drove the ice crystals to destroy everything had vanished.

The Sahara's lava hell stopped expanding, the scorching sand began to cool, leaving only devastation.

The Amazon's raging rainforest has returned to calm; although the vegetation remains bizarre, it is no longer aggressive.

The war seemed to be over.

The surviving heroes, whether from the Association or the Avengers, dragged their weary, wounded bodies as they began to regroup, support each other, and heal the injured. There was no jubilation, only heavy breathing and the silence of those who had survived the catastrophe. They looked at each other's disheveled yet resolute figures, at the land ravaged by the Dragon-level calamity, feeling no joy of victory, only awe of the power of nature and a profound sorrow for their fallen comrades (if any) and the damaged environment.

Sunlight struggled to penetrate the Siberian clouds, the Sahara dust, and the Amazon smog, casting dappled patterns on this scarred land.

Chapter 103: Awarding Medals and Remembering

A week after the Dragon-level battle, the Hero Association headquarters, whose command center had been shrouded in dark gold alarms, was now illuminated by a different light—a soft and solemn holographic projection displayed a pattern of stars and the Association's emblem intertwined on the dome, replacing the once chilling global threat map. The air was thick with the faint scent of disinfectant and residual energy, mixed with a solemn and oppressive sadness born of survival.

There was no boisterous victory celebration, no confetti. Instead, there was a solemn and somber post-war commendation and memorial ceremony. All the heroes, logistics personnel, and technical experts who participated in the battle, as long as they were still able to move, stood in neat rows in the vast hall, dressed in their most formal uniforms or association-issued dress uniforms. Even the usually carefree Spider-Man, Peter Parker, unusually cleaned the stains and tears from his suit, standing ramrod straight. The air was so quiet you could hear each other's suppressed breathing.

At the front of the hall, a long list of names was newly engraved on the massive black marble wall—logistics personnel, technical support staff, and local aid workers who had tragically perished in different roles across the three battlefields. Each name was like a deep scar, a reminder to everyone present of the price of victory.

Wilson Kingpin stood at the podium, still dressed in a dark suit, his figure imposing, but a hint of weariness lingered between his brows. His gaze slowly swept over each familiar or unfamiliar face in the audience, faces bearing the marks of battle, unhealed wounds, and deep exhaustion, but above all, a resolute determination forged through trials.

“We stand here,” Kingpin’s voice was deep and clear, carried through the loudspeakers to every corner, without any rousing tone, only a heavy, penetrating force, “not to celebrate victory. Because true victory is to bring this land back to life, to let the dead rest in peace, and to free the living from the same fear. What we have now is only a painful… survival.”

He paused for a moment, his gaze falling on the wall covered with names.

"We have lost many outstanding comrades. They either died on the front lines or fell protecting our rear. Their names will forever be engraved on the foundation of the association, and in the hearts of each and every one of us. Their sacrifice reminds us that what we are facing is not a game, not child's play, but a war concerning the survival of civilization. A moment of silence."

The entire room fell silent, save for the low hum of the instruments. Sixty seconds of silence felt as heavy as lead weighing on everyone's hearts.

After the moment of silence, Kingpin raised his head, his eyes sharpening once more. "But survival comes at a price, and it also demands recognition. The Association will not forget every warrior who fought and bled, nor will it overlook every indispensable contribution."

"James Wesley."

Kingpin's first name surprised many. Wesley, dressed in a sharp suit, stepped forward steadily.

"You oversaw the overall situation from the rear, ensuring the smooth flow of supplies, intelligence, and communications across the three battlefields. Your contributions are indispensable." King pinned a gold badge, symbolizing outstanding management and logistical support, to Wesley's chest. This was the highest recognition for countless unsung logistics workers.

Next came the combat heroes.

"Flint Marko, codename 'Sandman'."

Flint the Sandman stepped forward with steady steps; beneath his tuxedo, his body seemed to still carry the heat and dust of the Sahara.

"In the Sahara battlefield, with your absolute defense and control of the field, you created a decisive opportunity for the team. Your loyalty and reliability are the Association's strongest bulwark." A special contribution medal for S-class heroes, representing absolute defense and the pillar of the team, was personally awarded by Kingpin. Flint saluted deeply, without saying a word; his eyes said it all.

"Bruce Banner, codename 'Dr. Green'."

Dr. Green (maintaining his professorial demeanor) stepped forward with steady steps.

"In Siberia, you analyzed the enemy situation with your wisdom and withstood a devastating energy burst with your strength, taking the greatest risk to ultimately destroy the core. Your achievements are outstanding." This was also an S-class Special Contribution Medal, symbolizing the perfect combination of wisdom and strength. Dr. Green accepted the medal, adjusted his glasses, and nodded slightly.

"Otto Octavius, codename 'Doctor'."

Otto retracted his mechanical tentacles behind him and stepped forward, his expression still carrying its usual arrogance, but something seemed different deep in his eyes. When he saw the blue figure in the crowd below applauding him vigorously, his chin lifted slightly.

"In the Sahara theater, you used unparalleled wisdom to pinpoint weaknesses, formulate key tactics, and provide decisive firepower in the final destruction of the node. Your addition has brought indispensable strategic wisdom to the Association." A special A-level medal, representing contributions to cutting-edge technology and tactics, was pinned to his chest. Otto looked at the medal, then glanced at Kingpin on the stage, and for the first time, he didn't refute it in his mind.

"Max Dillon, codename 'Electroman'."

Max floated forward nervously, the electric current around him receding into a soft halo.

"In the Sahara, facing the risk of energy backlash, you launched two all-out attacks, creating a crucial window to break through the node's defenses. Your courage and growth are evident to all." An A-level promotion and contribution medal, representing courage and precise energy manipulation, was awarded to him. Max held the medal, his blue face beaming with excitement and pride. He looked at Otto, then at Kingpin on the stage, nodding vigorously.

Peter Parker, codename 'Spider-Man'.

Peter took a deep breath, stepped forward, and tried to appear more composed.

"In the Amazon war zone, you undertook the most dangerous assault missions, awakening new abilities at critical moments to precisely destroy the command core. Your agility, adaptability, and spirit of sacrifice made you an indispensable spearhead for the team." A Class A Special Contribution Medal, representing exceptional mobility and decisive strikes (which also boosted his hero rank), was pinned to his suit. Peter grinned beneath his mask, but then quickly composed himself, giving a somewhat awkward salute.

"Lin, codename 'Mind Master'."

Lin stepped forward slowly, still wearing that simple long dress, her expression serene.

"In the Amazon, you resisted pollution with unwavering spirit, protecting the minds of your companions. You were the team's absolute pillar on a spiritual level. Your contributions cannot be measured by simple battle results." A special A-level medal, symbolizing the power of spiritual protection and purification, was awarded to her. Lin Wei bowed slightly, accepting the medal with clear eyes.

Matt Murdoch, codename Daredevil.

Matt, with his extraordinary senses, precisely walked to the front of the stage.

"In the Amazon, you guided the way through utter chaos, providing irreplaceable navigation for the final assault. Your perception was the eye that pierced the fog." A B-level promotion and contribution medal, representing extraordinary perception and battlefield insight (recognizing his crucial role), was awarded to him. Matt accepted the medal, tilting his head slightly, as if listening to something.

As each recipient took the stage, sincere yet restrained applause rang out from below. This applause was not only for the heroes on stage, but also for them, and for everyone who did not give up in the face of adversity.

Kingpin's gaze finally settled on one side of the hall, where several Avengers representatives stood—Captain America Steve Rogers, Iron Man Tony Stark, and Black Widow Natasha Romanoff. They didn't go on stage, but Kingpin's voice still carried clearly.

"At the same time, the Association would like to express its sincerest respect and gratitude to the Avengers allies who fought alongside the Association in this crisis. Captain Rogers' perseverance and sacrifice, Mr. Stark's wisdom and firepower, and Ms. Romanoff's courage and decisiveness were all important forces that enabled us to overcome the difficulties in the end."

Steve nodded slightly, Tony unusually abandoned his nonchalant expression, and Natasha responded with a calm gaze. The barrier remained, but this experience of fighting side-by-side had built an undeniable bridge between them.

After the awards ceremony concluded, Kingpin addressed the audience once again.

"Medals and points are an affirmation of the past. But they are also an impetus for the future." His voice became serious again. "We destroyed the carriers of three Dragon-level disasters, but we all know that the unified will hidden deeper has not yet revealed itself. This war is far from over."

"We paid the price, and we gained a respite. But this respite is not for complacency, but for becoming stronger! For healing our wounds, for preparing for the next storm, which may be even more brutal!"

"The Hero Association will continue to move forward. For survival, for order, for those who have passed away, and for those who need our protection."

"The ceremony is over. Return to your positions and remain vigilant."