Back in his apartment, Noah spent the next several days expanding his tactical capabilities. The twin pistols were effective, but they represented just one element of a complete combat system. He'd been considering upgrades—sniper rifles, rocket launchers, maybe some of Frank's beloved heavy weapons.
Then he'd looked at the prices.
Jesus, Noah thought, staring at Weasel's equipment catalog. A decent sniper rifle costs more than most people's cars. And don't even think about military-grade explosives.
His mercenary earnings, while substantial by normal standards, were apparently pocket change in the world of professional-grade armaments. The warehouse job had netted him a hundred thousand dollars, which sounded impressive until he started pricing equipment that could handle enhanced individuals, armored vehicles, or the kind of threats that Wilson Fisk might send after him.
Time to think outside the box, Noah decided, shifting his focus from weapons platforms to ammunition systems.
The inspiration came from watching old Avengers footage on YouTube. Hawkeye—a baseline human with no superpowers—held his own against gods and aliens through superior tactics and specialized ammunition. Explosive arrows, electromagnetic pulse arrows, grappling line arrows—each one designed for specific tactical situations.
If it works for him, it should work for me, Noah reasoned. And ammunition modification is significantly cheaper than buying new weapons systems.
Noah began experimenting with grenades, flashbangs, and smoke devices. Instead of simply increasing explosive power—which would be expensive and wouldn't necessarily help against enhanced targets—he focused on utility and battlefield control.
Smoke grenades loaded with concentrated capsaicin created area-denial weapons that would incapacitate anyone without protective gear. Flashbangs modified with strobing colored lights could disorient opponents while providing tactical illumination. Even tear gas canisters could be enhanced with compounds that would affect enhanced individuals differently than normal humans.
The key is forcing enemies to fight on my terms, Noah realized. I don't need to match their raw power—I need to eliminate their advantages.
His immortality was a significant tactical asset in this approach. He could deploy weapons that would be suicidal for normal operatives, betting his healing factor against his opponents' endurance and pain tolerance.
As Noah surveyed his growing collection of modified ammunition, he felt a familiar sensation in his wallet—or rather, the absence of weight where his money used to be.
Back to being broke, he noted with dark humor. Turns out even supernatural abilities don't eliminate the need for steady income.
He looked at his work table, covered with partially completed projects and component parts for devices that could give him significant advantages against superhuman opponents.
Time to visit Weasel again, Noah decided. Because apparently saving the world requires a surprisingly robust cash flow.