On the top floor of Fisk Tower, in the spacious office belonging to Kingpin, the atmosphere was completely different from usual. The heavy curtains were not fully drawn, allowing the orange-red twilight and the city's newly lit lamps to intertwine and filter in, casting long, constantly shifting shadows on the mirror-like floor.
In the center of the office, the large mahogany desk, symbolizing power and status, had been temporarily moved, replaced by a sleek, modern oval conference table. No paper documents were piled on the table; instead, several floating holographic projection interfaces, whose soft blue light illuminated the faces of those seated around the table.
This was a top-level internal meeting of the Hero Association, with few attendees, yet they represented the true core of the Association today.
The main seat was naturally occupied by Wilson Fisk, Kingpin. His massive body was ensconced in a custom-made chair, his hands clasped on the table, his gaze calmly sweeping over everyone present, an invisible pressure naturally enveloping the entire space.
To his left was James Wesley, the Association's general manager and Kingpin's chief assistant, responsible for daily operations, legal affairs, public relations, and external liaison, essentially the Association's majordomo.
To his right was Flint Marko, codenamed "Sandman." He had changed into a smart casual outfit, but the steady and sharp demeanor, forged through the baptism of power and the infusion of hope, could not be concealed from his brow. As the Association's only current S-Rank potential hero and practical combat ace, he was qualified to sit here.
Besides these, there were a few new faces around the conference table.
One was a capable middle-aged woman wearing gold-rimmed glasses, with complex financial data streams and resource distribution maps floating before her—she was Fisk Industries' former Chief Financial Officer, now transferred to the Association, responsible for building and managing the Association's vast capital flow and resource allocation.
Another was an elderly man with white hair but eyes as sharp as an eagle's. He was once a top human resources director for a multinational corporation, poached by Kingpin with irresistible terms, and now responsible for hero recruitment, vetting, file management, and "employee relations" maintenance.
There was also a relatively young man, wearing a lab coat, his eyes filled with the fervent passion only a tech fanatic possesses. He was the interim head of the Association's "Equipment Research Department." Although the department was still in its infancy, he had already produced several preliminary designs that even Kingpin found slightly "surprising."
"Everyone is here," Kingpin's deep voice broke the silence. Without any superfluous pleasantries, he cut straight to the chase. "Since its establishment, the Association has initially found its footing. We have our first successful case," he looked at Sandman and nodded slightly, Sandman straightened his back, "and we have demonstrated the ability to deal with different types of threats. Public awareness and... controversy have increased as expected."
His words were steady, as if he were presenting a perfectly ordinary quarterly report.
"However, this is far from enough," Kingpin's tone shifted, his gaze sharpening. "We are currently more like a high-level 'crisis response team,' passively handling tasks pushed by the system. This is too primitive, too inefficient, and cannot achieve economies of scale."
He tapped the table with his finger, and a huge, three-dimensional holographic projection of a global map unfolded in the center of the conference table, flickering with countless bright and dim light spots, representing detected or potential anomalous energy reactions and superhuman individuals.
"Our goal is not to be 'senior property security' for New York City," Kingpin's voice carried an undeniable ambition. "We aim to establish a global, professional, and systematic superhuman crisis response and hero management system. This is the true meaning of the 'Hero Association's' existence."
He scanned the group: "Therefore, today's meeting has only one theme—how to grow bigger and stronger."
"Wesley, you go first."
Wesley pushed up his glasses and brought up his projection: "Yes, boss. Based on current operational data and some information provided by the system, I have initially drafted the Association's next phase expansion plan."
"First, establish branch offices. We cannot always concentrate our power in New York. I suggest that in the first phase, we set up the first batch of overseas branch offices in four international hub cities: London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Rio de Janeiro. These cities frequently experience superhuman events and have a strong radiating effect. We need to establish outposts there, recruit local heroes, handle regional incidents, and establish... limited cooperative relationships with local authorities."
"Second, improve the logistics support system. The current Logistics Department is highly efficient, but its scale is too small, and its functions are singular. We need to establish tiered logistics centers, covering rapid response, battlefield support, battle damage repair, technical recovery, and even comprehensive services such as hero medical care, psychological counseling, and daily life support. This requires a large number of professional talents, equipment investment, and standardized process construction."
"Third, technology research and development and equipment standardization. Relying on our existing... technological advantages," he glanced at the head of the Equipment Research Department, "we need to quickly establish an independent R&D and production system. The goal is to provide standardized, upgradable, and functionally specific equipment for heroes of different ranks and abilities. From basic protective suits and communicators to advanced energy weapons and special vehicles. This will not only enhance heroes' combat power and survival rate but also reflect the Association's hard power, and perhaps... even become an important source of income in the future."
Kingpin listened quietly, noncommittal, then turned his gaze to the financial officer.
The middle-aged woman immediately responded: "Regarding funding, initial reliance on your personal investment, boss, and the profit transfusion from Fisk Industries is not an issue. However, in the long term, the Association needs to establish a self-sustaining financial model. I have initially conceived several directions: One, accept targeted donations and sponsorships from society and enterprises; Two, provide 'advanced security services' for large events or specific high-value targets and charge fees; Three, in the future, we might consider commercializing some non-core civilian products derived from our technology. Of course, all financial processes must be absolutely transparent and compliant to withstand scrutiny from all parties."
The elderly human resources director continued: "Talent is key. Current recruitment primarily relies on the app and initial screening, which is moderately efficient but lacks precision and depth. I plan to establish a more comprehensive system for ability assessment, background checks, and psychological evaluations. At the same time, design more attractive compensation and benefits packages, promotion channels, and long-term career development plans. We not only need to attract talent but also retain and cultivate it. For core members like Mr. Sandman, tailored training programs and resource allocation are even more necessary." He looked at Flint.
Sandman Flint felt the gaze, somewhat reserved, but still spoke firmly: "I will do my best to improve myself, boss. The Association has given me everything, and everything I have belongs to the Association."
The head of the Equipment Research Department excitedly brought up several extremely... abstract design drawings: "Boss! Our Equipment Research Department's preliminary designs are out! Based on the analysis of Mr. Sandman's abilities, we have conceived a 'Sandstorm Generator' prototype, which can assist him in more efficiently condensing and controlling environmental sand and dust! And also a 'Portable Energy Amplification Gauntlet' designed for potential energy-type heroes! Although the appearance might be a little... unique in pursuit of ultimate practicality and cost control, the performance is absolutely guaranteed!" The design drawings he displayed showed equipment that looked full of wasteland punk style, completely different from the sleek, high-tech feel of Stark Industries.
Kingpin's gaze lingered on those few design drawings for a moment, his face still expressionless, merely stating: "Practicality first, controllable cost. Appearance... can be appropriately optimized, but there's no need to blindly pursue extravagance."
He concluded: "Very good. The ideas are clear. Wesley, refine this expansion plan into an actionable proposal and timeline. I will coordinate the funding and resources. Accelerate talent recruitment and system building. For equipment research and development, produce testable prototypes as soon as possible."
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze substantial, sweeping over everyone present.
"Remember, we are not playing house, nor are we running a charity project. We are establishing a new order, a new set of rules. Everything we do must revolve around this core objective."
"Efficiency, professionalism, control, and... absolute authority."
"I want the whole World to get used to, and recognize, that the name 'Hero Association' represents the highest standard and ultimate solution in the field of superhuman crises."
"Meeting adjourned."
There were no heated discussions, no impassioned declarations, only concise and efficient instructions and absolute obedience. Everyone rose and silently departed, each immersing themselves in their respective areas of responsibility.
Silence returned to the office, leaving only Kingpin. He walked to the floor-to-ceiling windows, looking down at the city below, which had already begun to ripple because of the "Hero Association."
In his mind, the system's prompt sounded at the opportune moment:
[The Association's long-term development plan has been initially established. Development +10.]
[Triggered phased mission—"Global Layout (Part One)". Mission requirements: Within six months, successfully establish and activate Hero Association branch offices in any two overseas cities (London/Tokyo/Hong Kong/Rio de Janeiro). Mission reward: Points x2000, [Branch Construction Basic Module] x2]
In Kingpin's eyes, the dazzling lights of New York were reflected, and deeper within, there was a vaster territory awaiting his planning and conquest.
To grow bigger and stronger was not just a slogan.
It was a blueprint already laid out, and the author was none other than him, Wilson Fisk