Bab 40: The Villains Take Action
Justin Hammer's concerns were not unfounded. When gods fight, mortals suffer. Even countries without a long history understand this truth.
Although Justin Hammer didn't want to admit he was just a mortal, he truly had no advantage against Stark Industries with Iron Man or Osborn Group with Green Armor Hero.
No one wanted to be cannon fodder, least of all Justin Hammer. So, he had to find a way to save himself.
At first, he simply got Ivan Vanko, the man who attacked Iron Man, out of prison in Monaco.
With Ivan Vanko's technology, Justin Hammer believed Hammer Industries could quickly catch up to Stark Industries in the field of powered armor, making the Iron Suit nothing more than just Tony Stark's personal toy.
Furthermore, his drones weren't just targeting Stark Industries. He wanted to show everyone that Osborn Group was also trash compared to Hammer Industries.
He then began contacting individuals and groups in society who had grievances against Osborn Group and Green Armor Hero.
For example, Wilson Fisk—a successful businessman entering politics, a well-known public figure who openly questioned Green Armor Hero's legitimacy in nighttime law enforcement.
Why should someone in a costume be allowed to fly freely over New York's skies and attack others at will?
Who gave him the right to fly? Who gave him the right to attack? Do criminals have no human rights?
This was a challenge to the police's authority and a blatant affront to human rights.
Wilson Fisk's criticism of Green Armor Hero wasn't just an election tactic to stir up controversy for attention.
His public persona as a successful businessman was just a façade. He was also known as Kingpin, a notorious leader of an underground crime syndicate in New York. Many of the criminal forces taken down by Green Armor Hero were his subordinates or associates.
Kingpin's public speeches naturally sparked widespread debate.
Unsurprisingly, the public largely opposed his rhetoric.
If the police couldn't handle it, why shouldn't superheroes step in? If the police could enforce the law fairly and promptly, there wouldn't be any need for superheroes.
Blaming others for your own incompetence—such shamelessness was unheard of.
The public widely believed this was Kingpin deliberately stirring controversy for attention, a typical tactic used by politicians.
But public opinion didn't matter. When certain police officers, spurred by influential figures, began criticizing Green Armor Hero's existence, and some media outlets followed suit, the hero's legitimacy came under scrutiny.
Of course, this issue could be easily resolved. Osborn Group had money and influence; a little backdoor dealing with the police could secure Green Armor Hero an auxiliary law enforcement status.
It all depended on who could "convince" the right people and wield greater influence—Osborn Group or Kingpin.
Osborn Group could handle open attacks, but hidden threats were far more dangerous.
While Kingpin delivered public speeches, underground forces including his own, Japanese Yakuza, and the Russian Mafia were secretly planning a major operation.
During one of Harry's recent missions, he happened to dismantle a human trafficking hub.
This hub lured or directly kidnapped single women and smuggled them out of New York to places where they were exploited by shadowy buyers for illegal profits.
As for these women's human rights, no one cared.
This dark industry was the glue holding these factions together. They divided tasks and shared the profits.
The Mafia, being the weakest, handled the actual operations. As a result, they suffered the most from Harry's assault, losing dozens of members.
Yet, in this new operation, they were still sent to the front lines—because they were weak, and the rights of the weak were limited.
"Mr. Osborn, after your previous attack, the Mafia has been lying low. But we've received intel that tonight, they plan to move a large shipment. The operation is highly secretive. Seems like you scared them, and now they're trying to relocate to another area!"
Late at night, a voice echoed in Harry's earpiece.
Osborn Group had established a special department called the "Green Armor Operations Unit." Besides coordinating with Green Armor Hero, it also collects and analyzes intelligence, devises battle plans, organizes specific operations, and handleds post-mission cleanup.
This department existed solely to support Green Armor Hero, the men behind the successful hero.
In fact, some within the department didn't see themselves as assistants but as commanders. To them, Green Armor Hero—Harry Osborn—was merely a well-trained and obedient attack dog.
So, when Harry, taking Su Ye's advice, began to consider things more cautiously and raised objections to the operation, they immediately shot him down.
"Mr. Osborn, if this operation is so secretive, why do you think we still obtained intel? Are you questioning our intelligence capabilities? Or do you believe our numerous strategists can't distinguish between a trap and a genuine transfer?"
"This operation was determined through rigorous analysis using big data from the internet. It's the best chance to wipe out the Mafia. Miss this, and there might never be another opportunity like it."
"Mr. Osborn, are you sure you want to override our operations unit's unanimous decision? Refuse this mission and allow the Mafia to relocate their operation, sending those innocent women on a perilous journey to face their grim and dark fates?"
"Or do you believe that your current achievements are enough for you to rest on your laurels and bask in the gratitude and cheers of New York's citizens?"
"Mr. Osborn, the title of Green Armor Hero is not just an honor; it's a responsibility!"
Confronted by such a forceful operations unit, Harry, the young superhero, lost the confidence to refuse.
'Su Ye's warnings about retaliation might not happen so soon. If I'm careful tonight, it should be fine…'
After offering himself a bit of reassurance, Harry mounted his glider and soared into the night sky, leaving Osborn Tower behind.
Meanwhile, on the rooftop of a building a few hundred meters away, a dark figure watched Osborn Tower through binoculars. Spotting Harry, they excitedly dialed a number.
"Boss, Green Armor Hero is on the move!"
After saying that, he put away his phone and binoculars, preparing to leave.
Just then, a voice came from behind.
"And which boss might that be?"
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