DC hero at Marvel

The Continental Hotel

As Anton arrived at the entrance, he spotted a familiar figure at the reception—a young Black man directing workers who were renovating the Continental Hotel's interior.

Previously, when Anton swept through the hotel as Batman, he had left the place in tatters, and many assassins were sent to the nearby prison in New York. Only a few managed to escape trial, and this young man was one of the "survivors."

Seeing Anton's arrival, the young man was instantly reminded of the fear he felt not too long ago, and his face changed slightly as he respectfully said, "Mr. Anton, this way, please. Mr. Winston is waiting for you in his office on the top floor. I think he'll be pleased to see you."

"Where's the Adjudicator?" Anton asked, tossing his car keys to him. "Get rid of this car for me."

"The Adjudicator is in Room 213. I can summon her for you if you like."

"Tell her to meet me in Winston's office."

"Understood."

After a few brief words, the young man took the keys and watched Anton head upstairs without looking back. Once Anton was out of sight, he finally breathed a long sigh of relief, feeling the tension ease from his chest.

He knew very well who Anton was and dared not show the slightest disrespect. That night, when Batman seemed to transform into a demon straight out of hell, the pressure was overwhelming.

When Anton reached the top floor, he was met by Winston, who had come to greet him.

It was clear that the receptionist had already informed Winston of Anton's arrival.

"Mr. Anton, welcome back to the Continental Hotel," Winston smiled, shaking his hand. His demeanor was much calmer this time compared to their last encounter.

Anton and the High Table had established a certain level of cooperation, so Batman was no longer an enemy; they had become "friends."

The damages to the Continental Hotel had already been compensated the moment Sloane and the Brotherhood's key members were apprehended by the police.

Without Winston, there would be no alliance between the High Table and Batman.

In a way, Winston had played a significant role in helping the High Table eliminate the Brotherhood.

"The Adjudicator will be here soon," Winston said with a smile.

"Before that, I have a question."

Anton sat down across from Winston and, looking him in the eye, slowly asked, "What do you think of Hell's Kitchen?"

"Hell's Kitchen?" Winston's gaze sharpened. "A group of troublesome neighbors, I suppose."

"Just neighbors?"

Anton crossed his legs, seeing through Winston's feigned ignorance. "With such bothersome neighbors next door, it must make you feel rather uncomfortable."

Winston squinted. "What are you implying?"

"Don't play dumb with me; you know exactly what I'm talking about. Winston, you're well aware of how I brought Sloane and Bullseye from under Kingpin's control to the police station—you probably know better than I do."

Anton cut straight to the point, not in the mood for small talk. "I'm going after Kingpin. The Continental Hotel must cooperate with my actions."

After a pause, he glanced at the Adjudicator, Aisha Kate, who had just entered with a calm expression, and added, "And that includes the High Table."

Meanwhile…

Manhattan, Fisk Corporation

In an office.

Bang! Something slammed against the wall in anger.

Interestingly, it wasn't Kingpin who was furious this time but his right-hand man, Wesley.

"He got away?"

Wesley was seething with rage. Just the thought of the recent news made him nervous, terrified that his boss, Kingpin, would find out.

If Kingpin learned of this failure, Wesley knew he'd be in serious trouble.

He understood all too well that Batman had thoroughly angered his boss that night.

"Not only did he escape, but our people all ended up in the hospital. Two of them are even paralyzed, and the rest will be laid up for a good year or two. This is how you work for me?" Wesley was tempted to pull out a knife and end the man's life right there.

"Mr. Wesley, we underestimated him! Please give us another chance!" the henchman stammered, visibly trembling.

He looked at Wesley with the same helpless expression Wesley often showed when facing Kingpin.

"Then get more people, capture him, and find out Batman's identity," Wesley said, word by word.

"Understood." The henchman nodded quickly.

"And what about Bullseye? Have we worked things out with the police for his release?" Wesley asked again.

"It's almost done," the henchman replied. "Bullseye has no criminal record, and although many know he's an assassin, there's no evidence. The police can't convict him, so he'll be out soon."

"Very good."

Wesley relaxed a little—finally, some good news. He waved the henchman away and sat down, his face troubled as he pondered how to face Kingpin's wrath.

…

"The High Table agrees to cooperate with your actions."

Aisha didn't disappoint Anton, giving a definitive answer. She glanced at Winston. "When necessary, we'll send assassins, and the Continental Hotel will handle the intelligence."

"Pleasure working with you."

Anton's expression was calm. He had already anticipated this outcome.

Although he and the High Table had only recently formed an alliance, if the High Table had any ambitions in New York, it wouldn't miss the opportunity to expand.

Hell's Kitchen!

It was a massive prize.

If the High Table successfully took over Hell's Kitchen, the Continental Hotel would become the new ruler of New York's underworld.

"There's one thing I must emphasize in advance."

As expected, Aisha's expression turned serious. "Once Kingpin is taken down, his territory will belong to the High Table."

"I'm not interested in Hell's Kitchen," Anton replied dismissively. "My only interest is in putting Kingpin in prison."

"Prison?"

Aisha shrugged, acknowledging Batman's principles.

In her view, Anton's non-lethal code wasn't necessarily weak; it just seemed unnecessary.

Anton surely knew what awaited these people once they entered prison.

The High Table had already taken steps against Sloane, giving no chance for the Brotherhood remnants to regroup.

By tomorrow at the latest, Sloane would likely die "accidentally" in prison.

"Speaking of Kingpin, that reminds me of someone," Winston remarked as the two settled their deal. "Have you heard of Daredevil?"

"Daredevil?"

Aisha, who was well-informed as the Adjudicator, was no stranger to New York. She squinted her eyes. "The lone vigilante who only operates in Hell's Kitchen and is at constant odds with Kingpin?"

"That's right," Winston replied. "If we're going after Kingpin, he'd be eager to join us." He looked at Anton. "Especially if he's invited by Batman himself."

"I'll handle it," Anton nodded. "I'll find him and invite him to join us."

Daredevil, also known as the Devil of Hell's Kitchen.

Matt Murdock—a blind lawyer and Kingpin's archenemy.

Anton recalled the information he knew about Daredevil.

He had to admit that Winston, the old fox, had made a rare and excellent suggestion.