Chapter 138 - The Name of Kunlun, the Domain of the Immortals!
Stick broke the silence, addressing Matt directly. "Matt, what is the basis for your intuition? How exactly did Gilgamesh manage to subdue Kingpin? Tell us everything you know."
Stick knew his student well, understanding that Matt wouldn't make such bold claims without reason. As the room turned their attention to him, Matt began recounting everything that had happened in Hell's Kitchen earlier that day.
By the time Matt finished, the atmosphere in the room grew heavy once more. Natasha, Peter, and Frank exchanged uneasy glances. They would have thought he was joking if they hadn't trusted Matt's integrity.
A man wielding mysterious and deadly techniques, an invisible force that repelled bullets, and the power to summon weapons out of thin air—despite all of them being superheroes or, in some cases, superpowered individuals, the idea that someone could wield such seemingly impossible abilities was difficult to comprehend.
However, if this person truly was Gilgamesh, these unbelievable powers perhaps made sense. After all, the most improbable thing in the world was a man over six thousand years old still walking the earth.
At least, that was their line of thinking.
Still reeling from the confusion, Natasha, Peter, and Frank began skimming through the information they had on Gilgamesh once more. Stick once again broke the tension, saying, "When I traveled the world in my younger years, I encountered many inexplicable powers. Based on what Matt described, this Gilgamesh seems to possess something akin to spiritual energy."
Stick paused before continuing, "Of course, Matt, even with your heightened senses, you didn't witness his abilities firsthand. We'll need to investigate further to confirm the specifics of Gilgamesh's power."
Frank chimed in, "It's not just his abilities we need to understand. His motives for subjugating Kingpin are also crucial. He could be far more dangerous than Kingpin ever was. With Kingpin's reach and influence, if Gilgamesh intends to use those resources for something malicious, all of New York could be thrown into chaos."
Natasha furrowed her brow in thought. "We can investigate his powers without directly confronting him. Now that he controls Kingpin, the factions connected to Kingpin will surely take notice. At the very least, the Hand will send someone to test Gilgamesh."
"We could prepare to monitor his movements during such confrontations, giving us a chance to observe his abilities in action," Natasha continued. "But figuring out his ultimate objective—that will be much more difficult."
Peter spoke up, "Wouldn't Kingpin know what Gilgamesh's goal is? Couldn't we just interrogate Kingpin?"
Frank agreed, "Kingpin's smart, but if we work together, he wouldn't stand a chance."
Matt interjected, "That's a viable plan, but we can't act too hastily. Kingpin is cunning, and after what's happened, he'll be even more cautious. If we make a move on him too soon, we could spook Gilgamesh as well."
Frank nodded in agreement. "You're right."
Peter frowned. "So what do we do?"
Matt remained silent, instead turning his focus toward Natasha, who sighed in frustration. "I knew this wasn't going to be a straightforward request."
Natasha continued, "I can try to infiltrate Kingpin's organization. But as you've pointed out, he'll be on high alert after this. I can't guarantee success."
Matt smiled. "If it doesn't work, we'll come up with another plan. Just prioritize your safety above all else."
Natasha rolled her eyes. "Given the state of Kingpin's organization right now, walking in there is like walking into a lion's den. But fine."
With that, the group discussed further details of the plan. Once they exchanged contact information, they each went their separate ways, ready to begin their respective tasks.
Natasha would attempt to infiltrate Kingpin's organization.
Frank would track down Gilgamesh's movements.
Stick, beyond being Daredevil's mentor, was also the leader of a group known as the Chaste, who were the sworn enemies of the Hand. Stick would use his resources to find out what the Hand intended to do about Gilgamesh and what kinds of warriors they might send.
Peter, still in high school, would go back to class and wait for further updates.
Matt, on the other hand, was in charge of providing backup for both Natasha and Frank.
---
The following day, Gilgamesh, accompanied by one of Kingpin's most trusted lieutenants, arrives at Kingpin's Long Island mansion.
Long Island was known for its wealthy residents, and Kingpin's mansion, even in such an exclusive area, was among the most luxurious.
After a brief tour of the estate, Gilgamesh nodded approvingly. "Kingpin has good taste. This mansion will do nicely."
The lieutenant, still uneasy with the fact that this man had subjugated his boss, couldn't help but wince slightly as Gilgamesh openly commented on Kingpin's possessions. Still, knowing Gilgamesh's power, he dared not react and instead said respectfully, "My lord, your new identity will be ready in about a day."
"I understand," Gilgamesh replied nonchalantly.
Though Gilgamesh didn't openly critique Kingpin's character, he couldn't help but acknowledge that the man was thorough. After merely requesting a residence, Kingpin had arranged not only for the mansion but also provided servants, security, and staff.
Of course, thanks to his omniscient abilities, Gilgamesh knew these people were planted to spy on him for Kingpin. But it didn't concern him. Let Kingpin learn his habits and preferences—such knowledge meant nothing in the face of absolute power.
The lieutenant then handed Gilgamesh an infinite-limit black card. "My lord, this card was prepared by our boss for your use."
Money was of no importance to Gilgamesh. With his abilities, he could easily become the wealthiest person in this world if he wanted. But since the card had been prepared, he accepted it without complaint.
The lieutenant bowed respectfully, saying, "I'll take my leave now and return once your identity has been finalized."
With a dismissive wave from Gilgamesh, the lieutenant departed. Now alone, Gilgamesh wandered through the mansion, familiarizing himself with the layout since it would serve as his base of operations in the Marvel universe.
As he strolled through the back garden, Gilgamesh's attention was drawn to a large swimming pool. Surrounding it were five women, each stunningly beautiful, dressed in bikinis. As soon as they noticed Gilgamesh, they approached him, their faces displaying coy expressions.
These women, seeing Gilgamesh's regal bearing and handsome appearance, felt their initial reluctance fade. In fact, they were beginning to feel honored to serve such a man.
They all bowed in unison. "My lord."
Gilgamesh knew these women had been arranged by Kingpin. With his omniscience, he knew their backgrounds. Some were elite professionals, and others were models or heirs to wealthy families. Most notably, they all had one thing in common—they were all untouched.
Kingpin's reach was impressive; within a day, he had managed to gather such high-caliber women.
Among them, one woman with long black hair and an Asian appearance caught Gilgamesh's interest. However, his interest wasn't of a romantic nature.
The woman, feeling the weight of Gilgamesh's ruby-like gaze, trembled. Instinctively, she lowered her head.
Gilgamesh spoke. "You—Colleen Wing. Look at me."
Colleen, startled by the fact that he knew her name, looked up in shock. "How do you know my name?"
One of the other women, confused, asked, "Colleen Wing? I thought your name was Jessica Henwick?"
The remaining three women exchanged puzzled glances, not understanding what was happening.
Indeed, Colleen had been using the alias Jessica Henwick to infiltrate the Hand. Her mission had been to gather intel on Gilgamesh.
But how could Gilgamesh know her true name?
Ignoring Colleen's question, Gilgamesh dismissed the other women. "You may leave."
Though curious, the women knew better than to linger. Bowing, they quickly retreated, leaving Gilgamesh alone with Colleen by the pool.
Colleen, now tense and on guard, watched Gilgamesh warily. She had no idea what he intended to do.
Unperturbed by her wariness, Gilgamesh reclined on a poolside lounge chair, his demeanor relaxed. "Your master, Bakuto, is one of the founders of the Hand. He sent you here to get close to me."
Colleen's eyes widened in disbelief. Though she tried to hide it, her shock was apparent.
After a pause, she managed to ask, "What's your proof?"
Gilgamesh smiled. "My word is the proof."
His voice had such authority that Colleen couldn't help but feel shaken, as though her instincts wanted to believe him. But she forced herself to remain rational.
"Even if what you say is true," Colleen began, "why would my master go to such lengths to have me get close to you?"
Gilgamesh's eyes gleamed with knowledge. "Immortality."
"Immortality?" Colleen was confused, not understanding the significance of his response.
Gilgamesh didn't elaborate further. He closed his eyes, resting leisurely as he said, "Come here and give me a massage."
Colleen hesitated. Thoughts of escaping or striking him flashed through her mind. But in the end, she knelt beside him and began massaging his shoulders.
As Colleen worked, Gilgamesh mused over what he knew about her. In the Marvel universe, Colleen Wing was also a superhero known as the Daughter of the Dragon. While she had no supernatural abilities, she was skilled in hand-to-hand combat, espionage, and favored the use of a sword.
She would later fight alongside Daredevil in future conflicts.
But for now, Gilgamesh's true interest lies not in Colleen herself but in the Hand and their connection to the mystical city of Kunlun.
Kunlun was a place beyond the physical world, a hidden city linked to Earth by a gate that opened once every ten years. Its location in Tibet made it a place of legend, akin to the mythic Celestial Palace in Chinese lore.
Kunlun was also home to technology and knowledge far beyond anything on Earth. Over a million years ago, while early humans were still primitive, the Princess of Kunlun had descended to Earth, teaching humanity how to harness fire and use tools.
In Gilgamesh's mind, the real question was whether there were any beings in Kunlun who possessed power beyond that of a Skyfather.
___________________________________________
To read 45 advanced chapters you can visit my Patreon:"https://patreon.com/Hiddenfanfics''