DC Apostle in the Marvel Universe

If you want to establish yourself in Hell's Kitchen, running into Kingpin or the Hand is practically a given.

However, Russell had already prepared for this long before he left the base. Even before departing, he had decided to settle in New York.

Why New York? The reason was simple: this city was a hotspot for farming a large number of Fate Points.

Spending capital was the only way to grow stronger, and Fate Points were the only "currency" recognized by the system.

So, even though New York was a disaster-prone city, even though it was frequently visited by aliens, none of that could deter Russell from settling here.

Besides, after the Battle of New York orchestrated by Loki, the people of New York had probably grown accustomed to alien invasions.

After driving around Hell's Kitchen several times, Russell noticed there wasn't a single Chinese restaurant in the area, so he immediately made up his mind, "I've decided, I'm going to open a Chinese restaurant here..."

"A Chinese restaurant? Are you serious?"

Allen sensed a hint of unreliability in Russell's decision.

"Yes, a Chinese restaurant, and an authentic one at that."

Allen might not understand why Russell was so insistent, but for Russell himself, this was a necessary consideration for his future happiness.

He didn't want to settle here only to have to travel to Chinatown in another district every time he craved authentic Chinese food.

"Alright, whatever makes you happy..."

As a native-born American, Allen couldn't comprehend Russell's longing for Chinese food, as he had never experienced proper Chinese cuisine.

His understanding of Chinese food was limited to Americanized dishes like General Tso's chicken.

So, he couldn't grasp the true charm of Chinese cuisine.

"Trust me, you'll realize how wise this decision of mine is in the future."

Russell didn't continue discussing the topic with Allen because it wasn't necessary.

Once Allen tasted real Chinese food, he would be hooked, so there was no need to convince him now.

Since there were no Chinese restaurants in Hell's Kitchen, Russell and Allen had to settle for a typical American fast-food joint, ordering the usual burgers, fries, and barbecue.

Although it was high-calorie junk food, for Russell who had been eating nutrient paste for over a month, it was a welcome treat.

"Finished eating? Feel like doing some post-meal exercise?"

Russell casually asked Allen as he noticed a group of thugs gathering around their newly acquired car outside the fast-food restaurant.

"I'll handle this one." With that, Allen walked out first.

During their earlier encounter with thugs, Allen hadn't gotten a chance to fight, so this time, he wasn't going to let Russell take the spotlight.

Dealing with a few street thugs didn't require him to transform, even if they were armed with guns and knives.

While Allen handled the car thieves outside, Russell ordered another round of barbecue and burgers, enjoying his lunch while watching the impromptu fight through the window.

The reason Russell had brought Allen to Hell's Kitchen ahead of time wasn't just to scout the area, it was also to establish their presence.

In a neighborhood where gangs outnumbered businesses, the best way to establish yourself was to make a statement.

And the best way to make a statement was to take down the strongest, toughest guy around.

This method was said to have originated in American prisons.

When you enter prison, if you don't want to be bullied, the best approach is to fight the meanest, toughest inmate.

If you win, no one will mess with you.

And if you lose?

Well, if you lose, tough luck... you've already made an enemy of the toughest guy in the joint. What more can you do? Learn to live with it.

While Hell's Kitchen wasn't a prison, the principle was the same.

If possible, Russell's preferred targets for making a statement would be Kingpin and the Hand.

But he was well aware that this goal would have to wait.

Neither Kingpin nor the Hand were ordinary gangs. Strictly speaking, they had transcended the gang label, becoming something far more formidable.

Bullying ordinary street gangs wouldn't be a problem.

But if it were Kingpin or the Hand, there was no telling who might show up.

Superhumans weren't common, but it depended on who you were dealing with.

By the time Allen finished dealing with the thugs outside, Russell had just finished his last piece of barbecue.

Just as Russell was about to pay the bill and leave, he realized a serious problem.

They hadn't brought any money...

Having just come from the Hydra base, they hadn't fully adjusted to civilian life yet, so they had forgotten the importance of carrying cash.

When Allen returned to the restaurant and saw Russell's awkward expression, he suddenly realized the issue.

"Well, I guess we'll have to do this."

Neither Russell nor Alan had the habit of dining and dashing, so Russell pulled out the car keys from his pocket.

Trading a car for a meal... surely the restaurant wouldn't refuse.

But to Russell's surprise, they did.

When he offered to use the car outside as payment, everyone from the restaurant owner to the waitstaff refused, not even willing to exchange it for a single dollar.

Undeterred, Russell and Allen asked the other customers in the restaurant, but without exception, they all refused.

What was wrong with this world? The car outside might not be a luxury vehicle, but it was definitely worth more than a fast-food meal.

Was this some kind of Hell's Kitchen custom?

Just as Russell was starting to overthink, a slightly husky female voice spoke up.

"They saw you dealing with those thugs outside, so they're not going to take your offer. So, it's not about the value, it's that if they take your car, they could become targets for gang retaliation."

Following the voice, Russell and Allen saw a young woman in a black leather jacket with wavy black hair.

She appeared to be in her twenties, with a somewhat delicate face accentuated by dark eye makeup, giving her an air of world-weariness.

"Hi, I'm Russell."

Since she had initiated the conversation, Russell felt it was only polite to introduce himself.

"Jessica. You can call me Jessica."

[Image Here]

Hearing her name, Russell immediately confirmed her identity.

It was her... Jessica Jones!