Chapter 266: Going Home

Words : 1535 Updated : Oct 9th, 2025

"Recently, the highly debated AMF-13 Resolution, also known as the Defender Act, has been voted down." "The vote ended with an overwhelming 256 votes against versus 145 in favor. For now, we are spared from war." "It appears that Mr. Leo Lee's speech at the hearing resonated across multiple regions of America, prompting citizens to take to the streets and pressure Congress." "Meanwhile, another military corruption case exposed during the hearing is now preparing for trial. We will continue to follow up on this matter." "Now, let's turn our attention to the upcoming New York mayoral election. According to public opinion polls, Anthony Flor's approval rating has surpassed 70%, completely overshadowing the other candidates." "Flor's campaign advocates for reducing unemployment by revitalizing high-tech manufacturing, expanding the medical industry, and implementing large-scale infrastructure projects—including digital infrastructure. He also supports international trade policies." "Notably, with the support of the Lee Financial Group, candidate Flor has collaborated with the Workers' Mutual Aid Association to revitalize Hell's Kitchen." "Now, this district boasts the lowest crime rate in all of New York—more precisely, every area that Lee Financial has redeveloped has seen a significant drop in crime and a marked increase in employment." "It seems we can already congratulate this political newcomer on his likely victory as the next mayor." The Osborn Tower had now been repurposed into a memorial site at Martin's suggestion—an exhibition documenting the absurd events of the past year and the advanced technologies involved. Visitors were often shocked to realize that many of the technologies used to resolve these crises were derived from the same ones that had caused them in the first place. The difference? Now, these innovations had been integrated into Leo's company for civilian use—proving their value in everyday life. This was Leo's first major appearance on the global stage—and it was dazzling. So much so that every media outlet worldwide was reporting on this young man's story: How he had fallen into a coma due to an accident and woken up under his mother's care. How he and his community had fought against crime and gangs. How he had built a vast and promising business empire. And how he had successfully prevented Congress from escalating war efforts. But it wasn't over yet. The bill to increase military spending had been halted—but not the withdrawal of troops. At the International Gene Corporation Cybernetics Testing Facility, Leo sat beside Michael, also known as the Death Warrior. Michael lay on a hospital bed. Only some of his internal organs and half of his skull remained original—his cybernetic augmentation had exceeded 60%. Leo sighed. This engineer's cybernetic adaptability was remarkably strong—almost as if he were born for it. Ironically, he fully embraced cybernetic enhancements—yet had zero desire for combat. How he maintained such stable mental health was a mystery. But in the end, as long as no one forced him to do anything against his will, his cybernetics had little to no negative impact on him. If this were the Cyberpunk world, corporate giants would've kidnapped him for endless experiments, pushing him to the brink of insanity. Now, this unlucky engineer had removed his Death Warrior combat implants and replaced them with low-power medical prosthetics. Looking at his basic mechanical arms, he let out a long sigh. "I'm such an idiot. I'm a cripple now." He chuckled bitterly. "I got into cybernetics in the first place to help disabled people." "When Harlan brought me that brain-machine interface tech, I was thrilled—I poured my entire heart into designing this system, completely oblivious to his true intentions." "But Now, I Must Still Consider Military Designs" He was talking about Frank. Inside the testing facility, Frank moved swiftly, jumping and flipping with ease. His cybernetic body showed no signs of lag, as he used magnetic gloves and web launchers to maneuver across vertical walls effortlessly. In terms of combat prowess, Frank was by far Leo's strongest fighter—naturally, he needed the best equipment. [Fully Integrated Cybernetic System Developed: Lightweight Special Operations Body] [Description: An upgraded version of civilian cybernetics, combining an exoskeleton and implanted augmentations, seamlessly integrating magnetic grip technology and web launchers.] [Functionality: Grants high mobility to individuals with mild disabilities, making them capable of special operations missions.] [Cybernetic Integration: Below 10%, categorized as minor augmentation.] [Drawbacks: Limited battery life—all modules combined weigh 20 kg and can sustain 16 hours of extreme operations.] [Developed by: International Gene Corporation - Advanced Cybernetics Research Lab] [Technology Points Awarded: 300] [Current Technology Points: 7300] Now, Michael was officially part of Leo's team. The unfortunate engineer was desperate to develop better bionic prosthetics to restore his sense of touch. Low-grade cybernetics left him feeling numb—not enough to drive him mad, but enough to make life miserable. Besides, what Leo was working on was exactly what Michael had always wanted to do—medical prosthetics. Once Frank's testing was complete and all metrics checked out, Leo turned to Michael. "I'm guessing you have some kind of personal obsession with this field?" "Obsession? Not really." Michael replied calmly. "I just think this technology is incredible—looks damn cool, too. But... I don't like killing." Leo's expression grew solemn. So this was a man driven purely by passion. After that, Michael glanced at Leo again. "What about you? You're my boss now, but you're clearly developing military cybernetics in secret. That doesn't quite match your 'peace advocate' image." "At most, these are security enhancements," Leo shook his head. "People need the power to protect themselves from external threats." "Well, either way, I'd say your ideology is miles better than my last boss's. For now, I actually enjoy working here." "Then I'll leave this to you." Leo turned toward the training grounds where Frank was testing his new gear. The two exchanged a knowing nod. The Hellhounds Squad's actions in Afuhan were far too complicated—they had been thrown into the fire by forces beyond their control. Frank's testimony alone wouldn't be enough—concrete proof was needed. Combat log recordings, testimonies from his teammates—everything had to be verified. But at the same time, other involved parties would surely try to eliminate loose ends— This was the front line of political warfare. Frank had to handle things himself. He clenched his cybernetic gloves, feeling the power of technology, as flashes of recent events ran through his mind. Just as Leo had said—he refused to be another brainwashed soldier for America. This time, he would fight as Frank Castle. The last person Leo had to deal with was Christopher—a fellow countryman of his mother. The young man had spent nearly a month in New York—he was a quick learner, but more importantly, his entire mindset had shifted. Everything else, he could learn back in Latveria. At the airport gate, Silver Sable, CEO of Silver Sable Security, was there to escort Christopher back to Eastern Europe. He would be returning to Latveria to help Leo expand his market. Before boarding, Christopher firmly shook Leo's hand. "Mr. Lee, I will complete my mission." "Give it your best shot." Leo patted him on the shoulder, watching as the plane took off into the sky. With everything settled, Leo got into his car and headed home. His driver was still the same honest, kind-hearted neighbor—John. Looking out the window, he watched as skyscrapers gave way to smaller apartment buildings. Workers were climbing down from scaffolding, wrapping up their shifts and heading home for dinner. The streets bore fresh signs of repair, and people—not particularly wealthy but content—strolled along, enjoying the walk home. Couples, families, parents and children. It was hard to believe that six months ago, this was one of the most crime-ridden areas in New York—a place where simply walking down the street meant risking robbery. Leo enjoyed this drive home. Fleeing a broken place would never compare to transforming it into your ideal home. As the car pulled up to his apartment building, John called out to him. With a warm, goofy smile, he said: "Boss, you've worked hard." Leo was momentarily surprised, then chuckled. "I'd call this job an enjoyment." John rubbed his nose, grinning. "Me too, Boss. Glad to be working for you." As soon as Leo stepped inside, he was greeted by the fragrant aroma of home-cooked food. He already knew—his mother had dinner ready and was waiting for him. Opening the door, he saw her sitting on the couch. When she got up and embraced him, her wrinkled eyes crinkled with joy. Seated at the dining table, mother and son shared stories about their day— As warmth filled the room, the television played the evening news: "It seems that, thanks to everything Leo Lee has done, we no longer have to worry about being dragged into yet another endless war." "Young men who would've been sent to the battlefield can now stay by their parents' side." "Middle-aged men who would've been forced to take lives can now watch their children grow up." "Is there any future better than this?" "Let us hope for world peace."

Chapter 266: Going Home

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