The moment the SHIELD agents stormed the scene, terror spread across the faces of every black-market dealer present.
In this nation built on crime and shadows, agents were an existence no one dared provoke.
One by one, they raised their hands high and squatted obediently on the ground, desperately trying to prove they were harmless—no different from livestock awaiting judgment.
Hammer frowned deeply, rage flashing across his face.
"This is illegal!" he roared. "This is my private property!"
"Who gave you the ri—"
Before he could finish his sentence, a cold rifle butt smashed viciously into his face.
Hammer was sent crashing to the ground. Several teeth flew from his mouth as blood splattered across the floor.
Blood streamed down his chin as he stared forward in shock and fury—
Only to find a freezing gun barrel pressed firmly against his forehead.
"I advise you not to court death," he spat.
"My boss gave you plenty of chances!"
"If you had the sense to get out earlier, you might've kept your lives!"
Hammer coughed blood as he threatened them hoarsely.
He had injected the "Tyrant Virus." His overall physical attributes far exceeded those of ordinary humans.
At his peak, he could even wrestle with Captain America—he was no helpless weakling.
More than that—
His body contained medical nanobots, capable of rapidly accelerating recovery.
Aside from his brain and heart, he was nearly without weaknesses.
Yet the nature of a profit-driven merchant doomed him from ever becoming a true warrior.
Even an ordinary SHIELD agent could subdue him with ease.
"Take him back," Nick Fury ordered decisively.
He had come fully prepared today.
The button camera pinned to his chest was already transmitting everything back to SHIELD Headquarters.
If Renjie dared to make a move, Agent Hill would immediately release the footage.
Renjie would be branded a public enemy—forced to live in the shadows for the rest of his life.
"You'll regret this!"
"Don't say I didn't warn you—this isn't over!"
Hammer glared viciously at Nick Fury, unaware of the man's true identity.
But one thing he knew with absolute certainty—
Anyone who dared provoke Renjie always met a miserable end.
Nick Fury waved his hand, signaling his subordinates to drag Hammer away.
He didn't want to see that disgusting face again.
Then he turned toward the group of black-market merchants and spoke calmly.
"You did well."
"As long as you cooperate properly, I'm willing to overlook your previous crimes."
Nick Fury sounded satisfied.
As early as the previous night, he had already contacted these merchants.
The plan had progressed smoothly.
Though they were wary, they still chose to assist him.
Nick Fury stopped before one of the men and roughly yanked him up from the floor.
Putting on a show of concern, he smoothed the wrinkles in the man's suit.
"John... I've already arranged protection for your family."
"As long as you cooperate from here on out, I guarantee their safety."
His tone was earnest—almost kind.
These words were both reassurance and threat.
This man—the largest black-market dealer in New York—would serve as a key witness in the upcoming court proceedings.
"As long as you keep them safe… I'll do anything," the man said pale-faced.
What Nick Fury didn't know—
The man had already activated a recording device.
Their entire conversation was being captured.
Nick Fury patted him firmly on the shoulder.
Then he led his agents deeper into the factory.
He was going to personally arrest—
That arrogant, uncooperative man.
Private Laboratory
Android 18 was nowhere to be seen.
But Android 16 stood there like a divine guardian, blocking Nick Fury's path.
"Director, you may not proceed any further," Android 16 said gently.
His deep, heavy voice carried no hint of threat.
Yet every SHIELD agent present—fully aware of how terrifying Android 16 truly was—quietly lowered their weapons.
They stood behind Nick Fury, motionless like wooden statues.
"Tell Renjie to come out," Nick Fury said coldly. "This is an arrest warrant."
"The evidence I hold proves he is suspected of terrorism, kidnapping, extortion, and amassing massive wealth through illegal means."
"He has illegally stockpiled weapons of mass destruction and committed over dozens of crimes!"
"I am ordered to arrest him and escort him to a military tribunal!"
Nick Fury raised the arrest warrant in one hand and pointed to the button camera on his chest with the other, warning Android 16 not to do anything foolish.
Android 16 stood unmoving—towering like a mountain.
"Renjie! Stop pretending and come out now!" Nick Fury roared.
His voice thundered—
Yet it couldn't penetrate the soundproof glass.
Inside the lab, Renjie continued his work undisturbed.
Android 16 smiled faintly.
He had just received instructions from Renjie.
"Boss says he doesn't have time to meet you right now."
"He said you can either get out—"
"Or wait here patiently."
Android 16 relayed Renjie's words exactly as they were, still smiling.
Nick Fury's expression darkened further.
Facing Android 16, he didn't dare force his way through.
After taking a deep breath, the Director of SHIELD spoke through clenched teeth—
"…Fine."
"…We'll wait."