Chapter 22: He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named
<strong>Chapter 22: He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named</strong>
<span style="font-weight:400">[He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named: A Passive ability that lets you peer into anyone who utters your name or names that is synonymous with you. This does not apply to those who speak of names simr to you but only to those who think of you when they speak your name.]
<span style="font-weight:400">This…
<span style="font-weight:400">Suddenly, Benjamin felt as if his head split.
<span style="font-weight:400">He can see and hear all sorts of people all at once!
<span style="font-weight:400">“S-System! How do I stop this!?”
<span style="font-weight:400">[Host, it’s a passive skill and can’t be deactivated. But this System can help you stop any information flow or filter out any unnecessary information.]
<span style="font-weight:400">“Stop it for now!”
<span style="font-weight:400">[Understood.]
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin panted as the pain finally subsided.
<span style="font-weight:400">That was…too much!
<span style="font-weight:400">Using it like that will definitely fry my brain…
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin sighed in relief and asked the System.
<span style="font-weight:400">“System, you said you can filter it? Can you filter it so I can only see and hear only those close to me or those nning something to me?”
<span style="font-weight:400">[Yes. Does Host wish to activate it again?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...Do it.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin gritted his teeth and braced himself.
<span style="font-weight:400">Instantly, he was able to see and hear those who spoke of his name.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was a lot less now but there’s still a lot!
<span style="font-weight:400">When he was wondering why, he was dumbfounded when he saw one.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Oh yes~! Captain Freed is so hot~!”
<span style="font-weight:400">…A guy was jacking off at his picture that was shown on TV during the press conference.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Fuck! Why is this included!?”
<span style="font-weight:400">[Host said to include those who’s nning something to you. This one seems to n on doing something indeed.]
<span style="font-weight:400">“Fucking-...Remove these shits as well!”
<span style="font-weight:400">[Understood.]
<span style="font-weight:400">It might be his imagination but Benjamin swore the System just snickered at him…
<span style="font-weight:400">[Host is imagining things.]
<span style="font-weight:400">“...”
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin shook his head and focused on the ability again.
<span style="font-weight:400">This time…it was a lot less.
<span style="font-weight:400">Damn! How many people were trying to rape me in their fantasies!?
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin let out aaa cold sweat at the thought of that.
<span style="font-weight:400">There wasn’t much now. There was Natasha who was muttering to herself
<span style="font-weight:400">“I wonder what Ben’s up to right now? I miss him already…”
<span style="font-weight:400">…I’ll take her out on a date this weekend.
<span style="font-weight:400">There’s also Susan.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Should I call Benjieter to have some fun?...No, he might think all I want is sex. That’s too embarrassing…then again…”
<span style="font-weight:400">…Damn, I think this girl is addicted to doing it with me now…
<span style="font-weight:400">Then, Benjamin saw an unfamiliar person. She had bright red hair and a sexy figure…
<span style="font-weight:400">“Bobby, how’s Captain Freed? Is he treating you well there? Make sure not to cause trouble while you’re there.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ugh, I get it already…why do you have to be such a mom? Besides, we haven’t even started yet.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Just make sure not to cause trouble for Captain Freed. You know this is a chance for us to change how people see us mutants.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I understand. I’ll behave okay?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Good. Oh right, is Captain Freed really good-looking in person?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Bye Jean!”
<span style="font-weight:400">In the X-Mansion, Jean chuckled when the call ended and felt a gaze on her.
<span style="font-weight:400">Turning around, she saw Scott silently looking at her.
<span style="font-weight:400">“What? I was just joking. Jeez.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Knowing that Scott was getting jealous again, Jean rolled her eyes and left.
<span style="font-weight:400">The feed stopped here.
<span style="font-weight:400">…Was that Jean Grey?
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin raised a brow at that.
<span style="font-weight:400">It seems he was right that Professor X had sent Robert Drake to him for a reason.
<span style="font-weight:400">Well, Benjamin didn’t have any problems with it as long as Bobby behaves properly.
<span style="font-weight:400">Other than that, there was Captain Holt reporting to Major Johnson about their progress yesterday, Jake bragging to his friends about joining Benjamin’s team, and Jessica gossiping about Benjamin to her best friend Patsy Walker AKA Hellcat.
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin was slightly dumbfounded when Jessica suggested to Patsy that she should join in next time…
<span style="font-weight:400">There are also several politicians and executives mentioning his name and seemingly nning something.
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin’s eyes narrowed and instantly locked onto them.
<span style="font-weight:400">He took out their darkest secrets using the HUD Contacts and sent an anonymous email to them before they try something funny.
<span style="font-weight:400">As expected, those officials and executives were shocked when they got the email and no longer said anything.
<span style="font-weight:400">This is indeed a convenient ability.
<span style="font-weight:400">“System, you can filter out those close to me as well and only show them if they are in need of help.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Later, he can just tell them to say his name if they’re in trouble. Benjamin can then portal to them and save them.
<span style="font-weight:400">Once that was done, he moved on to the next agenda.
<span style="font-weight:400">Making the bodycams for the EPD.
<span style="font-weight:400">He took a look at his MP and saw he has a total of 51750 MP. He used the 1750 MP to buy a lot of equipment and parts. Not all of them are really anything special so it was quite cheap.
<span style="font-weight:400">Actually, he only needed about 1500 or so MP but decided to get a few extras just to even out his total MP to 50000…
<span style="font-weight:400">Using his newly gained knowledge, he was soon able toplete a few sets of bodycam for the EPD.
<span style="font-weight:400">Although he called it bodycam, it was more of an emblem really.
<span style="font-weight:400">Its shape is a shield and has the logo of EPD engraved on it which he just came up with. As for its size, it’s about as big as a fingernail and looks like a pin.
<span style="font-weight:400">The members can attach this to their suit and serve as a sort of ID as well that they are members of the EPD.
<span style="font-weight:400">Tapping on it will reveal a small camera that opens up in the middle. Tapping it again will close it and turn off the camera.
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin also made a special one for Bobby where his bodycam is made of a special material that can withstand his coldness just so the parts inside won’t get frozen when he powers up. This was the only one that cost a lot of MP but since he only needed a small piece, he was able to buy it.
<span style="font-weight:400">When the bodycam is on, it will directly transfer the footage to the Imprable Server which he will ce on their buildingter and lock itpletely inside a reinforced room and even add some magic barriers around it to prevent any physical hacking.
<span style="font-weight:400">This way, no one can temper or steal any evidence.
<span style="font-weight:400">When he was done, Benjamin checked the time and figured it was time to call the others.
<span style="font-weight:400">He went to the formerly abandoned police store building which is still undergoing renovations and called the confirmed members to report in for the briefing.
<span style="font-weight:400">While waiting, he found an empty room and ced the Imprable Server there when no one was looking then cast some magic formations around it to make it invisible and protect it.
<span style="font-weight:400">Then, he contacted the workers and told them he nned to make this room a server room so it needs to be enclosed with thick reinforced metal and it needs to be cold.
<span style="font-weight:400">He also looked at the blueprint and made some slight changes.
<span style="font-weight:400">As he was supervising the workers, the members arrived one by one and introduced themselves to each other.
<span style="font-weight:400">When everyone arrived, another figure appeared.
<span style="font-weight:400">It was Viper!
<span style="font-weight:400">She had dark green hair and wore a ck sleeveless shirt and green pants instead of the suit she worest night. There was also still her whip on her waist but no gun.
<span style="font-weight:400">Jessica’s eyes widened when she saw her appear and was about to get ready to attack but Benjamin quickly ced his hand on her shoulder.
<span style="font-weight:400">Confused, she looked at Benjamin and saw him shake his head silently.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’m Leona Hiss. Due to some circumstances, I have poison immunity and extensive knowledge of poisons. I’m also a master of the whip.”
<span style="font-weight:400">At the side, Bobby smiled foolishly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Baby, I don’t mind getting whipped by you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“My whip is alsoced with poison.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Never mind.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Lukeughed at him.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Man, that wasme.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Shut up. You try it then.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Bobby rolled his eyes at him.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hey, don’t drag me into this. I’m not interested in poisondies.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Viper, or rather, Leona Hiss smirked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Good choice. My lips areced with poison as well.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Damn…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Luke and Bobby shivered.
<span style="font-weight:400">This new chick can literally kiss someone to death!
<span style="font-weight:400">Beside Benjamin, Jessica still looked at him in confusion.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I’ll tell youter.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Next to them, Daredevil frowned when he looked at Leona (Viper) and David (Grant). He could tell that these two were lying…
<span style="font-weight:400">Grant Ward was also looking at Viper in confusion but didn’t dare to show it in his expression.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Alright. Leona, wee to the team. However, you’ll need to change your poisons to a simple paralyzing poison from now on.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Fine. I’m keeping the deadly poison on my lips though.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Well…just don’t keep kissing everyone.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Viper shrugged.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Now that you’re all here, let me show you guys your bodycams.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin had ced the bodycam pins on a table beforehand and had a cloth cover it for dramatic effect.
<span style="font-weight:400">Removing the cloth, everyone saw rows of intricate emblem pins on the table.
<span style="font-weight:400">“These are your EPD bodycams and also your IDs. I have engraved your names onto it as well so take the ones that belong to you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“This is so cool.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Jake smiled and quickly found his own pin and attached it to his cor.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’ll need to attach these to your suits so you can be identified as members of the EPD. With it, normal police officers won’t go through the trouble of trying to arrest you and even assist you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Next, Benjamin tapped into it to demonstrate.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Tap once and the camera will appear. Tap it again and it will close the camera. Once the camera is on, it will send the footage to a secure server that even the likes of Tony Stark can’t hack into. I’ve also set up several magic formations around it so any physical hacking is also impossible.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Damn, talk about overkill.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Luke whistled.
<span style="font-weight:400">“It’s not overkill. If the wrong people get their hands on that server, they can erase or tamper with the evidence so it’s a must that it’spletely secure.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daredevil refuted.
<span style="font-weight:400">The others also nodded.
<span style="font-weight:400">Grant nodded along but in his mind, he was guessing where that server is in case he needed to tamper with it…
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin continued.
<span style="font-weight:400">He took one of the extras apart to show the inside.
<span style="font-weight:400">“This is the inner structure of the bodycams. I’m not sure if any of you are familiar with electronics but rest assured that none of theponents here is capable of tracking your location or wirelessly hacking into your phone so rest assured that these aren’t capable of viting any personal boundaries. Of course, if you turn it on by ident then it’s you’re fault.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Everyone looked inside but most of them really didn’t know any electronics.
<span style="font-weight:400">Feeling as if this is the right time, Grant spoke up.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I know a bit and I can tell that there aren''t anyponents here that does those things as he said.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin ignored Grant’s attempt at currying favor to remove any kind of suspicion of him and moved on.
<span style="font-weight:400">“The material is also quite durable and should be able to take a few hits. Still, try to avoid it getting hit or damaged. If it does get damaged, report it immediately for a recement. For Bobby’s case, I made yours to be highly resistant to cold so you don’t freeze up anyponents when you power up.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Sweet!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Bobby grinned and attached it to his suit.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Any other questions?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Iron Fist raised his hand.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Are we required to turn this one once a day or what?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’re only required to turn it on whenever you capture any criminals. If you have it turned off when you capture a criminal, then you should be prepared to have evidence with you, or else that criminal will walk free underck of evidence. As for any daily quotas, there’s none.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Next, Luke asked.
<span style="font-weight:400">“So are we supposed toe to work every day or what? Are we getting paid? I mean, this is still an actual job right?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You don’t need toe here every day and you are free to patrol the streets anytime you want. You also get paid every month per criminal apprehended. Even if you don’t catch any in the month, you will still receive the base payroll. In your case Jake, you still get paid as you did when you were a Detective.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“This is awesome! Not only do I get to kick some ass, I get paid for it now too!”
<span style="font-weight:400">Bobby cheered.
<span style="font-weight:400">Suddenly, Daredevil raised his hand.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Daredevil.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Do we get any benefits? Health insurance? Bonus? How about paid leaves?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...”
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin answered their questions one by one.
<span style="font-weight:400">These things were already exined to Benjamin by Captain Holt yesterday after they finished the interviews.
<span style="font-weight:400">Once the questions were done, everyone started to disperse.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You’re all free to leave now. I’ll call you guys next time to hand over your specialized phones for EPD use.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin thought of making itter or tomorrow.
<span style="font-weight:400">At the end, Daredevil and Jessica approached Benjamin and talked in a secluded corner.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ben, that Leona and David guy…they were lying when they told their names.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daredevil said.
<span style="font-weight:400">It would be fine if they introduced themselves using a codename but they used an actual name instead so Daredevil couldn’t help but be cautious.
<span style="font-weight:400">Jessica also added.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Right, that Leona chick was the one who attacked us yesterday right?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Attacked?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daredevil frowned.
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin calmed the two down.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Alright calm down. I told you she still had some uses so I let her go yesterday. Those two are both HYDRA agents.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“What!?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Jessica was shocked.
<span style="font-weight:400">Though she knew that Leona was HYDRA, she didn’t think the other guy was also one!
<span style="font-weight:400">“Well technically, Leona, or rather, Viper, is a HYDRA agent and that guy David, or rather, Grant Ward, is a SHIELD agent. But he’s an undercover HYDRA agent that has snuck into SHIELD so yeah, both of them are HYDRA.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...”
<span style="font-weight:400">Both Daredevil and Jessica were speechless.
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin chuckled and patted their shoulders to calm them down.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Okay, it’s enough you guys know in your hearts. Don’t reveal it to anyone.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Why?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Don’t you know the saying: Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Viper is one thing but that Grant Ward will definitely try and listen to my every order so he doesn’te out suspicious. He’s basically a free ve for me to order as I please. Hehehe…”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...”
<span style="font-weight:400">“As for Viper, I told you she still has some use. Don’t worry about it and just act like they’re normal members of the team.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...If you say so.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daredevil sighed but still nodded.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Well, as long as they don’t try to do anything to me.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Jessica shrugged and also nodded.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Alright. I’ll see you guyster.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Later then.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Daredevil nodded and left.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Want to grab some drinkster?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I still have things to do. Maybe another time.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Sure.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Jessica nodded and left as well.
<span style="font-weight:400">Meanwhile, in another corner.
<span style="font-weight:400">Grant Ward very discreetly approached Viper.
<span style="font-weight:400">“What are you doing here? There’s no need for two of us to be undercover.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Viper just nced him with a side eye.
<span style="font-weight:400">“You have your mission. I have mine. Do your best and stay out of my way.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“You…”
<span style="font-weight:400">Viper no longer minded him and walked towards Benjamin who just separated from Daredevil and Jessica.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I guess you told them about me already?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hm? Ah, don’t worry. They won’t do anything to you.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“If you say so.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Right, I’ll engrave your nameter in one of the bodycams, ‘Leona’.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...Ophelia.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Hm?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“My real name’s Ophelia Sarkissian.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin blinked in surprise as he didn’t expect Viper to tell her real name so suddenly.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Ophelia. It’s a nice name. Unfortunately, I can’t engrave that name.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Well…I can give you an extra if you want.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin couldn’t help but say when he saw her downcasted expression.
<span style="font-weight:400">Viper’s eyes lit up when she heard that.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Really?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Sure. You can’t show it to anyone though. At least, not yet.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Viper nodded with a smile.
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin was slightly taken aback by her smile as he didn’t expect her to show such an expression.
<span style="font-weight:400">“Right, I told the higher-ups that I’m here to get close to you to find out your weakness or try to pull you over.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“I see.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“So we should go on a date.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Huh?”
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin was surprised again.
<span style="font-weight:400">Viper showed a teasing smile and said.
<span style="font-weight:400">“I have to show some results to them so they don’t doubt me of course. Since you want me to be a double agent, you need to y along too.”
<span style="font-weight:400">“...Why do you look like you’re enjoying yourself when you’re supposed to be betraying your own organization?”
<span style="font-weight:400">“Am I? Hehe.”
<span style="font-weight:400">Viper chuckled and left without saying another word.
<span style="font-weight:400">Benjamin scratched his head and asked the System.
<span style="font-weight:400">System, what’s wrong with her? Did you do something again?
<span style="font-weight:400">[Host, The System isn’t capable of affecting anyone directly. This was all the Host’s doing.]
<span style="font-weight:400">Huh?
<span style="font-weight:400">[Host, when you used the ve Cor on her, it overrode the brainwashing HYDRA did to her when she was a child and she had regained her true sense of ‘self’. Most likely, the Ophelia Sarkissian you are seeing now is the real Ophelia Sarkissian that has long been trapped under the brainwashing.]
<span style="font-weight:400">…I see…
<span style="font-weight:400">Regarding Viper, Benjamin didn’t really know her full story.
<span style="font-weight:400">He only knew that she was an orphan and was taken by HYDRA when she was young and became Strucker’s apprentice to be what she is now today.
<span style="font-weight:400">Well, Benjamin’s happy for her but this doesn’t mean he’ll remove the cor.
<span style="font-weight:400">Maybe one day when his power grows even more and knows that she won’t be able to do anything to him anymore…
<span style="font-weight:400">Maybe then, she will have her true freedom…