This approach might indeed reduce a lot of trouble while bringing many benefits.

  However, Russell still had doubts about whether it would actually work.

  After all, he had already caused quite a stir in Hell's Kitchen, and quite a few people had seen him.

  Even if the gang members couldn't recognize him, Hydra still had records of his past.

  'Could this disguise really fool Hydra?'

  "Will this really work? Hydra has records of my past after all..." Russell asked Alfred skeptically.

  "Sir, please trust my professionalism. I've already confirmed with Dr. Wilson... Hydra only has one photo of you, and it's from before your transformation. So there's no need to worry too much about that." As he spoke, Alfred continued adjusting Russell's clothes without pause.

  Still uneasy, Russell pressed further, "What about the gang members and Kingpin?"

  "Your confrontation with those gangsters was over two months ago. They won't remember your face. And even if they do, there's no need for concern..."

  "...No one would believe the word of gangsters. As for Kingpin, he might recognize you, but he won't expose your identity, it wouldn't benefit him in any way. So there's no need to worry about that either."

  Alfred spoke with absolute confidence before finally stepping back to examine Russell, whose appearance he had completely transformed, "Almost done. Now, we just need the right accessories."

  Using Russell's measurements, Alfred had commissioned several tailored suits. The one Russell wore now was reportedly entirely handcrafted and custom-made.

  "Are you really sure about this? If this gets exposed, everything you've done so far will be questioned..."

  If possible, Russell would rather not create this false persona or mingle in so-called high society.

  To him, rubbing shoulders with the upper crust was far less interesting than going to a bar with Allen.

  "Sir, you truly don't need to worry about this... Let me put it this way, there was once an alien who wore a red cape. He openly saved people everywhere, his photos and videos were all over the news, and he frequently gave interviews..."

  "...Yet, all he had to do was change his clothes and put on gsses, and he became a news reporter. No one ever suspected a thing..."

  "People didn't recognize him because his gsses had some magical power to deceive them." Russell said.

  "It was because they simply couldn't connect him to the superhero flying around in the sky. That's why no one ever discovered his true identity." Alfred patiently expined.

  If Russell guessed correctly, the 'alien' in his story was likely Superman.

  "Sir, never underestimate the power of perception. If their impression of you is that of a warrior, then even if you can't beat the most ordinary thug, they'll still see you as a warrior..."

  "...Simirly, if they believe you're the heir of some mysterious family, then you are the heir. They'll find ways to convince themselves... no expnation or proof needed."

  While expining, Alfred didn't stop working, selecting matching accessories; a tie, belt, shoes, watch, and even a ring... "There. That should do it."

  Once Russell had put everything on as instructed, he stood before a full-length mirror, examining a version of himself that felt both familiar and strange.

  Now dressed in a custom-tailored, handcrafted suit, his well-defined physique made the outfit look even sharper.

  Just as Alfred had said, if he weren't certain the reflection was himself, even if someone told him the man in the mirror was a rising Wall Street financier, he wouldn't doubt it for a second.

  After Alfred's meticulous styling, Russell exuded an entirely different aura.

  Feeling this dramatic change, Russell couldn't help but sigh softly.

  Though this was a manufactured image, there was no denying its deceptive power.

  Even if he stood in front of those gang members now, they probably wouldn't believe this was the same madman who had beaten them up over two months ago.

  "Sir, if everything looks good to you, then let's head to the conference room on the fourth floor. The military representatives are waiting for you."

  Alfred's words snapped Russell back to reality.

  "Military representatives? Why are they here?" Russell was momentarily confused, he didn't recall anything about this.

  "Earlier, you asked me to find a way to reach out to the military and Oscorp. Using a few of Dr. Wilson's minor projects, I successfully caught their attention..."

  "...They're here today to sign a contract with you, they want us to supply them with the 'Syndicate-3' enhancement serum. The details of the agreement are all in here. You can review them on the way." With that, Alfred handed him a document densely packed with terms and obligations.

  After quickly skimming through it, Russell once again felt grateful for having drawn Alfred, the 'Butler Hero', as his ally.

  "Well done, Alfred." Returning the document to Alfred, Russell followed him toward the fourth-floor conference room.

  By the time they arrived, the room was already filled with people.

  Military officers and scientists sat on one side of the table, while Dr. Wilson and Allen occupied the other.

  Between them were two seats reserved for Russell and Alfred.

  Once they were seated, the major general across from them finally spoke, "So you're Russell, the true mastermind behind 'Syndicate Bio'?"

  Though the aging major general showed clear signs of wear, the intensity of his presence hadn't diminished with age. If anything, it had grown sharper.

  This was the aura of a man forged in bloodshed and hardened by years of command.

  To an ordinary person, it would be an overwhelming pressure, evoking instinctive fear.

  Unfortunately for the major general, Russell was far from ordinary.

  His imposing presence might cow others, but it had no effect on Russell, "And you must be Major General Hughes?"

  Unlike the formidable major general, Russell's tone was utterly indifferent, as casual as asking someone what they had for breakfast.

  This demeanor too was something Alfred had carefully instructed him to adopt...