Druid in the Marvel Universe Chapter 69: Old Records

Alvin's first act of revenge ended somewhat anticlimactically.

Back at the school, Old Parker made a call to Dr. Ethan, asking him to perform surgery on Colleen.

Dr. Ethan knew the whole story and despised foolish women like Colleen, but his medical ethics compelled him to treat her injuries.

The process was quite harrowing. Danny, who had been by Colleen's side the whole time, tried to speak several times but was silenced by Old Parker's dagger-like glare.

The community school was a magical place. When someone truly integrated into it, they underwent a remarkable transformation, as if the place had a strange power. Even someone as kind-hearted as Old Parker dared to get angry and demand consequences.

Matt left as soon as the incident was over; he could sense Alvin's displeasure with him.

But Matt had his own life principles. Sometimes, he didn't entirely agree with Alvin's methods. However, he never doubted that Alvin was a friend.

...

Alvin walked desolately through the streets of Hell's Kitchen. Frank and JJ had driven off in the pickup truck after some discussion.

Unconsciously, Alvin found himself outside of Hell's Kitchen.

Just one street away, the entire community environment seemed to change dramatically.

It was daytime, and the streets of Brooklyn were filled with smiling faces. People greeted familiar friends and neighbors. Street performers worked hard, hoping for a good haul. Cars slowed down, and drivers rolled down their windows to breathe in the fresh air.

Alvin turned back to look at Hell's Kitchen, just one street away. It always seemed gray, with people constantly on guard. The graffiti on the walls was always related to death and fear. The passing cars always seemed to be in a hurry, as if fleeing for their lives.

Hell's Kitchen was Alvin's first stop in this world. It was terrible, but it was his root in this world. He made friends and found family there.

Alvin felt he needed to clear his head; he had been a bit impulsive earlier.

Old Parker was right; he shouldn't have killed her, even though it would have been satisfying. It would have completely destroyed those kids. Watching their principal kill the only person who had shown them warmth would be unbearable, even for adults, let alone children! Moreover, it would lose the hope of finding the children who had been sent away.

Colleen couldn't die; she had to atone for her foolish actions, not just repent.

Alvin always thought he was a mature person, capable of calmly facing everything.

But in reality, he hadn't managed that. Old Parker was great; he acted like a safety lock, keeping the violent and ruthless Alvin in check.

Alvin was the one holding the gun in the crowd, but he didn't want to become someone who habitually solved problems with a gun. People like that usually didn't end well.

...

Wandering through a few streets in Brooklyn, Alvin stopped in front of an old boxing gym with a barred door.

Inside, an old song was playing. Alvin didn't know the name of the song, but he liked the melody.

If it weren't for the annoying sound of fists hitting the punching bag, Alvin would have been even happier.

Alvin walked to the door and knocked, wanting to ask about the song or if he could buy the old record.

After a long time, a middle-aged man with brown hair and a beard came over. He was wearing a khaki flight jacket, open to reveal his muscular chest.

The bearded man looked at Alvin through the bars and said, "What do you want? We're closed."

Alvin looked at the sky and said to the bearded man, "I was passing by and heard the music inside. I really like it. Can I come in and listen more closely?

Or would you consider selling me that record? I'll give you a fair price."

The bearded man was a bit surprised to see this well-dressed, good-looking Chinese man who liked this kind of music. It made him feel a bit of kinship with Alvin.

The bearded man pulled open the barred door and gestured for Alvin to come in.

Alvin adjusted his uncomfortable collar and followed the bearded man into the boxing gym.

The gym was very rundown, almost as if it had closed down. The central boxing ring was missing two ropes.

After Alvin entered, the bearded man pointed to an old record player by the window and said, "You can listen. I didn't know anyone still liked music from that era."

Alvin excitedly nodded to the bearded man and walked over to the record player, sitting down on an old sofa.

Listening to the music from the old record, Alvin completely relaxed. He didn't care about wrinkling his suit and sank into the sofa to make himself more comfortable.

The bearded man was curious about Alvin but didn't disturb him. Instead, he fetched two bottles of beer, handed one to Alvin, and leaned against the windowsill, looking out through the iron bars, lost in thought.

The old record played quickly, finishing in about twenty minutes.

Alvin, still curled up on the sofa, savored the moment. He was very satisfied and comfortable; it was a great compensation for his lousy day.

The bearded man looked at Alvin curiously and said, "Not many people like this kind of music. You're a unique person."

Alvin smiled and said, "Buddy, I have to say you have good taste. It's great music. You should come to my shop sometime. I have over 150 old records. I usually don't play them, but if you come, I'll make an exception and share them with you. Consider it a thank you for letting me listen to your music today."

The bearded man chuckled and said, "It seems you really like it. Maybe I should consider giving you this record. It deserves an owner who appreciates it."

Alvin excitedly said, "Really? Maybe we should discuss a fair price for it. Records like this are hard to come by these days."

The bearded man casually waved his hand and said, "It's okay. For me, it's just a tool to reminisce about the past. Someone suggested I look forward, and I think I should try."

Alvin felt this man must have a story and thought they could become friends.

He extended his hand for a firm handshake and said, "Thank you. My name is Alvin Ye. You can call me Alvin. Nice to meet you!"

The bearded man grinned, showing his white teeth, and said happily, "I'm Steve Rogers. You can call me Steve. Nice to meet you!"