Empire University and Arasaka Academy have very different vibes.
Unlike the meticulously designed and rigid atmosphere of Arasaka Academy, Empire University feels genuinely more inviting.
After all, back in 2011, this top-tier university held a significant place in society, not only producing talents across various fields but also being at the forefront of scientific research—a true "grown-up."
The surroundings were much more open, filled with parks, making it feel far less oppressive.
Though, to be fair, even if New York's air wasn't exactly fresh, it was certainly sweeter than that of Night City.
Suddenly, Leo's bio-monitor flashed a small line of text:
[Lead levels in your blood have slightly increased. Please be mindful of air pollution.]
So that sweet taste was from leaded gasoline—nothing to worry about.
2011 seems more promising and free, but the technological gap is undeniable.
As Leo looked around, Matt finally noticed a glimpse of youthful curiosity in his young boss—though, of course, he had no idea what Leo was actually thinking.
Matt chuckled, "Thinking about going back to school?"
"School days..." Leo paused, adjusting his wording, "Might have been some of the best days in my imagination."
In reality, Leo was referring to his past life. However, he wasn't one to dwell on nostalgia; his current life was quite colorful as well.
Leo glanced at Matt with surprise, "Seems like Attorney Murdock has some hidden skills and doesn't plan on keeping them secret, huh?"
Let's not forget, Matt was blind.
How could he know Leo was looking around? Clearly, Matt wasn't blind in the strictest sense.
Maintaining a smile, Matt adjusted his glasses, "I suppose we've been through enough together to call it a bond of life and death. And you don't seem ordinary either. I'm guessing we share more than just the experience of being doused in dangerous chemicals."
"Looks like I can't deny it," Leo shrugged.
"No need to deny it. You're different from me—your talents are extraordinary. People would envy your mind; I can see that in your future."
"Is that so? I'd say your talents are equally enviable," Leo paused, "And I don't just mean physically, but mentally."
Matt hesitated, surprised by the comment, "I didn't realize you had such an eye for insight."
As they walked through the campus, there was a brief silence before Matt suddenly asked, "I have a question. In reality, you could probably handle this whole situation on your own, right? Cameras, circuits... you could deal with those guys by yourself. Am I right?"
Having witnessed Bullseye getting smashed to bits and the car crash that followed, Matt couldn't see why Leo needed to rally those residents. He could have easily taken out Bullseye on his own, maybe even Kingpin, and done a lot more—all without anyone knowing, quietly resolving everything.
Just like how Iron Man could obliterate terrorists single-handedly, no need for speeches, just action.
Leo smiled, "Like a superhero?"
"Strange wording, but yes, like a superhero. You could step in and handle everything yourself, but you didn't."
"And then, whenever there's trouble, people would just pray, 'Please, superhero, come save me!'"
Leo shook his head, "I want them to stand up, just like they're doing now. Maybe they can't go all the way, can't make the tough decisions, can't earn much money, lack knowledge, or even the courage. But they must move. They may be afraid to confront the thugs, but they can take John to the hospital; they may have no money or home, but they can save Mr. Ricaldo, the landlord who cares for them."
"There's a term in the East, called 'the great and righteous magistrate.' Originally, it was a term of respect, but it gradually became something else. When people's home are robbed, they pray for a righteous magistrate to punish the thief; when beaten, they drag their wounds to the magistrate for justice; when their family is killed... they knock their heads on the steps, begging the magistrate to deliver justice."
Matt seemed to ponder this, "Sounds like you're worried they'll all start relying on you in the future."
"Yes—there are capable people in this world, and they should bear more responsibility. But that doesn't mean you, as a person, are useless and can just hide in a hole until the crisis passes. Or rather, when you only know how to cover your eyes and ears and hide in a hole, that's a disaster in itself."
"But... what can they do? You wouldn't always need a good Samaritan to take you to the hospital, would you?"
Leo grinned, "That's why—capitalism might poison society, but currency is a brilliant invention in sociology. They can do the labor they're good at, they can pay me to do what I'm good at. Isn't that what money is supposed to facilitate—such exchanges?"
Matt's expression grew peculiar, "Sounds like a politician justifying the system."
"No, if you think about it, such social division of labor does indeed provide an environment where people can engage in what they excel at. Otherwise, if I wanted to do research, I'd first have to learn how to farm, build a house, and so on. By the time I finished all that, I'd be in my eighties."
"Excelling at something doesn't mean you necessarily enjoy it."
"Which is why," Leo pointed to his head, "as a researcher, what you truly exchange with those laborers should be the future. With better technology, we can bring about a future where fewer people need to be oppressed into labor. Or, put another way, what everyone truly wants is to exchange for a better future from others, not just for superficial money. The latter is being misled by the tool, forgetting why they started in the first place. In the end, it's not so much that they're a person, but rather a personified bank card?"
After hearing this, Matt remained silent for a long time—this was a perspective he had never considered.
He suddenly thought of his father.
His father was a boxer in illegal fights. When Matt was young, he often saw his father with a worried face, hoping to earn more money.
But Matt knew his father didn't really love money.
Thinking of this, Matt felt a small moment of clarity in his heart, and with a smile, he said:
"You think a lot, but I agree with your take on superheroes. People should indeed learn to change their situation through effort, not just through prayers. You should take a philosophy class."
"Come on—let's meet this professor."
By now, they had arrived at the door of the research lab.
Matt, however, just smiled without saying anything.
At that moment, a man's voice came from behind Leo, "You said it very well."
Leo turned around to see a blond, middle-aged man wearing glasses, looking at him with an appreciative gaze—though there seemed to be some... complexity in that appreciation?
"Nice to meet you—Attorney Murdock. And you must be Mr. Lee?"
Matt turned around, nodded, "Yes, Leo, this is Professor Connors Scott. Hello, Professor."
So the professor had been following them the whole time?
Considering Matt's sharp senses, he probably noticed the professor trailing them early on... Hopefully, nothing sensitive was overheard.
"Uh, nice to meet you, Professor Connors. Sorry, I mean, this meeting came a bit suddenly."
They shook hands, and Connors smiled as he adjusted his glasses, "If anyone should apologize, it's me. I heard you and Attorney Murdock discussing something, and I couldn't help but slow down to listen. Alright, let's go in—just like you said, I too want to give patients tormented by illness a future."
Including himself.
Leo noticed Professor Connors Scott's empty right sleeve.