Most superheroes have their own principles and code of conduct, no doubt about that. Except for a few uniquely positioned "anti-heroes," most are stronger than Leon. In theory, Leon's strength should lie in his familiarity with the plot, or rather, the general trajectory of fate. This would allow him to foresee certain dangers in advance, like holding a script.
Unfortunately, he's not exactly a qualified Marvel fan and hasn't even seen all the movies. While he knows about the major events, he's completely clueless about the exact time and place.
So, in reality, Leon's strength comes from: cheating!
Charging in recklessly is the only way!
...
Leon didn't threaten Matt. If that day ever comes, he would absolutely take action. But this is an extremely unlikely event—there are so many superheroes, and only a few turn evil, right? It's often said that arrogance requires capital.
Maybe before someone even gets full of themselves, they've already been beaten back down. So, really, there's nothing to worry about.
Checking the time, the sky wasn't... too late. In another two or three hours, it would probably start to get light.
The plan to give Kingpin some trouble seems to be out of the question now.
"Well, since you're alright now, you should head back," Leon said to the still-pensive Matt. "Jumping around rooftops in that outfit after sunrise might not be such a good idea!"
Huh?
Matt finally snapped out of his thoughts.
He had been thinking about Leon's words, unsure of what to say for a while. Even though deep down he knew Mr. Labrador was probably right, biases and habits, and ingrained beliefs, are part of what makes a person who they are. If someone could change themselves or their views so easily, wouldn't the world be full of saints?
Seeing that Matt was still lost in his thoughts, Leon didn't bother him. Even if Matt were to take that step and change, it wouldn't happen overnight.
Leon turned and headed downstairs, leaving the dilapidated building.
It was getting late. Any longer, and he might run into early-morning joggers or rule-followers. Leon was a careful person.
Staying up late? Yes. Pulling all-nighters? No!
There weren't many people on the streets at this hour. Leon didn't fly back from above either; he decided to treat it as a walk.
Still, in the interest of practicing his skills, he hovered a few centimeters above the ground, gliding smoothly and steadily down the street like he was wearing Heelys.
So, at 2:30 a.m. in a quiet street in the Big Apple, a guy in a long black trench coat, with a swinging metal chain on the collar, a wide-brimmed fedora, black pants, black shoes, a face full of shifting ink, and hands in his pockets, was slowly gliding through the streets, taking in the sights.
If you looked closely, it seemed like his feet weren't touching the ground!
Unbeknownst to himself—or maybe he knew—Leon Collins had just created a new urban legend as he glided under the moonlight on his way home.
The night was beautiful, but the cold, indifferent relationships in the big city deeply hurt ordinary citizen Mr. Collins!
Weren't those poor souls, swaying alone in the wind after their night shifts, supposed to warm each other's lonely hearts?
"Why does everyone run away when they see me?!"
These days, it's hard to even be helpful!
There may not have been any cars on the road, but when Leon tried to help a thirty-something lady dressed in very summery clothes cross the street, the same woman—who had been stumbling drunkenly just five seconds earlier—screamed and ran away in her high heels at Olympic speed!
"People really can be pushed to their limits!"
Leon was stunned. "Look at that! She's fast!"
Leon hadn't meant to chase her—if she didn't want help, so be it—but the thing was, he was headed in the same direction!
So, every few steps, this lady would scream and look back as she ran far ahead.
Even after she was out of sight, Leon could still faintly hear her dolphin-like shriek.
Leon began to think maybe he was coming off a little unstable.
Maybe if he sat cross-legged in the air with a blanket under him, he'd seem more approachable!
"A genius idea!"
Leon continued to float along, now stroking his chin instead of keeping his hands in his pockets.
"I knew it! I'm brilliant!"
As he floated along, Leon noticed…
The dolphin lady was running back towards him!
"Help… help… ah! Why are you still here?!"
Leon: ...…
Well, I'm sorry about that!
It really is a small world!
Leon crossed his arms behind his back, still floating, thinking this was a very masterful pose.
Master Leon! When will you be the number one in Marvel?
Today! Today's the day!
Yeah, something like that.
"This bipedal, hairless female primate, is there something I can help you with?" One hand respectfully at his front, the other behind his back, Leon nodded slightly. His posture was impeccable—something only years as a top-tier dog interpreter could teach.
A few seconds later, the woman, dressed in red, stood still, suddenly shouting, "How do you know about the hairless thing?!"
"Mayweather's such a lousy professional!"
"You pervert! Creep!"
"You must be the one who stole my underwear four years ago!"
"Though, looking at your flat chest, it doesn't seem like you'd even fit in mine!"
Still catching her breath, she launched a barrage of accusations at Leon.
Leon: … Girl, with that speed… you must've practiced your tongue a lot!
Honestly, it's easy to shut down Matt because he's a decent guy with a bit of an image to maintain.
But shutting down Leon? That's a challenge. To make someone as erratic as him speechless, you've got to admit, this woman was something else!
For the first time, Leon understood Matt's pain and realized just how much of a jerk he usually was.
It took a few seconds for Leon to snap out of it. The sound of yelling behind the red-dressed woman helped him regain his focus.
"Uh… He does more than boxing?"
The woman froze too.
It seemed like they weren't on the same wavelength!
Leon glanced at the direction she came from. Several sketchy-looking guys were approaching, laughing and clearly up to no good.
"Ma'am," Leon said with a slight bow and a cheerful tone, holding out his hands. "It's time to make a choice."
While the woman in red was still confused, Leon straightened up. "Do you choose those four thugs, or the regular ol' lunatic wandering under the moonlight?"
"Hey, crazy guy! Mind your own business!"
Mind my own business?
Now that was something Leon couldn't stand!
Even when the paperboy delivers, I chat with him for an hour! And you tell me not to meddle?
You're putting me in a tough spot here!
(End of chapter)