Chapter 132: The Perplexed Philosopher
Manhattan, Central Park.
As the largest green space in New York, it has become the biggest shelter in Manhattan during the invasion of the Chitauri.
The relief efforts of the Benevolence Society revolve around this place, and with the blessing of Nature energy, the entire park has transformed into a massive healing center and refuge.
Dr. Yinsen and his medical team have played a crucial role here, functioning like a fully equipped large hospital.
Layer upon layer of massive vines and giant trees form a formidable protective barrier around the park, doing their best to stop the sporadic Chitauri soldiers from breaching it.
Thanks to the communication of Advisor Matt, the New York Police and even the National Guard, who arrived late in the battle, also relied on the defense system built here.
However, this defense system is not perfect since Oaks is not present, and its full power cannot be utilized.
But Oaks had a contingency plan.
Goose, who has been enjoying a peaceful life in the little rainforest, along with Moco and Coco, who have been infused with the power of nature and gained special abilities, serve as the second line of defense.
Their unusual appearances have been quickly accepted by everyone in the face of the extraterrestrial invaders.
Nothing unexpected happened here until the end of the battle.
Antonio, who is commanding from the command vehicle, is still busy with personnel deployment.
Even for him, the current moment after the closure of the portal is when their war truly begins.
From the initial collapse of his beliefs to the current full-scale deployment that leaves no time even for drinking water, this studious international student with a big heart has perfectly accomplished the task given to him by Oaks.
However, Advisor Matt, who came along with the police force, noticed something different about this place.
Whenever the Chitauri monsters get too close, about to break through the protective barrier left by Oaks, and when the three little ones are unable to react in time, they suddenly seem to become perplexed and start fighting among themselves.
In the chaotic and tense situation, no one paid attention to such occurrences.
Who would want them to really break in?
But with his super senses, Advisor Matt keenly noticed this.
Unlike the other members of the Benevolence Society, he is qualified to stand on the front lines and participate in the defense.
"Someone is secretly helping us... Who could it be?"
Driven by curiosity, Matt searched for the information he needed amidst the crowded crowds and countless bursts of information, which proved to be a tremendous challenge for him.
However, he eventually discovered something unusual.
In a secluded corner of the park, the atmosphere had always been very quiet.
Even when the Chitauri monsters were at their peak, there was no commotion there, which led Matt to temporarily overlook it.
But as the terrifying portal in the sky closed and everyone was shocked by the sudden fall of the Chitauri monsters, Matt suddenly sensed the abrupt appearance of a person in that consistently quiet location.
Matt couldn't see, and he didn't know if there was already someone there. In his perception, that person seemed to have suddenly appeared there.
Previously, he hadn't even sensed their heartbeat or breath!
So Matt quickly appeared at that location.
Now, he could confirm that there was indeed a person standing in front of him, even though they seemed inexplicably strange.
"Is there something you need?"
It was the voice of a young man, and just like his demeanor, it was very calm.
"Did you intervene to help us with the abnormal behavior of those monsters earlier?"
Matt took a deep breath. If this was another extraordinary individual with special abilities, he needed to determine what he should do next.
Manhattan was currently in a more chaotic phase of rescue operations, and the work of the Benevolence Society should not be disrupted.
"...To think that I've been discovered. I thought I was being very discreet."
The voice of the young man sounded somewhat surprised. He took a glance at the man in front of him, who was wearing sunglasses, had well-built muscles, and clearly experienced battle, and finally focused his gaze on his eyes.
Then he seemed to be lost in some kind of reminiscence and revealed a gentle smile.
He had a partner, who also had this disability.
Their relationship was particularly good.
"...So, are you planning to leave now?"
Matt didn't let his guard down. He paused for a moment and extended his right hand.
"Matt Murdoch, legal advisor of the Benevolence Society. The next few hours are the golden time for rescue operations, and we need the help of someone with... special abilities like yours."
"I am Druig, hello—just some trivial matters."
Druig curved his lips, reached out his hand, and shook hands with Matt.
"But I don't intend to meddle in anyone's affairs. I was here to relax, and those guys just happened to disturb me."
He paused and then smiled bitterly, shaking his head.
"By the way, this park has been transformed like this... It reminds me of some unpleasant experiences."
"Not getting involved, huh..."
Matt remained silent for a moment and nodded slightly.
"Although it's regrettable, thank you for your help. If those guys had broken in, we wouldn't be as relaxed as we are now.
I still have things to attend to, so I'll take my leave."
"Well... since I've been discovered," Druig saw Matt turning to leave but stopped him.
"I've already told you my name. Explaining the situation is probably not possible, and your chairman won't give up easily.
But I don't want to see him again for now. He's much stronger than before. How about you deliver a message on my behalf?"
"Chairman Oaks?"
Matt stopped in his tracks, turned to Druig in surprise, and asked, "You know the Chairman?"
Huh? He mentioned "unpleasant experiences" earlier...
Matt's expression became strange.
"Ahem... I used to live in seclusion in the forest, and I did meet your Chairman some time ago."
Even someone as nonchalant as Druig couldn't help but show a hint of awkwardness. After all, being treated as an experiment is not a pleasant experience.
Druig instinctively shrugged, then remembered that Matt couldn't see him.
"Uh, anyway, I had a conversation with him last time, and now I want to delve deeper into human society. I chose New York because he and your Benevolence Society are here, and this world-class bustling city is like a microcosm of human society."
"But now, I feel even more perplexed."
"Perplexed?"
"Yes... perplexed."
Druig looked at the surprised Matt and his tone carried a hint of confusion.
"In this microcosm of society, humans still seem to be repeating the same history of the past seven thousand years: violence, fear, greed, hatred... a multitude of negative events that have never ceased. But today..."
"Today, I saw another side of humanity: bravery, fearlessness, wisdom, sacrifice...
Which one is the true nature of humanity?"
"...Perhaps, both."
It had a philosopher's style, but in fact, these things had also troubled Matt in the past.
"Both, huh..."
Druig fell silent for a moment, patted Matt's shoulder, and said, "Young man, it seems you've had similar doubts in your heart. But I can sense that you really enjoy your current life. Please tell your Chairman that if one day I come to a conclusion, I will seek him out."
"Well then, goodbye and good luck to you all."
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