Chapter 476 - 218: Prisoner 4
It was a tangled web of vested interests, built on trillions of US dollars.
It connected Legislators in Washington, the top Lobbying Groups on K Street, thousands of hospitals across the United States, and nearly every pharmaceutical giant.
It was a Leviathan with a will of its own.
Over the past few decades, countless politicians had tried to challenge it.
And the result?
The Leviathan remained unscathed, even growing larger and more greedy.
Those who tried to challenge it were either devoured or forced to compromise, becoming its defenders.
And now, the man sitting before him was just the Mayor of Pittsburgh, only one year into his term.
’What gave him the right?’
’Where did he get the nerve?’
Luigi looked up, his eyes filled with deep suspicion.
"Mr. Mayor."
Luigi’s voice was a bit hoarse.
"Your logic is flawless, and your ambition is astounding."
"But what we’re talking about is taking a shot at the entire health insurance system."
"Do you have any idea what you’re saying?"
"You’re declaring war on the richest, most powerful people in the entire United States—a group that excels at killing with laws and rules."
"Pfizer, United Health, Aetna... Behind these names are billions of US dollars in political donations each year, and a lobbying network that controls more than half the members of Congress."
"This is an asymmetrical war."
"This is suicide."
Luigi stared at Leo, his gaze sharp.
"I’ve seen plenty of smart people on Wall Street, and plenty of ambitious ones, but they all cherish their lives. They know who they can afford to cross and who they can’t."
"You’re telling me that for the sake of so-called political gain, you’re going to provoke this behemoth."
"You’re telling me you actually dare to plunge a knife into their heart."
"This is insane."
"It completely defies the survival instincts of a rational politician."
"I find it hard to believe that anyone in this world would dare to do this, and even harder to believe that person would be you."
Faced with this barrage of questions, Leo didn’t seem offended or angry, nor did he rush to defend himself with more grand pronouncements.
He simply listened in silence.
"Insane?"
Leo repeated the word.
"Luigi."
"You just asked me how anyone could dare to do this. How anyone could dare to challenge this behemoth."
Leo leaned in, his face so close to Luigi’s that their breaths almost mingled.
"Take a look at yourself."
Leo’s voice was low.
"Didn’t you do the very same thing?"
Luigi froze.
"You had a perfect resume, an enviable job, and a bright future. You were a beneficiary of that system, a favorite of that class."
"You know better than anyone how powerful that system is, and better than anyone the terrible price of resistance."
"But you still pulled the trigger."
Leo stared into Luigi’s eyes, his gaze burning like a torch.
"You killed Arthur Vance. With a single bullet, you pierced the skull of the Leviathan you claim is invincible."
"In that moment, did you consider the consequences? Did you consider that it was suicide? Did you consider whether it was rational?"
"No."
"You only knew that it had to be done."
"You only knew that if you didn’t, you wouldn’t be able to face your conscience, wouldn’t be able to face those who had died."
Leo reached out and tapped Luigi on the chest.
"You dared."
"So why wouldn’t I dare?"
"I am the Mayor of Pittsburgh. I have three hundred thousand voters behind me, and I hold executive power."
"If a lone hero like you dares to swing a sword at the dragon, shouldn’t I, a commander with an army at his back, have the courage to even draw my own?"
Luigi looked at Leo.
He could see clearly what that fire in the young man’s eyes was.
It was the same as his own: a rage born from his very bones, and a wild impulse to smash the old world to pieces.
They were kindred spirits.
They were both madmen.
Only a madman can understand another madman. Only a madman would dare to trust another madman.
Luigi felt the blood rush to his head.
"Alright."
"I’ll trust you."
"Since you’re willing to gamble your mayorship, I’m willing to gamble my life."
"I’m willing to be that knife."
"As long as we can destroy that damned system, I’ll say whatever you want me to."
"I’ll do whatever you want me to do."
"Even if it means the death penalty, I’ll accept it."
Seeing the young man’s resolve, Leo suddenly felt a tightness in his chest.
’He was using Luigi, using this young man’s life as a political bargaining chip.’
’But this was the only way to maximize his value.’
"It won’t be the death penalty."
Leo stood up.
"As long as the public outcry is loud enough, as long as the tide of public opinion is strong enough."
"No judge will dare sentence you to death."
"They’re also afraid of being torn to pieces by an angry mob."
"Live."
Leo reached out and took Luigi’s cuffed hand.
"Live to see me build that new world."
Luigi’s hand was cold, but the strength in his grip was immense.
"Thank you, Leo."
"No, thank you."
Leo released his hand and turned toward the door.
There was nothing more to say.