Chapter 19

Just like Matt, he became Daredevil not because he possessed superhuman abilities that surpassed ordinary people. It was to protect what he believed should be protected: his love for his father and his vow!

Just as Matt said when his father, "the Devil," Jack died: "No one cares about a washed-up professional boxer, except for me..."

He would keep his promise and help the weak who were powerless and could not get help.

He would uphold justice, even if it meant resorting to any means necessary.

This is what Daredevil, Matt Murdock, tried to tell Imir: true strength does not lie in power; it lies in the heart, in the precious emotions one wishes to protect...

Imir remained silent, tightly pursing his lips, and turned to leave. Behind him, the pool bar owner, Jeff, stared blankly at the burning symbol of murder on the bar counter, suddenly coming to his senses and loudly asked, "Sir, you, no, could you be Daredevil?"

He felt that his loud voice was an offense to Imir and quickly lowered his voice, speaking mysteriously, "Or perhaps, the blind Mr. Matt is actually Daredevil? Then, sir, are you a superhero too? Spider-Man? Or Iron Man?"

Imir's steps faltered, and after a long pause, he shook his head and said, "Mr. Jeff, there is no Daredevil, and I am not a superhero. Those rumors are like alligators in the sewers, just an urban legend."

Urban legends are stories widely spread in cities. These stories are often unbelievable and incredible, such as supernatural, horror, bizarre, humorous, and conspiracy theories.

For a time, it was popular in Europe and America to keep alligators as pets, but after the trend passed, many people flushed the alligators down the sewers and abandoned them.

Thus, a saying emerged: those baby alligators flushed down the sewers did not die; they lived deep in the sewers, surviving by eating sewer workers and various garbage. Some even claimed to know the exact number of alligators.

Jeff hugged his single arm and muttered, staring at the flames on the bar counter, "How can this be? It's been circulating for so many years, it must be true."

He looked up, "Then, Mr. Imir, the alligators in the sewers might be fake, but have you heard of the lizard men in the sewers? That must be true, they really exist! My friend works at the Daily Bugle, and he told me that the owner of the Daily Bugle, James..."

"Huh, where did he go?" Jeff looked blankly at the now empty pool bar, with no one else around except himself. Imir had already gotten what he needed from Matt and had no intention of listening to the pool bar owner's chatter any longer.

However, when Imir returned home, he was surprised to find that his sister, Kathleen, had already finished work at Stark Industries and was standing at the door. He was puzzled and looked at his watch, realizing it was almost six o'clock. The day had passed so quickly.

Kathleen welcomed Imir into the house and smiled gently, without asking about his day. Instead, she asked, "Imir, how are you feeling? Are you feeling better?"

Imir struggled to swallow the food Kathleen had piled on his plate to prove that his body no longer needed her worry.

He nodded and said, "Sis, I'm completely fine now. I plan to go back to school tomorrow."

Kathleen was surprised and said anxiously, "It's okay, I've already taken a leave of absence for you at school. Going back to school so soon, can your body handle it? Your studies are important, but your health is also crucial!"

Imir looked up and said, "Don't worry, sis. You know, most of the courses at Columbia University are self-study. If I feel unwell, I'll stop immediately."

He added, "I don't know why, but after coming back from the hospital, I feel like I've been reborn. I can't wait to go out and breathe some fresh air. Staying at home doesn't seem to help my recovery."

This was just one reason; there was another that Imir couldn't tell Kathleen yet.

Moreover, by leaving home, Imir believed he could find some part-time work to ease Kathleen's burden.

Columbia University is located in Manhattan, New York City, not far from Imir's home. So, after seeing Imir's determination, Kathleen thought for a moment and agreed.

However, she repeatedly instructed Imir, "If you feel unwell at any time, don't push yourself. You can call me anytime, and I'll come to pick you up from school."

Imir smiled bitterly and said, "Sis, I'm 21 years old, an adult."

He wondered if his previous timid and weak personality was also due to Kathleen's meticulous care. Growing up in such a sheltered environment naturally wouldn't foster a strong character, which was quite understandable.

Kathleen was taken aback. She and Imir had lost their parents at a young age, and she had raised Imir herself. In her heart, Imir was both her brother and her son.

In her memory, Imir was still the frail child he was when he was young. She had never realized that her brother had grown into an adult, someone who should have become a tough and capable man in Hell's Kitchen!

So, even though Imir's words were casual, they made Kathleen's eyes well up with tears, as if she was about to cry.

Imir panicked and hurriedly stood up from the table, taking a few tissues from the box and handing them to Kathleen, "Sis, I didn't mean to say that. You know, I didn't mean it... I'm sorry..."

Kathleen took the tissues from Imir's hand, gently wiping her eyes, and smiled through her tears, "No, I'm not angry. I just suddenly realized that my Imir has grown into a man and no longer needs my care."

Imir was at a loss and shook his head repeatedly, "Sis, no matter how much Imir grows or changes, my love for you will never change!"

Taking the initiative to clean up after the meal, Imir watched Kathleen return to her room with a hint of melancholy. He silently added in his heart, "Only, in the past, it was you who took care of me and helped me grow up. Now, it's my turn to protect you, sis!"