Not far from the Hero Association headquarters, in front of the magnificent steps of the New York Public Library, a solemn yet simple podium was temporarily set up. The backdrop featured a massive Hero Association emblem, with a prominent title below: "On the Value of Heroes — Contribution, Remuneration, and a Sustainable Future."
Below the stage, hundreds of people gathered in a dense crowd. There were journalists from major mainstream media, their cameras and microphones ready; invited sociologists, economists, and ethics committee members, their faces showing scrutiny and curiosity; and even more ordinary citizens who came spontaneously, including many fans holding supportive banners or hero light sticks. On the fringes of the crowd, one could also spot several serious-looking S.H.I.E.L.D. plainclothes Agents, whose demeanor stood out from their surroundings, as well as observers sent by Stark Industries.
There was a restless anticipation in the air. Everyone wanted to know what new perspectives this reclusive founder of the Association would offer, especially after Kingpin dropped the bombshell of "hero professionalization" and the Association began to demonstrate its muscle and influence.
There was no lengthy introduction or opening remarks. As soon as the time came, Wilson Fisk, Kingpin, his figure as massive as a mountain, appeared behind the podium. He was still dressed in a well-tailored dark suit, his bald head reflecting a cold, hard glint in the sunlight. Simply by standing there, his invisible oppressive presence quickly silenced the noisy venue.
He did not look at the teleprompter, his gaze calmly sweeping over the audience. His deep, magnetic voice, amplified by a high-quality sound system, clearly resonated across the entire plaza.
"Ladies and gentlemen," his opening was direct and powerful, "not long ago, I announced the establishment of the Hero Association here and proposed a concept that might have seemed somewhat unconventional at the time—that a hero can be a profession."
"During this period, we have heard many voices. There has been attention, encouragement, but more often, skepticism, and even… mockery." His tone was flat, devoid of any emotion, as if stating a fact unrelated to him, "Some believe we have tainted the purity of heroes with money; some believe we have stifled the individuality of heroes with rules and regulations; and even more believe we are establishing a mercenary organization driven by profit."
The audience was silent, everyone holding their breath.
"Today, what I wish to discuss with you is a core issue that many have intentionally or unintentionally overlooked, or rather, are unwilling to confront—how exactly should the value of a hero be embodied? And how should it be protected?"
He paused slightly, allowing the question to echo in everyone's mind.
"We admire those selfless contributors who burn themselves to illuminate others. This spirit is undoubtedly noble, an important force driving society towards good." Kingpin then shifted his tone, "However, when we demand that individuals with extraordinary abilities, who bear immense risks and safeguard the peace of our cities, must and can only exist by 'burning themselves,' is this not, in itself, a form of… injustice, or even cruelty?"
His voice rose slightly, carrying an undeniable force.
"Heroes are also people. They have families, lives, hopes for the future, and fears of injury, illness, and death. When they are injured while saving others, who will cover their exorbitant medical expenses? When they unfortunately sacrifice their lives, who will console their grief-stricken families? When they put themselves in danger day after day, what is their basic source of livelihood? Are they merely to rely on sheer passion and occasional social donations?"
A series of sharp questions, like heavy hammers, struck everyone's hearts. Many citizens showed thoughtful expressions, and some scholars began to nod slightly.
"The Association's philosophy does not deny the spirit of contribution," Kingpin continued, his tone returning to an even keel, "What we aim to do is establish a sustainable, fair system that allows contributors to have no worries, and for heroism to exist as a healthy, continuous force, rather than burning brightly for a moment like a meteor and then fading away."
"We provide heroes with salaries, medical insurance, disability pensions, and retirement plans, not to 'buy them off,' but to acknowledge and respect their value, and to allow them to fulfill their duties with more dignity and peace of mind! This is an investment, the most important investment in social stability and future security!"
He raised his hand, pointing to the Association's emblem behind him.
"As for rules and regulations, some say these are shackles. But I believe this is an inevitable requirement of professionalization, a manifestation of responsibility!" His voice became powerful and resonant, "A powerful individual who is unrestrained and acts solely on personal preference is dangerous and unpredictable. The Association's rules and regulations are not meant to stifle individuality, but to ensure that the power of heroes is used in the right direction, to ensure their actions are more efficient, cause less collateral damage, and genuinely protect those who need protection!"
"Look at our record!" Kingpin's tone carried a hint of pride (or perhaps, the calm of presenting results), "Sandman Flint, The Silent Heart Master, Daredevil, Spider-Man… and all our heroes, within the framework of our system, have successfully handled dozens of extraordinary incidents, greatly reducing civilian casualties and property damage! Our logistics system ensures battlefields can be quickly restored! Our psychological counseling addresses the mental health of every hero and affected citizen! This is the tangible result of professionalization and institutionalization!"
He once again scanned the entire audience, his gaze finally settling on the media cameras.
"The Hero Association is not creating cold killing machines, nor is it cultivating mercenary soldiers driven by profit. We are building a professional, reliable, and responsible crisis response force. We acknowledge the value of heroes and are willing to provide reasonable compensation for it. We believe that a hero can possess both noble ideals and a decent life; he can act based on his inner sense of justice and also exert maximum effectiveness within a standardized framework."
"This is not a defilement of the heroic spirit. On the contrary, this is the greatest respect and protection for heroes!"
"We firmly believe that a World where heroes have no worries and where heroism can healthily endure is a safer and more promising World!"
"Thank you all."
Kingpin concluded his speech, without impassioned appeals or inflammatory slogans, only a calm, logically rigorous, and progressively argued discourse. He nodded slightly, then, escorted by Wesley and others, turned and left the podium, leaving behind a moment of silence, followed by a surging tide of discussion.
"He makes… a bit of sense, doesn't he?"
"I never thought before that heroes also need to eat and see doctors…"
"Compared to previous battle damages, the Association's handling is indeed much more professional."
"This is treating heroes like civil servants to manage them…"
Online, related discussions instantly exploded. Supporters believed Kingpin had revealed overlooked truths, pointing out the unsustainability of the traditional hero model. Opponents, however, still insisted that this tainted the purity of heroes. But it was undeniable that after this speech, the topic of "the value of heroes" and "professionalization and protection" was brought more deeply before the public, sparking widespread thought and debate across society.
Fury of S.H.I.E.L.D. watched the live broadcast, his face grim. Kingpin's remarks were highly deceptive and inflammatory, further solidifying the Association's legitimacy and appeal among the populace, especially potential super-powered individuals.
In Stark Tower, Tony Stark turned off the television, snorting, "Sophistry! Pure commercial packaging!" But he also had to admit inwardly that Kingpin had indeed hit a pain point in the existing hero system.
And for the heroes within the Association, especially members like Sandman Flint who had directly benefited, Kingpin's speech was undoubtedly the most powerful endorsement of their choice.
Kingpin's public speech was like a precise ideological implantation. He was not merely responding to skepticism, but actively defining the connotation and extension of "hero" in this new era.
He aimed to use systems and benefits to construct an indestructible value system belonging to the Hero Association. And this discussion about "the value of heroes" had only just begun.