Anthony was a special kind of New York City mayor: before him, New York had never had a mayor truly born from the working class.
The closest example was during WWII back then, New York's mayor had been a translator before going into politics, but his wife was a genuine garment worker, and the two had met during a protest.
Anthony's political career was also somewhat accidental: he had been pulled onto the boat against organized crime by Leo, and step by step, pushed by Leo into this position.
"If it weren't for you, I wouldn't even have known how to answer that guy."
After finishing his speech, the two sat inside a stretched business car.
This car wasn't cheap either: bulletproof body and windows, reinforced chassis, and a unique electric drive system.
Yes, it was the Atlas Group's first self-developed pure electric car.
Although the energy density wasn't outrageously high, the strength of the stacked graphene solid-state batteries rivaled medium-grade ballistic steel, allowing them to replace a lot of structural parts.
Using Dr. Toomes' design, these batteries were integrated with certain components to deliver astonishing structural performance—better even than ultra-high-strength steel.
After all, they had originally been designed as the designated batteries for Doc Ock's arms; high durability was a given.
This was also one of the reasons Leo chose these batteries as an energy currency: their modest density allowed them to fly under the radar in Night City, first fostering grassroots trading habits.
For now, Leo's demand was balanced safety and durability—energy density only needed to be sufficient.
Another reason was that in the Marvel world, he might replace large amounts of traditional fuel equipment with electric tech.
As for the density problem—well, Dr. Otto would have to figure that out.
The car itself was remarkably smooth.
"Read more books," Leo advised. "Now you're the mayor. To do well in this position, it's not something you can solve just by touring around giving speeches.
Understand your citizens, understand the history of this city and this country. It'll make your work a lot easier."
"You're right." Anthony nodded earnestly. "Sometimes I really wish there were 48 hours in a day so I could set aside a whole day just for reading."
Compared to Anthony's gift for speeches, Leo was more satisfied with his humility and sincerity.
Satisfaction with his work and appreciation for life kept this man, already in his forties, continuing to learn despite his aging mind, without excuses.
That positive spirit inspired him and would also inspire others. Hopefully.
Outside, New York was far more orderly than a year ago. Although the economy was still difficult, unemployment among workers had been largely controlled.
Finance workers, however, were still unlucky—and that suited Leo just fine.
Their released assets would be absorbed by Martin's financial firm, ultimately consolidated into the broader interest group.
From politics to economics to grassroots labor, New York had become so unified that outside politicians would struggle to find weaknesses to exploit.
But—
Leo suddenly thought of something. "How's United Construction doing lately?"
The owner of United Construction was Kingpin. Ever since Leo drove him out of his neighborhood, he hadn't paid much attention to the mob boss.
"That company… It's on the verge of collapse. Their board seems to be trying to move business to other cities."
Leo had a reason for asking.
Anthony only knew United Construction was involved with the mob, but as for the specifics, well, he'd only "seen the pig run," so to speak.
Before this, Anthony had been a simple worker. The most thrilling event of his life had been that one time when he and Leo, during a small community campaign, were chased down.
Even then, he'd only been running for his life. He had never harmed anyone never once taken the initiative to hurt another human being.
Now, as mayor, he had to learn how to butcher the pigs.
When mentioning the company, his tone cooled because his current driver, also Leo's driver and once their neighbor, John, had nearly been killed.
Back then, Bullseye attacked them in a van. Anthony had been lucky, but John had almost been impaled through the throat with a steel spike.
That coldness was a good sign. Leo nodded silently.
Conveniently, as Night City was upgrading its firepower, so too must New York.
"Atlas Group will soon develop a batch of new police combat exoskeletons. I want the NYPD's deployment rate raised to 20%.
Then have NYPD launch a full-scale crackdown on organized crime—with you publicly leading the command."
"Me? I—"
"Yes. You'll be there the whole time. New Yorkers must see your hatred for organized crime. You'll chase every lead, read out their charges, and bring them to court.
If they resist, the NYPD should execute them on the spot.
The mob's disruption to society is beyond ordinary crime now it must be met with iron fists.
And remember—you are not only a mayor, you are also an ordinary man. United Construction once sent killers after you. In politics, some look down on you.
When you're wronged, seek revenge. When you're looked down on, learn to win back respect.
But as mayor, your actions must be sharp without losing balance—ruthless, but not so much that people see you as a mad dog.
At the very least, don't look like you went rabid just over some small-time mob boss."
Anthony was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I understand. Anything else?"
"Yes. Replace City Hall's old fleet with Atlas electric cars.
Also, the municipal grid must be upgraded to reduce energy loss, improve supply stability.
Large-scale infrastructure will create jobs. Afterward, increase worker benefits and enforce a minimum wage.
The specific wage levels will be set through Bloom's ctOS system using big data analysis, ensuring the best balance."
"I do have a concern. Some council members told me businesses are struggling. If labor costs keep rising, they might lose competitiveness, and if companies collapse—"
"Then let them collapse. ctOS will quickly reassign jobs to unemployed workers."
"The city budget may not be so optimistic."
"Then issue bonds. Let Martin handle it. Before long, New York will be reborn—and anyone criticizing policy will shut up."
"I see… are there risks?"
"Yes," Leo didn't hide it. "If the next president launches large-scale wars, causing damage to Atlas, New York City might not be able to repay its debt. Bankruptcy is possible."
Though Leo was his benefactor and financial backer, Anthony still pressed for risks—out of duty to New York.
He hadn't expected such bluntness: the risk was that New York might go bankrupt.
He couldn't see how Leo arrived at this conclusion, nor imagine the world's most prosperous city collapsing.
But Leo's honesty meant one thing: he wasn't treating Anthony as a puppet or fool.
The subtext: You may choose. Do you still stand with me, as mayor of New York?
Anthony was moved.
Because he realized, whether out of mayoral duty, personal loyalty, or practical reality, he had no reason to refuse Leo.
He had read enough to know that many politicians relied on deception to survive. In politics, it wasn't even shameful—more like a skill.
But truly great statesmen—though flawed, scandalous, even condemned by posterity—
At the peak of their careers, at the critical moments that mattered most to their citizens and the world, none had achieved their greatest deeds purely through deceit.
Perhaps he was still young in Leo's eyes.
So Anthony answered: "I understand."
"Then prepare for your first big move in the office."
Leo encouraged him, patting his shoulder.
He suddenly thought of something: the Marvel world was clearly entering turbulent times.
Anthony Flores had been a nobody so small he wouldn't appear in any Marvel story, let alone as mayor.
But given the intel Leo held wasn't the one slated to become mayor around now…
Kingpin, who was about to get beaten down?