He turned to Ayu fully now.
"The government isn't good. It isn't evil. It's afraid. Afraid of heroes as much as villains."
Ayu's voice dropped.
"And what about people like me?"
King studied him carefully.
"People like you are the reason the system still matters."
Ayu frowned.
"That doesn't make sense."
King placed a hand on the railing.
"You're powerful. Angry. And still choosing not to cross certain lines. If people like you reject structure completely… then only monsters will remain within it."
Ayu swallowed hard.
"You don't need to trust the government," King said. "But you need to understand it. Otherwise, you'll fight shadows instead of causes."
Ayu was quiet for a long time.
"…Is that why you stayed licensed?" he asked. "Even after everything you've seen?"
King nodded.
"Yes."
"Not because you believe in them," Ayu said.
"No," King replied. "Because I believe in restraint."
The wind picked up, tugging at their clothes.
Ayu finally exhaled.
"So if I want to be a hero…"
King looked at him.
"…I have to carry more than power," Ayu finished.
King's voice was steady.
"You have to carry consequences."