American comic book: My Father is Superman, am I just an NPC?

Chapter 229 Damn it! Bruce, give me my money back!
Devouring an entire dimensional demon god and its power domain is an unprecedented super boost for a conceptual being like a time monster!
A vast and pure chaotic magic and dimensional origin exploded within its body, propelling its life form to evolve violently towards a higher level!
Its body, which originally had no fixed shape and resembled a chaotic shadow, began to violently roll, contract, and condense!
Patterns resembling the veins of stars gradually emerged on its dark surface, emanating a more restrained yet terrifying aura of devouring. The most obvious change appeared on its "lower body"—two long, straight human legs were visibly "growing" from the ends of its originally worm-like body!
It was evolving from a chaotic "cosmic tapeworm" into a more humanoid and powerful "descendant of the devourer"! However, at this crucial moment when the evolution was about to be completed—Ian was unhappy.

"Wait! Leave some for me!"

Ian's exclamation rang out!

He wanted the cosmic tapeworm to help him store food, not for the tapeworm to eat it all by itself. How could such a high-level "ingredient" as the Three Palace Demon be allowed to be enjoyed by Elios alone?

He has to taste it himself to make sure it's salty enough!
Ian rushed forward in one stride, not caring about his image, and directly reached into the depths of Elios's "mouth organ" that had just closed and was still slightly wriggling!
The movements were so practiced, it was like snatching treats from the mouth of one's own dog.

Perhaps he really did steal it.

Who knows.

"vomit……"

Elios's massive body, compared to Ian's even larger size, was clearly like a toy, unable to resist, and it let out a painful gagging sound.

Ian didn't care about any of that.

Ian fumbled around for a bit, then suddenly pulled out a ball of energy—a core of energy, condensed to its extreme, radiating a dark red, eerie light, and constantly twisting and struggling—was forcibly pulled out of Elios's "throat"!
This is the very essence of Sangu Demon's most fundamental power!
"Mine are all the fruits of my victory!"

Ian looked at the struggling ball of energy in his hand with satisfaction, and without saying a word, he stuffed it into his mouth and swallowed it with a "slurp" like eating jelly.

[Absorbing the essence of a high-purity dimensional demon god! The Entropy Annihilation Lord's experience points have increased dramatically!]

[Entropy Annihilation Lord Experience Points +99451]

[Entropy Annihilation Lord Experience Points +95321]

[Entropy Annihilation Lord Experience Points +93421]

[Obtained Special Talent Fragment: 'Chaos Authority' (Not yet unlocked)]

[Physical constitution slightly enhanced! Resistance to mental pollution increased!]

Who cares if it's "second-hand imported food"? It's not like we're showing off its power. This energy source melts in Ian's mouth after being sterilized by the high temperature in his body.

A scorching and violent power spread through his body.

It brings a pleasant feeling of fullness.

"So comfortable!"

Ian was glad he had reacted quickly and rolled his eyes in satisfaction. However, while he was enjoying himself, Elios was in deep trouble.

The evolutionary process was interrupted, and a large chunk of the most crucial primordial energy was stolen, causing Elios's form changes to instantly come to a standstill! Thus, in this dark dimension, an extremely bizarre scene unfolded—a shadowy body that retained most of the worm's characteristics and still looked like an enlarged version of the "cosmic tapeworm."

However, her lower body suddenly has two long, slender, and model-like legs!
"Ho ho ho~"

The disadvantages of not being able to speak plainly are fully demonstrated at this moment.

Elios seemed to realize its own incoordination and tried to stand up on its two new legs, but its worm-like upper body was simply unable to provide effective balance.

It staggered.

Its two long legs were awkwardly crossed, barely supporting its long insect body. The entire creature looked bewildered and even trembled because of its failed evolution and the loss of its energy.

He exuded a pitiful and aggrieved aura.

"Don't look at me like that!" Ian started by bringing up the fact that Elios completely disobeyed orders and swallowed Sangu Demon whole, which made him so angry that he almost exploded on the spot.

This is completely inconsistent with his script of "tragic mutual destruction"!
How is he supposed to act after this?!

How can we continue to deceive... uh, appease our "family members" around the world?! We're losing so many faiths in no time, and this little bit of Triple Demon's energy is simply not enough to make up for the losses!

Ian spoke with conviction about the classic capitalist idea that "not making a profit is a loss."

Ichibanpua.

This made the already underdeveloped Time Monster feel like it was in the wrong.

"Alright, I'm not blaming you. Just be more careful next time. Not everyone is as generous, kind, and compassionate as me. Luckily, Ian was prepared for this mistake!"

Ian does have countermeasures in place. After all, he is someone who has experienced the information explosion era and anticipated some unexpected situations when he was doing live streaming.

"Fortunately, I am very knowledgeable and know the truth that the live broadcast must be delayed by three minutes to leave some time for rescuing the situation!" Ian wiped away a cold sweat, seemingly still shaken.

He immediately activated the black box's access permissions.

They presented "pre-made videos" directly to a global audience.

On all the live broadcast screens on Earth, the images instantly switched! They were replaced with "combat material" that Ian had fabricated in advance using his mimicry abilities and black box technology.

in the screen.

The time monster Elios was being beaten by the Three Palace Demon and was howling in pain.

She came back crying and wailing to find Ian.

Ian appeared even weaker in his "Light Form." He engaged in an earth-shattering final battle with the Three Palaces Demon, the two fighting fiercely and evenly, with energy scattering everywhere in a "tragic" manner.

In the end, Ian “burned” his last “source of light”, transforming into a huge, cool and stylish light seal that shimmered with runes, which “laboriously” sealed the Three Palace Demon inside. Ian himself, due to “excessive consumption”, completely dimmed his golden light.

Its massive body began to sway.

The emotional buildup was spot-on, perfectly matching the audience's expectations of a "pyrrhic victory." Only after doing all this did Ian angrily wave his hand.

"Go back, and remember to reflect on your actions. Use those two legs of yours to learn how to write a self-criticism." Ian handed the Time Monster a book titled "One Hundred Ways to Write a Self-Criticism."

Elios, who had just swallowed the Three Palace Demon and was "digesting" it with satisfaction, let out a reluctant whimper, but it was still unable to resist Ian's will. Its huge body quickly shrank and deformed, eventually turning into a dark shadow, which Ian took back into his palm and sealed away again.

at the same time.

Ian himself also began to take action.

He deactivated the simulations of [Light Form] and [Galactus], and his massive energy body rapidly shrank like a deflated balloon. At the same time, he fully activated his mimicry ability, adding an incredibly realistic "post-traumatic stress disorder" effect to his current human-sized body.

I saw.

Ian's face was as pale as paper, without a trace of color.

There was still golden "blood" at the corner of his mouth, and his clothes on his chest were torn, revealing a "shocking" "wound" underneath. He was extremely weak.

With his unfocused gaze, as if he might collapse at any moment... well, all the special effects were used to the maximum. He manipulated his body, like a kite with a broken string, "powerlessly" falling from mid-air, finally "crashing" onto the void "ground" of the dark dimension, kicking up a cloud of dust.

No one can explain why there is light in the dark dimension.

Nobody will ask.

Even if someone asks, no one answers.

After doing all this, Ian struggled to raise his head and, facing the non-existent "camera," used his last bit of "strength" to deliver his "final speech" and "last words" in a barely audible voice.

"Cough...cough cough..." He coughed a few times in "pain," as if his internal organs had been severely injured.

"My fellow Earthlings, my family... the evil demon... has been sealed away by me... with my last... Demon Sealing Wave..."

Ian still loves plagiarism.

"But...this...this is only...temporary..."

His voice was filled with exhaustion and worry.

"The power of the seal... originates from... the light and faith within everyone's hearts..."

He started with the classic routine.

“When people… lose their pursuit of light…when faith is blinded by darkness…when the moment comes again…perhaps…this demon…will…make a comeback…” At this point, he took a deep breath, as if in a final burst of energy, and an unnatural blush appeared on his face.

His eyes also became "bright and piercing", full of "expectation" and "belief" for the future.

"However! Everyone... don't be afraid!"

"At that time... there will definitely be... there will definitely be a young man who inherits my will... who will step forward!"

He may be ordinary... but he possesses within him... an indomitable light!

"He will hold the torch of hope...once again...to protect our homeland!"

This "prophecy" and "entrustment," filled with the style of Japanese RPGs and action anime, combined with his "on the verge of death" yet stubbornly holding on, instantly maximized the deception!
It turns out that perhaps everyone harbors a touch of adolescent angst within them, it's just that it's not usually apparent. Ian's actions have once again ignited a global frenzy of devotion!

Countless people were moved to tears by his "tragic" sacrifice and "great" prophecy, their faith in the "God of Light" became even stronger, and they were filled with anticipation for the elusive "successor"! The power of faith, purer than before, surged into Ian's body like rivers flowing into the sea, ignoring dimensional barriers!
[Absorbed a massive amount of devout faith! Divine power purity increased!] [Radiant Ashes experience points +88888!]

[Essence of Light +66666! Embers of Darkness +66666! (Successfully completed 'Side Jump': Saving humanity (doing good) + Massively deceiving the public (doing evil))]

You have upgraded.

You have upgraded.

You have upgraded.

……

【Lord of Embers lv14 [7608/81920]】

Strength: 2008-2189

[Physical fitness: 2998-3569]

Intelligence: 170-250

[Spirit: 1140-1459]

Another wave of experience points, although Ian may not have digested it as well because he ate too much, still pushed Ian's new profession to level fourteen.

He was promoted several ranks in a row.

Ian's mood, which should have been great, was ruined by the sarcastic system. The system's parenthetical message made him bet there was some personal grudge involved.

"It must be because I'm so loving that System is jealous." Ian found an impeccable reason in his mind, but he didn't intend to comfort his system right now.

A mature system knows how to process its own negative emotions.

Don't let it affect the more mature Mr. Ian.

Mr. Ian still had important business to attend to—feeling the surge of power within his body and the rush of experience points, Ian's face still maintained that tragic and reluctant expression of "about to say goodbye forever."

His shrunken body, in its "wilt," completely "lost" its strength and slowly closed its eyes, as if falling into an eternal slumber.

The live stream screen gradually dimmed and eventually went black amidst somber music.

All that remains on Earth are countless people who grieve for the "fall" of the "God of Light" while simultaneously holding onto hope because of the prophecy of the "successor."

However, just as the global mourning reached its peak and casinos were preparing to settle accounts, the live stream screen, which had gone black, suddenly lit up again!
The signal has been forcibly restored!

The scene still depicts that dilapidated, dark dimension, only the perspective seems to have been zoomed in a bit.

The "God of Light," En Yi Teken, had not died immediately; his languid figure was struggling to support himself on the ground with his arms.

It seemed like it wanted to sit up.

“Well…” Ian’s face was frighteningly pale, his breath was weak, but his eyes burned with a desperate flame of survival as he stared at the empty space in front of him.

"I think I can still be saved. I still have a breath left." Ian used his last bit of strength to force a hopeful smile, his voice barely a whisper.

This sudden "turning point" sent global audiences on an emotional rollercoaster, from the depths of despair to the heights of hope!

Countless people held their breath, clenched their fists, and screamed in their hearts, "Hold on! You must survive!"

But just as this flame of hope was ignited—

A sudden change occurred!

one hand.

A hand covered in a jet-black tactical glove, with sharp lines and full of power, suddenly emerged from the shadows behind Ian without warning, like a ghost!
That hand contained an extreme coldness of determination and power, and with lightning speed, it pierced through Ian's chest when he was "completely unprepared"!

"Pfft——!"

A sickening, grating sound, like flesh being torn apart, was clearly transmitted around the world through the live streaming equipment!

"Ugh—!"

Ian's body stiffened abruptly, the glimmer of hope that had just appeared on his face instantly freezing, turning into extreme pain and unbelievable astonishment! He lowered his head with difficulty, his gaze horrified as he looked down at his chest—a pitch-black hand was piercing through his chest, and between its five fingers, it was clutching a heart that seemed to still be beating slightly.

Yes.

Ian actually created a heart shape for himself.

It symbolizes his universal love and greatness.

Fresh blood, or rather, "divine blood" like molten gold, gushed out from the two huge wounds like free tap water.

Just like a fountain.

The blood splatter effect was so exaggerated that it was hard not to suspect that Ian had high blood pressure.

"I……"

Ian opened his mouth as if to say something, but blood oozed from the corner of his mouth first.

With his last ounce of strength, he raised his head, his gaze seemingly piercing through dimensions, and saw the owner of that hand. His eyes were filled with endless confusion, sorrow, and questioning. Finally, in a barely audible voice, yet loud enough for all the audience to hear, he uttered his final "last words."

"How could it be... Batman... you..."

Before he could finish speaking, the light in his eyes dimmed completely, his head drooped limply, his tongue lolled out, and his body collapsed to the ground, utterly devoid of life.

At least that's what it seems.

Ian then delivered a standard, dramatic burp on the spot.

The live stream thoughtfully gave Ian's "unseemly" face a close-up, vividly portraying his shock and resentment before his death.

Then, the camera slowly pans up.

A dark, tall figure, exuding an unparalleled sense of oppression, emerged from the shadows behind Ian, as if stepping out of the deepest nightmare.

A black cloak, the iconic bat helmet, full-body armor, and the striking bat emblem on his chest...

It's Batman!
There he stood.

Like the darkness itself, which has existed since time immemorial, it coldly looked down upon the corpse of the "God of Light" at its feet.

The hand that had pierced Ian's chest was slowly withdrawing, its dark tactical glove still stained with golden "blood." He raised his head, as if looking through the screen directly into the souls of every viewer on Earth, and slowly and clearly proclaimed in his deep, hoarse, emotionless voice, altered by a voice changer.

"Earth."

"Such an awesome existence is not allowed."

As soon as he finished speaking, the live stream was completely cut off. The screen once again fell into a deathly silence of darkness.

……

Earth, inside a hidden "safe house" filled with various financial data streams.

The real Bruce Wayne has just completed a thrilling financial operation. Taking advantage of the chaos and global attention created by Ian, and with Batman's precise intelligence, he successfully reaped astronomical profits from a group of international financial tycoons and speculators, far exceeding Ian's "small stake".

He was just about to relax, check the final results, and perhaps "enjoy" how Ian was going to clean up the mess. And then—of course, that was it.

He saw the final scene on the screen.

"??????"

The expression on his face at that moment went through a series of transitions: from confusion to bewilderment to shock, and finally to a complete blank that defied description.

Bruce Wayne's brain has the processing power to process all of Gotham's crime data in an instant and simulate hundreds of crisis response plans.

But at this moment, it is completely stuck.

Bruce Wayne felt his hardened nerves groan under the strain. He could even hear his sanity plummeting.

Just as his brain, before his consciousness could react, began to control his body and start sweating.

"Damn it! Those capitalists set me up! Bruce! Give me my money back!!!"

A deafening roar, filled with grief and despair, rang out like thunder through the encrypted communication channel, right next to his ears!

He's Green Arrow, who knows who Batman is.

Oliver Quinn!
(End of this chapter)