I was acting crazy in North America, and all the crazy people there took it seriously.

Chapter 84 You embraced the light, and from then on, the light shone (Bonus chapter for 400 monthly votes)

Riding on Ethan's coattails, the "Heroes' Ranking" broke through its niche audience and truly entered the mainstream, becoming a nationwide cultural topic.

The concept of heroes has truly taken root in people's hearts.

"King of Prison Break" also became a cultural symbol in the early 1920s.

Unlike those heroes who rise to fame through violence and crime, Ethan's "battle for fame" did not result in any innocent casualties. The entire process was filled with wisdom, courage, and a near-philosophical sense of "redemption."

Americans absolutely love this!

The image of him holding The Sun and standing in front of a private prison, demanding to "turn to the light," has become an indelible legendary image thanks to the relentless propaganda bombardment by The Sun and Voice of Liberty radio, almost like an allegory of this era.

The in-depth analysis and interpretation of his life, prison break details, and even snippets of conversation by various media outlets, heavily influenced by imagination and embellishment, has led to a growing public adoration of him.

Every day, the love letters she sent him were so numerous they filled sacks.

Even Europeans know that America has produced a remarkable person who, after leading his fellow inmates to escape from the dark prison, voluntarily sought refuge in a more "bright" prison, full of legendary and romantic aura.

The immense fame brought enormous commercial value.

Publishers across the United States were waving checks and scrambling to secure the exclusive publishing rights to his biography.

Directors and producers in Los Angeles on the West Coast approached him, hoping to bring his story to the big screen.

Of course, all of these were taken by the Sun Daily, which had the advantage of being in a good position!

What's even more amazing is that Fox River State Penitentiary hired Ethan as its "brand ambassador"—not to endorse prison breaks, but to proclaim, "This is the prison that even the King of Escape is obsessed with; you deserve it!"

While others have to pay to be admitted to Fox River State Prison, he is the only one who has to pay for his admission.

Ethan truly lived up to his reputation of being imprisoned while his money came from outside.

His future after his release from prison has already been paved.

The Irish gang's Arkham Heroes Academy sent him a "lifelong mentor" appointment, which he could take up immediately upon completion of his sentence to impart his wisdom and experience to future "heroes".

No, he doesn't even need to be released from prison. He can write books and earn a hefty "salary" while he's still in jail!

Without a doubt, this was Logan returning the favor.

You cast yourself into the light, and from that light will come!
Ethan readily accepted the offer.

He thought to himself that he had guessed correctly; the changing fortunes of Chicago were being driven by a powerful force.

This city has an extraordinary tolerance and welcome for those who deviate from the norm.

Unlike other heroes, Ethan felt that he had done enough by being unconventional once in his life, and that he would be content to spend the rest of his life as a steady "hero mentor".

Then, in his spare time, he can use his engineer status to do some side jobs and live a comfortable life.

He also felt that he had indeed broadened his path.

It's not that he doesn't want to return to an ordinary life, but rather that it's become very difficult for him to return to the world of ordinary people.

Inside the prison, he was an absolute superstar. From the warden to the ordinary guards, and even the most revered prisoners, everyone was his "fan."

During his time outside of prison, he acted like a celebrity attending a meet-and-greet, signing autographs until his hand was sore. The outrageous thing is, these autographs could be sold for a considerable price outside of prison.

Outside the prison, his fan base is even larger. People hold up his posters and "heroic declarations," regularly "checking in" outside the prison to show their support.

What's even more unsettling is that many fans deliberately commit crimes—well, minor offenses—and after being caught, they voluntarily request to go to jail, with only one demand: "Put me in jail with the King of Escape, I want to be cellmates with my idol!"

Logan and his friends were all smiles at first. You fans are too young. Do you think you can just go to jail wherever you want after committing a crime?
If you get assigned to the sweatshop at Fox River No. 1 prison, you're in luck!

Surprisingly, there are quite a few wealthy and powerful fans among Ethan's followers, who can actually be transferred to Ethan's prison through manipulation and have close contact with their idol.

Can you believe that you have to wait in line to book a cell in a luxury prison?
Seeing the situation was turning against him, Logan had no choice but to publish an urgent appeal in The Sun: "Please be rational in your pursuit of celebrities! Do not break the law or commit crimes in order to see your idols!"

This is probably the most conscientious appeal statement Logan has ever made.

……

"Tsk, this guy has really become a national superstar! The King of Prison Break? Ha, The Sun is really going all out to promote him!"

Inside Arkham Heroes Academy, Edgar Hoover looked at the latest statement in The Sun and said sourly.

Tom, who had just been released from prison, originally wanted to enjoy his prison vacation a little longer, but Ethan's imprisonment brought a large number of "residents" willing to pay more to Fox River No. 2 prison, and Tom was kicked out.

He glanced at Hoover, whose sourness was practically overflowing, and couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Director, didn't you say you'd rather die than be on that stupid list? Now that you see others at the top, reaping both fame and fortune, are you feeling resentful?"

"Sour? What am I so sour about!" Hoover's face flushed instantly, veins bulging on his forehead, as he argued, "I'm... I'm just standing up for you! 'Lucky Baron'!"

"If you were willing to reveal your true identity and achievements, your fame might not be any less than his!"

Tom gave Hoover a meaningful look, completely ignoring the other's probing, and simply said, "Reveal your identity? That would be pointless."

"In our line of work, if our names and faces become our trademarks, how can we do 'big things' in the future?"

"Actually... it's better if I can't do it."

Hoover's voice suddenly lowered, carrying a subtle hint of admonition—a veiled warning from an undercover FBI agent to his partner.

"For a hero like him, becoming a lifelong mentor at Arkham, gaining both fame and fortune, and living a safe and glamorous life... perhaps this is the best ending."

Upon hearing this, Tom remained silent for a moment, then looked out the window at the gray yet bizarre Chicago sky.

"Maybe. Who knows? Perhaps one day, when I feel weary, I will also choose such a bright future and become an ordinary mentor."

He paused, then added in a vacant tone,
"Or perhaps... people like us will ultimately only remain in that destined place. Who knows?"

Hoover looked at him but said nothing more.

Ethan joined the "Light," and from then on, his future was bright.

Many more people still choose to grope their way to a tomorrow that may be absurd, dangerous, or uncertain, at the intersection of light and darkness.

Like Tom said, who knows!
……

　Ah, I had some things to do today, so I'm a little late. Sorry about that~~~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)