Superman

"I am Superman."

This sentence was like a bomb that was detonated, directly shocking the reporters and media workers present to their wits, and temporarily losing their ability to think.

Except the camera, as always, was faithfully focused on the tall and strong figure on the stage.

Everyone else had their mouths open, showing extremely obvious surprise.

Superman, he is not a masked hero.

No helmet, no eye protection.

The red cloak, the capital "S" on the chest, and the bunch of elegant curly hair...

These are Superman's most iconic characteristics!

But the strange thing is that people can't always remember what Superman looks like.

Even his photos could fill the pages of more than a dozen newspapers.

No one has a concrete and clear image of Superman.

So when the figure in the red cloak walked onto the stage, there was no uproar until the other person admitted his identity.

"Superman..."

"He really is Superman!"

"Is Vought holding this press conference to announce Superman's identity?"

"..."

It's like a frying pan!

The place suddenly became noisy and noisy!

The reporters who had come back to their senses were whispering to each other and discussing in low voices.

Click! Click!

The flash was constantly being pressed, making Superman feel a little uncomfortable standing on the stage.

He turned his head and glanced at Luke next to him, who gave him an encouraging look.

As if a shot of cardiotonic was injected into Superman's body, he regained his courage and continued: "I am Superman, my name is Clark Kent, and I grew up on a farm in Kansas..."

This astonishing speech, which could shock the world, was broadcast to every household in the metropolis along with the camera footage, and then to other cities.

An hour later, the North American continent and even the whole world knew the explosive news.

As for who Superman is, this topic that once aroused heated discussion among the public has finally been answered.

He comes from a civilized race outside the earth. Because of the fragmentation and destruction of his homeland, he landed in a small town in Kansas.

He was adopted by a kind-hearted couple and named "Clark Kent".

he……

"Why did Superman announce his identity at a press conference held by Vought Corporation?"

This is a question published in a newspaper.

"Is there some kind of close relationship between the young rich man and Superman?"

This is a boring melon-eater.

"An alien is living among us, my God! This is not good news... He may bring an army! Take over every country and every city on Earth!"

This is what science fiction movie lovers worry about.

"The son of tomorrow in Metropolis is actually a farmer from Kansas? I don't believe it! Superman must be a resident of Metropolis, maybe he lives next door to me!"

This is regional discrimination + metropolitan locals.

"What should we think of Superman? He's from another planet, he grew up on Earth, and he's incredibly powerful? Will the laws against humans apply to him?"

This is a discussion among scholars.

All in all? Superman is once again in the spotlight of the world.

His existence was originally given too much meaning, but now that meaning has become more complicated.

"Cousin? Is this really the right thing to do?"

In the office of Walter Company? Clark lowered his head and asked.

After seeing the fierce reactions from the news media and the general public? He had some doubts about whether his act of announcing his identity was correct.

Public opinion was like a raging tide, rushing towards him? It made people feel suffocated.

In the face of those vicious gangsters and criminals? In the face of danger and disaster, Clark will not be afraid.

But when he is criticized, ostracized and attacked, what can he do?

Shaking fists at innocent people?

Or burn them all to death with heat vision?

Superman's powerful strength has no effect in front of ordinary people.

The gap between strength and weakness? It seems to be reversed.

"Clark? First you have to understand your truest thoughts."

Luke just hung up a call from the White House and said calmly: "What kind of life do you like to live? Dealing with school and criminal organizations in the metropolis every day? Or do you stand up to the stage as a symbol and have the courage to accept everyone's questions?

And public pressure?”

"The former makes it easy for people to confuse normal life with superhero status, because in reality, you are just a Kansas farmer's son with little knowledge? A high school student in the countryside."

"But every night, when you put on the Superman uniform, you become an omnipotent and respected superhero."

"Will strong contrast bring about psychological changes? Maybe one day you will gradually get tired of the name Clark Kent and only like the days when you exist as Superman - craving recognition and attention? This is human nature."

"Or the other way around? You no longer want to be busy saving other people and the world? Instead, you are ready to return to your family and be a good husband and father."

"Life is full of too many unknowns. What's more, people's energy is limited, even... Saiyans are the same."

"What would you do if you were studying for a test in school and then there was a fire in the metropolis?"

"Save people! There is no doubt that you will do this. Then what? You failed the exam, failed the class at the end of the semester, and the teacher gave you the lowest score... This is the blow and pressure from real life. It seems to be just a small thing.

But it will plunge you into endless troubles and kill your passion and love for life."

"Clark, you have to understand one thing. Superheroing is not a job, it is an obligation. It is a mission given by a certain sense of responsibility. At the same time, it is a long-term investment with no visible return."

"It's hard to be Clark Kent and be the perfect Superman in Metropolis at the same time."

Luke tapped his fingers on the table, paused, and then looked at his slightly confused little cousin.

Revealing your identity will certainly cause a lot of trouble.

For example, the villain may use family members to threaten and transfer risks to friends around him.

But at the same time, it can also bring certain benefits.

The first is legality. If you cooperate with the federal government openly, you no longer have to bear the gray label of "masked vigilante".

Secondly, change is something Luke is happy to see, as long as everything remains under control.

He has no intention of changing Superman, he just hopes that his little cousin can see the true nature of the world early and not just be immersed in the beautiful surface of superheroes.

This is the DC universe, and it reveals a strong darkness from beginning to end.

Superman has encountered the malice of fate many times in different time and space and different universes.

Deceived by the Joker, he killed Lois Lane and the child in her belly, and then established a dictatorship.

Use heat vision to kill Lex Luthor, rule the earth, and become a Hitler-like existence.

——In too many stories, Superman faces tragedy and becomes the most terrifying person in the world.

"Don't worry about the government or other issues."

Luke snapped his fingers and raised the corners of his mouth.

"I hired a professional agent for you. He is very good at dealing with all aspects of public opinion pressure and crisis public relations."

The office door was pushed open, and a familiar figure appeared in front of Clark.

"Lex? Why are you here?"

He was very surprised and stood up.

Due to the influence of black kryptonite, Lex is probably still locked in the bedroom of the mansion and is not allowed to go out.

"I have recovered, not long ago."

A bright smile appeared on Lex's face, he pointed at Clark and said, "I didn't expect you to be the metropolitan star who appears in the newspapers every day."

"It's amazing that my best friend and the guy I hate the most are the same person."

He pulled out a chair and sat across from Luke.

The negative personality created by black kryptonite seems to have disappeared, and Lex Luthor has returned to his previous sunny personality.

When he speaks, he always smiles and appears cheerful and lively.

"Well, I don't want to keep it a secret either, but..."

Clark scratched his head, hiding something from his friend, which made him somewhat apologetic.

Because in the education of my adoptive father Jonathan, lying is wrong.

"It's no big deal, everyone has secrets, including me."

Lex narrowed his eyes and smiled.

"Let's continue to talk about how to create Superman and create the greatest superhero in the world."

…

…

Gotham City.

Wayne Manor.

Sitting cross-legged on the carpet, Bruce Wayne was busy cutting out the old newspapers he had collected recently.

He needs to have a deep understanding of this city, and even more, some of the people in this city.

"'Falcone the Roman'..."

"'Oswald the Penguin'..."

"Sal-Maroney..."

Every time Bruce said a name, he made a clear mark in the notebook on his right.

Like a young hunter, he slowly and patiently identifies his prey.

These people are all well-known gangsters in the Gotham underworld.

Some of them call the shots and have ruled Gotham for more than ten years.

Some join the upper class and run hugely profitable businesses.

Some have many minions and control the port and downtown area.

"Master Wayne, you should go out more often and bask in the sun instead of locking yourself in a room and thinking about these seemingly dangerous things."

Alfred, the butler, opened the door and walked in with a sumptuous breakfast.

There was a look of helplessness on his face. After returning from Nepal, Master Wayne didn't wear tattered clothes, make up like a street vagrant, and go to the slums of Gotham.

Just look through old newspapers and collect information.

There is absolutely no intention of taking over the Wayne Group business and revitalizing the family's honor.

When Alfred was young, he was an agent of British MI5.

Later, by chance, he became the butler of the Wayne family.

This seemingly ordinary old man is actually proficient in various fighting techniques, healing injuries, and even computer hacking techniques.

Therefore, Alfred also has the unknown name of "Butler Man".

Based on his knowledge of Bruce and the details he has recently observed, it is not difficult to guess what the other party wants to do.

Fighting gangs, or punishing evil and promoting good?

In the old housekeeper's opinion, this was obviously not a rational behavior.

"Gotham is no different from what it was before I left. It's still full of crime, still full of extravagance, and still...so boring."

Bruce shook his head, biting a piece of bread and said: "So, I have no interest in participating in it, only the idea of ​​​​changing it."

Bruce didn't hide anything from his old butler who had served his father and himself.

If the Batman of the future is honest enough with anyone, he doesn’t have too many psychological defenses.

That person will only be Alfred.

"It won't be easy, Master Wayne."

The old butler pursed his lips and seemed unhappy, teasing: "If you really want to change Gotham, why not run for mayor and make this city great again?"

"Because becoming mayor can't completely eradicate those criminals."

Bruce shook his head. He knew the power structure of Gotham.

From top to bottom, corruption is rife.

The city hall is a protective umbrella for gangs, and there are very few upright police officers in the police department who do their jobs seriously.

Basically everyone has received illegal money or turned a blind eye to it in order to protect themselves.

Those good people who insist on themselves and are not polluted will either be ostracized and receive cold treatment;

Either he will be suppressed and his fate will be dire.

"Even if I become mayor, it won't help."

Bruce stared at the cut-out old newspapers and said in a deep voice.

"Because no matter what I want to do, the police, prosecutors, and even judges below... they have formed a complete chain of interests. They will cover each other and allow evil to flourish."

Alfred remained silent and did not speak. To sum up what Master Wayne said, he probably said, "Politics cannot save the people of Gotham."

"Then what can we do to save Gotham?"

After Bruce finished his breakfast, the old butler standing aside put away the tableware.

"Become a symbol... break away from the appearance of human flesh and blood and become the incarnation of spirit! It can be frightening and make criminals frightened..."

Bruce took a deep breath and his eyes became deep.

"It can also give others courage and serve as a weapon of justice."

Hearing these loud and generous words, Alfred just shook his head helplessly and said softly: "Master Wayne, before you start this great cause of saving Gotham, can you first get a girlfriend and give it to Wayne?"

The En family continues its bloodline."

"In this case, I can feel more at ease."

Bruce: "..."

After coming back, he had become accustomed to the old butler's ubiquitous cold humorous speaking style.

"By the way, James Gordon, are you familiar with him?"

Bruce touched his chin and automatically skipped the embarrassing topics of having a girlfriend, getting married and having children.

"Impressed."

Alfred, who came to the door, stopped and nodded.

"Master Wayne, he once put a coat on you in that alley."

The corner of Bruce's mouth raised. Of course he remembered James Gordon and knew this person.

What he wanted to determine was whether James Gordon had been corrupted and became one of those black police officers.

"Mr. Gordon, he is an honest man, there is no doubt about that."

Alfred pondered for a moment and gave his answer.

At least the old butler has never heard any negative news about James Gordon.

Sometimes to judge a person's character, don't look at what he said, but what he did.

As an old man who has been in the police station for more than ten years, James Gordon is still an ordinary police officer.

And his colleagues either retired and quit, or climbed up the ranks and got promoted.

Sitting on the bench for a long time, not being welcomed by others, and being placed in the corrupt Gotham Police Department, can already explain some things from the side.

"Finally found someone to cooperate with."

Bruce's frown relaxed slightly.

He needs a helper, or a megaphone to talk to the police station and city hall.

If James Gordon is as upright as he appears and is willing to contribute to changing Gotham.

Then, the other party is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.

After Alfred left, Bruce continued to concentrate on his work.

Although the old butler has hinted many times, the board of directors of Wayne Group is secretly planning to dilute his shares and prepare to kick himself out.

But Bruce is not worried, he can handle such a small problem.

The top priority is to find an entry point to crack down on Gotham's gangster forces.

"Huh, Falcone..."

After finishing what he was doing, Bruce let out a breath.

He decided to rule the city from the outside first, starting with the most powerful Romans.

As long as the other gang is eliminated, the other gangsters will have to settle down for at least a while.

Of course, they may also become more vicious.

In order to compete for each piece of territory, a new round of fighting and shuffling began like hungry hyenas.

If that's the case, it would be equivalent to creating a perfect opportunity for yourself to wipe out all the gangsters.

After careful consideration, Bruce picked up the remote control and turned on the TV.

"Metropolis, Superman, aliens landing on a Kansas farm..."

Twenty minutes later, the sole heir of the Wayne family looked a little solemn.

He seemed to be aware of a bigger problem, a problem more difficult and troublesome than gangsters.

Superman!

Bruce thought for a long time, then opened the notebook again.

While watching the TV, there was a heated debate about whether Superman's existence was good or bad;

While silently writing the other party's name, and marking it as "worthy of vigilance".