Superhero: Zed

He knew Zed was from the world of Runeterra, a Kinkou Assassin skilled in ninjutsu and assassination, not a superhero in the traditional sense. However, he also understood Zed's strength and potential. For a superhero who didn't adhere to conventions, Zed's existence might bring fresh elements and possibilities to the Hawke Group.

Nathan Hawke pondered. Zed's superhero persona and backstory could perfectly utilize his abilities from Runeterra. Alternatively, they could use cool, imposing names like "Master Assassin," "Lone Wolf," or "Invisible Blade," paired with some equally impressive lines. For those chuunibyo kids who loved cool and stylish characters, Zed's popularity would surely skyrocket!

Nathan Hawke pursed his lips and said with a smile, "Alright, since you have this idea, we can consider giving you an opportunity."

A flicker of joy flashed in Zed's eyes.

"However, becoming a superhero is not a simple matter. You'll need to undergo rigorous training and trials," Nathan Hawke stated. "We will provide you with resources and support, but you must put in the effort and sweat."

When speaking of trials and effort, Nathan Hawke adopted a particularly dramatic tone.

Zed also picked up on the intonation but still nodded in understanding, knowing that becoming a superhero required immense effort and sacrifice.

"Good, since you've decided, let's begin," Nathan Hawke stood up, signaling Zed to follow him out of the office.

Zed was led by Nathan Hawke to a studio filled with various lights and props, creating a very professional atmosphere. Zed felt a bit confused, not understanding why they needed to come here to become a superhero; it looked more like a place for filming a movie.

Nathan Hawke explained with a smile, "This is where we customize the personas and backstories for our superheroes. We want each superhero to have their own unique image and story to better attract fans."

Zed nodded in understanding. Although still a bit bewildered, since it was Nathan Hawke's arrangement, he would naturally cooperate fully.

Next, Zed began participating in the filming and costume fitting sessions. The makeup artist was astonished by his handsomeness and physique, then contentedly applied some special effects makeup, making his features appear even more cool and mysterious. The stylist chose a black ninja outfit for him, embroidered with beautiful patterns and a hexagram, accentuating his identity and strength.

Although Zed wasn't accustomed to these flashy things, he still cooperated as much as possible, trying to present his best self.

Filming commenced, and Zed showcased his astonishing combat skills and ninja techniques. He moved nimbly between props and lights, fully displaying his ninja abilities. In front of the cameras, Zed demonstrated his cool moves and decisive attitude, perfectly embodying the meanings of titles like "Master Assassin," "Lone Wolf," and "Invisible Blade."

Everyone on set was amazed by the abilities demonstrated by the person Nathan Hawke personally brought.

Even the director was so moved that he knelt before Nathan Hawke, pleading, "Boss, please, you must let me film this superhero's movie series. I beg you. Help Taffy."

"Uh," Nathan Hawke was rendered speechless.

With technological advancements, the Hawke Group had also launched many new ventures, such as Vtubers, new media, gaming, and other branches primarily focused on superheroes. What Nathan Hawke hadn't expected was that the director, who appeared to be middle-aged, would be a Vtuber fan.

At the same time, the surrounding staff also looked on expectantly. After Zed's shoot, they would all rush to invite him for photos.

"Get up, don't be like that. I promise, but remember to sign the non-disclosure agreement," Nathan Hawke said with a smile, patting the director's shoulder.

After Zed's filming concluded, he felt the enthusiasm and anticipation from the surrounding staff, which made him a little uncomfortable. However, as a trained individual, Zed managed to put on a very professional fake smile. His initial unfamiliarity and confusion about this world gradually faded, replaced by a sense of belonging.

Nathan Hawke walked over and said to Zed, "Your performance was outstanding. Your superhero image customization was very successful. We'll prepare a series of promotional activities for you, and I believe you'll be widely popular in this world."

Zed looked at Nathan Hawke with a hint of confusion but waited until they were alone to discuss it further.

Nathan Hawke smiled and said to him, "I know what you're thinking. However, due to the recent major conflict, the city's crime rate has been incredibly low. But..."

Zed listened quietly.

In a bustling district of a certain city, a bank was under attack by thugs. Armed with high-powered weapons, the thugs aggressively held the people inside the bank hostage while engaging the arriving police.

The thugs' faces were hidden behind black masks; their meticulously planned robbery indicated they were not ordinary criminals. The muzzles of their high-powered weapons gleamed coldly, instilling a sense of mortal danger in everyone.

"Don't move! Put down your weapons!" the police commander shouted. Officers armed with weapons used their police cars as cover, attempting to subdue the brutal thugs.

However, the thugs were not intimidated. They launched a fierce counterattack. Muzzles spewed flames, and bullets whizzed through the air, plunging the area outside the bank into chaos and panic.

At this critical moment, a dark shadow suddenly flashed, and Zed appeared in the bank lobby. He scanned the scene with a cold gaze, his eyes filled with determination and resolve.

"Who the hell are you?" a cocky and sharp-eyed thug shouted upon seeing Zed's sudden appearance.

"You're not worth my words," Zed said softly, his voice cold and calm, yet it exuded an inexplicable pressure on everyone.

"You're asking for death." The thugs raised their weapons and fired at Zed.

Zed wasted no more words. He moved swiftly, his body like a phantom, dodging the thugs' bullets. His evasion techniques were incredibly refined, dazzling the eye and making him impossible to track.

In the eyes of the thugs, Zed seemed to transform into a dark wind, cutting sharply through their vision, leaving behind only blood-stained afterimages. The thugs' attacks almost all missed. To them, Zed was an elusive phantom they couldn't counter.

Zed's eyes were cold and sharp. Wielding two gleaming energy blades, he subdued the thugs one by one. His attacks were fast and accurate, each strike hitting a vital point, leaving them no chance to retaliate.

The bank was filled with smoke and the smell of blood, but soon, everything returned to peace. Zed stood still in the center of the bank lobby. All the thugs around him lay on the ground, defeated. The fight was so swift and fierce that none of the thugs could even react.

Zed showed no hint of joy; his expression remained cold and resolute.

The hostages, however, were a mixture of astonishment and relief.

"The police are here," Zed said calmly, turning to leave.

The belatedly realizing hostages erupted in joy. One hostage looked at Zed's retreating back and asked, "Are you... are you a superhero?"

"Zed. You can call me Zed."

The police entered the scene, began securing the area, and learned that the name of this potential superhero was indeed "Zed."

Night fell, and Zed returned to his solitary cabin. His life had undergone a dramatic transformation during this period. His experience as a superhero had brought him unprecedented excitement and challenges. Yet, a sense of conflict lingered within him; he wasn't fully adapting to this new role and identity.

Sitting by the window, Zed quietly recalled his experiences. He had come to the Hawke Group, had his persona and backstory customized, and then participated in filming and promotions. He had become a highly sought-after superhero in the eyes of the media and fans, but Zed felt somewhat uncomfortable with these promotional methods and media hype.

On Runeterra, he was a ninja, his movements mysterious, emphasizing stealth and invisibility, never flaunting his abilities. In this world's superhero promotions, however, he was required to showcase his combat skills and heroic deeds, becoming the focus of media and audience attention. This left Zed feeling confused. He wanted to be a true superhero but didn't know how to present himself.

"Perhaps I should go help those who need it," Zed murmured to himself. He didn't want to be just a hyped-up celebrity but to truly use his power to protect the innocent and uphold justice.

However, he also understood that he wasn't someone with superhero experience; he had never truly played the role of a superhero. This made him feel lost and helpless, unsure of how to become a real superhero and how to face and resolve genuine crises and disasters.

Zed closed his eyes, lost in thought. He harbored the yearning and desire for a true superhero, as seen in the smiles of "children," but simultaneously felt the helplessness and hesitation of reality. He knew he needed time to adapt to this new identity and would have to experience more events and challenges to grow into a true superhero.

In the days that followed, Zed decided to remain with the Hawke Group and continue playing the role of a superhero. He would face and resolve crises and disasters in his own way, no longer just a hyped celebrity, but a true guardian.

And every night, as he moved across the city rooftops, his blades protecting justice and peace, Zed gradually found his rhythm. He learned to display his bravery and coolness in front of the media and audiences, but when facing genuine crises, he retained his ninja nature, silently protecting those in need.