Superhero: Zed

He knew that Zed came from the world of Runeterra, a Kinkou Assassin skilled in ninjutsu and assassination rather than a superhero in the traditional sense. However, he also understood Zed's strength and potential. For a superhero who did not adhere to convention, Zed's presence might bring some fresh elements and possibilities to Hawke Group.

Nathan Hawke fell into thought. Zed's superhero persona and backstory could draw directly from his experiences in Runeterra. Or they could give him flashy, pretentious titles like "Master Assassin," "Lone Wolf," and "Invisible Blade," paired with a few equally pretentious lines. In the eyes of those chuunibyou yet cool kids, his popularity would definitely be huge—really huge!

Nathan Hawke pursed his lips and said with a smile, "All right. Since you have that idea, we can consider giving you a chance."

A hint of delight flashed through Zed's eyes.

"But becoming a superhero is not simple. You need to undergo rigorous training and tests," Nathan Hawke said. "We will provide you with resources and support, but you must put in effort and sweat."

When he mentioned tests and effort, Nathan Hawke used an especially dramatic tone.

Zed caught the meaning in his tone, but he still nodded in understanding. He knew that becoming a superhero required tremendous effort and sacrifice.

"Good. Since you've decided, let's begin." Nathan Hawke stood and gestured for Zed to follow him out of the office.

Nathan Hawke led Zed to a studio filled with all kinds of lights and props, giving it an extremely professional atmosphere. Zed was somewhat puzzled. He did not understand why becoming a superhero required coming here. It looked more like a place for filming movies.

Nathan Hawke explained with a smile, "This is where we customize personas and backstories for superheroes. We hope every superhero can have their own unique image and story, so they can better attract fans."

Zed nodded in understanding. Though he was still a little lost, since it was Nathan Hawke's arrangement, he naturally cooperated with all his strength.

Next, Zed began taking part in the photoshoot and styling process. The makeup artist was astonished by his handsome face and physique, then happily gave him some special-effects makeup that made him look even cooler and more mysterious. The stylist chose a black ninja outfit for him, embroidered with beautiful patterns and hexagram motifs that highlighted his identity and strength.

Although Zed was not used to all this flashy fuss, he still did his best to cooperate, trying to present himself at his best.

The shoot began, and Zed displayed his astonishing combat skills and ninja techniques. He moved nimbly among the props and lights, showcasing his ninja abilities to the fullest. Before the cameras, Zed displayed cool movements and a decisive, murderous bearing, perfectly embodying the meaning of titles like "Master Assassin," "Lone Wolf," and "Invisible Blade."

Everyone at the shooting location was stunned by the abilities wielded by the person Nathan Hawke had personally brought in.

Even the director dropped to his knees before Nathan Hawke and said excitedly, "Boss, please let me direct a series of films about this superhero. I'm begging you. Help Taffy!"

"Uh..." Nathan Hawke was instantly speechless.

As technology advanced, Hawke Group had also developed many new lines of business, such as Vtubers, new media, games, and other superhero-centered ventures. What Nathan Hawke had not expected was that this middle-aged director actually watched Vtubers.

At the same time, the surrounding staff looked expectant. Once Zed's shoot was over, they all eagerly invited him to take photos with them.

"Get up. Don't be like this. I'll agree, but remember to sign the confidentiality agreement." Nathan Hawke smiled and patted the director on the shoulder.

After Zed's shoot ended, he felt the enthusiasm and anticipation of the staff around him. He was somewhat uncomfortable, but as someone who had undergone training, Zed still put on a highly professional fake smile. His unfamiliarity and confusion toward 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 has been customized very successfully. We will prepare a series of promotional events for you. I believe you'll become widely popular in this world."

Zed was somewhat puzzled by Nathan Hawke's words, but he waited until they were alone before speaking further.

Nathan Hawke smiled and said to him, "I know what you're thinking. But because of the war, the city's crime rate has been pitifully low lately. Still..."

Zed listened quietly.

In the bustling district of a certain city, a bank was attacked by criminals. Armed with high-powered weapons, the vicious and arrogant criminals held the people inside the bank hostage while confronting the police who had arrived on the scene.

The criminals' faces were hidden beneath black masks. They had carefully planned this robbery and were clearly no ordinary group. The muzzles of their high-powered weapons gleamed coldly, making everyone feel the threat of death.

"Don't move! Put down all the guns in your hands!" the police commander shouted. Armed officers used their patrol cars as cover, attempting to subdue the brutal criminals.

However, the criminals showed no weakness and launched a fierce counterattack. Flames erupted from their gun barrels, bullets whistled through the air, and the entire area outside the bank descended into chaos and panic.

At that critical moment, a black shadow suddenly flashed into view. Zed appeared in the bank lobby. He swept his gaze around coldly, his eyes filled with resolve and determination.

"What the hell are you?" a brazen yet alert criminal shouted when he saw Zed appear out of nowhere.

"You are not worth my words," Zed said softly. His voice was cold and calm, yet it made everyone feel an indescribable pressure.

"Looking to die." The criminals raised their weapons and fired at Zed.

Zed did not waste words. He moved swiftly, his figure ghostlike as he dodged the criminals' bullets. His evasive footwork was exquisite to the extreme, dazzling the eye and making it impossible to catch sight of him.

In the criminals' eyes, Zed seemed to transform into a dark wind, cutting sharply across their vision and leaving behind only bloody afterimages. Nearly all their attacks missed. To them, Zed was like an elusive ghost they could not resist.

Zed's eyes were cold and sharp. Wielding two razor-sharp arm blades, he subdued the criminals strike after strike. His attacks were swift and precise, every blow landing on a vital point and leaving them unable to fight back.

The bank was filled with the smell of gunpowder and blood, but soon everything returned to silence. Zed stood quietly in the center of the lobby. Without exception, the criminals around him had fallen to the ground. The battle had been so swift and fierce that not a single criminal had time to react.

Zed showed not the slightest joy. His expression remained cold and resolute.

The hostages wore expressions caught between shock and the relief of surviving a disaster.

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

Only then did the hostages come to their senses and erupt with joy. One hostage looked at Zed's back and asked, "Y-you... are you a superhero?"

"Zed. You can call me Zed."

The police entered the scene and began securing the area. At the same time, they learned the name of this possible superhero.

"Zed."

Night fell, and Zed returned to the small house where he lived alone. During this time, his life had undergone earth-shaking changes. Becoming a superhero had given him unprecedented excitement and challenges. Yet deep down, he still felt conflicted. He had not completely adapted to this new role and identity.

Sitting by the window, Zed quietly recalled his experiences over this period. He had come to Hawke Group, received a customized persona and backstory, then participated in filming and promotion. He had become a superhero sought after by the media and fans, but Zed felt somewhat uncomfortable with these promotional tactics and media hype.

In Runeterra, he had been a ninja, mysterious in his movements and focused on secrecy and concealment, never flaunting his abilities. Yet in this world's superhero promotion, he was required to display his combat skills and heroic deeds, becoming the focus of the media and audience. This left Zed somewhat confused. He wanted to become a true superhero, but he did not know how he should present himself.

"Perhaps I should help those who need help," Zed murmured. He did not want to be merely a hyped-up celebrity. He wanted to truly use his own strength to protect the innocent and uphold justice.

However, he also understood that he was not someone with experience as a superhero. He had never truly played the role of one. This left him lost and helpless. He did not know what he needed to do to become a real superhero, or how to face and resolve genuine crises and disasters.

Zed closed his eyes and sank into thought. Within him was the longing and desire for a true superhero whenever "the children" smiled, but there was also helplessness and hesitation toward reality. He knew he needed time to adapt to this new identity. He needed to experience more events and challenges before he could grow into a true superhero.

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

And every night, as he moved across the city's rooftops and used his blades to protect justice and peace, Zed gradually found his rhythm. He learned to display his bravery and coldness before the media and audiences, but when facing real crises, he still retained his ninja nature, silently protecting those who needed help.