The Reckless Marvel Mage

The city—or rather, the district—looked harmonious without chaos.

Sunlight spilled down through the gaps between the high-rises.

Traffic flowed endlessly along the streets.

People hurried to and fro. Every now and then, someone would look up at the towering TVA building in the distance with complicated eyes, but they soon lowered their heads again and went back to their business.

"Now interrupting with breaking news—"

On the electronic news screen by the street, a segment titled "Superman Returns, Instantly Kills Monster" was playing, with expert analysis and citizen interviews scrolling beneath it.

"We must remain vigilant regarding the sudden appearance of 'Superman.'"

Dr. Irene Wu, a political science professor at Columbia University, stated at the Global Security Forum, "The TVA, also known as the Time Variance Authority, has frequently intervened in real-world events in recent years.

"And this superpowered individual who calls himself Ian clearly has close ties to the TVA"—though no one knew where she had seen that from, her serious analysis still sounded somewhat plausible at first glance.

"Every time he acts, he precisely targets monster incidents that have drawn media attention," yet he had never explained his own origins. This did not fit the traditional logic of a superhero. It was more like a carefully planned image campaign." Dr. Irene Wu was clearly a conspiracy theorist. "She further pointed out that Ian's words and actions highly conform to the 'controllable public-opinion guidance model.'"

Humorous, approachable, emphasizing justice, yet avoiding any institutional questioning.

He was far, far too much like a politician.

"What a load of crap, you old coot!" Ian, who had landed on the street outside the New York Sanctum, heard the woman's analysis and could not help feeling rather speechless.

Of course.

It wasn't as if he had no supporters.

Standing directly against that old