The Flash: Lightning Rider
Chapter 12

Opposition

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7mo ago

Lin Li chuckled, "Then you'll have to feed me well."

The others all smiled in understanding.

Cisco said, "Your turn, The Streak."

Dr. Wells and Lin Li were both startled. What kind of lame name is that?

Lin Li looked at Cisco with disapproval. "Cisco, that name is really too dorky."

Cisco was displeased. His naming choice had once again been rejected by Lin Li.

Cisco was about to speak, but Lin Li waved his hand, interrupting him.

Lin Li said wistfully, "I've experienced Barry's speed. The way things turn into light spots, stretch into lines, and disappear at extreme velocity before your eyes, while the rest of the world seems to stand still... that feeling is just too wonderful. You can't imagine the shock of it. It's... it's like lightning. My speed is nowhere near Barry's."

Cisco and Caitlin had only seen Barry in the Cortex control room. They didn't truly grasp how fast Barry was. To them, his speed was probably similar to Lin Li's maximum speed, because all they saw were blurs they couldn't catch.

Lin Li's speed had already far surpassed human limits. If it weren't for seeing a flash of lightning, the human eye wouldn't have been able to keep up with Lin Li's speed.

Cisco said doubtfully, "Are you sure? I'm still sticking with my name, The Streak."

"You'll change your mind after you see Barry's speed."

Lin Li raised his fist energetically and shouted, "Barry, show them your speed!"

Barry was full of fighting spirit. He grinned, revealing his white teeth, and yelled, "Okay."

Caitlin's doubtful expression hadn't faded. She whispered to Dr. Wells, "Lin Li said his speed is far inferior to Barry's. Is that even possible? In terms of physical strength, recovery ability, and metabolism, Barry can't compare to Lin Li. How could he possibly surpass Lin Li's speed?"

From a biological perspective, Caitlin felt it was impossible for Barry to surpass Lin Li. She didn't believe Barry's speed could be faster than Lin Li's.

Dr. Wells said meaningfully, "Let's wait and see..."

Cisco adjusted the helmet and put it on Barry, giving the final instructions.

"OK, The Streak, ready? One... two... three, GO."

"BOOM!"

Cisco was immediately thrown to the ground by a blast of air, his eyes wide with shock.

The airflow swept through, scattering white documents everywhere. A blue patio umbrella was almost blown away by the gust. A pane of glass shattered the moment Barry took off.

A red blur streaked down the road, like an arrow, like a bullet, like a rocket, like lightning, disappearing from everyone's sight.

Even though they had seen it and felt it before, Lin Li, along with Cisco and the others, was still deeply shocked, dumbfounded.

This god-like speed was no longer achievable by mere physical means.

The Speed Force.

Unparalleled speed.

Lightning-fast speed.

Speed like lightning.

"Oh my god, his speed exceeded 320 kilometers per hour! His average speed is already surpassing Lin Li's maximum speed."

Cisco exclaimed in disbelief.

Caitlin suppressed her shock, her eyes wider than ever as she stared at the tablet.

"Barry's cellular genes are producing an unknown energy. Just like Lin Li's cells can generate electricity, Barry's cells are producing this energy to drive him to run even faster, like... like lightning."

After speaking, Caitlin looked up at the road. The red figure was no longer there; it had already run out of their line of sight.

"This is truly god-like energy. It's so fast, flashing by like lightning. Lin Li, you were right. The Streak really isn't a suitable name for Barry. He should be called The Flash, fast as lightning."

Cisco said.

Lin Li nodded in agreement. "That's right. It seems I'll have to give the name 'The Flash' to Barry. It suits him much better."

Dr. Wells raised an eyebrow, startled inwardly, and glanced at Lin Li without revealing his expression.

Cisco laughed heartily. "No problem. The clever Cisco will think of another name for you."

Lin Li gazed at the distant road, where the blue sky met the asphalt. The red blur was faintly visible. He said with longing, "The Flash. This speed is truly enviable."

"The Flash. He has a heart of justice and kindness."

"When we were in the car, Barry told me he would use his superpowers to fight crime and protect Central City. I could see that he was genuinely happy, excited, and proud to protect innocent citizens and not let his abilities go to waste by fighting evil."

"The Flash, with speed like lightning, fighting evil."

He knew Barry wasn't just talking. In the future, he would indeed become a just and kind Flash.

Compared to Barry, Lin Li, despite also having abilities, seemed much dimmer, less glorious. Whether in reality or in this world of The Flash, even with his abilities, Lin Li wouldn't proactively protect the city or fight criminals.

However, that didn't stop him from assisting Barry. He was very willing to help Barry, or rather, to help such a shining quality as justice and kindness.

Cisco said with great interest, "The Flash, fighting crime. That will make him cooler and cooler. This name is good, I agree."

"But the naming rights next time belong to me, Lin Li, and you're not allowed to snatch them."

Lin Li shrugged and spread his hands, indicating he didn't care.

Caitlin had strong objections to Barry's intention to fight crime and stated firmly, "What? The Flash fighting crime? That's not allowed."

At this moment, Barry, slightly out of breath, returned to the starting line, leaving a red blur behind him.

"So, what do you guys think? Wasn't I cool?"

Barry's face was beaming with a smile. He had enjoyed his run immensely, speeding along with better than ever condition. Everything made him feel euphoric; it was exhilarating.

Cisco gave him two thumbs up. "So cool, Flash."

Before Lin Li and Dr. Wells could comment, Caitlin interrupted them. She spoke to Barry sternly, "Barry, you cannot fight crime. You cannot get hurt."

Barry looked at Caitlin questioningly, then turned to Lin Li.

Lin Li gestured for Barry to speak with them.

With Lin Li's support, Barry felt a bit more emboldened and said to everyone, "I feel like I shouldn't waste this ability I have. I can save injured citizens and stop crime. I should be doing more."

Caitlin strongly retorted, "That's the police's job. You're not a police officer; you're just a crime scene investigator."

"So what? I have the ability, and I should do more instead of hiding it and doing nothing. Why would I need this ability then?"

"As long as you are alive and safe, that's already doing a lot," Caitlin said sternly.

End of Chapter
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