"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's mouths were 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 small bunch of flowing curly hair...
These are the most iconic image features of Superman!
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 specific and clear image of Superman.
So when the figure in the red cloak walked onto the stage, it didn't cause an uproar. Until the other party admits his identity.
"Superman..."
"He is really Superman!"
"Is Vought Corporation holding this press conference to announce the identity of Superman?"
"..."
It's like the pot is fried!
The scene 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 when he was 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, my earth name is Clark-Kent, I grew up on a farm in Kansas..."
This astonishing speech, which was enough to shock the world, was broadcast to every household in Metropolis as the camera footage was broadcast, and then to other cities.
An hour later, North America and even the whole world knew the explosive news.
As for who Superman is, this topic that once aroused heated discussion among the public finally got the answer.
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 the press conference held by Vought Corporation?"
This is a question published in a newspaper.
"Do they have some kind of close relationship between that 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 might bring an army! Take over every country and every city on Earth!"
This is a worry for fans of science fiction movies.
"Man of Tomorrow of Metropolis is actually a rural 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 +Metropolis locals.
"How should we treat Superman? He comes from an alien planet, grew up on Earth, and is extremely powerful. Will the laws against humans be effective against him?"
This is a discussion among scholars.
All in all, Superman has once again become the focus of the world.
His existence has been given too much meaning, but now that meaning has become more complicated.
"Cousin, is this really the right thing to do?"
In Vought Corporation's office, 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, making people feel suffocated.
Clark will not be afraid of those vicious gangsters and criminals, dangers and disasters.
But what can he do when he is criticized, ostracized and attacked?
Shaking your fist at innocent people?
Or burn them all to death with Heat Vision?
The powerful power of Superman has no effect in front of ordinary people.
The gap between strength and weakness seemed to be reversed.
"Clark, first you have to understand your truest thoughts."
Luke just hung up a call from White House and said calmly, "What kind of life do you like to live? Dealing with the school and Metropolis's criminal organization every day? Or do you stand up to the stage as some kind of symbol and have the courage to accept everyone's doubts and pressure from public opinion?"
"The former makes it easy for people to confuse normal life with the status of a superhero, 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."
"Strong contrast will 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 conversely, you no longer want to be busy saving other people and the world, but you are ready to return to your family and be a good husband and father."
"Life is full of too many unknowns, not to mention that people's energy is limited, even...Saiyans."
"What would you do if you were at school preparing for an exam and then a fire broke out at 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 grade... This is the blow and pressure from real life. It seems like a small thing, but it makes you fall 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 for you to be Clark-Kent and at the same time be the most perfect Superman for Metropolis."
Luke tapped his fingers on the table, paused in his voice, 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 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 is still 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 DC Universe, which reveals deep darkness from beginning to end.
Superman has encountered the malice of fate many times in different time and space and different universes.
Being deceived by 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 an existence like Hitler.
——In too many stories, Superman faced tragedy and became the most terrifying person in the world.
"Don't worry about the government or anything else."
Luke slapped the Snap, the corners of his mouth raised.
"I hired a professional agent for you. He is very good at handling 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 surprised and stood up.
Because of the impact caused by Black Kryptonite, Lex should still be locked in the bedroom of the mansion and is not allowed to go out.
"I recovered, not too long ago."
A bright smile appeared on Lex's face, he pointed at Clark and said, "I didn't expect you to be the Metropolis 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 opposite Luke.
The negative personality created by Black Kryptonite seems to have disappeared, and Lex-Luthor has returned to his previous sunny personality.
When he spoke, he always smiled and appeared cheerful and lively.
"Well, I don't want to keep it a secret, but..."
Clark scratched his head, hiding something from his friend, which made him somewhat apologetic.
Because in the education of 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 build Superman and create the greatest superhero in the world."
Gotham City.
Wayne Manor.
Bruce-Wayne, sitting cross-legged on the carpet, was busy cutting out the old newspapers they had collected recently.
He needs to have a deep understanding of this city, and even more, some of the people in this city.
"'The Roman'Falcone..."
"'Penguin'Oswald..."
"Sal-Maroni..."
Bruce Every time a name is spoken, a clear mark is made on the notebook on the right.
Like a young hunter, he slowly and patiently identifies his prey.
These people are all famous gangsters in the Gotham underground world.
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 ports and downtown areas.
"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."
Butler Alfred 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.
He has absolutely no intention of taking over Wayne Group's family business and reviving the family's honor.
When Alfred was young, he was an agent of MI5.
Later, by chance, I 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 understanding 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 before I left. He is still full of sins, still obsessed with life, 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."
In front of his father and his own old housekeeper, Bruce didn't hide anything.
If we say that the future Batman will be honest enough with anyone without much psychological defense.
That person will only be Alfred.
"This is not easy, Master Wayne."
The old butler pursed his lips, seemingly unhappy, and teased, "If you really want to change Gotham, why don't you run for mayor and make this city great again?"
"Because being mayor can't completely eradicate those criminals."
Bruce shook his head. He had understood the power structure of Gotham.
Corruption is rife from top to bottom.
City Hall is a protective umbrella for gangs, and there are simply few honest 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 are either ostracized and treated with 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 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 Gotham people."
"Then what can we do to save Gotham?"
When Bruce finished 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 make people frightened 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 continue the bloodline of the Wayne Family."
"In this case, it can make me 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 walked to the door, stopped and nodded.
"Master Wayne, he once put a coat on you in that alley."
Bruce raised the corner of his mouth. 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 policemen.
"Mr. Gordon, he is an upright man, there is no doubt about it."
Alfred pondered for a while and gave the answer.
At least the old housekeeper 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 favored by others, and being placed in the Gotham Police Department, where corruption is rampant, 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 mouthpiece to talk to the police department and city hall.
If James-Gordon is as upright as he appears and is willing to contribute to change Gotham.
Then, the other party is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
After Alfred left, Bruce continued to work hard on his work.
Although the old housekeeper 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 the gangster forces of Gotham.
"Huh, Falcone..."
After finishing what was at hand, Bruce let out a breath.
He decided to rule the city from the outside first, and the most powerful the Roman started to take action.
As long as the other party 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 started like a hungry hyena.
If that's the case, it would be equivalent to creating a perfect opportunity for yourself to catch all the gangs in one fell swoop.
After careful consideration, Bruce picked up the remote control and turned on the TV.
"Metropolis, Superman, aliens who landed on 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 the gangs.
Superman!
Bruce thought for a long time, and then opened the notebook again.
While watching the TV, there was a heated debate about whether the existence of Superman was good or bad;
While silently writing the other party's name, and marking it as "worthy of vigilance".
ps: It's been so cold lately that I'm too lazy to reach out and play with my phone while lying in bed~