Chapter 438: Agent, Small Book
"I'm Superman."
This sentence was like a bombshell that had been detonated, and it directly shocked the reporters and media workers present and temporarily lost their ability to think.
Except that the camera, as always, was faithfully aimed at the tall, strong, tall figure on the stage.
The others all had their mouths open, showing a palpable sense of surprise.
Superman, he's not a masked hero.
No helmets, no blindfolds.
A red cape, an uppercase "S" on his chest, and a handful of flowing little curly hair......
These are Superman's most iconic image traits!
But strangely, people can't remember what Superman looks like.
Even a photo of him could fill the pages of more than a dozen newspapers.
No one has a concrete and clear image of Superman.
So when the figure in the red cloak walked to the stage, it didn't cause an uproar. Until the other party admits his identity.
"Superman ......"
"He's really Superman!"
"Is Walter holding this press conference to reveal Superman's identity?"
“……”
It's like a fryer!
The scene suddenly became noisy and noisy!
The reporters who came back to their senses exchanged heads and whispered about it.
Click! Click!
The flash is constantly being pressed and the feeling of being in focus makes Superman standing on the stage feel a little uncomfortable.
He turned his head to look at Luke next to him, who gave him an encouraging look.
As if injected into Superman's body, he regained his courage and continued: "I'm Superman, my name, my Earth name is Clark Kent, and I grew up on a farm in Kansas......"
This shocking statement, which shook the world, was broadcast to the homes of the metropolis and then to other cities.
An hour later, the North American continent and the world learned of the explosive news.
As for who Superman is, this topic, which once caused heated public discussion, has finally been answered.
He came from a civilized race outside the earth, and because of the shattering and destruction of his homeland, he landed in a small town in Kansas.
He was adopted by a well-meaning couple and named "Clark Kent".
He......
"Why did Superman reveal his identity at a press conference held by Walter Corporation?"
This is a question published in a newspaper.
"Is there some kind of close relationship between that young rich man and Superman?"
This is the boring melon-eating masses.
"An alien lives among us, oh my! That's not good news...... He may bring an army! Occupy every country, every city on Earth! ”
This is the concern of science fiction movie lovers.
"Metropolis's son of tomorrow is actually a rural farmer in Kansas? I don't believe it! Superman must be a resident of Metropolis, maybe living next door to me! ”
This is geodiscrimination + metropolitan natives.
"What are we to think of Superman? He's from an alien planet, he grew up on Earth, and he's incredibly powerful? Will the laws against humanity work for him? ”
This is a discussion among scholars.
All in all? Superman is once again in the spotlight of the world.
His existence was already given too much meaning, and now that meaning has become more complicated.
"Big cousin? Is this really the right thing to do? ”
In the office of the Walter Company? Clark asked, looking down.
After seeing the fierce reaction of the news media, and the general public? He was somewhat skeptical that he had made the right way to reveal his identity.
Public opinion is like a surging tide, rushing towards him? It's a little suffocating.
Facing those vicious bandits and criminals? In the face of danger and disaster, Clark will not be afraid.
But what can he do when he is criticized, ostracized, and attacked?
Swing your fist at the innocent masses?
Or do you want to burn them all to death with a hot sight?
The great power of Superman is useless in front of ordinary people.
What is the difference between strength and weakness? It seems to be reversed.
"Clark? First of all, you have to understand what you really think in your heart. ”
Luke just hung up a phone call from the White House and said calmly: "What kind of life do you like to live?" Navigating the school and the Metropolitan criminal organization on a daily basis? Or as some kind of symbol, come to the front of the stage, and have the courage to accept everyone's doubts and public opinion pressure? ”
"It's easy to confuse normal life with superhero status in the former, because in reality, you're just the son of a Kansas farmer with little knowledge? High school students in the countryside. ”
"But every night, when you put on a superman uniform? became an omnipotent, respected superhero. ”
"Can strong contrasts bring about psychological changes? Maybe one day you'll grow tired of the name Clark Kent and just enjoy the days of being a superman – craving recognition and attention? It's human nature. ”
Or is it the other way around? You no longer want to be busy with the work of saving people and the world? Instead, he is ready to return to his 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 if it is ...... The same goes for the Saiyans. ”
"What would you do if you were preparing for an exam at school and then there was a fire in the metropolis?"
"Help! There is no doubt that you will. And then what? You failed the exam, failed the final course, and the teacher gave you a minimum score...... This is the blow and pressure from real life, which may seem like a small thing, but it plunges you into endless troubles and consumes your passion and love for life. ”
"Clark, you have to understand one thing, superheroes are not jobs, it's obligations, it's a mission given by some sense of responsibility, and at the same time it's a long-term investment that doesn't see a return."
"It's hard for you to be the perfect Superman in Mets while being good at Clark Kent."
Luke tapped his fingers on the table, paused, and then looked at his little cousin, who was slightly confused.
Revealing your identity, of course, will cause a lot of trouble.
For example, the villain may threaten his family and pass on the risk to his friends.
But at the same time, it can also bring certain benefits.
The first is legitimacy, cooperating with the federal government above board, and no longer having to carry a gray label like "masked vigilantes".
Second, change is something Luke would love to see, as long as everything is still under control.
He didn't change Superman's intentions, he just hoped that his little cousin could see the nature of the world early and not just dwell on the beautiful surface of superheroes.
This is the DC Universe, and it reveals a thick darkness from beginning to end.
Superman has encountered the malice of fate many times in different time and space, in different universes.
Get tricked by the Joker, kill Louise Lane and the child in her womb, and then establish a dictatorship.
Kill Lex Luthor with a thermal sight, rule the planet, and become a Hitler-like being.
- In too many stories, Superman faces tragedy and becomes the most terrible person in the world.
"Don't worry about the government, or whatever."
Luke snapped his fingers, the corners of his mouth hooked.
"I hired you a professional agent, who is very good at dealing with public opinion pressure and crisis public relations from all sides."
The office door was pushed open, and a familiar figure appeared in front of Clark.
"Lex? Why are you here? ”
Surprised, he stood up.
Due to the effects of the black kryptonite, Lex should still be locked up in the bedroom of the mansion now, not allowed to go out.
"I've recovered, not so long ago."
With a big smile on his face, Lex pointed at Clark and said, "I didn't expect you to be the Met star who appears in the newspaper 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 down across from Luke as well.
The negative personality created by black kryptonite seems to have disappeared, and Lex Luthor has returned to his former sunny personality.
When he speaks, he always smiles at the corners of his mouth, and behaves cheerfully and lively.
"Well, I don't want to keep it a secret, but ......"
Clark scratched his head, hiding something from his friend, making him feel a little sorry.
Because in the education of adoptive father Jonathan, lying was not the right thing to do.
"It's not a big deal, anyone will have secrets, including me."
Lex narrowed his eyes and smiled.
"Let's move on to how to build Superman, the greatest superhero in the world."
……
……
Gotham City.
Wayne Manor.
Bruce Wayne, sitting cross-legged on the carpet, busied himself with cutting out the old newspapers he had recently collected.
He needed to get to know the city, and he needed to get to know some of the people in it.
"Falcone the 'Roman'......"
"Penguin Man" Oswald ......"
"Sal-Maroni ......"
Every time Bruce said a name, he made a conspicuous note on the notebook on his right.
Like a young hunter, slowly and patiently identifying his prey.
These people are all Gotham underworld, underworld bosses with names and surnames.
Some of them have ruled Gotham for more than a decade.
Some of them are in high society and run lucrative businesses.
Some have many minions, controlling the port and the lower town.
"Master Wayne, you should go out and bask in the sun more than you lock yourself in your room and think about these things that seem dangerous."
Alfred, the butler, brought a hearty breakfast and pushed the door open.
He had a helpless look on his face, and after returning from Nepal, Master Wayne did not wear tattered clothes and make up as a street homeless man and ran to the slums of Gotham.
It's about digging through old newspapers and collecting information.
There is no intention of taking over the family business of the Wayne Group and reviving the family honor.
As a young man, Alfred was an agent of the British MI5.
Later, by chance, he became the housekeeper 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".
With what he knows about Bruce, as well as the details he has observed recently, it's not hard to guess what the other party wants to do.
Fight gangsters, or punish evil and promote good?
In the eyes of the old butler, this was obviously not a rational act.
"Gotham is no different from before I left, it's still sinful, it's still drunk, it's still ...... So boring. ”
Bruce shook his head, took a bite of a piece of bread and said, "So, I have no interest in getting involved, only the idea of making a difference." ”
In front of his father, who had served him, and his own old butler, Bruce had nothing to hide.
If the future Batman is honest enough about whom, he doesn't have much psychological defense.
That man would only be Alfred.
"It's not easy, Master Wayne."
The old butler pursed his lips, not very happy, and teased, "If you really want to change Gotham, why not run for mayor and make the city great again?" ”
"Because being mayor can't completely eradicate those criminals."
Bruce shook his head, he knew about Gotham's power structure.
From top to bottom, corruption is rampant.
The town hall is the umbrella of the gangsters, and there are few honest police officers in the police department who are serious about their work.
Basically, everyone has received black money, or has been wise enough to protect themselves, and has turned a blind eye to it.
Those good people who insist on themselves and are not polluted are either excluded and given a cold shoulder;
Either they will be suppressed and the end will be worrying.
"Even if I become mayor, it won't help."
Bruce stared at the old newspapers that had been cut out and said in a deep voice.
"Because whatever I want to do, the police, the prosecutors, and even the judges below...... They have formed a whole chain of interests, and they will shield each other and condone the breeding of evil. ”
Alfred was silent and did not speak, summing up the words of Master Wayne, which was probably "Politics can't save the people of Gotham".
"So what does it take to save Gotham?"
When Bruce had finished his breakfast, the old butler who stood aside put away the dishes.
"To be some kind of symbol...... Break away from the outer appearance of human flesh and blood and become the embodiment of the spirit! It can be frightening and terrifying to criminals......"
Bruce took a deep breath and his eyes deepened.
"It can also give courage to others and act as a weapon of justice."
Hearing this resounding generous words, Alfred just shook his head helplessly and said softly: "Young Master Wayne, before you start this great cause of saving Gotham, can you have a girlfriend and continue the bloodline of the Wayne family." ”
"That way, I'll be reassured."
Bruce: "......"
When he returned, he had become accustomed to the old butler's ubiquitous cold and humorous speaking style.
"By the way, James Gordon, are you familiar with him?"
Bruce touched his chin and automatically skipped the embarrassing topic of having a girlfriend, getting married and having children.
"Impressions."
Alfred, who had walked to the door, stopped and nodded.
"Master Wayne, he once put a coat on you in that alley."
The corners of Bruce's mouth went up, of course he remembered James Gordon and knew the man.
What he wanted to make sure was whether James Gordon had been corrupted and became one of those black cops.
"Mr. Gordon, he's a man of integrity, there's no doubt about that."
Alfred pondered for a moment, then replied.
At least the old butler had never heard anything negative about James Gordon.
Sometimes a person's character is judged not by what he says, but by what he does.
As an old man who has been in the police department for more than ten years, James Gordon is still an ordinary police officer.
And his colleagues have either retired or climbed higher and been promoted.
Sitting on the cold bench for a long time, not being treated well by others, and being placed in the Gotham Police Station, where corruption is rampant, can already explain something from the side.
"I've finally found someone to work with."
Bruce's frown loosened slightly.
He needed a helper, or rather a sounding board to talk to the police station, the town hall.
If James Gordon is as upright as he appears to be and willing to contribute to changing Gotham.
Then, the other party is undoubtedly the most suitable person.
When Alfred was gone, Bruce continued to do his job.
Although the old butler has hinted many times, the board of directors of the Wayne Group is secretly plotting to dilute his stake and prepare to kick himself out.
But Bruce wasn't worried, he was able to handle such a small problem.
The top priority is to find an entry point to fight the gangsters in Gotham.
"Whew, Falcone......"
After finishing the task at hand, Bruce let out a breath.
He decided to rule the city in the open, starting with the most powerful Romans.
As long as the other party is defeated, the other gangs will have to settle down for at least a while.
Of course, they may also become more vicious.
In order to compete for a piece of territory, like a hungry sideburn dog, a new round of scramble and reshuffle.
If that's the case, then it's a great opportunity for yourself to wipe out the gangsters.
After thinking about it, Bruce casually picked up the remote control and turned on the TV.
"Metropolis, Superman, the alien ...... who landed on the Kansas farm"
Twenty minutes later, the sole heir of the Wayne family looked a little solemn.
It was as if he realized a bigger problem, one that was more intractable and troublesome than that of the gangsters.
Superman!
Bruce thought for a long time, then opened the notebook again.
While staring at the TV, there is a heated debate about whether Superman's existence is good or bad;
While silently writing down the other party's name, and marked it as "worthy of vigilance".