Chapter 440

"I am superman."

This sentence is like a detonated heavy bomb, which directly shocked the journalists and media workers present and temporarily lost their ability to think.

In addition to the camera, as always, he faithfully aimed at the tall and strong figure on the stage.

The others were all with their mouths open and showed a very obvious surprise.

Superman, he's not a masked hero.

No helmet, no eye patch.

Red cloak, capitalized "s" on the chest, and a bunch of elegant little curls

These are the most iconic image features of Superman!

But it's strange that people can't remember Superman's appearance.

Even his photos can cover 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 came to the stage, it didn't cause an uproar. Until the other party admits his identity.

"Superman..."

"He is really Superman!"

"Did Walter hold this press conference to announce Superman's identity?"

“……”

It's like a fryer!

The scene suddenly became noisy!

The revived reporters whispered.

Click! Click!

The flash is constantly pressed and becomes the focus, which makes Superman on the stage feel a little uncomfortable.

He turned to look at Luke next to him, who gave 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, and I grew up on a farm in Kansas..."

This amazing speech, which was enough to shake the world, was broadcast to every household in the metropolis with the lens of the camera, and then to other cities.

An hour later, the North American continent and even the whole world knew the explosive news.

About who Superman is, the topic that once aroused heated public discussion has finally been answered.

He came from a civilized race outside the earth and landed in a small town in Kansas because of the fragmentation and destruction of his home.

He was adopted by a kind couple and named "Clark Kent".

He

"Why did Superman announce his identity at the press conference held by water company?"

This is a question published in a newspaper.

"Do they have a close relationship between the young rich and Superman?"

This is a boring melon eating crowd.

"An alien lives among us, my God! This is not good news... He may bring an army! Occupy every country and every city on the earth!"

This is the worry of science fiction film lovers.

"The tomorrow's son of metropolis is actually a rural farmer in Kansas? I don't believe it! Superman must be a resident of metropolis. Maybe he lives next door to me!"

This is regional discrimination + Metropolitan locals.

"What should we think of Superman? He comes from an alien, grew up on earth and is extremely powerful. Will the laws against human beings be effective for him?"

This is a discussion among scholars.

In short, 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 complex.

"Cousin, is this really right?"

Clark looked down at Walter's office.

After seeing the fierce reaction of the news media and the public, he doubted whether his act of announcing his identity was correct.

Public opinion, like a surging tide, rushed towards him, making people feel suffocated.

Clark will not fear those ferocious bandits and criminals, danger and disaster.

But what can he do when he is criticized, excluded and attacked?

Waving fists at innocent people?

Or burn them all with hot eyes?

Superman's powerful power has no effect in front of ordinary people.

The gap between the strong and the weak seems to be reversed.

"Clark, first of all, you have to understand what you really think."

Luke just hung up a phone call from the White House and said calmly, "what kind of life do you like to live? Do you deal with criminal organizations in schools and metropolitan areas every day? Or do you come to the stage as a symbol and have the courage to accept everyone's questions and public opinion pressure?"

"The former is easy to confuse normal life with superhero status, because in reality, you are just the son of an inexperienced Kansas farmer and a high school student in the countryside."

"But every night, when you wear a superman uniform, you become an omnipotent and respected superhero."

"The strong contrast will bring psychological changes. Maybe one day you will gradually get tired of the name Clark Kent and only like the days when you exist as a Superman - it's human nature to be eager for recognition and attention."

"Or conversely, you no longer want to be busy saving others and the world, but 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... Saiya people are the same."

"If you are preparing for the exam at school, and then there is a fire in metropolis, what should you do?"

"Save people! There is no doubt that you will do so. Then? You failed in the exam and failed in the final exam. The teacher gave you a minimum score... This is the blow and pressure from real life. It seems to be just a small thing, but it makes you fall into endless troubles and erodes your passion and love for life."

"Clark, you need to understand one thing. Superheroes are not work, they are obligations. They are a mission given by a sense of responsibility. At the same time, they still can't see a return on their long-term investment."

"It's hard for you to be the perfect Superman in metropolis while doing a good job of Clark Kent."

Luke tapped his fingers on the table, paused, and then looked at his little cousin who was a little confused.

Open identity, of course, will cause a lot of trouble.

For example, villains may threaten their families and pass the risk on to their friends.

But at the same time, it can also bring some benefits.

The first is legitimacy. We should cooperate openly with the federal government and no longer have to bear the gray label of "masked vigilantes".

Second, change is what Luke is happy to see, as long as everything is under control.

He did not change Superman's intention, but hoped that his little cousin could see the essence of the world in advance and not just immerse himself in the beautiful surface of superheroes.

This is the DC Universe. It reveals thick darkness from beginning to end.

Superman has encountered the malice of fate many times in different time and space and different universes.

Deceived by the clown, she killed Louise Ryan and her baby, and then established an authoritarian regime.

Kill Lex Luther with hot sight, rule the earth and become a Hitler like existence.

——In too many stories, Superman faces tragedy and becomes the most terrible person in the world.

"Don't worry about the government or other problems."

Luke snapped his fingers and turned the corners of his mouth.

"I hired a professional agent for you. He is very good at dealing with all aspects of public opinion pressure and crisis public relations."

The door of the office 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 of black kryptonite, Lex should still be locked up in the bedroom of the house and not allowed to go out.

"I've recovered, not long ago."

Lex showed a bright smile on his face, pointed to Clark and said, "I didn't expect you to be the metropolis star who appears in the newspaper every day."

"It's amazing that my best friend and the guy I hate most are the same person."

He drew a chair and sat opposite Luke.

The negative personality created by black kryptonite seems to have disappeared, and lex Luther returns to his previous sunny personality.

When he speaks, he always smiles at the corners of his mouth and acts cheerful and lively.

"Well, I don't want to keep it a secret, but..."

Clark scratched his head and hid something from his friend, which made him somewhat sorry.

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 the greatest superhero in the world."

……

……

Gotham.

Wayne manor.

Sitting on the carpet, Bruce Wayne was busy cutting out the old newspapers he had recently collected.

He needs to know more about the city, and more about some people in the city.

"Falcone the Roman..."

"Oswald the Penguin..."

"Sal Maroni..."

Every time Bruce says a name, he makes an obvious mark on the notebook on the right.

Like a young hunter, he slowly and patiently determines his prey.

These people are gangsters with names in Gotham underground world.

Some of them have ruled Gotham for more than ten years.

Some are among the upper class and run profiteering businesses.

Some have numerous minions and control the port and lower urban areas.

"Master Wayne, you should go out and bask in the sun more than shut yourself in your room and think about these seemingly dangerous things."

Alfred, the housekeeper, came in with a big breakfast and pushed the door.

With a helpless look on his face, after returning from Nepal, master Wayne didn't wear ragged clothes and dress up as a street tramp and ran to the slums of Gotham.

Is to look through old newspapers and collect information.

There is no plan to take over the family business of Wayne group and revitalize the family honor.

When Alfred was young, he was an agent of MI5.

Later, by chance, he became the housekeeper of the Wayne family.

This seemingly ordinary old man is actually proficient in all kinds of fighting skills, healing injuries, and even computer hacker technology.

Therefore, Alfred still has the unknown name of "housekeeper".

With his knowledge of Bruce and the details he has observed recently, it is not difficult to guess what the other party wants to do.

Fight gangs, or punish evil and promote good?

In the view of the old housekeeper, this is obviously not a rational behavior.

"Gotham was no different from me before I left. He was still guilty, drunk and... So boring."

Bruce shook his head, bit a piece of bread and said, "so I have no interest in participating in it. I just have to change my mind."

Bruce did not hide anything from his father and his own old housekeeper.

If Batman in the future is honest enough to anyone, he doesn't have much psychological defense.

That man will only be Alfred.

"It's not easy, master Wayne."

The old housekeeper pursed his lips and seemed unhappy. He joked: "if you really want to change Gotham, why not run for mayor and make the city great again?"

"Because becoming mayor can't completely eradicate those criminals."

Bruce shook his head. He knew Gotham's power structure.

From top to bottom, corruption is rife.

The city hall is the umbrella of the gangs, and there are few honest and serious policemen in the police station.

Basically, everyone has received black money or protected himself, turning a blind eye to it.

Those good people who insist on themselves and are not polluted are either excluded and treated coldly;

Or be suppressed, the end is worrying.

"Even if I became mayor, it wouldn't help."

Bruce said in a deep voice, staring at the cut old newspapers.

"Because no matter what I want to do, the following police, prosecutors and even judges... They have formed a complete chain of interests. They will shield each other and connive at the breeding of crime."

Alfred was silent. To sum up master Wayne's words, it was probably that "politics can't save Gotham".

"How can we save Gotham?"

When Bruce finished his breakfast, the old housekeeper standing aside put away the tableware.

"Become some kind of symbol... Break away from the outside of human flesh and blood and become the embodiment of spirit! It can make people fear and frighten criminals..."

Bruce took a deep breath and his eyes became deep.

"It can also give others courage and serve as a weapon of justice."

Alfred just shook his head helplessly and whispered, "master Wayne, before you start this great cause of saving Gotham, can you make a girlfriend and continue the blood of the Wayne family."

"In that case, I can rest assured."

Bruce: "

After coming back, he was used to the cold and humorous speaking style of the old housekeeper.

"By the way, James Gordon, are you familiar with him?"

Bruce touched his chin and automatically skipped the embarrassing topic of making girlfriends, getting married and having children.

"Impressed."

Alfred stopped at the door and nodded.

"Master Wayne, he once put a coat on you in that alley."

Bruce's mouth rose. Of course he remembered James Gordon and knew this man.

What he wants to make sure is whether James Gordon has been corrupted and become one of those black policemen.

"Mr. Gordon, there is no doubt that he is an honest man."

Alfred paused for a moment and gave an answer.

At least the old housekeeper has never heard of any negative news 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 station for more than ten years, James Gordon is still an ordinary police officer.

His colleagues either retired or climbed higher.

Sitting on the bench for a long time and being unpopular with others, the Gotham police station, where corruption is rife, has been able to explain some things from the side.

"Finally found an object to cooperate with."

Bruce's frown loosened slightly.

He needs a helper, or a microphone to talk to the police station and the city hall.

If James Gordon is as honest as he shows and is willing to make a contribution to changing Gotham.

Then, the other party is undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.

When Alfred left, Bruce went on with his work.

Although the old housekeeper has hinted many times, the board of Wayne group is secretly planning to dilute his shares and prepare to kick himself out.

But Bruce was not worried. He could deal with such a small problem.

The top priority is to find a cut-off point to crack down on Gotham's gangs.

"Hoo, Falcone..."

Bruce breathed out when he finished what he was doing.

He decided to rule the city in the open, and the most powerful Romans began to do it.

As long as the other party is knocked out, the other gangs should be at least safe for a period of time.

Of course, they may also become more vicious.

In order to compete for a piece of territory, like a hungry sideburns dog, they launched a new round of fighting and shuffling.

If that's the case, it's like creating a great opportunity for yourself to catch all the gangs.

After careful consideration, Bruce picked up the remote control and turned on the TV.

"Metropolis, Superman, aliens landing on a Kansas farm..."

Twenty minutes later, the only heir to the Wayne family looked dignified.

He seemed to be aware of a bigger problem, a more difficult and troublesome problem than the gangs.

Superman!

Bruce thought for a long time and then opened his notebook again.

While watching the TV, there was a heated debate about whether Superman is good or bad;

While writing down each other's name silently, he marked it "worthy of vigilance".