Chapter 73: Chapter 73: Central Mall Hero? (Part 3)

Summer frantically walked away with her bag slung over her shoulder, worry written all over her face.

Sylvia called out from behind, running to catch up. "Hey, are you okay?"

"I don't fucking know, okay? I just need to get home," Summer replied in a worried tone, unsure of what she would find once she got there.

"Does that video say if they're okay or if they made it out?" Summer asked Sylvia, who was walking hurriedly beside her while scrolling through the video's comments.

She couldn't find anything useful in the description, and the comments weren't any more helpful. They were a mix of positive, negative, and lateral comments.

Some positive comments said, "Ha, the green thorns fucked around and found out!" and "I don't get why the government refuses to allow civilian intervention in such scenarios. If they did, maybe the guy could've helped more people."

Right under that comment, another user replied, "History has already shown us that civilian intervention in superhuman matters is dangerous and inefficient, and only leads to the deaths of wannabe heroes, or worse, innocent lives."

One more replied, "Pretty sure it's allowed to protect oneself, which is exactly what he did."

The rest of the replies under that comment simply focused on arguing on that topic, so Sylvia moved on to the second comment, which was simply negative, reading, "Big deal. My cousin with laser vision would've wiped them without breaking a sweat. Why is everyone hyping this guy like he's the next Mr. Invincible or something? The guy's probably just gonna work in an ordinary office job. LOL."

The replies under this were even more numerous than the first, with varied opinions. The first one read, "Damn bro, get off your cousin's dick," another read, "LOL zip up when you're done, bro," and another user added, "LOL he says his cousin because he knows he hasn't done anything worth bragging about. That's just sad, bro. But anyway, keep glazing."

The third comment was more neutral and addressed all the negative comments: "Man, I can't believe how many clowns are in this comment section.

If some of you losers bothered to do your research, you would know that according to the police, the guy in the video only has a superhuman evaluation of D, but he still protected his mom with his life from not one, not two, but four green thorns, who, mind you, have superhuman evaluations of C and are armed and dangerous.

Anyone who thinks being a hero is just about powers doesn't know what they're talking about because if it were that easy to become a superhero, the world would be full of them. But it's not because it takes more than power. If you ask me, this guy is more of a hero than most new entries we see in the city these days, who only care about promoting their stupid brands and agencies."

Sylvia continued to scroll through the comments but found nothing of use and simply shook her head towards Summer. "I can't find anything useful. Try calling your aunt. Maybe she knows."

Summer didn't reply instantly but gave a weak nod before proceeding to do as Sylvia suggested. "It's ringing," she muttered in a soft tone.

Unbeknownst to her, back at their house, Amanda's phone was resting on the coffee table in the living room, simply ringing with Amanda nowhere in sight.

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Meanwhile, not far from Central Mall, in a large SUV that was currently cruising down the highway with police escorts on either side, Red Star and Director Graham were listening to the same news regarding Don on the radio.

Red Star, seated to the right with her arms crossed under her bosom, let out a scoff upon hearing the news. "This country's police are very incompetent. Do they not know that by revealing that young man's identity, they're putting him and his family in danger?"

Director Graham, who currently sat with both hands on his cane, let out a sigh and gave a small nod. "It was a leak, Red Star. I don't think it was intentional. These days there are far too many groups that hack into police systems and sell information to news agencies or even criminal organizations. But you're right, it could put him in the crosshairs of some supervillains wanting to make an example.

If that happens, it would make the police look especially incompetent. So don't worry, I'll have something arranged."

Red Star let out another scoff. "I am not worried. I was simply making an observation."

Director Graham showed a smile as she said this. "Well, if you say so."

------

At around the same time, within the Chanel Hills community, Samantha finally pulled up to her driveway and found Amanda anxiously standing by her pickup truck, looking like she too was preparing to leave and go somewhere.

Amanda saw Samantha's SUV pull up, and her eyes seemed to light up as she rushed toward it before it even entered the driveway. Samantha proceeded to park right behind Amanda's pickup before exiting the vehicle.

"Sam!" Amanda rushed immediately to hug her. "I heard what happened. Are you okay? Is Donnie okay? My God, get your ass in here!" Amanda worryingly smothered her sister while peeking into the vehicle to see Don.

Samantha gave her a weak nod. "We're fine, Amanda, all thanks to Donnie, but he nearly--" Samantha couldn't even bring herself to say it, but Amanda, having heard the news and also seen the video, could already guess what she was trying to say, so she simply proceeded to hug her sister tightly.

"It's alright, Sam. It's all over now. How is he? Is it bad?"

Samantha weakly shook her head, her eyes becoming a bit teary. "I don't know. The paramedics claimed that he will be fine with a bit of rest, but he looks like he's in so much pain. He can barely walk right now."

As Samantha was saying this, they could hear another car pulling into the driveway of their neighbor, and she quickly suggested, "Let's get Donnie inside. If people saw the news, then we might attract unwanted attention here."

Amanda agreed, and they both walked over to the passenger side. Once the door was opened, Amanda showed Don a big smile. "There's the hero," she praised in an attempt to lighten what she felt was an otherwise very sour mood.

Don gave her a weak smile and replied, "Hey, Aunt Amanda, I guess you heard the news as well."

"I did. You two had me worried sick. I was about to drive to the mall right now, worried that I might be going to pick up dead bodies. Seriously, what would I even tell Summer, or worse, Ma?"

As Amanda said this, Samantha looked visibly worried. "Good thing she doesn't even know how to operate a phone. Come on, let's get Donnie inside."

Samantha and Amanda proceeded to help Don into the house and up the stairs before Samantha instructed Amanda, "Could you please prepare a bath for him?"

"Sure thing." Amanda broke away and immediately went into the bathroom to do as Samantha said, while Samantha helped Don to his room.

Once inside, Samantha immediately instructed Don, "Hurry and take your clothes off."