"A native of the motherland?"
Clark was stunned for a moment, feeling a little strange.
"Why is it called this?"
Luke tried hard to hold back his smile, as if he was thinking of Superman wearing the American flag and showing his trademark fake smile to the media.
"Using titles like 'Motherland' can lower the government's vigilance. They will want to turn you into... a propaganda tool, such as promoting national debt, making movies, etc., and they will also be more accepting of your existence."
Hearing what his eldest cousin said, Clark shook his head repeatedly.
He doesn't like being the center of attention, especially being pushed onto the stage.
That doesn't fit with the Kent family's educational philosophy.
The idea of debuting as an idol was not a natural fit for Clark.
"Okay, I'm just saying casually."
Luke smiled and returned to the topic.
If you allow the plot to develop, move forward according to the trajectory that has already been drawn.
Then his arrival is meaningless and a waste of time.
So for Luke, he is more happy to see changes.
Good or bad.
The emergence of Superman means the beginning of a new era of superheroes.
He will come into contact with more key people, and his connection with this universe will become deeper and deeper.
Dr. Manhattan can no longer erase his own existence like deleting files.
"I hope Jonathan doesn't blame me for sending you down an unknown path, Clark."
Luke rubbed his little cousin's little curly hair. This opportunity came very cleverly, neither too early nor too late.
"This is my own choice, cousin."
Clark's eyes were firm. He had long been fed up with all the troubles caused by swallowing his anger and hiding his abilities.
If, as Luke said, he could stand up bravely and show his good intentions.
Maybe everything will get better.
"Then it's decided."
Luke crushed the can in his hand and threw it accurately into the trash can far away.
The latter followed the same example, but unfortunately fell a little short.
The Coke can hit the edge and bounced off with a "crash" sound.
"Learn to control your own power."
Luke said so.
The little cousin nodded when he faced the gangsters.
Like before, I couldn't control the strength of my fists at all.
According to the news received by the eldest cousin, the lives of the two unlucky guys were not in danger.
At most, it was just a severe concussion**, plus extensive contusions and broken bones.
This is set in Gotham, where the bank robbers are caught by Batman.
At least two digits of bones were broken, and he was frightened half to death.
Next, Luke chatted for a while and left the hospital.
Clark needs to have a frank talk with his adoptive father, Jonathan, who is responsible for formulating plans for Superman's debut.
Regarding public opinion, the first show, and various public relations... it is not an easy problem to solve.
Maybe it would be better if it were replaced by the Marvel Universe.
With his official status, his powerful position, and the influence of many auras, no one can stand in front of him.
"Don't worry about your debut? There are so many mutants in the town who have been exposed to kryptonite radiation for a long time? They are excellent opponents."
Luke sat in the car, like an entertainment company agent, thinking carefully about how to package his little cousin and create a good image.
…
…
The news that the Kent children had extraordinary powers quickly spread throughout the town.
From the beginning, it was rumored that Clark took down two armed gangsters.
In less than half a day, they had defeated groups of violent elements.
He took a shotgun blast, which gradually evolved into being shot by a Gatling gun.
Such exaggerated manpower and firepower? People who didn’t know it thought the town had been attacked by a terrorist attack!
Jonathan and Martha felt very distressed when they returned home. Friends who usually went to church together, and close neighbors... They asked about Clark when they had nothing to do.
The police from the town also came several times because the surveillance cameras malfunctioned for some reason, and they couldn't prove anything unusual about the high school student.
Suddenly, the peaceful life was broken.
Even when Clark was in school, people around him were quietly talking and secretly observing.
The look in their eyes was strange, he could feel it.
Everything is going as the big cousin expected? It is changing in a bad direction.
Clark heard his parents mention moving late at night.
Frankly speaking? He felt aggrieved for no reason.
You have obviously done good things? Why should you be treated like this
Clark, who felt dissatisfied in his heart, finally understood what it felt like to hear the criticism, rumors and slander his eldest cousin said.
He believes that only people with extremely strong hearts and extremely determined will can bear this pain and become a symbol of what his father said.
The torturous life lasted for a week, and the situation finally improved.
The public's attention was attracted by superheroes, and a guy named "Superman" appeared in Metropolis.
The red cloak, the strong body, the ability to fly and escape... instantly detonated the news media.
"Is that a bird? That's a plane? That's—Superman!"
The Daily Planet was the first to quote this sentence and publish it on its front page.
Everyone is discussing who Superman is, where he comes from, how he lifts a runaway truck and rescues a crashed plane...
"Superman?"
Clark scratched his head. He always felt that the other person's image was very similar to the first time he met his eldest cousin.
But thanks to the emergence of Superman, no one in the town paid much attention to the old news about high school students stopping bank robbers.
Gossip news passed down by word of mouth gradually loses credibility as time goes by.
After all, amidst the increasingly exaggerated rumors, Clark became a powerful figure who could stand alone against an army and was not afraid of rocket launchers and howitzers.
So from the initial belief, to the later doubt, and then to ridicule.
As for the "Kent's Wonderful Child", this story comes to an end.
"So, cousin, you are the 'Superman'."
Clark said in surprise when he saw the familiar uniform.
He had vague guesses before, but he couldn't be sure.
Until I came to Luke's house early to receive daily training.
"No, we are all 'supermen'."
Luke corrected.
He didn't mean to hide it. If he didn't want to restore peace to his little cousin's life, he wouldn't go to Metropolis to play a superhero role.
"I'm only here temporarily, and I'll have to rely on you from now on, Clark."
Luke exchanged a set of Superman suits for his little cousin from the props store. The more common one, with a red cape and a capital "S" on the chest.
In fact, he had considered using the classic outfit of red pants.
However, I really can't get over the hurdle in my heart.
After all, before Clark put it on, Luke had to go around saving people and fighting crime in this thing.
What a shame!
"rely on me?"
Clark looked at the special, simple and elegant Superman uniform, a little hesitant.
"Welcome to the Superman family, little cousin."
Luke smiled slightly, as the saying goes, do as the Romans do, the superheroes on this set have formed a family system.
For example, Gotham's Bat Family is composed of Batman himself plus several generations of Robins, as well as several generations of Batgirls.
The Superman family, then, there's Clark and Kara, and then like generations of Superboys, and that Kryptonian dog.
The Flash family is even bigger, and they can form a speedster team.
"From now on, you are a Superman reserve, a superhero intern in Metropolis." (End of Chapter)