American comic book: My Father is Superman, am I just an NPC?

Chapter 268 Ian's daughter? I suppose so.

As the Kryptonite was consumed, the green radiation enveloping Superman vanished instantly.

"what is that!"

Clark felt his strength rapidly returning to his body. He took a deep breath, stood up again, and looked at the strange tapeworm with suspicion and uncertainty.

Now, perhaps it should be called humanoid life. Watching the light gradually coalesce and reveal a slender human shape, the superheroes, who had just experienced a series of magical events such as the shattering of the moon, the fall of an evil god, and tapeworms devouring rocks, once again experienced a brief mental freeze.

"This...this..." The Flash, Barry Allen, pointed at the light, his mouth opening and closing several times before he could gather his words, "A worm...turned into a human?!"

No wonder his voice was trembling.

After all, The Flash had read a few more books and knew very well that this completely violated Darwin's theory of evolution!

A worm turned into a woman before his eyes. Darwin's coffin lid is probably going to be blown off today, and then he himself will jump out and rewrite "On the Origin of Species"!

Barry Allen felt his knowledge of biology being repeatedly rubbed into the ground tonight.

"I knew it wasn't over yet!"

Batman, Bruce Wayne, instantly went into high alert, his muscles tense, his brow furrowed beneath his mask. He couldn't sense the good or evil within the light, but the sheer magnitude of the energy and its unknown form represented extreme danger. He warned in a low voice.

"Be careful! The energy reaction is very strong, and the purpose is unclear." The instruments he had developed based on superhuman strength were already off the charts, making it impossible to determine just how strong the figure in the light was.

Wonder Woman Diana appeared much calmer than the other two. She carefully sensed the aura within the light and suggested a possibility: "Perhaps... this is the way the 'God of Speed' was reborn? Although, from... uh, male form to female, it sounds a bit unbelievable."

"Incredible?" Barry couldn't help but exclaim. "This isn't just incredible, it's mind-blowing!"

Superman nodded.

In this regard.

Diana shook her head and said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Oh? Gender? That's nothing more than a fragile shackle that binds mortal life. If you don't believe me, you can ask Zeus." As Zeus's daughter, she obviously had a lot to say on this matter.

"According to the stories we have passed down, and my own understanding of divinity, when he wants to fall in love with a handsome young man, he can transform into a valiant man; when he wants to pursue a beautiful woman, he will become a petite young girl. For higher beings, gender may simply be an external form that can be changed at will."

It must be said that such a statement coming from the mouth of Zeus's daughter is truly convincing. Her explanation left Barry and Bruce speechless. After all, the Greek mythology that has been passed down is already chaotic and subversive enough, and Diana, as a second-generation god, can be considered to have certified the absurdity of the myths and legends.

His statements carry inherent authority.

"Is that so?"

The young Superman was deeply shocked.

Diana nodded, and based on her understanding, continued to try to speculate on what was happening: "Many higher life forms possess the ability to be reborn from fire and transform. This may be a characteristic of the race to which the God of Speed ​​belongs, to be reborn in another form after being near death or dying."

Her words made sense.

however.

I thought about it carefully.

Superman Clark Kent, however, has a different opinion.

He recalled his "close encounter" and observations with Ian in space, hesitated for a moment, and said, "I think... your name is Diana, right? You might be wrong. That boy... although I don't know much about him, but... he probably wouldn't choose to be reborn in this form."

Superman, fearing accusations of sexism, didn't say it directly, but everyone present understood his subtext: he felt Ian wouldn't choose to be reborn as a woman.

There's a reason Superman would think that way.

After all, how could someone who never forgets to protect his lower body during a fierce battle and who values ​​his "little brother" so much easily give up his important male characteristics and choose to become a woman?

"So tell me, what's going on here?" Diana threw the question back at Superman.

“I think… this might be another way for his race to continue its life? Not by changing its own form, but by using its remaining life essence and energy after death to give birth to a completely new and independent next generation?” This conjecture is also based on the assumption of diversity in higher life forms.

Superman, combining Diana's speculations about "rebirth" with his own observations of certain characteristics that Ian's race might possess, shared his own views.

Diana and Batman both wore thoughtful expressions.

Only Barry the Flash looked incredulous. As the fastest man, he had a deeper connection and understanding of the Speed ​​Force, and he retorted incredulously.

"Wait! You mean... the source of our speedster power, the Speed ​​Force itself, or rather, one of its ancient rulers, was originally... a kind of insect?!"

This completely overturned his beliefs.

Superman was taken aback by the question and awkwardly touched his nose.

"Uh... no one has stipulated that a more advanced and ancient life form cannot be... insect-shaped, right?" He himself felt that this statement was a bit absurd.

Diana agreed with Superman, explaining to the Flash, "Those can't be considered ordinary bugs. I can sense that they contain unimaginable power, seemingly originating from the very beginning of the universe. They're more like... a manifestation of some kind of cosmic law, only they happen to take the form of what we perceive as 'bugs'."

Her explanation attempts to elevate it to the level of philosophy and cosmology.

But the Flash still had a long face and muttered to himself, "So in the end... isn't it still a bug? The cosmic giant bug... it's still a bug..."

This is a very reasonable perspective—to set aside metaphysics and look at the essence of things.

A subtle silence fell over the scene. Just then, the light enveloping the new life gradually dimmed, clearly revealing the figure within.

It was a breathtakingly beautiful existence, as if combining the brilliance of a nebula with the mystery of a black hole. The girl's appearance surpassed the limits of human imagination. Her long hair flowed like moonlight, her skin was fair and translucent, and her eyes were a deep purple, like vortexes containing the entire universe.

of course.

The transformed girl did not appear in the street. The moment her transformation was complete, a well-fitting purple outfit with futuristic and mystical symbols naturally appeared, covering her slender figure. A wide-brimmed hat of the same style was elegantly tilted on her head, adding a touch of mystery and playfulness to her.

"This kind of behavior—using a beautiful body to bewitch and lower others' guard—is common to many highly poisonous creatures. It doesn't seem like the kind of wonderful thing that you should let your guard down." Batman felt an unprecedented sense of oppression wash over him, far exceeding any enemy he had ever faced.

He immediately whispered to Superman, "Be prepared, she's very dangerous."

That's why Batman's reputation has remained consistent from his early years to his later years; his paranoia and persecution complex may be something he was born with.

"At times like these, you only intermittently realize that the Earth needs me?" Superman scoffed at Batman's words, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Batman didn't respond to that, but simply said in a deep voice, "Don't start fighting among yourselves."

His gaze was fixed on the newborn girl. The girl slowly opened her eyes, her purple pupils filled with the clarity and bewilderment of an infant. She looked around, finally fixing her gaze on the group of people who stood ready, and asked softly in an ethereal yet confused tone.

"who am I?"

What a classic scene.

Of course, it could be called melodramatic, but it's quite reasonable for similar situations to occur in universes like DC and Marvel, since such scenes are one of their main themes.

"Ok?"

Seeing the girl's blank and ignorant eyes, Batman immediately thought of several solutions, including using information asymmetry to guide and control her.

However, before he could speak, Superman Clark spoke first.

Superman pointed to Ian's lifeless "corpse" at the bottom of the pit, dressed in a black Kryptonian suit, and spoke to the girl in the gentlest and most solemn tone possible.

“You are the continuation of his life, his descendant.” He decided to go along with his earlier guess and make use of it. “Your father was a great warrior. In order to protect this planet and countless innocent lives, he fought against an extremely powerful evil being and ultimately sacrificed himself heroically.”

Who says Superman only tells the truth? Just look at Ian, whom he raised. How could Superman only tell the truth?

Sure enough, Clark quickly embellished Ian's image, shaping him into a hero who fought to protect others, attempting to use this "great fatherly love" and spirit of sacrifice to set a positive example for this newborn girl, who was like a blank sheet of paper, and guide her toward kindness.

Although he himself has never been a father, he has wonderful parents and knows that parents’ behavior and image have a crucial influence on their children’s values.

"Is my father... dead?"

Following the direction Superman pointed, the girl saw Ian's "corpse." A flicker of emotion flashed in her purple eyes, and her mind seemed to be filled with fragmented images and emotions, a mixture of screams and despair.

That might be a memory from her past.

but.

However, it is not the memory of the beast that devours time at the end of time.

“Father…I do have a father.”

The girl's expression gradually turned sad. Although her memory was hazy, the connection stemming from "blood ties" and the tragic grandeur conveyed in Superman's words made her choose to believe.

So, though her memory was fragmented, common sense remained. She said softly but firmly, "I want to take my father's body away and bury him in the most beautiful and peaceful place in the world."

This is an undeniable vision.

“You can’t do that,” Batman immediately objected, his tone firm. “His body contains unimaginable power and unknowns. Once the news leaks out, countless ambitious individuals and organizations will pounce like sharks smelling blood, trying to excavate and study his body.”

"That will have unpredictable and catastrophic consequences!" Batman warned sternly, as he was currently struggling with similar thoughts arising from his corrupted mind.

"How she handles her father's remains is her right! Bruce, the law does not give you the right to make decisions for others!"

Superman and Batman contradicted each other; he actually sided with the girl.

The girl listened to their argument, her gaze shifting between Superman and Batman. She sensed a familiar and reassuring aura emanating from Superman.

Batman, on the other hand, was full of vigilance, calculation, and a coldness that made her uncomfortable.

I sensed that emotion.

The girl had formed a basic judgment in her mind.

She looked at Superman and whispered, "You're a good person..."

After giving out the "nice guy" cards.

Then, the girl looked at Batman, her eyes turning hostile.

"And you, you're different from him. You... want to stop me from burying my father? You're one of those who want to study his body, aren't you?"

The girl clearly has the ability to read minds.

It's just that it's newly created, and its application isn't yet fully mastered. Batman felt a chill run down his spine, but remained outwardly calm: "My purpose is to prevent a greater catastrophe."

"You're lying." The girl's voice suddenly turned icy, her purple eyes seeming to see right through people. The next moment, her figure vanished like a ghost.

When he reappeared, he was already in front of Batman!

A slender, pale hand, yet possessing terrifying power, gripped Batman's throat with pincers, lifting him off the ground!
"This person is too fast!"

Superman instinctively wanted to rush forward to help, but he forcibly restrained himself as soon as he took a step. He stood there, watching with a complicated expression as Batman struggled futilely in the girl's hands. Various batarangs, stun guns, and miniature bombs landed on the girl, but they couldn't even damage the hem of her clothes, as if they had vanished into thin air.

"Aren't you going to save him, Superman?" Diana was quite surprised by Superman's almost ungrateful behavior.

Superman looked at Batman's disheveled appearance and responded calmly.

"It's not yet time."

He wasn't a complete saint; the torture he suffered at Batman's hands with Kryptonite and the "original sin of power" remarks had left him with a pent-up anger.

At this moment, he was happy to see this dark-skinned man, who always thought he was in control of everything, suffer a bit.

"Damn alien monster!"

Batman knew he couldn't count on Superman, so he gritted his teeth, used his last bit of strength, pulled a vial of green serum from his belt, and plunged it into his neck!

This is the first generation of superhuman serum he secretly developed after purchasing Kryptonian corpse samples on the black market. It is an enhancer that can greatly improve physical strength and recovery ability in a short period of time.

However, the side effects are unknown, so it's a last resort for survival.

"Zizzizi~"

As the serum was injected, Batman's muscles instantly bulged, veins popped, and his strength surged! He roared, trying to break free from the girl's grip!
Are you struggling?

However, the girl merely raised an eyebrow slightly, and the force she applied increased accordingly—Batman's strength, enough to capsize an aircraft carrier, was still as powerless as an infant in front of her.

“She’s too strong,” Diana commented solemnly. She explained why Batman couldn’t escape despite using all his skills, because the girl’s strength was beyond human comprehension.

even.

It might be even more powerful than Ares.

"This guy deserves it. He talks about stopping crime, but he's the biggest criminal himself." Seeing that Batman's face had turned a horrifying liver color from lack of oxygen, his eyes were rolling back, and his struggles were getting weaker and weaker, Superman knew he couldn't wait any longer.

He took a deep breath, preparing to intervene.

However, just as Superman was about to act, Batman seemed to have made up his mind—how should I put it, he had his own pride and dignity.

Therefore, they would rather survive in another way than be saved by Superman.

"You...cannot...kill me!"

Batman used his last bit of strength to squeeze out these difficult words from his throat.

"why?"

The girl tilted her head, her eyes filled with pure curiosity, without the slightest reverence or hesitation at the prospect of taking a life.

“Because…” Batman stared intently into the girl’s clear yet indifferent purple eyes, and with his last ounce of strength, he uttered a shocking lie.

“Because… my name is Bruce Wayne… and your father… his name is Ian Wayne!” In desperation, he tried to appease the other party with a fabricated “blood relationship.”

Fortunately, Batman had already met with Ian before coming here and knew Ian's future identity. In his opinion, this was at least better than being saved by Superman, thus preserving his precarious dignity.

"Ok?"

The girl was clearly stunned.

Her grip on Batman's throat loosened slightly, her purple eyes filled with confusion as she seemed to be processing this sudden information.

It's also possible that they're thinking about the relationship between these two similar names.

"..." Superman, who was about to rush forward, suddenly stopped in his tracks, his face displaying a variety of expressions, a mixture of shock, speechlessness, and a hint of absurd astonishment.

He never expected that Batman, who was always portrayed as ruthless, cold-blooded, and unyielding, would be so "clever" as to recognize his relatives on the spot in order to save his own life!
Superman certainly knows Batman is lying.

"What? Is that really how it is?"

Only Diana, who was naturally a bit slow to react, might have believed it to be true; she didn't even understand the guilty heartbeat of the "Emperor Engine" in Batman's chest.

"If that's the case, what's the relationship between Bruce and that boy? Brothers? Uncle and nephew? -- No, God! The Wayne family is a cosmic insectoid race!!!"

The female warrior seemed to be genuinely considering the possibility. Meanwhile, Barry the Flash was completely stunned; he also knew Ian's identity, so he blurted out the answer instinctively.

"No! This guy shouldn't be called Ian Ken..."

The Flash's words came to an abrupt halt. A completely transparent hand, seemingly made of the purest crystal, unexpectedly rose from the ground in front of him, precisely and swiftly covering his mouth, effectively silencing the word "Flash"!
Amidst the astonished gazes of the crowd, a transparent figure, whose outline could be vaguely discerned as that of a boy, emerged completely from the ground in a somewhat flustered manner.

"Shh!"

When Ian Ghost returned from Hell to Earth, the first thing he did was to make a "shush" gesture to the Flash, whose mouth was covered and whose eyes were wide open.

(End of this chapter)