Chapter 534: The Complex Situation
The World Reacts to Clone Superman
The scene was chaotic. Everyone was shocked, yet deeply confused.
Superman actually showed up here—what did it mean?
Did he form an alliance with the White House and support the Guard Corps Plan?
Everyone was stunned, staring blankly ahead.
Joel Nash pressed his hands down and said with a serious expression,
"No need to worry. Mr. El is our friend, our closest ally, and the first member of the Guard Corps. He will lead the Guard Corps, becoming Earth's firmest shield, ensuring that Earth civilization will forever thrive and prosper."
The atmosphere instantly ignited.
Reporters frantically surged toward the platform, shoving microphones in front of the clone Superman. Questions burst forth like a chain gun, forcing the guards to step forward to maintain order.
The clone Superman took the microphone and, in front of everyone, expressed his viewpoint. He elaborated from multiple perspectives on the significance of the Guard Corps Plan for Earth and called on all people dedicated to protecting civilization to abandon prejudice and join the Guard Corps to become a part of Earth's defense.
This scene was broadcast live to over a hundred countries around the world.
No one was not shocked, no one was not surprised. Superman, the symbol of justice and truth, had actually formed an alliance with the White House and become the face of the Guard Corps.
High-ranking officials in various countries immediately convened emergency meetings, some even preparing for war.
In contrast to the officials, the public held a different view. They trusted Superman. Since he was doing this, it meant the Guard Corps must genuinely be necessary.
The Heroes Converge
In Gotham City, at Wayne Manor.
Bruce Wayne, having just finished breakfast, sat on the sofa, staring grimly at the television. The clone Superman's speech was being reported in a continuous loop by major media outlets, with commentators interpreting his every word.
Alfred placed a glass of juice on the table, saying pointedly,
"He doesn't seem like the type to participate in such a plan. Perhaps there's more to this."
"No one can be sure, except for himself."
Bruce turned off the TV, changed his clothes, and headed out.
"Master Wayne, where are you going?"
"To build a weapon."
...
At the Washington History Museum, after seeing the news, Diana put down her work and boarded a flight to Metropolis.
At the same time, J'onn J'onzz and Barry Allen were also rushing to Metropolis. They all wanted to know what was going on and why Clark would side with the government.
A few hours later, five superheroes who had previously saved the world gathered at a pre-arranged location. Luke also appeared, accompanied by a lady behind him.
Luke introduced her:
"Lois Lane, Clark's girlfriend. Let her explain what happened next."
Barry asked curiously, "I've seen you on TV. You're the star reporter for the Daily Planet."
"Hello!"
Lois forced a smile and greeted him, then turned her attention to the others: Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, and Linda. They were all famous figures; they had become well-known since the Battle of Metropolis.
If only Clark were here.
Sighing inwardly, Lois composed herself and began to speak.
"There's something I must say on Clark's behalf. He does not support the Guard Corps Plan, nor does he have any intention of cooperating with the White House. The person who appeared at the press conference was not him. It was a clone."
She paused, then under the stunned gaze of everyone present, she recounted the entire sequence of events, including all the suspicions regarding Lex Luthor.
The room was silent.
The heroes' faces were grim. They had never imagined things would turn out this way.
Barry Allen's eyes flickered, and he couldn't help but look at Luke.
"Boss, is what she's saying all true?"
He immediately waved at Lois. "Don't misunderstand, I just need to confirm."
"It's true."
Luke confirmed, his gaze shifting to Martian Manhunter.
"I need your help with something."
"You want me to locate Clark."
Luke nodded. "This situation is very complicated to handle. Clark is the key. Without finding him, it will be very difficult to carry out any further action."
"I will try to track his psychic signature globally."
Telepathy was one of Martian Manhunter's superpowers. If he wished, he could engage in psychic communication with many people simultaneously.
With his help, things would be much simpler.
Barry Allen raised his hand.
"Uh, Boss, I wanted to ask, how many clones did Lex Luthor make?"
"Could he be building an army?"
"If so, our fighting power might be an issue."
Superman's strength was undeniable. In a one-on-one fight, no one present, except for Luke, was guaranteed a victory.
Diana took a shallow breath. "We don't have much time. We must act quickly. Luke, do you have a good plan?"
During the last Battle of Metropolis, the heroes had gained a deep understanding of Luke's strength and intelligence. Had he not desperately held back H'el, the outcome would have been entirely different.
He had proven himself and earned their respect.
The Political Quagmire
"The situation is not as simple as you think."
Luke raised his hand, and the images of Joel Nash and clone Superman's speeches materialized in the air.
"Behind Superman is Lex Luthor. Likewise, behind the President is also Luthor."
Barry Allen looked confused.
"Boss, what do you mean? You don't mean the President is a clone too?"
Luke was silent for a moment before speaking.
"There are some things I must tell you. Joel Nash is my friend, and we maintain a very close partnership. However, as of last night, I lost contact with him."
"I don't know who the person standing on that platform is, but I can say for certain, it is definitely not the President himself."
This news was even more explosive than the last, shocking everyone speechless. Even the usually composed Martian Manhunter gaped, unable to hide his astonishment.
Lois opened her mouth.
"You... you, and him, you... you two..."
"I saved his life, and he needed my power. It was a very simple political partnership."
Lois remained silent. Did he think she was a three-year-old who would believe such nonsense? All political partnerships are built on a foundation of mutual benefit. A businessman and a politician—money and power—a combination that rarely ends well.
Diana also narrowed her eyes, examining Luke with a scrutinizing gaze.
Barry Allen looked left and right, as if he had uncovered a major conspiracy. While shocked, he secretly gave a thumbs-up. A boss is a boss; he even dares to manipulate the President.
Luke observed the subtle changes in their expressions out of the corner of his eye. After confirming their thoughts, he continued,
"I'm telling you this now so you can mentally prepare yourselves. This isn't just a feud between us and Lex Luthor. It involves the White House. If we handle this poorly, we will offend all high-ranking officials and find ourselves standing against the entire nation."
"That outcome is not what I want to see, but it is exactly what Lex Luthor is hoping for."
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