Chapter 3
The Star City Daily made no mention of any new superheroes. Some articles continued to cover Wonder Woman's recent appearance, while others focused on the many problems plaguing Star City's busy West Coast ports, harshly criticizing the local government's incompetence.
"Green Lantern still hasn't shown up?" Alex's eyes flickered with interest.
If Hal Jordan had already become Green Lantern, with his flashy personality and the media's constant coverage, the news would have been all over the front pages. Since there was no mention of him in the Star City Daily, it likely meant the current Hal had not yet received the Green Lantern ring.
Alex carefully recalled the timeline from his memories.
In reality, Green Lantern and The Flash didn't appear too far apart in time. Both emerged much later than Batman.
Batman had already been active for seven years.
Superman had appeared three years ago.
And just a few days ago, Wonder Woman — Diana Prince — had emerged from Paradise Island, revealing herself to the world.
More and more superheroes from Alex's memories were gradually appearing.
In Central City, where Alex currently lived, The Flash had not yet made his debut.
He was almost certain that both Green Lantern and The Flash would appear within the next two to three years.
When that time came, the world would enter an era where superheroes clashed with supervillains. It would also mark the beginning of Earth facing increasingly frequent disasters and crises — some of which could even threaten the entire planet, or worse, the universe. No one could predict where things would lead.
Of course, superheroes had existed long before the current century. During World War I, there had already been the Justice Society of America, with legendary figures like Doctor Fate, Hourman, Doctor Midnight, Starman, and The Sandman. Many of these ancient heroes had left behind successors.
Alex had once researched history and found traces of them through old records. For example, the Star-Spangled Kid, who was active in Blue Valley, had inherited equipment from her stepfather, the original Starman.
Alex glanced at the Blue Valley newspaper and set it aside.
Beside him, Aunt Mary continued her endless stream of advice, worrying about how Alex would get along with others at the police station and fretting that he might get hurt on the job.
Although they shared no blood relation, after more than ten years together, she had long treated him like her own son.
"Alex will be careful," Bert said, glancing at his wife.
Aunt Mary immediately stopped talking, knowing it was time for her husband to speak with Alex.
Bert's face showed the weathered, sturdy look of a lifelong police officer. Thanks to years on the force, he was still more robust than most middle-aged men. Three deep lines creased his forehead, and his blue eyes carried the depth and wisdom of the sea.
"Alex, I'm truly grateful that you accepted my suggestion and agreed to join the Central City Police Department."
Bert put down his knife and fork and spoke sincerely.
After raising Alex for over a decade, he knew very well that his son had no real interest in becoming a police officer. Alex craved freedom and hated being tied down by rules and regulations.
"Bert, Dad, you're overpraising me," Alex replied with a smile as he set down the New York Daily. "In this difficult time, being able to help you even a little is nothing compared to the thirteen years you've spent raising me."
He didn't particularly want to join the CCPD, but for Bert — the man who had raised him — he didn't mind lending his strength to the department.
"Good. You're an outstanding young man, Alex."
Bert's expression softened. He smiled and nodded, clearly satisfied with the education he had given Alex over the years.
Alex had never once disappointed him.
Once everyone had finished eating, Aunt Mary stacked the plates, cutlery, and dishes and carried them into the kitchen to wash. As she walked away, she overheard the conversation between Alex and Bert. Her steps became noticeably lighter, filled with pride in both her husband and her son.
After Mary entered the kitchen, Bert's expression turned serious. His deep blue eyes grew solemn as he lowered his voice:
"Do what you need to do, Alex. With your abilities, those annoying little rats pose no threat to you."
"Bert, are there really people in the Central City Police Department who are unhappy with me?" Alex asked, half-joking. "I thought getting in through your connections would be smooth sailing."
"There are just a few young hotheads who are dissatisfied. They don't have the ability, so they bark loudly."
"Jealousy exists everywhere. Besides, even in the CCPD, the few times you helped me catch criminals, your performance was far too outstanding."
"When the chief mentioned forming a special team to handle metahuman crimes that regular officers couldn't deal with, his first thought was you. The special privileges that come with the position made many people green with envy."
"You should keep an eye on Al Swan in particular. He's very resentful and believes you stole his spot."
Bert leaned forward, both hands on the table, and spoke in a low, serious tone.
"Don't worry, Bert…" Alex nodded. He had already decided — the moment he started the job, he would deal with this jealous Al Swan once and for all, cleanly and without future trouble.
However, before he could finish speaking, Bert interrupted him sternly.
"Alex, do me a favor — don't break his limbs or cripple him. He's just a kid!"
"Just focus on dealing with that new criminal who's been causing trouble lately. That's your actual job."
Bert's deep blue eyes carried a helpless warning as he stared at Alex, silently reminding him: This isn't dealing with gangsters or villains. Don't go disabling people inside the police station.
After watching Alex's brutal training progress over the past few years, Bert knew exactly how terrifying his son's combat ability had become. He also knew Alex's ruthless style when dealing with enemies. His boy was not someone who tolerated disrespect easily.
He felt it was necessary to give this reminder — after all, the other person was still a police officer.
Alex's expression froze. He hadn't expected Bert to ask him to show mercy.
Bert, you've changed… he thought with dissatisfaction. Before, when I dealt with gangsters and drug smugglers, you always told me to finish them off so they wouldn't harm Central City anymore.
Feeling somewhat wronged, Alex asked, "Bert, in your eyes, am I really just a violent brute?"
Bert remained silent for a moment, his deep blue eyes fixed on Alex.
"Don't worry," Alex finally sighed in resignation. "I'll 'get along' with him nicely."
As long as Al Swan didn't provoke him first, he would leave the man alone.
At that moment, the doorbell rang — ding-dong, ding-dong.
Aunt Mary came out from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron, and went to open the door.
Alex heard her surprised, delighted voice:
"Barry! What brings you here today?"
The relaxed expression on Alex's face instantly vanished, replaced by a blank, emotionless look.
At the same time, the cold electronic voice rang out once again in his mind:
"Binding task issued: Become friends with The Flash. Time limit: 24 hours."
"Completion reward: Super System activated."
"Failure: Erasure."