"Superman?"
As soon as these words were spoken, there was silence for a few seconds, then the atmosphere exploded, and all the members of the Justice League were shocked.
"Is it really Superman?"
"If Superman exists, why haven't we heard of him before?"
"A god among men, is he really that strong?"
"Wait, does Batman mean to let Superman face the entire Skrull clone army alone? You're joking, right?"
Spider-Man, Ghost Rider, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and others were all abuzz.
"Superman is not on Earth."
Eddie, hearing the chaotic conversations around him, explained: "It seems he left Earth a long time ago to go to space."
Upon hearing this explanation, Spider-Man nearly jumped up in excitement,
"So, Superman is back?"
"Superman returns... sheesh, isn't this just like in the movies?"
"Sure enough, movie plots are reflections of reality!"
The group heatedly discussed, seemingly forgetting that New York was currently facing a crisis.
Of course, during their discussion, their alertness was not diminished, and their attention remained on the enemy above.
The massive spaceship and the aliens claiming to be Skrulls truly made them feel threatened.
However, at this moment, their previously uncontrollable worries were somewhat alleviated.
Batman had said everything was under control, and they were just there to watch the show.
If one day Batman himself could not be trusted, then it would truly be the end of the Earth.
In midair.
The Super Skrull, kl'rt, expressionless and in the guise of Captain Marvel, had extreme confidence in his combat abilities.
Even the original Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers, standing before him, would not intimidate him, let alone the current superheroes on Earth.
From his long understanding, none of the superheroes on Earth now had powers that matched Carol Danvers.
And with his fellow Super Skrulls by his side.
Dominating Earth through force was not a joke.
kl'rt actions, though somewhat reluctant, were actually quite to his liking.
He had made up his mind.
It was time!
Time for the Skrulls to have a new homeland.
"Batman..."
kl'rt gaze swept over the city below, seeing the gathered superheroes of the Justice League, his expression indifferent.
These people, his companions could handle he did not regard them highly.
The only one he truly considered a challenge, the only one worth his attention, was Batman, who had been engaging him from a distance.
Batman had forced him out, most likely thinking he had a way to defeat him.
kl'rt was really curious to see what methods Earth now had, to deal with someone like him, capable of dominating the planet through force.
"Batman, aren't you planning to come out yet?"
kl'rt, floating in midair, showed a cold smile: "Creating Skrull panic, isn't that your tactic to force me out?"
"How so?"
"Now that you find you can't beat me, you dare not show yourself?"
His voice, tinged with disdain, echoed through the city.
Everyone paying attention to this situation showed extremely tense expressions.
They could hardly imagine, if Batman himself did not dare to show up, was there still hope for New York?
Under kl'rt pressure, Batman still did not appear, and the citizens of New York finally fell into panic.
kl'rt and other hovering Super Skrulls, their gazes like searchlights, scanned the entire city.
The other members of the Justice League stood ready.
Despite Batman assurance that they need not intervene, considering the current situation, they found it hard to understand how the ever-concealed Batman planned to turn everything around.
Rely on Superman?
Where is he?
Why isn't he appearing yet?
On the rooftop of a building.
Anton stood quietly, his gaze sweeping over the city just like kl'rt from high above, a faint smile appearing on his face.
The time is almost right!
Superman will definitely appear.
kl'rt and his band of Super Skrulls are sure to be defeated.
Before that, of course, the situation had to be brought to a critical point, stirring up everyone emotions, to truly demonstrate Superman prowess.
By then, harvesting fans in Superman name could be done faster and more fiercely.
Looking at it now, the entire New York was almost sinking into despair like that of a previous great battle in New York, and the timing seemed just about right.
"Really not daring to come out?"
kl'rt frowned slightly.
The situation he was encountering now was completely different from what he had anticipated.
He had thought that his actions would provoke a furious response from Batman, with all the superheroes on Earth uniting against them.
Although kl'rt had confidence in the Skrulls, facing the crazy counterattack from Earth side, he couldn't be sure of a complete victory.
However, with things having developed to this point, and Batman still not making a move or even showing his face, what was the purpose of forcing himself to come out?
To hand over Earth to the Skrulls?
That did not sound like Batman usual style.
During his contemplation, he waved his hand abruptly.
"Forget it!"
kl'rt coldly declared, "Everyone, now occupy New York, use it as a base to declare the dawn of a new era, and also tell the Skrulls scattered around the world, the war has arrived... this is a war between humans and Skrulls!"
"Understood."
His companions responded in unison.
Then.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!
They spread out, flying in all directions.
The citizens in the city below, including the members of the Justice League, all tensed up unconsciously.
However.
Just as they were all on edge, the Super Skrulls who had just moved in all directions were struck back by an unseen figure from all around.
Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang!
Under the gaze of everyone, these Super Skrulls, transformed into Earth superheroes, were sent flying back to the massive spaceship.
"What?"
kl'rt eyes widened, his expression one of disbelief.
His dynamic vision was exceptionally sharp.
But even he hadn't clearly seen what the suddenly appearing enemy looked like.
He could only vaguely see that the figure seemed to be wearing a suit of red and blue.
Boom!!
The Super Skrulls, sent flying back on their original trajectory, were smashed back into the spaceship by a tremendous force.
The hull of the spaceship dented in several places in an instant.
Tiny fragments of metal fell from the sky toward the city below.
Spider-Man and others moved to intercept the debris in mid-air to avoid damage to the city and to protect the citizens of New York from accidental injury.
But all eyes were not on Spider-Man and the others.
Even Spider-Man and his group kept their eyes fixed on the spaceship.
Beside kl'rt, the leader of the Super Skrulls, a tall figure had appeared at some point.
This person was extremely tall, with black hair, blue eyes, a curl on his forehead, wearing a blue tight-fitting battle suit, a red cape fluttering behind, and a conspicuous red and gold diamond-shaped ' emblem on his chest.
The iconic appearance and attire instantly made everyone realize his identity.
Superman!
It is Superman!
"It really is Superman!"
"Superman has returned... Superman exists..."
"This time it not Batman coming to save us, he called his comrade, Superman."
"So it is, everything is under Batman control..."
"The movies..."
"The recently released 'Batman v Superman' was a hint from Batman... The death of Superman, the return of Superman... Now I get it."
The citizens of New York were instantly excited, their despair and despondency swept away.
New York, being a hub for the Justice League, is home to almost exclusively DC Comics fans.
When the movie premiered, every household contributed a ticket for Batman.
The storyline of the movie, combined with reality, made them feel like they had caught a glimpse of the future hinted at in the film.
Now is the moment!
Batman had known about the existence of the Super Skrulls all along.
This was mentioned by kl'rt, the self-proclaimed leader of the Skrulls.
Clearly, Batman had lured them out to allow Superman to step in and deal with these hidden aliens.
It all makes sense now!
The scene in New York was broadcasted worldwide.
Countries and organizations around the world, upon seeing the images from New York and Superman appearing next to kl'rt in mid-air, for some reason, all breathed a sigh of relief.
It seems that the situation has not escaped Batman control.
Anton assurances at the meeting still hold true.
Upon seeing this scene, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, John Kler, who had just arrived at a military base, breathed more slowly, his eyes fixed on Superman in the image, recalling Anton confidence and the covert operations by Batman, and clenched his fist.
"Don't let me down..."
"Superman?"
kl'rt was momentarily stunned, staring expressionlessly at the man in the tight suit before him, recalling information about Superman.
An alien!
From the destroyed planet Krypton!
The Skrulls, wandering through space, had never heard of this planet before.
Not to mention, Kryptonians looked exactly like humans.
Despite the vastness and wonders of the universe, the identical appearance of two species was an unexpected coincidence.
Moreover, while collecting data on Batman, he had also seen more information about Superman.
But he had not seen the latest movie, "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice."
Firstly, because it was released very recently.
Secondly, from the start, he hadn't considered the likelihood of Superman appearance.
"So you're Batman trump card?"
kl'rt thought, his gaze turning slightly cold, fixing on the resolute man floating at the same level as himself.
"Going to all this trouble to draw me out, but not daring to face me..."
"Does Batman think that just you alone can defeat me?"
"But Batman surely didn't anticipate that I have so many Super Skrull comrades..."
He spoke slowly, using his words to probe Superman.
"Enough talk."
However, Superman quickly interrupted kl'rt.
Superman calmly stated, "To deal with you, I don't need Batman. I alone am enough."
The exchange between the two was caught by others, causing a sensation.
"Is he that confident?"
Spider-Man and others exchanged glances.
Including those watching this scene through screens, who, with the help of lip-reading experts, understood the conversation and all showed astonished expressions.
Although they had very high expectations for Superman, his response still left them speechless.
His almost disdainful answer was too unexpected.
But.
It seemed to perfectly align with their expectations of Superman.
Superman should be just like this.
Because, with the power he possesses, he has enough confidence to disregard any enemy.
As tension mounted among the spectators.
kl'rt clearly did not appreciate Superman response.
He showed an angry expression, surrounded by a group of Super Skrulls transformed into the likeness of various superheroes.
Everyone gaze was now firmly fixed on Superman.
"You're finished!"
kl'rt roared with fury: "No one has ever dared to speak to me like that, I will make you regret it."
"I will be the first to kill you in front of the whole world gaze..."
"I want the whole world to know that Batman bet on you was a terribly wrong decision."
After speaking, he commanded his subordinates.
"Kill him, let him be the first sacrifice as Earth falls."
With his words hanging in the air.
Swoosh, swoosh, swoosh!
A group of Super Skrulls charged at Superman.
They wore uniform battle suits with special flying devices, moving with incredible speed.
The Super Skrulls, transformed into various superheroes, attacked Superman in a coordinated and unified formation, creating a spectacular scene.
Energy beams shot wildly.
The Super Skrull transformed into Spider-Man shot thick and tough webbing at Superman, while the duplicates of Venom, Tony Stark, Harry, Green Goblin, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the Fantastic Four, and other Super Skrulls all surged forward.
The battle began.
Everyone tense expressions froze again, their eyes filled with anticipation.
At this moment, the most confident were probably the major members of the Justice League.
Their confidence did not stem from Superman, but from Batman.
They all noticed that even now, at such a perilous moment, Batman had not yet made an appearance.
This spoke volumes.
In their view, it represented Batman confidence in Superman.
Similarly, they should also have confidence in Superman.
"Speaking of which, my webbing is not easy to deal with, if Superman gets entangled by it, that could be troublesome..."
Just as Spider-Man entertained the thought.
Boom!!
Superman, facing the incoming foes, remained expressionless. His eyes briefly turned red, then he emitted two astounding beams of energy.
Heat vision!
These beams could almost melt and evaporate any substance.
kl'rt face changed color instantly.
The foremost Spider-Man duplicate, which had shot out webbing, saw it instantly disintegrate.
The next second, the Spider-Man duplicate was caught off-guard and hit by Superman heat vision attack.
Sizzle!
Without any suspense, like the melted webbing, it turned to ash.
This scene stunned everyone.
Below.
Spider-Man, standing on a rooftop of a building, shivered and was dumbstruck.
"This... my webbing was completely useless..."
Spider-Man scalp tingled.
"Did I just die?"
"That terrifying!"