Chapter 56 I was here first...

"Years later, facing those howling demons emerging from the cracks of the broken dimension, Tony Stark will remember that distant afternoon when he was immersed in panic and eager for forbidden knowledge."

——"Epilogue: The Age of Eternal Darkness"

[Etched on the Immortal Stele of Anomalous Item UEP-16704, in commemoration of the origin timeline of the 2k era]

The next day, early in the morning.

"Thump, thump, thump, thump."

The cheerful little song resounded in the central lawn in front of the White House in Washington.

On the spacious platform, the president walked to the podium filled with microphones with a smile on his face.

"I am honored to be here today to present this outstanding award to Mr. Kal-El, Lieutenant Colonel James Rhodes, and Mr. Tony Stark."

"There is no doubt that Mr. Kal-El's arrival is an honor to America. He is a true hero!"

"Let's cheer for the heroes!"

"Superman! Superman! Superman!"

The crowd below the stage was in an uproar, shouting Link's name. They raised their arms and waved the signs in their hands. On it was a headshot of Link with a kind smile, as well as some lyrics expressing their love for him.

On the platform, Link, wearing battle clothes and smiling, stood at the center of the podium.
Next to him was James Rhodes who looked embarrassed. The seat that was supposed to belong to Tony Stark was empty.

The president walked up to Lieutenant Colonel Rhodes and gently hung the Medal of Honor on his chest.
"Thank you, Lieutenant Colonel, for your excellent performance."

"This is what you deserve."

He patted Rhodes on the shoulder to show his sympathy.

"I'm very sorry... Mr. President, due to some reasons, Tony may not be able to attend this event now. I will accept the award on his behalf."

Rhodes spoke in a low voice, and the smile on the president's face froze for a moment.
But he quickly returned to normal and handed the other medal in his hand to Rhodes without leaving a trace.

Then, an assistant holding a luxurious wooden box slowly walked up to the stage and walked to the side of the president.

Gently opening the wooden box, the president solemnly took out a medal made of gold and embellished with agate gems from the velvet cushion with both hands.

He walked in front of Link, but due to the difference in height and size, if he looked at him level, the president could only talk to Link's handsome chin.

So he tried hard to raise his head and look up at Link.

"It's an honor to welcome you to the land of the free!"

Link stretched out his hand, took the medal calmly, and smiled without saying a word.
The award ceremony ended here.

Then, the president turned around and stood in the center as much as possible.
However, Link, who had attracted the attention of everyone present, both in terms of appearance and aura, was the focus of all this.

At this moment, the president seems like a clown performing desperately in a circus.

Suddenly, reporters with their cameras pressed their shutters, flashes flashed, and all this was captured on the front pages of major newspapers...

After this hypocritical event was over, Link was about to leave and return to his apartment to enjoy the settlement process, but he was suddenly stopped.
"Mr. Karl, please stay."

Turning his head to look at the source of the voice, it turned out to be the Black Widow Natasha. Link spoke indifferently,
"Is there a problem?"

"Our director would like to have lunch with you and discuss some of the matters..."

But Link shook his head, looking nonchalant.

"Your chief? Who is he? What does he have to do with me?"

"Oh... I have some impression of him, the bald boiled egg, right?"

"I have no interest, that's all."

Without waiting for Natasha to continue trying to persuade him to stay, Link turned and left, leaving Nick Fury, who was furious, on the other end of Natasha's communication headset.

Link, wearing a battle robe, strolled on the street, enjoying this pleasant leisure time.

He doesn't care at all about the curious looks from people around him, or the high rate of turning heads to look at him.

"Look! Is that Superman?"

"Oh my God, it really seems to be him!"

"He's so handsome! Oh my god, he must be very big, oh, I mean muscles..."

Soon, a pair of young girls in scantily clad clothes ran up to Link and excitedly spoke to him,
"Mr. Karl, we want to take a photo with you, is that okay with you?"

"Wow, of course no problem, ladies first."

With a slight smile, Link spread his arms.

The two girls' eyes sparkled, and they immediately wanted to experience the feeling of being hugged by the strong man in front of them.
If I could invite him to my home and be held in my arms again… that would be even better!

They walked forward quickly, and the moment they came into contact with Link,

A beautiful figure suddenly took the lead and threw herself into Link's arms.

Looking at this shameless woman using those despicable car lights, she hugged Link tightly like a koala, and rubbed Link's face to declare her sovereignty.

The two girls standing by gnashed their teeth and spoke angrily,
"We were the first to arrive...why..."

Link was also a little confused. He looked down and saw a familiar yet unfamiliar face. He was unable to react for a moment.

"Oh, did Mr. Superman forget about me?"

Louise turned her head, her rosy lips moved slightly, her breath was as sweet as orchid, and her high nose bridge kept rubbing against Link's neck, greedily sniffing every breath of Link.

Feeling the hot breath beside his ears, Link's expression remained unchanged, acting like a gentleman.

"Ma'am, please respect yourself."

"Yes, you shameless bitch! Get off Mr. Superman now!"

"Shut up!"

Louise turned her head, and her soft and charming face, now covered with a layer of frost, had a dangerous look in her eyes.
As if being stared at by some terrifying beast, the two young girls suddenly felt a chill on their backs, goose bumps appeared on their arms, and they fled in a hurry.

After watching them leave, Louise turned around with relief and looked at Link's handsome face infatuatedly.
Subconsciously, he wanted to kiss her, but Link raised a finger and held it firmly.

"Ms. Louise, this is a public place, please respect yourself."

Looking at the fingers against her rosy lips, Louise smiled slyly, stretched her head and gently bit Link's fingers.

Just as Link was about to pull his finger back, he heard Louise's deliberately low, unclear voice.
"Mr. Superman, you don't want others to know your true self, right?"

His pupils suddenly contracted, his eyes narrowed, Link paused, and spoke in a deep voice,
"Are you threatening me?"

Seeing Link, Louise's eyes lit up slightly red, and she recalled that unforgettable time, as well as the absurd behavior and fantasy of not seeing Link in person for a long time these days, locking herself in the room...

His body softened and he spoke in a trembling voice.
"Of course... no..., you will always be the god I revere (admire) the most..."

Link was still wondering if there was something wrong with [The Power of Language (Purple (Rare)] and whether he needed to strengthen it and release it again.

But unexpectedly, suddenly, a stretched Lincoln sedan drove over from a distance and stopped beside the two of them.

The female bodyguard wearing sunglasses and with a serious face got out of the car, bowed respectfully, and then opened the door.
"Elbow, come with me into the car, I have something important to discuss with you..."

After some hesitation, Link walked into the car, and Louise smiled...

(End of this chapter)