Chapter 2

Opening the 21st season of *The Last Son of Krypton*, the program listing shows it was recorded just four and a half months ago. This is quite fresh, I like it.

The program begins... (loading...)

In the year 2011, at Gotham D.C. High School, the last son of Krypton—Kent. After finishing his morning required classes, he is walking towards the cafeteria...

I (narrator): "What? *Gotham D.C. High School*? This kid still has to go to school with this background? Too fake, right? And *Kent*? Isn't his name *Kal-El*? What setting did I miss in these twenty seasons?"

Checking the synopsis... (loading...)

I (narrator): "I see, Kal-El was adopted and renamed Kent by the commander of the air force base—Gordon. He was raised as a secret weapon for the Chinese military, the *Ultimate Weapon Boy*. Attending school at Gotham D.C. High School is both for confidentiality and at his own request. Hiding in plain sight, indeed smart. However, for confidentiality, the organization's top brass does not allow Kent to date at school. What a poor kid..."

@

A student about Kent's age suddenly turns and brakes in front of him, blocking his path.

Student: "Kent..."

I (narrator): "If you're looking for trouble, you're in for a rough time. He can crush you with just a finger..."

@

Student: "How about it? Did the professor call roll after class?" — Urgently

Kent: "No, Professor Ra's al Ghul only called roll at the beginning of the class. You successfully skipped again. You planned it pretty well..." — Sighing

Student: "Of course, I'm very skilled at it. I skip classes, but I always show up for roll call; I don't study much, but I always cram before exams."

I (narrator): "So, he's a good friend. Kid, having him as your friend means your future is rosy. You need to hold onto this golden leg."

@

Kent: "Robin, don't be too complacent. Professor Ra's al Ghul is a well-known old stubborn man. If you keep this up, he might fail you in your required courses, and you'll be in trouble."

Robin: "No way, I've planned it all out. I've earned all the required credits, and he won't have any excuse. Besides, I'm not the only one slacking off in the department. Can he fail so many people at once? He wouldn't dare." — Dismissive

I (narrator): "Kid, don't be too confident. You're not an alien like your friend."

@

Kent: "Still, you should be more careful. You're almost done with school. Don't keep slacking off. You're an orphan who grew up in an orphanage. The money for your education comes from the state's student loans (public-funded student). If you fail a course, how will you find a job and pay back the loans?" — Sincerely

I (narrator): "Orphan? Both parents dead, no relatives? Kid, you have the potential to be the main character."

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Robin: "Don't worry, I have a plan..." — Mysteriously

I (narrator): "A plan? What plan? Is it a foreshadowing?"

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Kent: "...It's not the *Volunteer Service in the West Program* for college students, is it? According to the policy, if you go to the west for ten years, you can be exempt from repaying the student loans, and if you do well, you can even become a civil servant..." — Grimly

Robin: "Of course not. Teaching in the west and becoming a civil servant? That's far from my dream. Absolutely not." — Strongly denying

I (narrator): "Kid, your reaction is too intense. Did your friend hit the nail on the head?"

@

Kent: "Then why do you skip classes to practice free fighting and parkour, and chase girls?" — Guessing

I (narrator): "The truth!!"

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Robin: "What are you talking about... Although I've had some exchanges with the girl practicing cat balance, I don't have that kind of money. I'm just doing it to stay fit." — Agitated

I (narrator): "Sigh, being poor is tough everywhere..."

@

Kent: "You don't have to be that good. It must be to prepare for the harsh environment in the west..." — Continuing to guess

Robin: "Stop guessing. I already said I won't go to the west to teach. I would just mislead the students with my level."

Kent: "This isn't just guessing. Most public-funded students do this for practical reasons. Are you one of the less than 10%? What do you really want to do?" — Pressing

I (narrator): "Yeah, what do you want to do?"

@

Robin: "..." — Hesitantly

Kent: "Do you still consider me your brother?" — Unhappy

I (narrator): "Speak up, your friend is upset."

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Robin: "...Alright, I'll tell you, but you can't laugh." — Reluctantly

I (narrator): "Okay, I won't laugh."

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Robin: "My dream is to become a superhero!" — Seriously

I (narrator): "Hahahaha..."

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Kent: "A superhero? Like in comics?" — Grimly

Robin: "Yes, the kind who fights for justice, fights against evil forces, and repels alien invasions!" — Excitedly

I (narrator): "Hahahaha, *repels alien invasions*? Kid, you're stepping on a landmine. There's one right in front of you..."

@

Kent: "...Is that so? Having a dream is good, but this job doesn't pay well." — Thoughtfully

I (narrator): "Hmm? That's an odd reaction."

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Kent: "By the way, why is your pant leg torn again? Did a dog chase you again?"

I (narrator): "Quick change of topic, to avoid awkwardness, right?"

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Robin: "Don't even mention it. Damn, I got chased by a dog in the same place again..."

Kent: "Did you get hurt this time?" — Concerned

Robin: "No, luckily I fixed my bike and pumped up the tires yesterday. Four legs can't outrun my two wheels." — Proudly

I (narrator): "Kid, there's nothing to be proud of. And the phrase *four legs can't outrun two wheels* sounds weird to me."

@

Kent: "What did you do to that dog to make it chase you every time? Did you steal its bone when it was starving?" — Curiously

Robin: "...It's not the same dog." — Through gritted teeth

I (narrator): "Kid, you must have offended someone..."

@

Kent: "Not the same dog? Then you probably offended a person. Did you go back to work at the dog meat restaurant? I told you not to do it. You've become famous in Gotham for killing dogs." — Questioning

Robin: "I have to do it for a living. You don't know how hard it is to find a part-time job. These dog gangsters, dog chefs (through gritted teeth)... This is already my third pair of athletic pants." — Angry

I (narrator): "No wonder, your reputation among the dog gangsters and dog chefs is already one of hatred."

@

Kent: "Don't be angry, let's go have lunch. I'll treat you." — Leading Robin away

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