Chapter 1

If one day, you discover that time travel really exists, what kind of choice would you make?

At this moment, Zhang Tianran is facing such a decision.

Not long ago, as a time traveler, Zhang Tianran suddenly realized that the world he was in was actually from a comic book from his previous life.

For a moment, besides being stunned, Zhang Tianran couldn't find any words to describe his current feelings.

Having lived in this world for over a decade, Zhang Tianran suddenly found this familiar world so strange.

The hard work and research he had done, the doctoral degree he had finally obtained, and the honors he had received, all seemed to lose their importance at this moment.

Zhang Tianran stared silently at Barry Allen, Caitlin Snow, and Cisco Ramon, who were enthusiastically discussing not far away, and a crazy idea involuntarily surged in his mind.

If time travel really exists, then...

"Dr. Zhang... Are you okay..." At this moment, Cisco, by chance, turned his head and noticed that Zhang Tianran looked somewhat abnormal.

Zhang Tianran also snapped back to reality and said, "I really didn't expect to encounter such an unbelievable situation right after coming back. The appearance of superhumans is definitely an earthquake for traditional science..."

He casually made an excuse, and the reason he found in a short time was very appropriate.

Cisco didn't delve deeper, as the changes in Barry Allen were also what he was curious about. As a scientist, he very much understood Zhang Tianran's thoughts at this moment.

Not far away, Wells, who saw everything, wore a meaningful smile, seemingly very satisfied with the current situation.

...

Zhang Tianran didn't stay long at the Star Labs and wandered on the streets until late at night.

The surroundings were peaceful, as if it were just an ordinary world. There was no trace of any supernatural abilities.

No matter how slowly he walked, Zhang Tianran eventually arrived at his doorstep. But looking at the familiar door, he hesitated to step in.

Because... his adoptive father in this world is Harrison Wells, the founder and director of Star Labs... and... Reverse-Flash, Eobard Thawne.

It was hard to believe that after living in this world for over a decade, he had not noticed any abnormalities at all.

After all, even as a time traveler, one wouldn't doubt the world around them without personally witnessing supernatural powers.

"Scared to come in? That's not like you. I still remember clearly how that little guy argued with me about his name." Wells' voice came from behind the door, as calm as usual.

Zhang Tianran smiled bitterly and opened the door. Inside, Wells was already in his yellow Reverse-Flash suit.

"Did you keep me away from those supernatural powers? Otherwise, I wouldn't have realized what kind of world I was in until now." Zhang Tianran forced a smile, but he wasn't particularly afraid.

If his adoptive father really wanted to harm him, he wouldn't have waited until now.

In other words, even in the worst-case scenario, his existence must still have some value.

If not... then die.

After all, there's no way to escape!

"Not really. In this era, most people never encounter such things. Barry Allen spent over a decade investigating supernatural phenomena and found nothing." Wells explained, then sat down on the sofa as usual.

If one ignored the glaring yellow suit, Zhang Tianran might have thought this was just a simple heart-to-heart talk between adoptive father and son.

"I'm curious, how did you know about me? Or rather, how did you know I would recognize you at this moment?" Zhang Tianran sat awkwardly across from Wells.

Wells didn't speak, just stared silently at Zhang Tianran.

For a moment, the air seemed to freeze, and even Zhang Tianran, who had already resigned himself to his fate, couldn't help but feel nervous.

"When I first saw you, I just thought you were a bit strange. But then I noticed the traces of Speed Force on you." Wells remained silent for a long time before speaking.

Zhang Tianran felt a bit relieved and listened silently to his past experiences. Looking at his journey from another perspective, he couldn't help but feel fortunate about his luck.

"Because of these traces of Speed Force, you adopted me?" Zhang Tianran asked curiously.

Wells didn't answer, but his gaze on Zhang Tianran even had a hint of... tenderness?

Looking at Wells' iconic yellow suit, Zhang Tianran's mind raced, and many thoughts quickly emerged.

"No, it's not like that. For someone with Reverse Speed Force, only Barry Allen, who possesses true Speed Force, is the one you need to pay attention to."

"Reverse Speed Force is born from Speed Force. So you became a mirror opposite of Barry Allen. Only because Barry Allen has Speed Force do you have the opposite Reverse Speed Force..."

"But in this situation, you focused on me... This can only mean that I have value almost equal to Barry Allen."

"Although there are other possibilities, the most likely one is that I can help you..."

"But so far, I don't seem to have that ability."

As Zhang Tianran speculated, a possibility emerged in his mind. Based on the available clues, this was the most likely scenario.

After all, if he really had no value, according to Reverse-Flash's character, he wouldn't have played such a long "parent-child game" and wouldn't have revealed his true identity at this moment.

"Clap! Clap! Clap!" Wells began clapping, as if he were a proud father watching his son grow, with a look of satisfaction on his face.

"Based on such limited information, you've seen this far. You are truly more outstanding than I imagined." Wells said.

Hearing this, Zhang Tianran immediately realized that his guess wasn't entirely correct. He must have overlooked something, but based on the current situation, his life should be safe.

"Don't beat around the bush. My mood isn't good right now." Zhang Tianran said impatiently.

In just one day, the entire world had turned upside down for Zhang Tianran. Everything he knew had turned to nothing. If not for his good self-control, he would have already lost control and made irrational decisions.

"You are of no use to me now, though you are sufficiently outstanding. But it's still far from enough. Work hard to change! When you have the same speed as me, you will understand our common problem. At that time, I will need you." Wells's figure flashed, and in the next second, his appearance became blurred, taking on the standard Reverse-Flash form.

Seeing Wells about to leave, Zhang Tianran immediately said, "Wait, tell me first. How did you know about me?"

Wells completely disappeared, leaving behind only one sentence.

"Tianran, in this world, you are not the only one who understands time..."