Chapter 188: C162(2)
Backstage...
Anton leaned against a wall, arms crossed, watching Jameson's confident performance. A faint smile played on his lips as he glanced at the crowd, captivated by the presentation.
He knew Wayne Enterprises' first major product—body regeneration technology—was destined to be a massive success. Though he had anticipated this moment for a long time, seeing it unfold in real time filled him with pride and satisfaction.
This was only the beginning, but the taste of victory was undeniably sweet.
The press conference had just ended.
Jameson approached Anton with a grin. "I just landed a major deal."
"Oh? What's the deal?" Anton asked curiously. Jameson was known for his long-term vision, so it had to be something significant.
"Our dear Vice President has a daughter, and he's very devoted to her. Unfortunately, she lost her right calf in an accident," Jameson explained, his smile widening. "Right after the press conference, he called me as soon as he confirmed that our limb regeneration technology was viable."
"So, our first client is the Vice President's daughter?" Anton blinked.
"Exactly," Jameson nodded. "With his support, Wayne Enterprises will have a much smoother path. He can help us secure more official contracts. You know how it works—there's no shortage of wealthy people who want to appear charitable. That said, I expect some backlash from disability advocacy groups."
Anton shrugged and spread his hands. "What can we do? Business is business."
Jameson smirked. "Limb regeneration technology is just the beginning. Soon, we'll expand into other fields. When you do, make sure to bring in new innovations. I'll handle things on the Vice President's end. Through him, we might even establish ties with the military and secure government contracts."
"Got it," Anton replied before turning to leave.
Later, in the car...
Anton sat back as the car sped toward DC Studios. He had a meeting with Jim to discuss the release strategy for Batman 2: The Dark Knight.
Meanwhile, news about Superman was circulating. Released not long ago, the movie had already earned a global box office total of $760 million. While it wasn't as successful as Batman or Cyborg , it was still a solid commercial hit.
More importantly, the movie had earned Anton 31 million Superman fan points. Still, there was a long way to go before reaching his target of 100 million; nearly 70 million points were still needed.
Even with sequels, Anton estimated it would take at least two more movies to close the gap.
However, he understood that audiences would eventually experience "superhero fatigue." The only way to achieve his goal was to constantly release new content related to Superman, keeping the character in the public eye through fresh angles and long-term efforts.
Despite the challenge, Anton wasn't particularly worried. His current strength was sufficient. On Earth, there wasn't a villain who could pose a serious threat to him.
Back at DC Studios...
Anton sat in his office chair and casually turned on his computer. A news notification popped up on the screen:
Tony Stark is back in the headlines! Spendthrift Genius? Stark Expo Announced! Is it a publicity stunt or the real deal?
The entertainment and gossip sections were dominated by Tony Stark's name.
Over the past month, Tony seemed to have returned to his old lifestyle of extravagant parties and indulgence. At the same time, Stark Industries had announced a major science and technology expo, scheduled to take place in two months.
Anton recognized what was happening.
"Iron Man 2 has already begun," he muttered to himself. Tony's recent behavior made perfect sense. Knowing his life was at risk due to palladium poisoning, Tony was likely trying to enjoy himself before his inevitable demise.
Of course, Anton had no intention of getting involved. He knew Tony wouldn't die, but that didn't stop him from feeling a bit of schadenfreude over Tony's current predicament.
Jim's Arrival...
A knock at the door interrupted Anton's thoughts. Jim entered the office with a look of excitement.
"I'm planning to hold the premiere next week," Jim announced. "The Dark Knight is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. As the second Batman film, it's going to dominate the box office!"
He was brimming with confidence.
"First, the story of The Dark Knight has explosive plot points and incredible depth. Second, Batman has become a global icon, a true idol for the masses."
Anton smiled, nodding in agreement. Jim wasn't wrong. The sequel was poised to be a monumental success.
As the most famous superhero in the United States today, Batman is a massive cultural phenomenon, and anything associated with him sells like hotcakes.
While people understand that the fictional Batman isn't directly tied to the real-world Batman, there's a lingering sense of connection.
For instance, the real Batman has never denied being Bruce Wayne, and Anton, the creator of the fictional Batman, also shares intriguing ties to the real-life Batman.
This connection has become a point of obsession for die-hard fans, especially with the recent establishment of Wayne Enterprises by the Jameson family.
Fans have eagerly speculated about the similarities, and this buzz has only boosted the popularity of Wayne Enterprises' limb regeneration technology. Its meteoric rise rivals that of Tony Stark's upcoming technology expo.
Of course, the primary focus for fans remains the highly anticipated Batman 2: The Dark Knight. Everyone is dying to know what role Batman will play in this sequel.
Will the alien revelations from the Cyborg movie carry over into the Batman universe? Could the main villain of the sequel also exist in this world—or perhaps even be a real person in this universe?
The suspense has fans on edge, their curiosity clawing at them like restless cats.
What they don't realize is that the villain about to take the stage isn't just any character. He is the most dangerous and captivating villain in the DC universe.
It's not some fun of the mill character, of course.
It's the Joker.
Yes, the Clown Prince of Crime himself, who has consistently topped the Top 100 Comic Villains list in U.S. media and is widely regarded as the greatest comic villain of all time.
Anton couldn't help but smirk at the thought.
Unfortunately, the system didn't include any guide on playing villains. Otherwise, he'd seriously consider creating a Joker clone, orchestrating an unforgettable showdown, and watching Batman face him in full costume.
The fan points and justice value he'd earn from such a spectacle would be astronomical.
Still, this was just wishful thinking.
If the system actually required him to act as a villain, Anton would flat-out refuse.
He simply had no interest in villainy.
Being a behind-the-scenes schemer, constantly solving crises while simultaneously playing the bad guy, was far too contradictory.
It sounded like a fast track to schizophrenia—and Anton wasn't signing up for that.
Meanwhile, in the depths of a building…
"Limb regeneration technology…"
A thin man sat in a chair, his palm glowing faintly red, radiating an unbearable heat.
"Wayne Enterprises…"
His expression remained cold as he stared at the television broadcasting Wayne Enterprises' press conference.
The footage showcased their groundbreaking limb regeneration technology, and his brows furrowed slightly. His eyes glinted with a dangerous light.
"The plan is just beginning. I can't let you interfere…"
…
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