"Power commands fear but character commands remembrance."
---
The sun had barely risen over Metropolis when the first reports came in.
"Unprecedented phenomena in Gotham." Superman read aloud from the Justice League satellite feed. "Reports of a man named 'King' whose presence alone neutralizes criminals, prevents escalation and even unnerves the Joker."
Wonder Woman's brow furrowed. "Unnerves the Joker? That is… remarkable. Even Batman struggles against him."
Batman's voice was clipped over the comm. "He's not just remarkable. He's an unknown. I've observed him in Gotham — bullets, acid, fear toxin… none affect him. And he guides others rather than kills. His methods are… alien to our understanding of heroics."
Green Lantern leaned forward in his chair. "So he's basically invincible? That sounds like a threat to me."
Superman shook his head. "Not necessarily. Reports indicate he intervenes only where needed, does not escalate conflicts and even alters criminal behavior through presence alone. He doesn't fight for glory."
The monitor split into multiple feeds:
Gotham civilians praising King.
Black Mask's men scattered in fear.
Arkham asylum revising protocols after King's courtroom intervention with Joker.
Flash whistled. "Man, this guy's got style. No capes, no theatrics. Just… walking into chaos and fixing it. And he's scary as hell."
Aquaman leaned back, arms crossed. "I've seen men like him in legends. Immovable, unyielding, yet… not tyrannical unlike them. Curious."
Martian Manhunter's deep, resonant voice added: "His presence alters behavior. That is not merely strength — it is perception, control over intent without overt violence. Fascinating and potentially destabilizing."
Green Arrow muttered, "So he's basically the perfect vigilante. Doesn't even need arrows to scare people straight."
Wonder Woman glanced at Batman. "You've already encountered him. Do you recommend intervention?"
Batman's jaw tightened. "He is capable of handling Gotham himself if the need arises. I will not interfere. But he is unpredictable. If he leaves Gotham… the world needs to know exactly what he is."
Superman nodded slowly. "Then we observe. No action unless necessary. But we prepare for contact. He's not just a man — he's a phenomenon."
Meanwhile, in Gotham, word of the League's attention reached the streets. Murals of King, whispers among civilians, even cautious nods from street-level criminals reinforced the legend: a man whose presence changed the city, whose choices inspired morality, and whose strength was unparalleled.
King stood atop a Gotham rooftop, looking over the city. Rain slid down his scarred face, the King Engine thrum quiet but steady beneath him. He did not seek fame. He did not seek power. He simply… existed.
And the world had begun to take notice.
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