The streets surrounding the United Nations headquarters were sealed off, cordoned by barricades and swarming security. News crews from every major outlet in New York City descended upon the scene, drawn by the breaking announcement.
The crowd thickened by the minute, packing the area so densely that movement became nearly impossible. Cameras from every angle captured the unfolding events, broadcasting them live to a global audience with almost no detail omitted.
This marked The Foundation's first public appearance since its inception. For the first time in history, ordinary citizens were witnessing a formal dialogue between superpowered individuals and the world's most powerful leaders through official channels. It was a moment destined for the history books, and everyone present was a firsthand witness.
"Dear viewers, the footage you're seeing is being streamed live from New York City. According to our correspondents on the ground, today's assembly was initially planned to be a closed-door event. However, last night, the founder of the Superpower Foundation reached out to the organizers and confirmed that the first half of the agenda would be broadcast live to the entire world. Despite the tight timeline, The Foundation mobilized sufficient resources to ensure a seamless transmission. Now, let's go to our correspondent on the scene..."
The broadcast cut abruptly from the studio to the bustling streets outside the United Nations building. A female reporter stood at the center of the frame, her smile warm despite her slightly oversized headshot. Behind her, a chaotic swarm of journalists jostled for position, their chatter blending into a cacophony of noise. Moments later, she began her report.
"Hello, viewers. I'm standing in the square outside the United Nations headquarters, where media representatives from every corner of the globe have gathered. While a few official outlets were invited in advance, the majority of reporters only received notice this morning. As you can see, the square is already packed to capacity, with the crowd spilling out onto the surrounding streets. Security personnel from the Superpower Foundation have joined local forces to manage the chaos and maintain order."
The camera panned outward, capturing the overwhelming sea of humanity. From the drone's aerial perspective, every street—large or small—was clogged with pedestrians, a scene far removed from the city's usual rhythm. Vehicles sat abandoned as reporters lugged their equipment on foot.
Suddenly, a dark shadow swept across the ground, eliciting a wave of cheers from the crowd. The camera jerked upward, revealing a white dragon soaring through the sky as if materializing from thin air. Its piercing gaze locked onto the lens, radiating majesty and detachment, while its sleek form circled gracefully overhead.
"Viewers, I'm sure many of you recognize this white dragon—it's the companion of the Dragon King. It first appeared in Sokovia, Eastern Europe, and quickly became a global sensation. Apart from superpowered individuals born among humans, this is the first superpowered creature to emerge on the world stage. And it's a dragon, a creature deeply rooted in our collective imagination. Of course, reliable sources confirm that the Dragon King himself has clarified this is not a true dragon in the traditional sense but is still undergoing a critical evolutionary process toward that form."
Apart from the super-powered individuals born among humans, this white dragon marked the first appearance of a superpowered creature on a global scale. Its presence, both awe-inspiring and enigmatic, underscored the profound shifts reshaping the world.
The evidence we've gathered—photos, videos—shows this white dragon differs from the divine dragons of legend. Yet each time it reappears after an absence, observers note subtle shifts in its physical form. Careful viewers should analyze the latest footage to see if the dragon has changed once more.
"Its evolution seems inevitable," the reporter continued. "Given time, it will become the true dragon we imagine."
The white dragon circled the sky several times before vanishing abruptly.
"As we know, this is its invisibility ability. Experts speculate it controls water—perhaps it emits and manipulates water vapor to achieve optical camouflage. This could explain why true dragons have eluded discovery until now."
On a popular bullet-comment platform, skepticism erupted.
"What experts? I didn't see any water vapor. That's clearly space travel right there."
Another chimed in, "It grows and shrinks, rises and hides—summons clouds when large, conceals itself when small. Makes perfect sense!"
A third joked, "Dragons are real? I'm ready to go dragon-hunting. Who's with me?"
"Looking for dragons... and dividing gold while we're at it?"
The reporter paused as the live broadcast shifted to the surrounding scene. In the distance, the dense crowd parted as a motorcade approached. Spectators surged toward the vehicles.
"Viewers, we're now seeing a motorcade arrive," the reporter announced. "Many media outlets have moved closer. According to the official schedule, United Nations officials attending this assembly are in those cars."
Bullet comments flew.
"No wonder you weren't in a hurry."
Sure enough, the crowd soon dispersed, accompanied by sighs of disappointment.
"UN officials: Am I that disappointing?"
"Hahaha, you guys are brutal."
"If I were in that car, I'd be too embarrassed to step out."
"Cameraman, listen up—shove that lens right up to the car door!"
As if responding to a viewer's command, the camera zoomed in on the vehicle. Moments later, it stopped at the building entrance. The officials stepped out, their expressions visibly strained—particularly the white and black delegates.
Meanwhile, in a nearby building, Hong Fei stood by the window, gazing toward the commotion. Dr. Helen Cho adjusted his tie, her own attire elegant and formal.
"I still feel out of place for such an occasion," she admitted. "I'm not a super-powered individual. Maybe I shouldn't go?"
Hong Fei turned from the window with a faint smile.
"Are you afraid?"
Helen rolled her eyes.
"It's nervousness."
"Why?"
"There are so many people, and it's in front of the entire world. If something goes wrong, it could affect your image."
"True, there are many people," he conceded. "But consider this: the reporters will only take photos—no Q&A. Inside the assembly hall, among the officials, our friends aside, the rest are either trembling or clownish fools."
He paused, his tone steady.
"This public appearance serves several purposes. First, to legitimize The Foundation. Second, to confirm its legality. Third, for positive deterrence. Fourth, as a warning. Fifth, to pick faults. And sixth, to find trouble. So, what are you still nervous about?"
Helen stared at him, stunned. After a long moment, she cupped his face in her hands.
"Don't cause trouble," she murmured.
Hong Fei gently pressed his hands over hers.
"Alright, no causing trouble. But I'm sure someone will come looking for it."
"Who would dare provoke you now?"
"You'd be surprised. Never underestimate their courage."
She sighed. "Well, harmony is precious."
"Understood."
Dr. Helen Cho straightened his tie, lowered her hands, and stepped back.
"Time to go."
"Call them. Meet on the rooftop."
"Huh?"
"There's a traffic jam downstairs. I don't want us surrounded like zoo exhibits."
Outside the United Nations headquarters, the live broadcast continued, though viewers were growing restless.
Historically, glimpses of superheroes came through shaky handheld footage or surveillance cameras—rarely professional, often obscuring their faces entirely. This time was different. Not only was there a front-row view, but it was live-streamed. A feast for superhero fans and a critical opportunity for the public to understand superpowered individuals. Global viewership had already surpassed one hundred million and was still climbing.
Through established channels, viewers could submit questions. Arthur and Jarvis, the AI systems, worked together to filter and categorize them, removing duplicates and inappropriate content before compiling a real-time ranking based on popularity.
The broadcast's highlight was the superheroes answering these questions. One question had dominated the top spot since its appearance, its popularity soaring far beyond the runner-up: "Will the Dragon King actually appear?"
It wasn't even a direct question—his appearance would be self-evident if he showed up. Yet curiosity drove it to the forefront.
"He probably won't, right? He's never appeared publicly before."
"I doubt it too. From his first appearance until now, he's always been in that iron armor."
"Not necessarily. This time, the Dragon King himself proposed the broadcast. Maybe there'll be some changes."
"Actually, a lot of people know what he looks like. In Sokovia, some claimed to have seen someone who might be him. But there's never been any exposure online. I think it's deliberate concealment, and this time won't be any different."
On the rooftop of a distant building, a dozen people stood in a row. Big Head grinned.
"Boss, are you showing your face this time?"
Hong Fei smirked.
"What do you think?"
Jessica chimed in.
"Boss, we started a betting pool. The votes are split right down the middle—half think you will, half think you won't. Want to place a bet?"
"What's the stake?"
"Money's boring, so everyone put up something they care about. It's quite the collection! So, which side are you on?"
Hong Fei chuckled.
"I'd love to bet, but I'm afraid of losing. Better not."
The group erupted in laughter, while Jessica pouted in mock frustration.
After the laughter died down, Hong Fei cleared his throat.
"Time to go. One by one, or all together?"
They exchanged uncertain glances. Xu Wenwu stepped forward.
"Let's go one by one."
"This system will let you gauge your own popularity against your actual abilities. Once Superpower Park opens, The Foundation won't be covering your losses anymore. Who knows if you'll still have any pride left by then—but I do hope you'll develop a thicker skin."
Hong Fei could practically taste the sarcasm dripping from the man's words.
"Fine, then let's go one by one. Popularity isn't forced—after all, you aren't celebrities—but if you rest on your laurels and don't seek improvement, then you really need to consider whether you can take a beating."