Kaito Kid is Superhero

Once again, the time came for Liu A'dou to showcase his skills. He used different types of materials to create multiple counterfeit versions of the 'Silver Star,' intending to uncover the secret behind the Ripple amplifier.

Was it because of the material, or was it the complex natural facets?

Ada hadn't returned by morning. The 'Silver Star' was stolen, and the police weren't doing too well. "Let me try to use these quality gemstones to emit the Ripple," Liu A'dou thought.

He arrived at the seaside, experimenting one by one, discovering that only synthetic diamonds with these complex facets worked effectively. However, synthetic diamonds couldn't withstand the geometric multiple of Ripple energy, breaking into powder with just a few uses.

Although synthetic diamonds were cheaper than natural ones, they were still more expensive than glass. It seemed that to transmit Ripple remotely, Liu A'dou would need to burn money. Perhaps in the future, he could find a mutant who could turn into diamonds to assist him.

It was proven that the Silver Star was the best Ripple amplifier at the current stage. Liu A'dou regretted it, not really wanting to return it. He held the gemstone in his hand, facing the sea. He input his most powerful Ripple and wanted to see just how strong the Ripple was after amplification.

Inhale... Exhale...

With his nose and mouth assisting his breathing, golden Ripple enveloped his hands, Ripple rushing forward —

The transparent, ping pong ball-sized diamond emitted dazzling light, which suddenly contracted toward the center of the diamond, then transformed into a beam of light that shot out in the final moment.

Whoosh—

This time, it wasn't parallel to the surface of the sea but shot straight toward the water. The water was pierced by the diamond, and the evaporated mist enveloped the sea, finally expanding the Ripple in the water, like a bomb exploding with heavy tonnage.

Boom—

Hundreds of tons of seawater were blasted into the sky, resembling a blooming blue flower, stunning onlookers.

The power exceeded Liu A'dou's expectations. This power could likely send Superman flying, though whether it could break his defenses was still uncertain. But one thing was clear: the power was no joke.

This was an unexpected gain. It seemed that Ripple still had huge potential to be explored. Previously, he'd been focused on cultivation, but now, it seemed researching Ripple amplifiers was also a path. In the future, stealing gemstones wouldn't only be for Pandora; it would also be for searching for better Ripple amplifiers.

"Maybe I could ask Batman for help." Liu A'dou thought, realizing that to make the best synthetic diamonds, he'd have to turn to Bruce. He had invested heavily in energy and material research, and likely had a laboratory working on synthetic diamonds. Perhaps they could produce synthetic diamonds with the same hardness as natural ones.

Given that Liu A'dou's equipment relied entirely on his hands, he could only create handmade tools. Synthetic diamonds, which required machinery, were beyond his reach, so he thought of Batman.

But seeking Bruce's help felt like clinging to a lifeline, and Liu A'dou immediately dismissed the idea.

Never mind, he thought, for now, it's better to buy artificial diamonds and cut them himself. After all, he didn't need many diamonds in Gotham City. He placed the Silver Star on the table and left a note for Ada: "Return the gemstone."

"...At 10 PM last night, Kaitou Kid appeared at the European Exhibition, stealing one of the three great European gemstones, the 'Silver Star.' According to informants, Kid managed to escape under the joint effort of Commissioner Gordon and Captain America, leaving behind a card that read, 'The Silver Star is under my protection.' The police have yet to make an official statement, and Captain America has not yet shown any public response to Kid. Stay tuned for further updates in 'Prime Time News.'"

The TV was broadcasting this news, and Liu A'dou's newspaper had it as the headline. The silhouette of Kid in the photo was so striking that Liu A'dou couldn't resist buying a copy.

"Kaitou Kid, to think he could escape right in front of Captain America. He truly lives up to his reputation."

"I don't think Captain America is all that impressive. An old relic from WWII. Even in modern times, he's outdated. I even doubt if he knows how to use a smartphone."

"Captain America is a hero from WWII. Be more respectful when you talk."

"An old relic is still an old relic."

"Then Kid is just a vicious thief."

...

The fans of Captain America and Kaitou Kid began arguing. Who was stronger, Kid or Captain America? It was just like the debates over whether the Hulk was stronger than Superman. Arguing would never lead to a conclusion.

From the incredible athleticism and physical abilities Captain America displayed last night, Liu A'dou even thought that Captain America might surpass his own strength-enhanced state. Without learning Ripple, Liu A'dou might have been no match for him. But Captain America had a shield, and with that shield, his combat power was doubled. Liu A'dou didn't feel confident that he could win, but he was sure he wouldn't lose.

"Liu, you're late. Iselin has already gone ahead to the museum. You should hurry and catch up."

"No problem." Liu A'dou immediately put down the newspaper and left without hesitation.

The reporters were excited—Kaitou Kid was their hero. With Kid, there was news, and with news, the reporters were happy. When Liu A'dou arrived, Iselin was struggling to carry the camera and push her way through the crowd. She didn't have the strength to move and was stuck in the center of the crowd. The camera on her shoulder swayed, turning into a weapon that hit nearby reporters, causing them to complain.

"I'm sorry," Iselin muttered, but the camera was out of her control, continuing to hit the other reporters.

It was clear Iselin wanted to be independent. She wanted to be able to handle the interviews on her own, even when Liu A'dou was pretending to be Kid. So she stubbornly carried the camera, even though it was beyond her ability.

Liu A'dou squeezed through the crowd and pulled Iselin out. "Let me handle this."

"I can't always rely on you." Iselin was disheveled, her hair messy, sweat on her forehead. "I can't..."

Liu A'dou saw Iselin's tears and remembered the last time she cried, when they solidified their relationship. But now, their relationship had become even more complicated—neither together nor apart, somewhere between.

"Get in the car!" Liu A'dou pushed Iselin into the car and followed her inside.

In the confined space, Liu A'dou looked at Iselin and knew it was time to have a mature conversation. "Iselin..."

But Iselin interrupted him, speaking quickly, "I know we can't be together anymore, that's why I want to be independent. I'm not crying because of you; it's because I'm not good enough."

Iselin was an educated and independent woman, not someone who was merely an accessory to a man. She didn't need pity—she needed love. From the moment Liu A'dou's identity was exposed to their reunion with Catwoman, she had thought a lot, and she had matured a lot as well. "I can't accept a lover with dual identities, and you can't always take care of me. So don't apologize. You didn't owe me anything except for hiding your identity. In fact, I should thank you. When I needed help the most, you generously helped me. But I know we can't be together, so let's just be friends."

Somehow, Liu A'dou felt a sense of relief. He had always been repressed, constantly thinking about what he should do. Looking back, he realized he had been drawn to Iselin because of her beauty, but because of his traditional morals, he had been hesitant to make a move. Rather than a relationship, it had always been Liu A'dou playing the role of both a mentor and a boyfriend, taking care of Iselin.

"Iselin, I'll teach you how to use the camera. You'll become the best reporter, and as a friend, I'll always support you."

"Thank you!" Iselin wiped her tears away.

Liu A'dou silently thought to himself, no need to thank me.