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The metropolis at night was even more vibrant and lively than the fantastical Gotham.
It was around eight p.m., the time when people flocked to the streets in search of entertainment. Crime, of course, was no exception.
Damian shook his body restlessly and lightly patted Jon's back, who looked as if he was about to step into the heart of the city.
"Jon, one last check. If you find anything during this two-hour patrol, let me know immediately. Don't let your guard down just because it's your first time. Crime is always happening around you."
"Of course, Damian!"
Damian nodded slightly at Jon's enthusiastic reply. He remembered the promise he had made to Superman to protect Jon at all costs. Now, that promise felt even stronger.
"Let's go. We'll start from the corner of the west street."
As they followed the buildings and set foot on the ground, a loud shout echoed through the street: someone's bag had been stolen. The culprit could be seen a few dozen meters away.
He wrapped his weapon around a streetlamp and swiftly stood in front of the thief.
"What? Why is Batman in Metropolis?!"
Calling out the name of the Dark Knight, the thief sped up, trying to escape with the bag. Just as he reached out to grab his arm, the red cape swooped down, obscuring his view.
"Damian! I'll catch him!"
After the straightforward declaration, the thief's panicked voice reached his ears. Soaring through the air, Superboy delivered the bag to its owner.
It all happened in less than ten seconds. Impressed, he thought.
He was a kind boy who readily helped others, but after spending time with him, he was even more kind-hearted and quick to resolve situations than he'd anticipated.
Each time a situation was resolved, his clear blue eyes shone brighter. Who wouldn't be drawn to those rare eyes inherited from his father?
Even the criminals would be instantly captivated by those eyes.
For some reason, a dark haze seemed to form in his chest, and Damian immediately shook it off.
Solving one petty crime after another as the streets rife with crime, Damian set off on his way home.
He couldn't remember when he realized how quickly time passed when he was with Jon.
Watching Jon land lightly on the rooftop, he said simply:
"That's the end of patrol. You helped a lot of people in that short time. That's what you call a super boy."
"Damian, you were amazing too, apprehending that many people so quickly!"
He stroked Jon's head, who continued to smile. The major incident he had feared hadn't happened, and Jon certainly hadn't been hurt.
He had managed to protect the brightest light in the city, no, the brightest and most unique light in his own eyes.
"My dad said Batman is a man of justice. He spoke so happily about how Batman was a hero who swore to protect him without hesitation."
"Justice, huh?"
Damian murmured. He was far from the ideal figure he admired, yet the boy looked up to him.
As he watched the Superboy clinging to him, he thought he wanted to protect that sincere feeling as much as he could.
"Hey, Damian. Do you think I could become a hero like you someday?"
Damian stroked Jon's unruly black hair.
It was a foolish question.
Because it had probably been that way from the moment they met.
"Jon, you're different from me. You're a born hero. I'm the protector of the city, but you're a hero who saves people. You saved me first, and then you saved people. Keep walking straight down that path."
Jon's face filled with joy. Damian gently embraced the boy who hugged him tightly.
"Thank you. But Damian, you're saving people in Gotham too. Batman's popularity has reached all the way here, that's proof! So, Damian, please let me continue to be your hero."
How could I possibly refuse that request?
I knew I would be filled with his smile and presence countless times in the future.
"...If you say so. You really are irreplaceable, Jon."
Damian whispered in his ear, and Jon smiled, a little shyly.