DC: Becoming Supreme With Technology ( I Beat Superman)

Ethan's sharp eyes took in the scene. The hall was teeming with influential figures, each representing a different corner of society. There were politicians and lawmakers, philanthropists and business magnates, actresses and celebrities, and even high-ranking public officials like Commissioner Sawyer of Metropolis. Yet, despite the sheer number of people, the atmosphere remained calm and orderly. This wasn't the kind of gathering where chaos was tolerated.

As Ethan moved through the room, he quickly spotted Bruce Wayne near the center of the hall. Bruce, ever the social magnet, was surrounded by a group of distinguished individuals. His easy smile and affable demeanor seemed to put everyone at ease, but Ethan knew there was far more to the man than met the eye.

"Ethan!" Bruce called out as soon as their eyes met, breaking away from the group to greet him. The two men shook hands firmly, their mutual respect evident in their expressions.

"You made it," Bruce said with a grin. Turning to the group he had just left, he gestured toward Ethan. "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce Ethan Harper, CEO of Aether Corp and my co-founder for this initiative."

The group greeted Ethan warmly, their curiosity piqued. While Ethan was a titan in the tech world, his fame hadn't quite reached the broader circles of high society. But Bruce Wayne's endorsement carried significant weight, and suddenly, everyone in the room wanted a moment of Ethan's time.

Among the many new faces Ethan encountered, there were actresses and socialites who made no effort to hide their interest. Compliments flowed freely, often laced with thinly veiled flirtations.

"You must tell me, Mr. Harper," one actress purred, leaning in slightly. "What's it like to build a company from the ground up? You make it look so effortless."

Ethan smiled politely, offering a response that was equal parts charming and evasive. But as the crowd around him grew, he found himself searching for an escape. His momentary reprieve came in the form of a familiar face—Selina Kyle.

Selina stood near one of the side entrances, a glass of champagne in hand. Her black cocktail dress, simple yet stunning, accentuated her figure perfectly. The slit along one side added an edge to her otherwise classic appearance, drawing more than a few appreciative glances from across the room.

Ethan felt a flicker of amusement as their eyes met. Selina's expression was one of mild surprise, quickly masked by her usual composed demeanor.

He excused himself from the crowd and made his way toward her, his grin widening as he approached.

"Selina Kyle," he said smoothly. "We meet again. Twice in one day—if I didn't know any better, I'd say the universe is trying to tell us something."

Selina raised an eyebrow, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Mr. Harper, isn't it? I have to admit, you're full of surprises. CEO of Aether Corp? That's a little different from the man I met in the suit shop."

"Well," Ethan said, "you didn't exactly introduce yourself as Gotham's most elusive philanthropist, did you?"

She tilted her head, the sparkle of amusement in her green eyes evident. "Touché."

Their conversation flowed easily, with Selina's sharp wit meeting Ethan's quick humor at every turn. She was intrigued, though she wouldn't admit it. And Ethan, for his part, was captivated by the enigmatic woman who seemed to have a knack for keeping him on his toes.

Before their conversation could deepen, the sound of a microphone being tapped drew the room's attention. Standing on the stage was Commissioner Sawyer, her posture straight and her voice steady as she addressed the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, "thank you for joining us on this momentous occasion. Today, we celebrate a partnership that represents hope, resilience, and the promise of a better future."

The hall fell silent, all eyes on the Commissioner as she continued.

"In the face of extraordinary challenges—whether they come in the form of natural disasters, technological crises, or events that defy explanation—Metropolis and Gotham have always risen to the occasion. But as our world continues to change, so too must our approach to recovery and support.

"Thanks to the vision and generosity of Bruce Wayne and Ethan Harper, the Wayne-Harper Foundation will provide the resources and infrastructure needed to help our communities rebuild and thrive."

She gestured toward Bruce and Ethan. "These two men represent the best of us—the drive to innovate, the courage to lead, and the compassion to care for those in need."

The room erupted into applause as she finished. Smiling, she added, "And now, it is my pleasure to invite Mr. Bruce Wayne to the stage."

Bruce exchanged a quick glance with Ethan before stepping up to the podium. As the applause swelled again, Ethan leaned slightly toward Selina and whispered, "I didn't know Gotham's elite could be so inspiring."

Selina smirked. "Don't let it fool you. Gotham's just as dark as ever."

Her tone was light, but Ethan caught the faint edge in her words,a sharpness that hinted at something unspoken. He paused briefly, his gaze lingering on her, but before he could respond, Selina's attention shifted to the stage. Her eyes locked onto Bruce Wayne, her demeanor changing as she became engrossed in his speech. Intrigued by her sudden change in focus, Ethan turned his attention to Bruce as well, curious to see what the billionaire playboy had to say.

Bruce Wayne stood confidently at the podium, exuding an effortless charm that captivated the room. His tailored suit, polished demeanor, and commanding presence made him a natural leader. He began speaking, his voice deep and resonant, with just the right mix of humility and authority.

"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, thank you for joining us on this remarkable day. It's truly an honor to stand before so many individuals who share a commitment to making the world a better place. Today isn't just the launch of the Wayne-Harper Foundation; it's the beginning of a movement—one that recognizes the challenges of living in an extraordinary world."

Bruce paused, letting his words settle over the audience. His sharp blue eyes scanned the room, connecting with his audience on an almost personal level.

"We live in an era defined by the extraordinary. From acts of heroism to moments of chaos, our world is changing at a pace that's difficult to comprehend. And while these events may inspire awe or fear, they also leave behind something that's often overlooked: the human cost. Families are displaced, lives are lost, and communities are left to pick up the pieces. This is why we're here today. The Wayne-Harper Foundation is more than just a partnership; it's a promise. A promise that no one will be left behind in the aftermath of extraordinary events."

A ripple of applause followed his words, but Bruce continued, his tone softening into something more personal.

"I know what it's like to face loss, to feel the weight of tragedy, and to wonder how to move forward. It's a burden no one should bear alone. That's why this foundation exists: to provide not just aid, but hope. Hope that communities can rebuild, that lives can be restored, and that together, we can create a future where no one has to face these challenges alone."

The audience was silent, hanging on to his every word. Bruce then shifted his tone, injecting optimism into the room.

"With the unparalleled expertise of Aether Corp and the resources of Wayne Enterprises, we're not just responding to crises; we're preparing for them. We're building a future where technology and compassion go hand in hand. A future where every individual, no matter how extraordinary their circumstances, has access to the tools and support they need to rebuild and thrive."

Bruce concluded with a warm smile, his voice brimming with determination. "Today marks the start of something extraordinary. And I couldn't be prouder to stand alongside all of you as we embark on this journey. Together, we'll create a world that rises above its challenges—a world that endures."

The room erupted into thunderous applause as Bruce stepped away from the podium. His speech had struck a deep chord, leaving the audience inspired and energized. Bruce returned to his seat, pausing briefly to exchange a knowing glance with Ethan.

The Commissioner of Police took the microphone, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Thank you, Mr. Wayne, for those inspiring words. Now, it is my distinct honor to invite Mr. Ethan Harper, CEO of Aether Corp, to share his vision with us."

Ethan rose from his seat with practiced grace, adjusting the cuffs of his suit as he strode confidently to the podium. The applause for him was polite but more curious—many attendees were unfamiliar with Ethan outside of his reputation as a tech innovator.