After a while, at Iron Heights Penitentiary.
A large number of medical personnel were entering and exiting frequently, each carrying stretchers.
On the stretchers lay individuals infected with the Mad Virus.
Although Yuri had formulated an antidote to eradicate the Virus, those who were deeply infected had suffered significant damage to their lungs and still required treatment.
Furthermore, the source of the infection was found to be the water supply system of Iron Heights, which urgently needed disinfection and purification.
Fortunately, Wally had the special formula provided by Yuri, so completely eliminating the Virus was only a matter of time.
In addition to the medical staff, many members of the media had also arrived, gathering at the entrance of Iron Heights.
Wally had an awkward smile on his face as he dealt with the reporters' questions.
"Flash, since the Flash has reduced his activities, you have taken care of the crises in Central City and Keystone City. The citizens' praise for you is growing. Do you have any thoughts on this?" asked a young and attractive female journalist who squeezed her way to the front.
"Thoughts? Well... I'm just doing what I can. Twin Cities are my hometown, and I love this land. It's my duty to protect it, that's all," Wally replied earnestly.
"It's been a long time since we heard any news about the Flash. Is he considering retirement? Will you be taking up the mantle of the Flash in the near future? Or do superheroes occasionally take a long vacation?" another journalist asked, and his question received the approval of all the other reporters. Everyone was curious about the Flash's disappearance.
The fact that the Flash had accidentally fallen into the Speed Force barrier and was no longer on Earth was not public knowledge. Only a few people knew this fact.
For ordinary people, the Flash was simply taking a break after working too long. No one would think that something unfortunate had happened to the Flash.
"Regarding the Flash's situation... I have to tell everyone that he currently has no intention of retiring," Wally said.
Wally chuckled awkwardly, gesturing for everyone not to overthink. "The Flash is the greatest superhero in Central City. As long as this city needs him, he will never rest. He's just currently tied up with more important matters."
"Well, can you tell us in detail how you resolved the virus outbreak at Iron Heights? I heard you called it the Mad Virus," another reporter asked, and Wally's expression immediately turned serious.
"Actually, it wasn't me who solved the virus issue." Wally said, causing a stir among the journalists. They displayed excitement akin to sharks smelling blood, as their experience told them this was going to be big news.
Wally spoke about Yuri's anonymous heroic act, knowing that Yuri didn't like his actions to be widely known. But Wally couldn't bring himself to take credit for someone else's work.
Of course, Wally kept Yuri's shape-shifting ability hidden. He knew what could and couldn't be shared, what should be left unmentioned.
"While I'm not sure who he really is, I'm glad that Central City has such a hero with a righteous heart..."
There are benefits to having a journalist as a girlfriend, Wally couldn't immediately recall many, but one thing for sure was that he didn't have to worry about accidentally saying the wrong thing when dealing with the media.
"Perhaps the method to eliminate the virus wasn't devised by you, but I believe that without your assistance, that anonymous hero wouldn't have been able to handle the crisis alone."
Suddenly, a deep voice sounded from behind Wally.
A well-built African American warden, dressed in the Iron Heights official uniform, walked over.
Who else could it be but Wolfe?
This guy had a good physique, not too much stronger than an average person, but his vitality was impressive. The Virus not only failed to kill him, but the damage to his lungs was also negligible.
One vaccine shot and he could bounce back immediately.
Wolfe walked into the midst of the media and extended his hand to Wally, with a friendly gesture. "Flash, you ensured the safety of Iron Heights. Although three inmates escaped, I still want to thank you."
Wally's face darkened, and he reluctantly shook Wolfe's hand. He spoke, "Warden Wolfe, I think we need to talk about Iron Heights."
"There are many areas in the prison that need improvement, especially the way you treat the prisoners... Ugh!"
As Wally was about to finish speaking, he suddenly clutched his leg in pain and let out a cry, leaving the surrounding reporters confused.
"It's nothing serious, just a muscle spasm. Perhaps our hero got exhausted from saving Iron Heights," Wolfe said, supporting Wally and calling out behind him, "Nurse, come over here!"
Soon, two medical personnel rushed over with a stretcher and placed Wally on it.
"You can't evade the problem forever, Wolfe. I'll be keeping an eye on you," Wally stared intensely at Wolfe, and then he was carried away by the medical staff.
Wolfe turned around, facing all the reporters.
"I must admit that Flash is right. I used to think Iron Heights was an impregnable fortress, but today's events proved me wrong."
"Starting today, I will strengthen the defense of Iron Heights, and the monthly one-hour visitation activities will be prohibited..."
—-—
Meanwhile, several kilometers away from Iron Heights, in the depths of a forest, a hunter's cabin stood.
A scent of blood filled the air, and long trails of blood could be seen extending from outside the cabin to its interior.
Outside the hunter's cabin stood two figures, one large and one small.
The larger one was nearly three meters tall, composed entirely of steel, while the smaller one sat on its shoulder, surrounded by a visible pink magnetic field.
It was Magenta and Girder.
"What's wrong with this guy? We barely got far from that damn place, and he dares to kill here, insisting on cutting off someone's tongue," Magenta said in an annoyed manner.
Girder nodded repeatedly. Thanks to Magenta's magnetic field, he no longer had to endure the gradual rusting pain of his body.
"You two don't need to worry. It's safe here," another voice came from the depths of the dense forest, a woman's voice.
Magenta and Girder turned their heads to see four people slowly emerging.
The leader of the group was none other than the Blacksmith.
Murmur also stepped out from the cabin at the same time.
The Blacksmith faced Magenta and the others, revealing a smile.
"The three of you, I believe you, like me, despise the Flash and everyone around him. We have a common enemy."
"And, it was I who provided the virus to Murmur and had Mirror Master cover your escape from that hellish place. Now it's time for you to repay me... no, to repay us."
The Blacksmith opened his arms, extending an invitation to Magenta, Girder, and Murmur.
"Welcome to the New Rogues."
****
Hungry for more chaps? Then check out our pătreon!
Link: Påtreon.com/BaphometFiction
I post 10 advanced chapters of this fanfic there.