338. Time Is of the Essence.
338. Time Is of the Essence.
In fact, Luthor's concerns were justified.
To prevent Batman from discovering what was happening, Luthor concealed the attack on LexCorp Tower. Using his high-level access, he cut off all communication from the building, ensuring that no one could bypass him and report back to Apokolips.
Meanwhile, as battles raged at LexCorp Tower, Batman on Apokolips observed the larger picture, orchestrating an endless army of Paradooms to engage Earth's remaining Phantom heroes in defense and attack.
Sitting on the Mobius Chair, Batman frowned as he scanned the three holographic screens before him. While he appeared as composed as ever, his slightly trembling hands hinted at his true feelings.
"The Reaper engines in the North Sea Islands are lost. Keeping anyone there now is pointless. Killing all the metahumans there won't make a difference. Focus our forces on defending the Congo Plains and the borders of Indonasia's Reaper engines," Batman said slowly, clenching his teeth with each word.
"Although I don't know what power they're using to alter the yellow sunlight, even without the Kryptonians' strength, Doomsday's combat abilities are unmatched by those guys."
Perhaps it was his sixth sense from his heroic days, but Batman sensed something wasn't right.
Though Darkseid had brainwashed him, his memory remained intact, allowing him to use his past knowledge to assist in Darkseid's conquest.
Because of this, no one understood Earth better than Batman. This was his home planet, and he had sacrificed everything to protect it. So, seeing a group of heroes he'd never seen before shocked him.
Earth had already fallen, leaving almost no resistance besides a few criminals surviving in hiding. This was why Darkseid had casually handed Earth over to Lex Luthor and Batman to manage. But now, an unexpected development seemed to have occurred.
These heroes, with their unique powers, were clearly not from Earth—or at least, not from this Earth!
Batman narrowed his eyes, finally realizing the source of his unease. He had forgotten that Earth was a place of miracles and that such miracles could be tied to the multiverse.
"All troops focus on defense; I need to contact Lord Darkseid."
Batman relayed his command into the minds of all Paradooms, then turned to attempt to contact Darkseid, far across the cosmos.
Back on Earth, at the top floor of LexCorp Tower:
"Your system could use an upgrade. This setup is absolutely chaotic," Damian, Jason, and Dick, along with Lex Luthor, stood at the computer, their fingers furiously typing on the keyboard.
"You try managing all these monsters yourself; it's not like your Bat-Net," Luthor retorted with a roll of his eyes. "This isn't the time for that; I've shared my access with these computers, so it's best if you help me unlock Apokolips' network as soon as possible."
In front of the computer, a massive, round cylindrical structure stood inverted—this was the Boom Tube, the gateway to Apokolips. When Alex first saw it, he was struck by its resemblance to the Quantum Tunnel from Avengers: Endgame.
"Mr. Alex, we will succeed, right?" Clark stood quietly behind him, knowing he couldn't help much and not wanting to interfere. He stood by Alex, asking softly.
Alex glanced over at Clark, noticing the bloodshot eyes that betrayed the immense pressure he was under.
After a moment's thought, Alex sighed softly. "If I tell you now, the future might become uncertain."
"I understand." Clark paused, then nodded firmly. "No matter what happens, this is my responsibility. If I can save these people, I'll do whatever it takes—even if it costs my life. All I ask is that when the time comes…"
"Don't worry. I'll take good care of Lois," Alex replied.
"What?" Clark turned sharply.
Seeing his reaction, Alex chuckled. "Just kidding! I meant I'll ensure everyone else's safety, whether they're heroes from the Justice League or the remaining people on Earth."
Alex knew Clark was pushing himself to the edge. Heading to Apokolips with such tension could lead to complications. He wanted Clark to relax a little.
"Alex, you really do have a sense of humor," Clark sighed, a smile breaking through. Besides the day he'd reunited with Kara, it had been a long time since he felt any hint of joy.
"Just call me Alex. No need for formalities," Alex replied, his smile fading as he grew serious.
"Remember this: once you're on Apokolips, show no mercy. Your sole mission is to save whoever you can. And for those who can't be saved... you know what I mean."
"I understand," Clark nodded, but a thought struck him. He looked at Alex, surprised. "Wait… you're not coming with us?"
"That isn't my battlefield," Alex replied, placing a hand on Clark's shoulder. "This started with you, and you should be the one to finish it. Leading the charge to Apokolips is your responsibility. I trust you, Clark, just as I trust Kara. You won't let me down, right?"
"I won't. I'll bring everyone back," Clark said without a hint of hesitation.
"Good," Alex smiled.
Just then, the Boom Tube's activation device began to hum. Powerful energy coalesced, casting a soft yellow glow around the room.
"It worked!" Damian shouted, reaching out to high-five the others.
Dick returned the gesture enthusiastically, while Jason merely gave him a look and called out to everyone else. "Time waits for no one. Let's move."
As planned, Superman's team would lead the assault, while the others stayed on Earth. Taking over LexCorp Tower's Boom Tube was just the beginning; they'd have to find a way out from there as well.
With the Boom Tube successfully activated, Superman and the three Robins hurriedly positioned themselves for transport.
"Not planning to join them?" Luthor asked, studying Alex curiously.
"I'm in charge of security here. Besides, you don't know what threats are on Apokolips. Even with Superman back to full strength, there's still one more person you'll need to succeed in this mission," Alex replied.
"Who's that?" Everyone turned to Alex, intrigued.
At that moment, a blinding flash of white light illuminated the sky outside.
A deafening roar of thunder ripped through the heavens, shattering the room's glass walls. A heavy downpour followed, and as Alex watched, he folded his arms and smiled.
"She's here."
.....
📢30 advanced chapters on p@treaon📢
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339. The Coming of Galactus!!!
340. Doctor Doom vs. Galactus!
341. I Am Doom!!
342. Doctor Doom's Final Act!
343. Infiltrating Apokolips.