"It does exist."
"It exists."
"That's right, it exists."
"It's right here."
"The code is the evidence."
"This proves its existence."
"An electronic lifeform..."
"An artificial intelligence..."
"No, perhaps something stronger."
"Yes, stronger than that."
"What should I do?"
"What should be done?"
"How can I defeat it?"
"How to overcome it?"
"Batman, come and see!"
"Batman, do you know?"
"Think of a way, Batman!"
"Batman!"
"Batman..."
In countless Multiverses, countless Barbara Gordons looked at various computers or phones, staring at the same line of code, and dialed Batman's communication.
In darkness or light, Batmen from dozens of Multiverses received the communication almost simultaneously. As that code appeared before him, countless characters emerged. Breaking the encryption, deeper encryption, constant iteration, continued updates...
When all the secrets were cracked, when the shroud over the code finally dissipated, the code pointed to a sentence all too familiar—"I'm Batman."
All Batmen's gazes simultaneously intensified.
"Batman?"
"He says he's Batman?"
"Which Batman is he?"
"Electronic Batman?"
"Does Electronic Batman truly exist?"
"Artificial Intelligence Batman?"
"I can't imagine."
"This is outrageous..."
"This is very unsettling."
"What is going on exactly?"
Several Batmen mumbled in front of their screens.
The Primary Universe Batman was the last to receive the communication. At this moment, he was standing atop the Watchtower at the base of the Guardians of the Universe. Another tall figure ascended the spiral staircase.
"You still came, Batman. I thought you wouldn't be interested in destruction," said Darkseid, "Have I ever mentioned how much alike we are?"
Darkseid approached Batman from behind. Below them, the Demon-like Army continuously assaulted the defenses of the Universe Guardians. Amazingly, fighting alongside the blue-skinned elders of the Universe Guardians were the Green Lanterns. Even more surprisingly, behind the Green Lanterns were the Yellow Lanterns.
Although their energies countered each other, preventing simultaneous attacks, only allowing one to attack while the other held position, the spectacle of a Yellow and Green Lantern Corps' alliance was a rarity not seen for millennia.
"I'm just here to remind you not to forget our deal," the Primary Universe Batman said, "You were worried earlier whether I could, as I said, lead our universe to seize more benefits and achieve a higher status in the Multiverse. Now, the opportunity has come."
Darkseid was about to say something when Batman tossed him a communicator. Catching it and glancing at what was on it, he raised an eyebrow.
"This line of code..."
"Marvelous, isn't it?"
"A Batman that only exists on the internet?" Darkseid's tone grew even lower, "How fragile."
"It's not that simple; it is not an internet entity, but a kind of electromagnetic being. As long as there are electromagnetic waves, it's everywhere."
"Do you know electromagnetic waves are everywhere in the universe?" Darkseid said with a hint of disdain, "You mean, it can hear us talking now?"
"No, of course, there are some limitations. Otherwise, there would be no need to use a murder case to disturb the situation, forcing me to appear. However, even with limitations, a Batman who can move freely within electromagnetic waves is enough to attract the Multiverse's attention."
Darkseid also slightly frowned. He was much taller and more robust than the Primary Universe Batman, yet he didn't seem more confident than the Primary Universe Batman for one reason—
The Primary Universe Batman participated in the Battleworld; he could travel to other multiverses at any time, even to another big world. He knew other Batmen in various multiverses, as well as other superheroes, allowing him to engage in Multiverse affairs. Darkseid could not.
He became a leader of Batman in the Multiverse. Although not the sole leader, he had long achieved a significant position. This meant, for their Individual Universe to expand outward, they must rely on Batman.
Darkseid's ambitions were always larger than anyone could imagine. Think about it, participating in a Multiverse war, why fixate on this small patch of land in your universe?
Moreover, as a New God, Darkseid understood better than anyone what dangers lurked at the end of the cosmic darkness. He was the dark monarch, but it didn't mean he could accept unordered chaos swallowing Apocalypse Star. He wanted war, destruction, commands, and respect, but all of these presupposed the universe still existed.
His status was high, but not high enough to know the importance of the Prime Universe and the fact that Universe administrators would never allow this universe to be destroyed. Even if he knew, he trusted his own hands more. He had to participate in Multiverse affairs.
And what surprised Darkseid was that it was Batman who sought him out first.
It was just an ordinary day. The war between Apocalypse Star and the Lantern Corps had reached a stalemate, lasting almost a year since it began. The long battle lines dragged on, even if the Type Demon had no cost, the endless war and seeing no victory made Darkseid irritable.
Desaad handed over yet another unimpressive battle report. Darkseid, with eyes glowing red, stared at him, expressing his dissatisfaction openly. But the once brilliant military intelligence expert couldn't present it more eloquently; he could only respond with silence to this uninspired report.
It was on this same day that Apocalypse Star welcomed three special guests—the Justice League Trinity.
With a crimson cape fluttering over Apocalypse Star, Darkseid was forced to refocus.
At the start of the war, everyone thought the Justice League would firmly stand with the Lantern Corps, but this wasn't the case. They remained neutral for a long time, and recently, due to the Guardians of the Universe's various frustrating maneuvers, the Justice League seemed to slightly lean toward Apocalypse Star.
Undeniably, the Justice League possessed the power to sway the battle, especially during strategic impasses. Neither side would refuse such an elite team. Even if Darkseid were arrogant, he wouldn't dare offend them at this moment.
Moreover, Darkseid had long observed that Batman had a significant impact on Green Lantern. The previously unambitious Green Lantern became the leader of the Green Lantern Corps due to this war. He's repelled Darkseid's commanders several times, accruing numerous victories and frequent promotions. Not only within the Green Lantern Corps, but also other Lantern leaders took notice, as he seemed to have the aura of a King of Seven Lamps.
Because of this, the Little Blue People of the Universe administrators were forced to resort to traditional infighting maneuvers. Elevating the Yellow Lantern Corps to suppress the Green Lantern Corps; establishing the Supreme Constabulary to hinder Hal and slow his ascent; then contacted every Lantern hero through the Lantern ring, directing their shields to the left by three millimeters, and incarcerated anyone rebellious.
This series of operations finally created ripples on the stalemate front. Darkseid's Legion made rare progress, and the front-line Type Demons were all smiles.
Darkseid didn't doubt; this situation was undoubtedly anticipated by Batman. However, he was genuinely unclear about why Batman intended to help him.
Recollecting his thoughts, Darkseid shook hands with Superman flying in the air. Even more surprising was Superman nodding to him. He couldn't help but turn to look at Batman.
It inevitably triggered associations of praising a "good dog" to its owner, yet such was the truth. What exactly did Batman say to Superman to earn a friendly gesture from this symbol of justice?
Initially, Superman would have flown to Apocalypse Star and detonated Darkseid's head. If not for Batman and Wonder Woman teaming up to stop him, Darkseid would indeed have faced a fierce battle.
Of the Trinity's other two members, Darkseid could figure them out, but Superman remained beyond grasp. His powers seemed limitless, achieving almost anything at will. Facing such an opponent would be a headache for anyone.
Darkseid, guiding the three to his palace, sensed an amicable atmosphere among them, unusual given nobody seemed coerced to come. This added to the peculiarity.
Sensing Darkseid's puzzlement, Wonder Woman couldn't help but chuckle stealthily. She exchanged a glance with the other two. Superman recalled the events of two days prior.
"Batman? What brings you here?" Superman flew out from the Centaurus Landing Team Outpost's office, perplexed by the Primary Universe Batman's arrival, "Weren't you in another big world? Why come now?"
"I have something to say." Primary Universe Batman eyed Superman, "Justice League assemble."
"You're acting a bit strange," Superman remarked while flying and notifying others, "You usually wouldn't speak like this. Normally, you'd say something dull like 'gather everyone, I have a meeting to hold'."
"I learned it from other universes," Primary Universe Batman didn't hide it from him, "You know Captain America, right? He likes to shout it like that. I know you guys like to hear that."
Superman broke into a bright smile, "Oh, you're really good. When I heard them shouting over there, I always thought about when you'd shout it. I thought I might have to bake you cookies again."
"No, Clark, anything but baking cookies." Wonder Woman appeared halfway through the front door, "Heat vision isn't a stable culinary energy. I hope you understand that, alright?"
"That's just because I'm out of practice," Superman stretched his neck, "The Superman of Bruce's universe can perfectly do it. If I learn a few more tricks from him, I can do it too."
"Stop following those troubles," Martian Manhunter couldn't help but peep out from the front room, "The Ron of that universe told me their Valentine's night was spent on 11 hours of bad movies. Can't they do something better with that time?"
"They certainly are unique." Green Arrow stepped out the door and joined the party, "But I think that Oliver's invitation for me to visit China is quite appealing. I'll go find him when the war is over."
"I want to go too!" Cyborg stumbled out, following behind the others, "I've said for a long time I want to go to Asia, and none of you agreed. That's the future of artificial intelligence development..."
"The seas there are nice too, much cleaner than here." Aquaman closed the door while walking, "I'm talking about the other universe. Their Atlantis has a much better employment rate than ours."
Walking at the front, Batman dialed Green Lantern, who was still on the front lines. A holographic projection appeared before the Primary Universe Batman. Hal Jordan, looking much leaner, had grown a beard, his eyes weary, giving him a veteran's look.
"What's up, Batman? Sector 126 is doing fine. Any issues on your side?"
"I need to convene the Justice League," Primary Universe Batman replied calmly, "to discuss my observations in another world and determine the course of action for the Justice League."
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