Chapter 17: Manhunter's Shadow and a Distant Threat
The news from Earth-1 was grim. Zoom. The name alone sent shivers down Adam's spine, even from across the multiverse. He watched the grainy news reports on his phone, the fear in the reporters' voices palpable. Zoom had defeated Barry Allen, the Flash, publicly humiliating him, breaking his back, and plunging Central City into a reign of terror.
Adam felt a cold knot of dread in his stomach. His meta-knowledge screamed at him: This is a pivotal moment. This is where Barry hits rock bottom. This is where he learns true humility. This is where he grows. But it's also brutal.
He found Kara in the D.E.O. training room, punching a holographic dummy with a ferocity that seemed to vibrate the very air. She was watching the same news reports, her face a mask of concern.
"That's… that's terrible," Kara said, her voice tight. "He just… broke him. How can someone be so cruel?"
Adam leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed. "Some people just want to watch the world burn, Kara. Or, in this case, watch a speedster get his spine snapped. It's a power play. A dominance display. Zoom wants everyone to know he's the fastest, the most dangerous. And he's willing to break anyone to prove it."
Kara stopped punching, turning to face him, her eyes filled with a raw sadness. "But Barry… he's a hero. He's good. How can this happen to him?"
Adam walked over, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Sometimes, even heroes fall, Kara. It's a harsh reality. It's a reminder of what we're fighting for. That the stakes are real. That not everyone gets a happy ending right away. It's not about being invincible; it's about getting back up. Or, in Barry's case, learning how to run again."
He struggled immensely with the urge to intervene directly. His meta-knowledge screamed at him to go to Earth-1, to warn Barry, to help him. But he knew. He knew some canon events were too pivotal to alter without catastrophic consequences. Barry needed this. He needed to learn this lesson on his own. It was a bitter pill to swallow, watching from the sidelines, knowing the pain his friend was going through.
"I wish I could help him," Kara whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "He seems so… kind."
"He is," Adam said softly. "He's a good man. And he'll get through this. He's got a strong team, and a stubborn streak a mile wide. He just needs to find his own way back. And we… we have to focus on what's happening here. On protecting this world. Because if we don't, there won't be anything left for anyone to save."
To keep Arrowverse : The Adapt System growing and deliver more chapters faster, I've launched a Patreon! Join today for 5$ unlock 20+ additional chapters and become a vital part of this story's journey. Your support means the world!
you can read also 20+ chapters of "The Flash : The Adapt System " "MCU: The Adapt System" "B99/HIMYM: I M here" "In Marvel With Auction System" " IN MARVEL WITH MISCHIEF SYSTEM" "Universal Marchent : MCU/ARROWVERSE " "In Marvel With Guild System" "Marvel : Please Kill Me" "Sitcomverse: TBBT, HIMYM, B99, & Modern family" "The Boys: I'm the New Hue, I Need More Power" and "legends of tomorrow : Im a Legend Now"+"Arrowverse: I'm a Hero"+"The Flash : Please Kill Me" "Arrowverse: I m A Fifth Dimension Being"
Click here to dive deeper: [patreon.com/TheFinex5]