Special thanks to RrJ, Ashton Jackson. Thank you for the Support
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The scent of blood still clung to the air. Alex stood over the lifeless body of the assassin, his fingers still warm from the sheer force of his strike. His hand had pierced through flesh and bone with terrifying ease, a testament to the Barbarian pathway's raw strength. The sensation of his muscles brimming with untamed power was still new, but it felt natural—like something he was always meant to have.
Across the room, Evan observed the scene with an unreadable expression. His arms were crossed, his gaze flickering between Alex and the corpse. He wasn't disgusted, nor was he afraid. If anything, he looked... resigned.
"You could've interrogated him," Evan finally said, kicking the body lightly with his boot.
Alex flexed his fingers, wiping the blood off with a cloth he pulled from his coat. "Didn't need to."
Evan arched a brow. "You already know who sent him?"
"Ra's al Ghul."
The name hung in the air like a curse. It carried weight—a name synonymous with power, control, and a vision for the world that was as terrifying as it was idealistic. The League of Assassins had always moved behind the scenes, manipulating governments, eliminating threats before they could rise. But now, they had sent someone after him.
Evan exhaled sharply. "This is the second time. First, they tried luring you out. Now they're trying direct assassinations."
"They're testing me," Alex murmured.
Evan frowned. "Testing what?"
Alex glanced down at his own hand—the same hand that had effortlessly torn through a trained killer. "Whether I'm a threat worth eliminating... or worth recruiting."
A Growing Threat
Ra's al Ghul wasn't the type to make reckless moves. Every action had a purpose. If he had sent an assassin after Alex, it wasn't just to kill him—it was to see how he would react. Whether he fought, fled, or failed.
He had just given Ra's his answer.
Evan's face darkened. "If Ra's is interested in you, then it won't stop here. What's the plan?"
Alex smirked, his mind already working through possibilities. "We make the next move before he does."
Evan rolled his eyes. "Of course. And here I was hoping you'd say 'we lay low for a while.'"
"That's what he expects me to do," Alex countered.
Evan sighed. "Reckless as usual."
But before the conversation could continue, both of them felt it—an unfamiliar presence.
Alex tensed. He had honed his instincts through countless battles, but this sensation was different. It wasn't bloodlust. It wasn't the quiet patience of an assassin waiting for the right moment to strike.
It was watching.
Unseen Eyes
Perched atop a nearby building, Batman observed the scene with narrowed eyes. His cowl's lenses zoomed in on the scene below, analyzing every detail. The way Alex had reacted. The sheer force of his counterattack.
It wasn't normal.
"This just got complicated," Batman murmured under his breath.
His mind raced. He had been tracking the League of Assassins for weeks, waiting for them to make a move in Gotham. But he hadn't expected this.
This boy—Superman's younger brother—had just demonstrated power far beyond what should have been possible.
And that made him dangerous.
Batman activated his comms. "Oracle, I need eyes on Alexander Kent. Full surveillance, effective immediately."
There was a pause before Oracle responded, "You think he's a threat?"
Batman's jaw tightened. "I think he's an unknown variable. And I don't like unknowns."
(Line break)
The night air was thick with tension. Even as the corpse of the assassin lay cooling on the floor, Alex's mind was already racing ahead. He knew that killing a member of the League of Assassins wouldn't be the end of it—if anything, it would escalate matters further.
He glanced at Evan, who was still watching him carefully. His friend wasn't one to panic, but there was a clear wariness in his expression.
"You think Ra's will come himself?" Evan finally asked.
Alex shook his head. "I am not that valuable yet. He values worth, patience. He'll send more operatives, maybe even a lieutenant, before he decides if I'm worth his personal attention."
"Great. Just what we needed—more people trying to kill us," Evan muttered, rubbing his temples. "Do you ever take a break?"
Alex smirked, but his eyes held no humor. "Not when the game's already started."
His words carried a weight that even Evan couldn't brush off. The League of Assassins wasn't just some small-time gang or rogue organization. They were one of the deadliest forces in the world, led by a man who had lived for centuries.
And now, Alex had their attention.
High above the streets of Gotham, hidden in the shadows of a rooftop, Batman remained still, watching. He had seen plenty of killers in his time—assassins, mercenaries, criminals who reveled in bloodshed.
But this was different.
Alexander Kent didn't hesitate. He didn't show remorse. He moved with the efficiency of a trained warrior. And that shouldn't have been possible.
Clark Kent's younger brother was supposed to be a civilian. A prodigy, yes, but a normal one. Someone who built machines, not someone who could tear through a man with his bare hands.
Batman had read the reports. He had personally looked into Alexander's background. He wasn't Kryptonian—his DNA was completely human. So how was he this strong?
His fingers tapped lightly against the communicator in his cowl.
"Oracle," he said, voice low, "cross-reference everything we have on Alexander Kent. Any unusual incidents, any unexplained disappearances. And dig deeper into his recent activities in Gotham."
There was a short pause before Oracle's voice came through.
"You think he's hiding something?"
Batman's eyes narrowed. "I know he is."
But that wasn't the only thing that bothered him.
Alex wasn't just strong. He was smart. He hadn't used any martial arts hadn't used any tech he only used brute force and pierced a heavily armed Talon in one single hit
That kind of strength wasn't something you just had. It was something that was trained.
And if Alexander Kent had been training in secret... why?
Back at the apartment, Alex finished cleaning up the mess. The body had been disposed of properly—nothing traceable left behind. The bloodstains were gone, the floor scrubbed.
Evan leaned against the table, watching him. "You're handling this way too well."
Alex shrugged. "I knew this was coming. It was only a matter of time before someone made a move."
Evan sighed. "And what about Batman?"
Alex's eyes flickered up. "What about him?"
"You know he's watching. He's probably got half the Batcomputer dedicated to figuring out what the hell you are."
Alex smirked. "Let him wonder."
Evan shook his head. "You really enjoy playing with fire, don't you?"
Alex didn't answer. Instead, he picked up a small device from the table—one of his latest inventions. A small, nearly undetectable drone, capable of blending into the environment.
He tapped a button, and the drone silently lifted into the air, slipping through the window and into the night.
Above, on the Rooftops...
Batman stiffened as his sensors picked up an anomaly—a tiny shift in the air, something almost imperceptible.
His instincts flared.
He knows I'm here.
Before he could react, a small, near-invisible drone flew past him. It barely made a sound, its movements too fluid, too precise.
Batman's jaw tightened.
Alexander Kent wasn't just hiding something.
He was aware of the game being played.
And that made him even more dangerous.
(Line break)
The silence between Alex and Evan stretched as the drone continued its flight through Gotham's skyline, feeding Alex a live stream of the city from above. It wasn't just for surveillance—it was a message.
A message to him.
To Batman.
Alex leaned back, watching the feed on a holographic display from a small wrist-mounted device. "He's still watching."
Evan folded his arms. "Of course, he is. You murdered someone in Gotham. You think he's just going to let that go?"
Alex's expression remained neutral. "Self-defense."
"Doesn't matter to him," Evan countered. "You know his code. No killing. Ever."
Alex sighed, shutting off the display. "I know. But this isn't about morality—it's about control."
Evan raised an eyebrow. "Control?"
"Batman doesn't just fight crime," Alex explained. "He manages Gotham. He controls the chaos, redirects it, manipulates it. The moment someone acts outside of his expectations, he takes interest. That's why he's watching me now."
Evan shook his head. "And what? You're just going to let him? You know he's going to keep digging."
Alex smirked. "Let him dig."
In the Batcave…
The Batcomputer hummed softly as data flooded across multiple monitors. Oracle was still running her scans, but even now, the information available didn't make sense.
"Nothing out of the ordinary," Oracle reported. "Alexander Kent has no criminal record, no history of violence. Just a prodigy. Business-oriented, highly intelligent, but otherwise clean."
Batman's fingers drummed against the table. "That doesn't explain what I saw tonight."
He replayed the footage. The way Alex had moved. The sheer, overwhelming power he had displayed. It was beyond peak human—it was something else entirely.
Clark had told him that Alex was normal.
But Clark had been wrong.
"Cross-reference his recent activity with any unexplained incidents in Gotham over the last month," Batman ordered.
Oracle's voice came through after a brief pause. "Already did. No direct connections. But there was an anomaly a few weeks ago—an electromagnetic pulse near the industrial district. City officials ruled it as a system malfunction, but the reports didn't line up."
Batman's eyes narrowed. "How so?"
"Because the EMP originated from a single point—inside an abandoned warehouse. There was no natural cause."
Batman didn't need more than that. He had seen enough strange occurrences in Gotham to know when something was being covered up.
And now, he had a lead.
"Send me the coordinates," he said.
Meanwhile, in Alex's Lab…
Back at his hidden workshop, Alex carefully analyzed the drone's return feed. Batman had moved—no longer watching from the rooftop. That meant he was following the next trail.
Good.
This was a game of misdirection, and Alex intended to control the narrative.
The League of Assassins had already made their move. Batman had already seen too much. Now, it was about balancing the scales.
Evan, watching from the side, let out a breath. "You're really pushing this, huh?"
Alex turned to him. "I don't have a choice."
"There's always a choice," Evan countered.
Alex didn't respond immediately. Instead, he reached for another small device—a black, metallic sphere no bigger than a marble.
A contingency.[A/N: Alex is trying to go Batman but he is not him]
Because whether it was Batman, the League of Assassins, or something else entirely…
He needed to be ready.
(Line break)
Gotham's skyline was painted in streaks of neon and shadow as the Batmobile tore through the city streets. Inside, Batman's mind worked through the possibilities.
Alex Kent wasn't just an anomaly—he was an unknown.
Clark had been adamant that his brother was normal. But what Batman had seen in the last few hours suggested otherwise. The raw power Alex displayed wasn't something that could be explained away as simple training.
Then there was the way he moved. Controlled. Precise.
Not a panicked response to a life-threatening situation. Not an outburst of untamed power.
A measured execution.
And that made him dangerous.
The coordinates Oracle had sent him led to an abandoned warehouse in the industrial district—one that, on the surface, had no ties to Alex Kent. But Batman knew better than to trust appearances.
As the Batmobile screeched to a stop, he stepped out, his cape flowing behind him like a shadow. He moved silently, his boots barely making a sound against the cracked pavement.
With a flick of his wrist, a small drone detached from his utility belt and flew ahead, scanning for security systems or traps.
Nothing.
That, in itself, was suspicious.
He moved inside. The interior was dark, filled with old, rusting machinery. But the signs of recent activity were evident—subtle disturbances in the dust, footprints leading toward the center of the room.
And then he saw it.
A small, deliberately placed device in the middle of the floor.
Batman narrowed his eyes. A trap? A message?
He reached for a Batarang, prepared for any reaction as he stepped closer.
Then the device activated.
A flickering blue hologram appeared above it—Alex Kent's face, looking calm, composed.
"I assume you've been following the breadcrumbs."
Batman remained still.
"I don't like being investigated, but I understand why you're doing it. So let's be clear—I'm not your enemy."
The recording continued, Alex's voice smooth, calculated.
"You saw what happened tonight. You know the League is involved. I didn't go looking for this fight—it came to me."
Batman's expression remained unreadable.
"I know how you operate. You want answers. Fine. Meet me tomorrow night. East End. 2 AM. Come alone."
The hologram flickered, then vanished. The device shut off.
Batman stood there in silence for a moment before finally exhaling.
Alex Kent wasn't just reacting.
He was planning.
And that meant Batman needed to be ready.
(Line break)
Gotham's skyline stretched before Alex as he stood on the rooftop of an old, unused building in the East End. The air was crisp, the silence between sirens and distant city noise oddly calming. He had chosen this spot carefully—open enough for Batman to feel in control, but isolated enough that they wouldn't be interrupted.
His eyes flickered to the time on his wrist device. 1:59 AM.
Right on cue, the shadow of Gotham himself emerged from the darkness.
Batman landed a few feet away, his cape settling around him like a second skin. His white lenses locked onto Alex with the same scrutinizing intensity he had seen countless criminals break under.
Alex simply smiled. "I was beginning to think you wouldn't show."
Batman didn't react. "You wanted a meeting."
"I did," Alex admitted, folding his arms. "I figured it was better to talk than keep playing this little game of cat and bat."
Batman took a step forward. "You've been keeping secrets."
Alex chuckled. "We all have."
Silence hung between them before Alex continued. "I'm not your enemy, Bruce."
Alex took a breath before moving on. "I know what you're worried about. I'm an unknown factor, and you don't like unknowns. But let me make something clear—" His voice took on a more serious tone. "I don't want to be your enemy. Not just because I have no interest in fighting the Justice League, but because my brother is part of it and let's be honest as much as I think I am big deal I am not."
Batman listened.
Alex continued. "Clark always wanted to help people. And me? Well, I'm not as noble as him. But I do believe I can do something—and it's not just about myself."
He reached into his coat and pulled out a small case, tossing it to Batman. The vigilante caught it effortlessly, flipping it open to reveal a set of tiny, near-invisible drones.
"I call them Specters. Completely silent, undetectable by most standard surveillance, and capable of gathering data without alerting a target."
Batman examined one closely. "You're selling weapons."
"No," Alex shook his head. "I'm offering tools—to the right people. These aren't going to the highest bidder, Bruce. I chose you."
Batman glanced back at him.
"I don't trust corporations, I don't trust politicians, and I definitely don't trust the people who usually get their hands on cutting-edge tech," Alex continued. "But you? You're different."
Batman closed the case. "And what do you want in return?"
Alex smirked. "Nothing. Call it goodwill."
Batman wasn't convinced. "No one gives something for nothing."
Alex's expression remained steady. "Fine. Consider it an investment." He met Batman's gaze. "Because one day, when things get really bad, you're going to need someone who isn't bound by the League's rules."
Batman held the case of Specter Drones in his gloved hands, studying them with the same cold scrutiny he reserved for potential threats. Alex waited, letting the silence stretch between them. He knew Batman's mind was already working through dozens of possibilities—analyzing, strategizing, questioning.
Finally, Batman closed the case with a soft click and tucked it into his utility belt. "These won't be traced back to you?"
Alex smirked. "Please. I may be young, but I'm not stupid."
Batman's unreadable expression remained, but Alex could tell he was considering the implications. "If I find out you're selling similar technology to criminals—"
"You won't," Alex interrupted smoothly. "I told you, I'm not interested in arming Gotham's worst. That's bad business." He leaned against the rooftop's edge, looking out at the city. "If anything, I want to help—in my own way."
Batman remained silent for a moment before finally speaking. "Your 'way' is unpredictable."
Alex let out a soft chuckle. "And your way isn't?" He gestured toward the Bat. "You operate outside the law, bend rules when needed, and work in the shadows. We're not so different."
Batman didn't acknowledge the comparison, but Alex could tell he wasn't outright rejecting the idea.
Then, Batman shifted topics. "This 'enhancement' formula you mentioned—what's in it?"
Alex tilted his head. "Trade secret." Before Batman could press further, he added, "It's temporary. Strength, durability—maybe slight healing properties, depending on the dose. Nothing unnatural."
Batman's gaze narrowed. "And you're not selling it?"
"Not to the public." Alex crossed his arms. "I developed it for personal use. If I ever do sell it, it won't be to just anyone. And certainly not in Gotham."
Batman seemed to consider this before nodding slightly.
Then, without another word, he turned away, his cape billowing in the cold Gotham wind. Alex knew their conversation was over.
"See you around, Bruce."
Batman didn't turn back, but his voice carried through the night.
"We'll be watching."
Then he was gone, vanishing into the darkness as if he had never been there.
Alex let out a slow breath, watching the city lights below.
Alex remained on the rooftop for a few moments after Batman disappeared into the night. The city stretched before him, bathed in a mix of neon glows and shadows, a chaotic blend of crime and order. His conversation with Batman had gone as expected—cold, cautious, but not entirely unproductive.
Now, he had to consider his next move.
He pulled a small communicator from his coat pocket and tapped it twice.
A moment later, a voice crackled through.
"You're still alive. Guess it went well?"
Alex smirked. "Oh, it went about as well as you'd expect when dealing with the Bat. But I think we've established some... boundaries."
On the other end, his contact hummed in amusement. "Let me guess—he took the drones but didn't give you anything in return?"
"Not exactly," Alex replied, stretching his arms. "He gave me time. He didn't shut me down immediately, which means he's watching. And that means I can keep moving forward."
He turned, stepping off the edge of the building onto a fire escape. His boots made no sound as he descended swiftly.
"Keep monitoring for any changes," he continued. "If Batman starts snooping too much, I want to know."
"You think he'll trust you?"
Alex chuckled. "No. But trust isn't the goal. Reliability is. If I can make myself useful enough, he'll hesitate before turning on me."
The voice on the other end exhaled. "You really like playing with fire."
Alex reached the ground, blending into the shadows of a back alley. He adjusted his coat and started walking.
"Fire is only dangerous if you don't know how to control it," he mused.
The line went dead.
Meanwhile, at the Batcave…
Bruce Wayne stood before the Batcomputer, running detailed scans on the Specter Drones Alex had provided.
Behind him, Alfred approached with a tray of tea.
"You seem troubled, sir."
Bruce didn't look away from the screen. "This technology is advanced. More advanced than it should be."
Alfred placed the tray down. "And yet, you took them."
Bruce's fingers tightened slightly. "For now."
Alfred studied him for a moment before offering a small smile. "Master Kent is the brother of Superman so I don't think he would do anything you might be thing Master Bruce."
Bruce exhaled through his nose. "That's what concerns me."
His eyes flicked to a separate screen—one displaying Alex's face alongside his known history.
"Keep an eye on him," he murmured.
Then, he returned to his analysis, already considering contingencies.
Because Alex Kent was unpredictable.
And in Gotham, unpredictability always brought in dangers to the city
(Line break)
Alex moved through the dimly lit streets of Gotham, his mind working through the implications of his conversation with Batman. This encounter had confirmed one thing—Batman wasn't his enemy, but he wasn't an ally either. Their relationship would remain in a gray area, a delicate balance between suspicion and utility.
As he neared the entrance of a hidden passage leading back to his underground lab, a familiar notification appeared on his retinal HUD.
Aeternum Industries: Security Protocols Engaged
Unregistered entity detected near Research Facility 02.
Alex narrowed his eyes. That facility wasn't publicly known. It was where he stored some of his more experimental technology, prototypes that weren't yet ready for the market or the battlefield. If someone had found it, they were either extremely skilled… or extremely reckless.
He pulled up a live feed. The footage showed a single individual in tactical gear moving cautiously through the perimeter defenses. They weren't tripping any alarms, which meant they were either careful or had some knowledge of his security systems.
Interesting.
Alex activated a secondary drone and sent it toward the intruder's location.
Meanwhile, at Research Facility 02…
The figure moved like a shadow, navigating past laser grids and motion-sensitive traps with calculated precision. They reached a reinforced door and placed a small device against the lock. A faint click signaled the system override beginning.
Just as they were about to enter, a metallic whirring sound filled the air.
The intruder spun around, their instincts screaming at them.
A Specter Drone hovered inches away from their face, its mechanical eye glowing faintly.
Then, a voice came through.
"You're either really bold… or really stupid."
The intruder froze as Alex's voice filled the space.
"Tell me—are you here on orders, or are you just curious?"
The figure exhaled sharply before responding.
"A little bit of both."
Alex smirked from his hidden vantage point. "Well then, let's see how this plays out."
With a flick of his wrist, the drone's scanning mode activated.
Time to see who had come knocking on his door.
The Specter Drone's eye flashed a deep red as the Eliminate Mode protocol activated. Within seconds, its sleek frame shifted, retracting unnecessary components and arming itself for immediate combat.
A high-pitched warning emitted from its core, a final courtesy before execution.
"Unregistered entity detected. Authorization failed. Engaging termination protocol."
The intruder's eyes widened beneath their mask. In a split second, they dove backward, flipping into cover behind a nearby crate. A split second later, the drone fired.
A concentrated energy blast ripped through the air, vaporizing the space the intruder had just occupied. The heat left a scorched imprint on the ground, a clear indication that this was no ordinary security measure.
The intruder gritted their teeth.
"Tch—this isn't normal corporate security. Just what the hell is this company hiding?"
They rolled to the side, pulling a compact EMP device from their belt. In one swift motion, they tossed it toward the drone.
The moment it activated, an electromagnetic pulse surged through the air.
The drone stuttered mid-air. Its core flickered for a brief second—before it forcefully rebooted itself, overriding the EMP disruption within moments.
The intruder cursed under their breath. "What kind of drone resists an EMP and is so small?!"
From his hidden vantage point, Alex smirked.
"One that I designed."
The Specter Drone adjusted its aim. It wouldn't miss again.
Alex leaned forward, observing the scene through his HUD. Whoever this was, they were skilled, but they had underestimated what they were dealing with.
"Alright, let's see how you handle this," Alex murmured.
With a single command, he pushed the drone into full engagement mode.
The intruder had seconds to react before the air lit up with energy blasts.
The Specter Drone moved with inhuman precision, its targeting system adapting instantly to the intruder's movements. It weaved through the air, recalibrating its trajectory, then unleashed another barrage of energy blasts.
The intruder barely managed to evade, flipping backward and sprinting toward the nearest cover. They reached for another tool—a smoke grenade—and hurled it to the ground. A thick cloud of dense, electromagnetic-disruptive smoke spread through the area, obscuring vision.
For a brief second, everything fell into silence.
The intruder's breathing was heavy, their body tense as they waited to see if the drone's systems would falter.
Then—
A red light pierced through the smoke.
The drone's voice rang out:
"Adaptive mode engaged. Target locked."
Before the intruder could react, the Specter Drone fired a high-speed kinetic round straight through the cover, shattering the crate into splinters.
A pained grunt followed.
The intruder staggered back, clutching their arm where the round had grazed them.
Alex, still watching from his hidden vantage point, couldn't help but admire his own work. The drone wasn't just defense—it was a relentless predator.
"You're trapped," he muttered. "Now, what's your next move?"
The intruder's options were running out. They had underestimated Aeternum Industries' security, and now their only chance was retreat.
With a sharp breath, they activated their grappling device and launched themselves toward the rooftop, hoping to escape before the drone could finish the job.
Big mistake.
Alex had already accounted for that.
With a single mental command, the drone switched tactics—deploying a high-frequency sonic burst aimed directly at the escaping intruder.
A piercing soundwave tore through the air, disrupting their equilibrium mid-flight.
The intruder's grip faltered, their body twisting awkwardly in the air—
—before they crashed back down onto the ground.
Disoriented. Stunned. Completely vulnerable.
Alex exhaled through his nose, his expression unreadable.
"Game over."
The intruder groaned, struggling to get up, but the Specter Drone was already moving in for the final strike. It hovered over them, its targeting systems analyzing the best course of action.
"Threat level: contained."
The drone's voice was emotionless, calculating. A small compartment opened from its sleek black chassis, revealing a miniature stun cannon designed for incapacitation.
Alex, still watching through the drone's AR interface, tilted his head slightly. He could end this now.
The intruder, still dazed, tried reaching for their belt—probably for another escape tool. Not happening.
Alex didn't hesitate.
"Fire."
A pulse of concentrated energy burst from the drone, striking the intruder's chest.
A sharp gasp—then silence.
The intruder's body convulsed as the electric discharge surged through them. Muscles locked, their limbs spasmed, and then, finally—they collapsed.
Unconscious.
No escape.
Alex leaned back slightly, exhaling.
The drone's voice echoed one final report:
"Target neutralized. Awaiting further orders."
Alex took a moment to analyze the situation. Who was this guy? The precision of his movements, the quick adaptability—it was clear he was no ordinary thief. Someone had sent him. But who?
Before he could contemplate further, a new notification flashed across his screen.
INCOMING TRANSMISSION.
Alex's eyes narrowed as he tapped the interface. A distorted voice came through.
"Interesting tech you have there, Mr. Kent."
His expression didn't change, but his mind was already racing. Who the hell was this?
"It's unfortunate we had to meet this way," the voice continued, calm and composed. "But rest assured… this was just a test."
Alex remained silent, waiting for more.
The voice chuckled. "We'll be in touch."
Then—static.
The transmission cut off.
The silence in the lab was deafening. The drone hovered motionlessly above the unconscious intruder, its red optics dimming as it entered standby mode. Alex leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly.
This wasn't just a break-in to get tech someone was trying to find out something else
His eyes narrowed as he analyzed the scene. The assassin had moved with too much precision, too much confidence, for this to be a simple robbery. No—this was a probe, a deliberate attempt to measure his capabilities.
He turned his gaze to the fallen intruder. The man was still breathing, his body limp from the drone's incapacitating pulse.
Reaching into his belt, Alex retrieved a small, charred device—the assassin's communicator. It had been fried by the drone's EMP pulse, but maybe, just maybe, he could extract something useful from it.
Then, something caught his eye.
A small insignia on the inside of the assassin's glove.
Alex's eyes darkened.
The League of Assassins.
A slow exhale left his lips.
So Ra's al Ghul had decided to take an interest in him.
His fingers tapped against the desk as he considered his next move. He had dealt with the League before, during his time in Gotham, but he hadn't expected them to turn their attention toward him again so soon.
Before he could contemplate further, an alert flashed across his screen.
INCOMING CALL – BRUCE WAYNE.
Alex sighed. Perfect timing.
He accepted the call with a flick of his wrist.
"I assume you've handled the situation."
Batman's deep, familiar voice came through the line.
Alex smirked. "Handled? More like crushed."
Batman ignored the sarcasm. "Give me details."
Alex didn't waste time. He explained the break-in, the assassin's skill level, the fight, and the message he had received afterward. When he mentioned the League of Assassins, there was a long pause.
"That's concerning."
Alex leaned back, rubbing his temples. "Yeah, no kidding."
"Ra's doesn't make moves without reason," Batman continued. "If the League sent someone to test you, it means they're evaluating whether you're a threat… or an asset."
Alex exhaled sharply. That's what he was afraid of.
"They're not the only ones watching," Alex said. "You're keeping tabs on me too, aren't you?"
Batman didn't deny it.
Instead, he shifted the conversation. "What did the drone record?"
Alex's lips curled into a small smile. "So you admit it? My drones are useful after all."
Batman didn't respond immediately.
Alex had already given him access to the silent, undetectable drones he had developed—surveillance tools capable of monitoring even the most high-risk locations.
And now, they had just proven their worth.
"Sending you the footage now," Alex said, transferring the data.
A brief silence followed as Batman reviewed the recordings.
Then—
"Your technology is advanced."
Alex smirked. "What, did you think I was bluffing when I said I could make things that would help you guys?"
Another pause.
"I assume you're not planning to sell this to anyone else," Batman finally said.
Alex shook his head. "No. That was part of the deal. I help heroes— and I mean only heroes. These drones? They're yours, Bruce. Use them however you see fit."
There was a rare moment of silence.
Then, Batman spoke. "I appreciate it."
Coming from him, that was a big deal.
Alex exhaled, leaning forward. "That said… you should know something."
He glanced at the unconscious assassin once more.
"I don't want to become an enemy."
Batman didn't respond immediately.
"My brother is in the Justice League," Alex continued. "And I have no interest in fighting the people he stands beside."
His voice hardened. "But if people keep coming after me or my family I will do everything in my power to crush them."
Batman's voice was unreadable. "I understand."
Alex knew Bruce was calculating his every word, analyzing his intent.
But that was fine.
He wasn't lying.
"I'll send someone to retrieve the assassin," Batman finally said. "If you get any more unwanted visitors, let me know."
Alex smirked. "You'll probably see them before I do."
The call ended.
Alex leaned back, fingers tapping against his desk.
The unconscious assassin lay motionless on the cold floor, his breathing shallow but steady. Alex gazed at the man for a moment, his mind working through the possibilities.
This was Bruce's problem now.
He had already sent a message to Batman, informing him of the assassin's failed attempt.
Batman would undoubtedly send someone to retrieve the man—likely someone he trusted to handle delicate situations.
And sure enough, his drones had already picked up movement approaching his building.
Alex turned away from the unconscious assassin and walked to his desk, tapping a few keys on his console. The holographic display shifted, showing a live feed of Gotham's rooftops.
A figure was moving swiftly toward his location.
Batgirl.
A small smirk tugged at Alex's lips.
So Bruce sent Barbara Gordon.
Interesting.
A few minutes later, a soft thud echoed through his penthouse as a grappling hook latched onto his balcony.
Alex didn't turn around.
He could already hear the faint sound of footsteps—silent, calculated.
Then, a voice.
"You knew I was coming."
Alex finally turned, his eyes meeting Batgirl's masked gaze.
She stood near the entrance to his penthouse, her cape slightly billowing behind her.
Her expression was neutral, but her body language?
She was analyzing everything.
Of course she was.
He had anticipated Bruce sending someone, but meeting Barbara Gordon in person? That was an opportunity.
Alex crossed his arms, leaning casually against his desk.
"I expected Batman himself, but I suppose I'll have to settle for his understudy."
Barbara's eyes narrowed slightly, but she didn't take the bait.
Instead, she glanced toward the unconscious assassin lying on the floor.
"What did you do to him?" she asked.
Alex smirked. "Relax. He's alive."
Barbara moved past him, crouching beside the assassin and checking his vitals.
Her fingers pressed against the man's neck for a few seconds before she pulled back, satisfied.
"You used something on him," she said, her voice sharp. "He's sedated."
Alex shrugged. "Just making sure he didn't wake up and cause problems."
Barbara stood up, crossing her arms. "You didn't have to get involved in this."
Alex chuckled. "He broke into my building. I think that makes it my business."
Barbara sighed, clearly not in the mood for banter.
"Batman told me you had a deal," she said. "Something about… drones?"
Alex nodded. "That's right. I developed surveillance drones. They don't make noise, they're nearly impossible to detect, and they can track targets without being noticed."
Barbara raised an eyebrow. "And you're only selling them to the Bat Family?"
Alex's smirk didn't fade.
"I have one rule when it comes to my technology," he said. "It doesn't go to criminals, governments, or corporations. Only heroes."
Barbara studied him for a moment.
"…Why?"
That question caught him off guard.
He had plenty of reasons.
He could tell her about his brother. About Clark but I am pretty sure she knows and even beside that selling it to the criminals is a recipe for disaster waiting to happen
But instead, he simply said:
"Because I don't trust anyone else with it."
Barbara's expression softened slightly, but only for a second.
Then, she nodded.
"Alright," she said. "Then I'll take the assassin and get out of your way."
Alex gestured toward the unconscious man. "Be my guest."
Barbara pulled out a small communicator.
"This is Batgirl," she said. "I have the target. Preparing for extraction."
A few seconds later, a reply came through:
"Understood. Bringing the Batwing in close."
Alex watched as Barbara secured the assassin, preparing to transport him.
Then, just as she was about to leave, she paused.
She turned to look at him again.
"Batman doesn't trust easily," she said. "Neither do I."
Alex smirked. "Noted."
Barbara gave him one last look before activating her grappling hook and disappearing into the night.
Alex watched her go, his smirk lingering.
That had been an interesting first meeting.
Alex stood near the balcony, watching the distant figure of Batgirl disappear into Gotham's night.
The assassin was gone.
The situation was handled.
But something about that encounter lingered in his mind.
Barbara had been cautious but curious.
She was different from Bruce—less rigid, more willing to listen.
That was good.
It meant she might be an asset later.
For now, though, he had other things to focus on.
Alex turned back to his console, fingers gliding over the holographic interface.
The drones he had designed were already in action.
Their small, nearly invisible forms hovered over key locations in Gotham, feeding him information in real-time.
Alex's AI system, SPECTRE, analyzed the footage, looking for any threats or potential opportunities.
A window opened up, showing a live feed of Wayne Tower.
Bruce was there, standing in his office, speaking with Alfred.
Alex smirked.
Good. That meant Batman had received the message.
But something else caught his eye.
Another feed showed LexCorp Tower.
Lex Luthor was in his penthouse, speaking to someone—a man dressed in black, with cybernetic implants along his arms.
SPECTRE zoomed in, running a quick scan.
Subject identified: John Corben. Alias: Metallo.
Alex's smirk faded.
That was bad news.
Metallo was one of Superman's recurring enemies. A cybernetic mercenary powered by Kryptonite.
And he was meeting with Lex.
Alex didn't need to hear the conversation to know that this was a problem.
Lex was always scheming.
And if he was arming Metallo, that meant he had something planned.
Something big.
Alex exhaled slowly.
He had two choices.
Ignore it. Let Clark and the Justice League handle it.
Intervene quietly. Find out what Lex was planning and make sure it never became an issue.
The answer was obvious.
Option 2.
Gotham's Underworld Moves
Alex switched feeds again, this time focusing on Gotham's criminal networks.
The city had been buzzing ever since his name started circulating.
Aeternum Industries was drawing attention.
Not just from heroes… but from criminals.
His latest project, the biological enhancer he had mentioned to Bruce, had piqued the interest of several powerful figures.
One in particular stood out.
A new message had arrived on his secure server.
The sender's name?
Oswald Cobblepot. The Penguin.
Alex chuckled.
Of course.
Penguin had probably caught wind of his latest inventions and wanted to see if Alex could be persuaded to sell to the highest bidder.
Not happening.
He tapped the message, reading it carefully.
Mr. Kent,
I hear you've been making quite the name for yourself in Gotham's business world.
A young entrepreneur with a talent for innovation. I respect that.
Let's talk. There's profit to be made, and I'd hate for us to be on opposite sides of it.
- O. Cobblepot
Alex smirked.
Penguin was testing the waters.
Trying to see if Alex would entertain the idea of working with him.
He quickly typed a response.
Mr. Cobblepot,
I appreciate your interest, but I don't conduct business with criminals.
I'm sure you understand.
- A. Kent
He hit send.
A few moments later, a new message appeared.
You're in Gotham, kid. Everybody's a criminal in one way or another.
Alex's smirk didn't fade.
He deleted the message and shut down the feed.
If Penguin wanted to test him, he was more than welcome to try.
But Alex had no intention of being dragged into Gotham's underworld.
At least… not openly.
Aeternum's Next Move
Alex turned his focus back to his own company.
His business was growing quickly.
His recent technological breakthroughs had secured funding from several investors.
His research division was developing new medical advancements that could revolutionize healthcare.
And his security division was working on advanced surveillance systems.
The kind that even Batman would have a hard time avoiding.
But there was something else.
A new project.
One he hadn't told anyone about.
Alex tapped his console, opening a private file labeled: Project Eternity.
Inside were schematics.
A design for a device.
One that could change everything.
But it wasn't ready yet.
Not until he reached Sequence 7.
Until then, he had to be careful.
Because if the wrong people found out about it…
They'd come for him.
And he wasn't ready to show his full hand.
Not yet.
The Next Steps
Alex leaned back in his chair, closing the files.
His mind was already racing with his next moves.
Monitor Lex Luthor and Metallo. Find out what they were planning.
Prepare for potential retaliation from Penguin.
Continue advancing his Sequence.
Strengthen his position in Gotham without revealing too much.
Things were getting more complicated.
But that was fine.
He had expected this.
He had planned for it.
And he was ready.
Because no matter what happened next…
He wasn't going to lose.
(Line break)[A/N: I'm adding this now because I kind of forget to add this before. Sorry]
As Alex sat in his office, reviewing the reports on Aeternum's progress, his thoughts drifted back to the moment he reached Sequence 8.
He had expected power.
What he hadn't expected was how his neighboring pathways would respond.
(Flashback Start)
The moment he fully digested Black Emperor Sequence 9 and advanced to Sequence 8, he felt a deep, resonating shift.
It wasn't just the Black Emperor Pathway that evolved.
The moment he advanced, a ripple effect occurred—triggering changes in the pathways closely linked to his own.
Not complete transformations, but noticeable enhancements.
A glimpse of what was to come.
Fool Pathway – Error and Door
His Fool Pathway stirred, and along with it, its two neighboring pathways.
Error Pathway—the pathway of unpredictability, distortion, and breaking conventional logic. It didn't give him new abilities outright, but it refined his instincts.
He could feel tiny distortions in probability, even without consciously trying.
Like knowing when an enemy would hesitate.
Or sensing when something wasn't quite real.
It wasn't much, but it was enough to make his illusions sharper, his deceptions harder to detect.
Door Pathway—the pathway of space, gateways, and movement.
His sense of space expanded, allowing him to feel the smallest shifts in movement around him.
His phasing had sharpened, though it was still imperfect.
The range hadn't increased much, but he could now see more options for teleporting—not just physical locations, but alternative routes that weren't visible before.
It was like seeing the weak points in reality, places where a simple step could take him somewhere else.
Not true mastery.
Not yet.
But it was a step forward.
His Paragon Pathway had its own reaction, subtly boosting its neighbors.
There was less delay when he moved.
Sun Pathway—the pathway of light, purification, and divine authority.
This one had the most unexpected effect.
His body felt more resistant to negative influences.
Mind control, corruption, and supernatural fear effects all felt weaker against him.
Not gone, not completely negated.
But dulled.
It was like standing near a faint source of sunlight—enough to push away shadows, but not enough to burn them away completely.
A small but valuable passive boost.
His primary pathway, Black Emperor, exerted the strongest pull, and its neighboring pathways reacted accordingly.
Red Priest Pathway—the pathway of war, leadership, and revolution.
His commanding presence had intensified.
Even without actively trying, people found themselves paying attention to him more.
His words carried a greater weight, making persuasion slightly easier.
Not on a supernatural level.
Not yet.
But enough that it was noticeable.
Justiciar Pathway—the pathway of absolute law, order, and judgment.
This change was more subtle.
His instincts for structure and authority sharpened.
He became more aware of hierarchies, of how power flowed in a room.
It wasn't mind-reading, but he could sense when someone was hesitating because of rank.
Or when someone spoke with more authority than they actually had.
A slight but useful shift.
Abyss Pathway—the pathway of darkness, destruction, and corruption.
This one was the most dangerous.
He felt a deep pull toward the void, an almost primal awareness of entropy and endings.
Nothing concrete.
Nothing he could weaponize yet.
But he had to be careful.
This power corrupted those who embraced it fully.
And he had no intention of letting it consume him.
Not now.
Not ever.
Back to the Present (Flashback End)
Alex exhaled, blinking as he returned to the present.
That memory had been a turning point.
Not a massive leap, but a preview of what would happen as he advanced further.
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