NFBE Chapter 40: Chapter 40
Chapter 40: Chapter 40
Chapter 40: Chapter 40{Sorry for the late update, I was sick last week.
And a bit of explanation for why things are going so fast. It's simply because all of this is the origin story. I had planned for things to reach chapter 50 or so before the real story began. But while I was sick, my energy to continue this almost died out, so in about 2 to 4 more chapters, the true story will start.}
"So, shouldn't we just go after them?" I asked, watching as Batman continued tapping away on his computer, his focus unwavering.
He didn't look up, his tone calm and measured. "Rushing in without understanding the situation would be reckless. Evil Batmen are already moving through the multiverse, but the question remains, what would they want with a weaker version of our Superman?"
"Maybe they're just trying to add more diversity to the Batman fan club," I said with a smirk. "Who knows? They might be trying to avoid getting canceled."
Batman stopped typing, his head turning slowly to fix me with one of his signature glares. It was the kind of glare that could silence most people.
"Get serious. We need to figure out their plans," Rogue said, her tone sharp with impatience.
I rolled my eyes, these heroes were always so serious, always sticking to the rules. No wonder they were so boring.
"By the way," Rogue continued, her eyes narrowing slightly, "where are the Fates? Those three sisters could be useful right now."
I scratched my head, frowning as I realized I hadn't seen them in a while.
"Odd," I muttered, my frown deepening. "Maybe I didn't get lost because of a poor sense of direction after all..."
The thought gnawed at me, the realization settling like a weight in my chest. Someone was manipulating me-pulling strings from behind the scenes. The idea didn't sit well with me.
Not one bit.
***
"Something seems off..." Zeus muttered, his gaze fixed on the glass tub that imprisoned the three sisters—the Fates. His brow furrowed as he turned to face Doctor Doom, suspicion flashing in his eyes.
"Yes," Doom replied calmly, his tone almost detached. "Things are going too smoothly... wouldn't you agree?"
Before Zeus could react, Doom pressed a hidden button on the control panel in front of him. In an instant, Zeus staggered, a sharp gasp escaping his lips as he felt his divine power being ripped away.
"No... what is this?!" Zeus roared, his voice trembling with both fury and disbelief. Tendrils of energy surged from his body, siphoning into Doom's outstretched hand.
"You backstabbing bastard! We had an agreement!" Zeus roared, lightning crackling around him in a furious storm. But his strength, rapidly draining, was no match for Doom's ever- growing power.
Doctor Doom stood tall, his presence radiating absolute authority. "Doom does not work with fools," he said coldly, his voice like the edge of a blade. "A weapon that has lost its use... well, it isn't much of a weapon at all, is it?"
Before Zeus could muster another word, he found himself confined in a glass tub, identical to the one holding the Fates. His heart pounded as he realized the depth of his mistake. Doom had preyed on his fear, using it to manipulate him—and now, that fear had led him to this. Zeus's once-mighty presence was reduced to trembling silence as Doom turned away, already planning his next move.
"The power of the Source," Doom muttered, staring at his palms as arcs of lightning danced across them. His voice carried a mix of fascination and triumph. "Such... interesting power."
He turned slowly, his gaze shifting to the shadows. From the darkness, the Batman Who Laughs stepped forward, his sinister grin stretching wide beneath his spiked cowl.
"Get everything ready," Doom commanded, his voice cold and absolute. "First, I will rule this verse. Then... the rest of the Omniverse."
The Batman Who Laughs gave a low chuckle, his eerie laughter echoing as he began tapping away at a nearby computer. In that instant, the Fates, still imprisoned in their glass tub, let out a collective cry as their power was forcibly drawn forth.
Simultaneously, across key points in the Metaverse, brilliant re
gaze shifted to the side.
Standing there, calm and unbothered, was Doctor Manhattan.
"Time's up," Doctor Manhattan said, his voice calm and absolute, leaving me momentarily
speechless.
"One day didn't even pass since we met," I muttered, genuinely baffled. But Manhattan paid no attention to my words, his gaze fixed on the sky above.
I followed his line of sight, and my own eyes widened as I saw it—a massive crack splitting through the fabric of space itself. The tear shimmered with an unsettling glow, a gateway leading outside the DC multiverse, to something far beyond its borders.