CHAPTER 112

The Justice League adopted a structured system to define the authority and responsibilities of its members, categorized by a color-coded ranking. Members like Green Arrow (Oliver Queen), with high skill and heroics but without superhuman abilities, were classified as Blue Members—a rank equating to elite-level status.

Batman, however, posed a unique case. As Fiora handed him the formal documentation detailing his rank and authority, he read it with an uncharacteristic expression of astonishment.

"What about me? What's my rank?" he asked, his voice steady but curious.

"You're a Purple Member, with authority second only to the mayor," Fiora replied, repeating Kaius's evaluation of Batman.

Though Batman lacked traditional superpowers, his intelligence, resourcefulness, and unmatched combat skills placed him in the Purple tier. His ability to defeat an enhanced Bane, combined with his reputation for meticulous planning and unyielding perseverance, justified the rank.

However, this authority wasn't equivalent to holding an elected office. Instead, it was contingency-based, granting members decision-making power in critical situations when official channels were unavailable or incapacitated.

Fiora elaborated with an example: "Take the case of the Fortified Army led by Deathstroke. During their attack, the chief of police was killed by a fortified operative, leaving the National Guard immobilized due to a lack of proper authorization. If a Blue Member of the Justice League had been present with authority equivalent to the police chief, the National Guard could have been mobilized immediately, reducing casualties by over 40%."

Batman folded the paper, processing the implications. "Purple Members have authority second only to the mayor," he repeated, his tone thoughtful. "Doesn't anyone worry that this power could be abused?"

Batman's concerns weren't unwarranted. He had long walked a fine line as Gotham's Dark Knight, grappling with the tension between justice and vigilantism. Power, even in the right hands, could corrupt.

Fiora nodded, recognizing his unease. "The Justice League has strict oversight. Abuse of power is met with immediate consequences. Authority is granted to enable better service, not for personal gain."

She paused, her gaze steady. "But, Batman, would you abuse your power?"

"Of course not," Batman replied immediately. His voice was resolute, but his thoughts lingered on the inherent risks of such authority.

For years, Batman had operated on the fringes of legality. Gotham's police, often corrupt or apathetic, viewed him with suspicion, if not outright hostility. Though Commissioner Gordon's support had shielded him from becoming a wanted criminal, many officers resented his interference, seeing him as a disruptor of the status quo.

The Justice League's recognition changed everything. With his Purple rank, Batman now had institutional backing. Those who once resisted him would now be compelled to cooperate. Even the newly appointed officers in Gotham, who had replaced those lost in Bane's attack, would have to respect his authority.

Fiora broke the silence. "As of now, including you, there are only three Purple Members in the Justice League. The Avenger has already stated that this rank will be tightly controlled to prevent misuse."

Batman raised an eyebrow. "Who are the other two?"

"Superman and Wonder Woman," Fiora said with a faint smile. "You're in good company."

Batman's mind shifted to the broader implications. The Justice League's power structure was carefully designed, but it still relied on its members' integrity. Could such a system endure?

Batman stared at the Justice League invitation, his mind racing. For years, his identity as Gotham's Dark Knight had been a double-edged sword. On one hand, it enabled him to strike fear into criminals and act without bureaucratic restrictions. On the other, it left him vulnerable to scheming officers and corrupt officials.

With the Justice League as a recognized entity, backed by the U.S. government, his work as Batman would undoubtedly gain legitimacy. But the risks remained.

"I have one more question," Bruce said, his voice calm but firm. "Does joining the Justice League require revealing our identities to the government?"

This was his greatest concern. If his identity as Bruce Wayne were ever exposed, the consequences could be catastrophic—not just for him, but for everyone he cared about.

Fiora shook her head. "It's explicitly stated in the agreement. President Abraham, General Swanwick, and General Lane all signed off, promising not to pursue the identities of Justice League members under any circumstances."

Even Bruce Wayne, master of emotional control, almost let slip a curse. "What… the… hell?"

He quickly regained his composure, but the disbelief lingered. Empowering the Justice League with government backing was bold enough. But actively pledging not to investigate their identities? That kind of trust—or naivety—was unprecedented.

He looked back at Fiora, his expression skeptical. "Did the Avenger threaten Abraham with force?" It was the only explanation that made sense.

Fiora smirked. "No. They talked calmly at the White House. The Avenger can be… persuasive."

Bruce narrowed his eyes but said nothing. He had met Kaius only a handful of times, but he knew enough to recognize the subtle authority the man carried. Still, the level of trust granted by the government was mind-boggling.

"Stop overthinking it," Fiora interrupted, her tone impatient. "So? Are you in or not?"

After a long pause, Batman nodded. "Fine. I'll join."

"Great! Just print out the application, attach a two-inch photo of you in your Bat-suit, and submit it," Fiora said with a smirk before flying off toward Star City.

Elsewhere, Kaius lounged on a sofa, enjoying a rare moment of peace, when the familiar chime of his system rang in his mind.

"Ding! Friendship level increased to Friendly. Bruce Wayne character card unlocked!"

Kaius grinned. As expected, his efforts to bring Batman into the fold were paying off. Curious, he opened the system to inspect the details of the card.

Bruce Wayne: Character Card

Color Rank: Blue

Title: President of Wayne Enterprises

Race: Human

Main Card Effect: Human Peak Potential – Enhances strength, speed, reflexes, and intelligence to human extremes.

Additional Effect: Banknote Ability – Equipping this card grants 1% ownership of Wayne Enterprises.

For a moment, Kaius stared at the screen, processing what he had just read. Then, he nearly choked on the water he was sipping. "Banknote ability? Seriously, system?!"

He had heard the jokes about Batman's greatest superpower being his wealth, but he hadn't expected his system to take it literally. One percent ownership of Wayne Enterprises? That was… insane.

By his rough estimate, Wayne Enterprises' market value rivaled some of the largest corporations in the world. One percent of its shares would be worth billions of dollars.

"System, what kind of twisted logic is this?" Kaius muttered. "I don't even need this money! Abraham is practically throwing funds at us every year. And we're not under the U.S. government's jurisdiction, so it's basically free cash!"

The idea of being gifted a percentage of Bruce Wayne's fortune felt absurd. And if word ever got out that the God of Judgment was skimming shares from a mortal… well, that would be a scandal he'd never live down.

Kaius leaned back, shaking his head. "If Bruce ever finds out, I'll just tell him it's a… divine oversight."

Still, Kaius couldn't help but smile. The Justice League was taking shape, with some of Earth's greatest heroes now united under its banner. For all the chaos and bureaucracy, the League represented something greater—a hope for a better future.

As the system notification faded, Kaius stood, his confidence renewed. He had a team to lead, a world to protect, and perhaps, a few shares of Wayne Enterprises to quietly ignore.

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