Chapter 78: Confronting Superman *

Chapter 78: Confronting Superman *

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Batman never wanted to return to this particular room in the Batcave. It was a place built for secrecy, a room that embodied the paranoia he carried like a second skin. The walls were lined with thick lead pipes, ensuring Superman's X-ray vision couldn't penetrate. The records inside were kept strictly on paper, immune to Cyborg's digital surveillance. Even Damian, who knew more about the Batcave's layout than anyone else, had no idea this room existed.

Because Batman had been guarding against everyone.

When his allies fought beside him, when they trusted him with their backs, Batman was already calculating how to take them down if necessary.

That was his burden.

His conscience had long since been battered by the choices he made, but he carried on. Because someone had to.

Superman stepped inside, his presence heavy, his voice sharper than usual.

"I thought we knew each other well enough, Bruce."

When Clark Kent called him by his real name, it meant he had reached a limit.

Batman didn't look up as he finished securing the files. "In the worst-case scenario, these boxes will be necessary."

Superman's gaze swept over the room, stopping on the wall. His jaw tightened.

"What about that?" He gestured toward the X-ray image displayed in the center. "What's going on with this? All the organs are reversed. I don't think you'd be careless enough to hang it backward."

Batman followed his gaze. Dean's information covered nearly every inch of the wall. From childhood to the present, every detail was meticulously recorded. A recent addition, given how fresh the arrangement was.

Superman's expression darkened.

"Dean nearly died saving your city. Is this how you repay him?" His voice had an edge now, controlled but unmistakably angry. "What do you think he'd say if he knew about this?"

Batman remained as composed as ever. "He knows."

Superman faltered, momentarily thrown. "…What?"

"He agreed to it."

Superman stared. The words didn't compute. "How could Dean agree to something like this?"

Batman retrieved a file from the cabinet and handed it to him. "Because he understands the stakes."

Superman opened the folder and scanned its contents. It contained detailed reports on the Collapse—the temporal disaster that had already sent ripples through their reality.

Predictions, calculations, and potential timeline alterations.

"Any small change in the past," Batman said, "could cause massive consequences in the future. And next time, Clark, the Justice League itself may cease to exist."

Superman's eyes narrowed.

"What does that have to do with Dean?"

"Everything."

Batman's tone was measured, but firm. "Dean has the same potential as the Collapse. The items he uses—those tools, those abilities—they don't belong to our universe. Some of them are powerful enough to threaten the League itself. I don't label him a 'disaster' arbitrarily."

Superman shut the folder with a controlled movement, meeting Batman's gaze. "Dean is nothing like the Collapse. He fought to stop it."

Batman didn't waver. "And yet, his very existence carries the same risk. Clark, you can't honestly tell me you haven't considered this. Your super-brain has done the math. You know I'm right."

Superman looked down for a brief second, jaw tight.

Of course, he had considered it. He wasn't naïve. But he had also seen what Dean had done with his power. He had fought to protect Gotham, fought to seal away the Trigon, fought to give people hope.

"He saved Gotham, Bruce. He did what even you couldn't. Isn't that enough to prove himself?"

Batman's response was immediate. "For now."

Superman's fists clenched.

"What happens when he pulls something out that he can't control? What if the next ability he gains isn't stable? As far as I know, his method of acquiring new powers isn't exactly reliable."

He was unyielding. Batman always was. The only person who could probably convince him otherwise was Thomas Wayne, and even that was debatable.

Batman exhaled sharply. "You were the ideal candidate to monitor him, Clark. Your super hearing and vision could track his every move. But you refused."

Superman crossed his arms. "Because I trust him."

Batman turned slightly, shadows partially covering his face. "So I had to do it myself."

Superman's gaze didn't waver. "Not everything, Bruce. I can't see through you. Let's put Dean aside for now."

His eyes flicked toward the dried water stains on the floor.

"…We need to deal with the intruder first."

Batman's analytical mind immediately shifted gears. He had already noted the stains, but now he reassessed them.

"The marks suggest someone was searching for something. They didn't find it. Instead, they found this wall." Batman gestured at the information display.

Superman narrowed his eyes. "And then?"

Batman continued. "Whoever it was stopped here. That's why the stains are more concentrated in this spot. They spent time reading before leaving. The security alarm didn't go off, so they weren't here long."

Superman's mind pieced the puzzle together. "…Meaning they knew exactly where to go."

Batman nodded. "They entered the Batcave using the correct access codes. They bypassed the alarms. That means they weren't a random intruder."

Superman exhaled slowly. "Then they had to be someone familiar with the Batcave."

He gave Batman a pointed look. "More familiar than me, even. I didn't know you were hiding the League's dirty little secrets here."

Batman's expression hardened. He had already considered all possible suspects.

"Damian and Alfred have unrestricted access, but neither of them had the opportunity to do this."

Then, he stopped. Batman pulled out his communicator and began adjusting the frequency—once, twice, four times.

As Batman changed the bat locator's frequency four times with no response, his expression grew colder.

"Not long ago, I lost surveillance on Dean. His last known location was the Botanical Garden, and that matches the exact timeframe when the Batcave was broken into."

Superman frowned, arms crossed. "Are you seriously suggesting Dean broke into the Batcave? Why would he do that?"

Batman's voice remained steady. "Because he has a motive. I took something from him yesterday, and we fought over it."

Superman's eyes narrowed. "And I wasn't informed of this why? Oh, wait—was it in one of those lead-lined safe houses you love so much?" His voice was laced with frustration. "Bruce, at this rate, Gotham is going to end up being the only city in the world I can't see into!"

Batman ignored the sarcasm. "It's not just about motive, Clark. He has the time, the ability, and the knowledge to pull it off. Dean knows a lot about me, more than most people do. That makes him the most suspicious person."

Without another word, Batman pulled out a portable magnetic generator—the latest piece of tech Lucius Fox had designed for him.

But before he could take a step, Superman moved in front of him, blocking his path.

"Batman, let me go instead. If you show up, it might make things worse." Superman wasn't asking.

Batman stared at him for a few seconds, then considered it. Given how tense things already were between him and Dean, he had to admit Superman had a point. If Dean wasn't the intruder and Batman confronted him with an accusation, it could push things into dangerous territory.

Finally, he gave a small nod. "Fine. You go. But be careful."

Superman smirked. "Come on, Bruce, it's Dean. What's the worst that could—"

Before Superman could finish, Batman cut him off. "Watch his hands."

Then, in a blur of red and blue, Superman was gone.

Batman sighed, then muttered under his breath. "…And don't let him scan you." He knew Superman could still hear him.

Above Gotham, Superman soared through the night sky, closing his eyes and filtering through the countless voices below. It took only seconds before he found what he was looking for.

"I found Dean. He's at the entrance of the police station in Central City."

Then, Superman's super-hearing picked up something else. He frowned.

"Wait…he's calling the Flash?"

A streak of red sword light cut through the air, drawing lightning-shaped symbols that shimmered in the night sky.

Dean stood outside the police station, his expression composed, his stance unwavering. He wasn't trying to hide. He wasn't running. He was waiting.

The sword in his hand gleamed brilliantly—the Changhong Sword, now fully restored.

[Item: The Repaired Changhong Sword]

[Type: Weapon]

[Quality: ★★★☆]

[Attack Power: Strong]

[Attribute: Fire]

[Special Effects: Hiding the edge in the sheath, the sword's center is transparent, the master of the rainbow sword]

[Description: The sword of Young Hero Hongmao is like a rainbow after the storm, swift and unyielding. The power of the Meridian Horse Talisman has been fully restored, but its potential is still not at its peak.]

[PS: When man and sword unite, he is invincible.]

Regardless of whether his mother had returned to Earth 3 voluntarily or not, Dean couldn't just sit idly by. He had always claimed to be the guardian of foreign visitors, yet he couldn't even protect his own mother. If he failed her, how could he possibly be worthy of the title of guardian?

That's why Dean planned to find The Flash. Since his mother was the Reverse-Flash, her use of the Speed Force to travel across universes would inevitably leave traces. Even though she wasn't the same Reverse-Flash that Barry Allen usually dealt with, the Flash still knew his old enemy better than anyone else. If there was anyone who could help Dean find the passage to Earth 3, it was Barry.

Using the repaired Changhong Sword to draw a lightning-shaped sword light in the sky was something Dean had inspired from Bat Lantern. After all, he didn't even know if Barry was currently in Central City, so he had to put on a whole show just in case.

Unfortunately, The Flash wasn't in Central City right now.

At that moment, the Justice League was holding a major meeting. A large group of superheroes were gathering and socializing in the Hall of Justice. Little Flash, who thrived in social situations, definitely wouldn't miss an event like this. At this moment, he was enthusiastically chatting with Vixen about the source of their respective abilities.

The Speed Force granted The Flash unimaginable speed, but his five senses weren't heightened to Superman's level. Unlike Clark, Barry wasn't able to be "on call" at all times without someone directly notifying him.

Dean, completely unaware that he was essentially waving at empty air, also didn't realize that his sword-drawn "Z" lightning symbol had instead attracted an entirely different kind of visitor—one that wore an "S" on his chest.

"Hey, Dean, are you looking for The Flash?"

The deep, reassuring voice carried effortlessly through the air.

With a red cape fluttering behind him, Superman descended from the sky, his landing accompanied by a brilliant flash of light. Wherever Superman went, he naturally became the center of attention.

Dean tilted his head slightly as the Changhong Sword automatically returned to his hand. Unlike before, however, he didn't use the Chicken Talisman's mind-control ability to retrieve it.

This time, he had used true swordsmanship—sword control techniques that he had gained thanks to the new special effects of the repaired Changhong Sword.

[Changhong Sword Master: The wielder gains access to the techniques of past Changhong Sword Masters.]

Sword control was just one of the many techniques unlocked by the sword's restoration. However, special effects didn't mean instant mastery—the skills were now available to Dean, but he still needed time and practice to fully wield them in combat.

Dean was genuinely surprised to see Superman of all people show up.

"I have some personal business with The Flash." Dean stated plainly. He adjusted his grip on his sword and raised an eyebrow.

"Superman, what are you doing in Central City? I mean… this place is supposed to be The Flash's turf."

Superman offered a friendly smile, his posture relaxed but his gaze observant. "After the Justice League was officially formed, the hero jurisdictions became more flexible. We move between cities all the time—you know, except Gotham."

Dean nodded in understanding. Batman and his fan club were incredibly exclusive, and unlike other criminals, Gotham's villains focused heavily on psychological warfare. If a hero wasn't mentally strong enough, even with superior combat skills, they could still be broken in Gotham.

"So The Flash is off duty today, and Superman is covering for him?"

Dean recalled what his father had told him about Gorilla Grodd's invasion of Central City years ago.

"…Wait. Could it be that Barry is injured?"

His eyes sharpened with concern.

"If it's a physical problem, I can help."

Dean tapped his fingers against his belt. With the Horse Talisman, he could practically play the role of a miracle doctor. Most injuries and illnesses could be healed instantly.

However, there were exceptions—the Horse Talisman's healing power worked on "restoring the body to its optimal state", but that didn't mean it could undo beneficial "changes". If someone had been artificially rejuvenated, for example, the talisman wouldn't "undo" their youth because the talisman perceived it as a positive bodily state.

Superman chuckled. "Oh no, Barry's fine. I actually have some questions for you."

Seeing how much Dean cared about The Flash, Superman became even more convinced—Dean couldn't be the Batcave intruder.

Dean sighed, sheathed his sword, and gestured toward the police station.

"If we're going to talk, let's go somewhere more private. Superman, you have way too many fans, and they've already started blocking the entrance."

It was true—a large crowd had gathered, drawn in by both Superman's presence and the spectacular sword light show that Dean had unknowingly performed earlier.

"Hey, everyone, lend me the interrogation room."

Dean casually made the request, and the officers immediately complied.

After all, the entire police force knew Dean well, and many of them were his and Barry's former classmates.

In order to increase his points, Dean had built up a reputation for being warm-hearted at the police station, always willing to lend a hand. Whether it was helping with cases, assisting his colleagues, or just running small errands, he had done it all. Because of this, the people who had benefited from his help all had a great impression of him, and no one had any objections when he changed jobs.

After all, he had joined the Justice League, which was seen as an honorable step up.

In contrast, Dean, who had once been just a small-time officer in Central City, had now become a rising star in the police industry—his former colleagues were proud of him.

The reason Dean chose the interrogation room was simple—it had soundproof walls, and more importantly, he knew exactly where the hidden recording equipment was located.

Once inside, Dean turned off all surveillance and recording devices, ensuring that whatever was discussed here would remain between him and Superman.

Then, as naturally as if he were at home, he sat down in the prisoner's seat.

"Sit anywhere you like, Superman. No need to be formal, we're all friends here."

Superman, watching how calm and cooperative Dean was, started to believe that maybe Dean wasn't involved in the Batcave break-in after all. However, there was still a lingering doubt in his heart. He tried to keep his voice steady, but a hint of nervousness seeped through as he spoke:

"The Batcave was invaded, and some of Batman's hidden backup plans were leaked."

Dean's expression shifted instantly.

The Batcave being invaded—this was a major event. And more importantly, this also happened in the original plot.

That meant Earth 3's destruction was already unfolding.

If he really wanted to save his mother, then he had no time to waste.

Dean's mind raced. The Batcave was one of the most secure places in the world. If someone had managed to break in, it could only mean that things were escalating faster than expected.

Dean narrowed his eyes at Superman.

"But the Batcave was invaded… why did you come to me, Superman?"

He crossed his arms and leaned back slightly, his gaze sharp.

"My 94 IQ is nothing compared to your super brain, let alone Batman… I'm afraid it's not as simple as you just 'asking me questions,' is it?"

Dean was far from stupid.

Superman was constantly busy, being called for help every second of every day, yet he always responded.

This was why people called him the "God of the World"—he was a beacon of hope, always there when he was needed.

For someone like Superman to come see Dean in person—there was no way it was just for casual conversation.

"…I thought you were here to ask about how I conquered Groudon."

Dean's gaze flickered, his lips curling into a half-smile.

"But Batman thinks I invaded the Batcave, doesn't he?"

Dean sighed internally. He glanced at the four tiny micro trackers he had stored in his system warehouse and shook his head bitterly.

'It seems I really did choose the right place to have this conversation.'

Someone had infiltrated the Batcave while Dean was in the Secret Forest Realm. And to make matters worse, they had done so in a way that cast suspicion on him. Dean knew exactly who the real intruder was, but finding solid proof wasn't going to be easy.

"I had planned to stage 'Robin's Death' to lure him out," Dean muttered regretfully. "But it turns out, he's even more impatient than I am."

He exhaled slowly, his expression darkening.

"And we don't have much time left."

Whoever broke into the Batcave was trying to open the door to Earth 3, most likely to welcome their master. At the same time, Dean himself needed to get to Earth 3 as soon as possible—to save his mother. Though their goals were completely different, in a strange twist of fate, the enemy and Dean were now moving toward the same outcome.

"Batman is right," Superman finally admitted. "You do know a lot."

But his suspicion of Dean had only increased.

The name of Dean's plan—"Robin's Death"—had sent alarm bells ringing in Superman's mind.

"Dean," Superman's voice was serious, "I think you need to explain yourself. What exactly did you mean by that? And what have you been up to recently?"

His gaze sharpened.

"I believe in you, but you need to provide some evidence to clear your name."

Dean lowered his head slightly, his bangs casting a shadow over his face.

"Superman…"

His voice was calm, almost eerily so.

"I'll give you proof. Right now."

He opened his palm, and the Chicken Talisman appeared in his hand. The moment it activated, a powerful invisible force surged through the air—and instantly, Superman felt it.

A strong gust of wind seemed to rush past Superman.

His body tensed. Something was restraining him—a force unlike anything he had felt before. The power of the Chicken Talisman was attempting to completely immobilize him, surrounding him in an invisible telekinetic grip.

But in that same moment Superman's Kryptonian biology instantly countered the effect. His bio-electric aura, a natural energy field that surrounded him at all times, pushed back against the force and shattered the invisible grip.

Still, that single moment was enough for Dean to accomplish his goal.

By the time Superman had fully broken free, Dean had already finished what he was doing.

He opened his hand—and with a quiet clatter, six tiny surveillance monitors and two hidden communicators dropped onto the table.

Superman's eyes widened slightly. Dean looked up at him, a knowing smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

"Superman,"

"Log off."

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Two chapters in one again. For anyone curious this is Chapter 80-81 in original.

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