Chapter 7: Ascension of the Fallen Angel

Chapter 7: Ascension of the Fallen Angel

Barrett sat in his room, the soft golden glow of the setting sun spilling through the large windows. The events of the past few days replayed in his mind like an endless loop—his parents' tragic deaths, the memories from the shard card, and the revelation of his new identity as Barrett Wayne in this alternate DC world. But now, something else occupied his thoughts: the future.

"1987," he murmured to himself, staring at the calendar on the desk. He was seven years old, the same age as another iconic figure from one of his chosen worlds—Harry Potter. A grin spread across his face. "In four years, I'll be at Hogwarts, mingling with witches and wizards."

The thought excited him. Barrett had always been a sucker for adventure, and the idea of diving into the magical world thrilled him. But he also knew the dangers that lurked in this combined reality. With the DC world's supervillains and the looming threat of Voldemort in the Harry Potter world, he needed to grow stronger—fast.

Barrett glanced at the shimmering race card in his hand, its edges glowing faintly. "Alright, let's see what this does."

He closed his eyes and activated the card. A surge of energy coursed through his body, so intense that he had to clutch the edge of the desk to steady himself. His skin prickled, and an unfamiliar warmth spread across his back. When the sensation subsided, he opened his eyes and turned to look in the mirror.

Two magnificent black wings extended from his back, their feathers glinting like polished obsidian in the sunlight. They were huge, nearly touching the walls of the room. His eyes had changed as well, their gray hues now swirling with flecks of gold. He looked otherworldly, his features sharper and more refined.

"A Fallen Angel," he whispered, marveling at his transformation. The race card had made him one of the most powerful beings in existence. But Barrett wasn't done. A wild idea had taken root in his mind.

He reached for the diamond Ascension Card, the most powerful card in his arsenal. "If this works..."

Taking a deep breath, he activated the card and focused on his race. The room erupted in a blinding light, forcing him to shield his eyes. When the light faded, Barrett's reflection in the mirror left him speechless.

His wings had multiplied, now numbering fourteen in total. They shimmered with a divine glow, radiating an aura of absolute power. His already handsome face had transformed into something almost divine, his features so perfect they seemed carved by the gods themselves. His body felt stronger, more durable, and brimming with an energy he could barely contain. His very presence exuded a sense of awe and reverence.

Barrett clenched his fists, feeling the raw power coursing through his veins. He could sense that he had reached the pinnacle of the Fallen Angel race. "Incredible," he muttered, flexing his wings experimentally. With a single flap, a gust of wind swept through the room, knocking over books and scattering papers.

He frowned, realizing the magnitude of his newfound strength. "I need to control this. This world isn't as simple as it looks, and I can't afford to attract unnecessary attention."

Barrett spent the next few hours experimenting cautiously. He discovered that he could suppress his wings and aura, reverting to a more human appearance. The process required immense concentration, but he succeeded in concealing his true form. Despite the suppression, his body radiated an otherworldly charm, his features retaining their ethereal glow.

Testing his strength, he picked up a small paperweight from the desk and squeezed it gently. The object crumbled like dust between his fingers. His reflexes, too, had heightened to extraordinary levels; he could sense the slightest changes in the air, hear whispers from rooms away, and even see the smallest details with precision that rivaled the most advanced microscopes.

"This power..." Barrett whispered, looking at his hands. "It's incredible, but dangerous. I can't afford to lose control."

He made a mental note to find a way to master his abilities. This was a world where strength alone wouldn't guarantee survival. Strategy, alliances, and knowledge were equally important. For now, he decided to act as an ordinary child, suppressing his powers to blend in.

The next morning, Barrett woke up early. The sun had barely risen, its first rays spilling over the horizon and casting a golden hue over Gotham's skyline. He stood on the balcony of his room, gazing at the city below. The air was crisp, carrying with it the faint hum of a world waking up. His wings itched to spread and take flight, but he resisted the urge. 

Instead, he focused on his surroundings. He could hear the distant sounds of traffic, the chatter of early risers, and even the flutter of birds' wings high above. It was almost overwhelming, but Barrett forced himself to concentrate, using this as an exercise to refine his senses.

Throughout the day, Barrett continued to test his limits discreetly. He found that his physical strength was nearly uncontrollable; even a light push against a wall left cracks in the plaster. His endurance seemed limitless, and his intelligence—already exceptional—had been enhanced to a level where he could process information at lightning speed. His mind felt sharper, his thoughts clearer. 

Despite all this, Barrett remained cautious. He knew that power without control was a liability. He spent hours meditating, focusing on calming his mind and suppressing his energy. Slowly but surely, he began to gain better control over his abilities, though he knew it would take time to master them fully.

As the sun set once again, Barrett sat at his desk, writing down everything he had learned about his new powers and abilities. The journal would serve as a record of his journey, a way to track his progress and remind himself of the responsibilities that came with his strength.

Suddenly, a knock at the door broke his concentration. It was soft at first, but then came again, more insistent. Barrett's enhanced senses immediately picked up the presence of someone standing outside his room. The footsteps were light, hesitant, yet determined.

"Who could that be?" he wondered aloud, his heart racing. He quickly suppressed his aura and stood up, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

The knock came again, soft but firm. Barrett's heart raced, the sound reverberating through the silence of the room. He steadied himself, taking a deep breath before speaking. "Come in."