DC X LOTM: A Beyonder in DC

Special thanks to Jack Ashton

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The Docks Aftermath

The fires at the docks burned well into the night, sending thick plumes of smoke into the Gotham sky.

The distant sound of sirens grew louder—GCPD was finally arriving, long after the real action had ended.

Alex stood beside Batman, both of them watching as the flames slowly consumed what was left of the battlefield.

"We didn't get any solid answers," Alex muttered.

"We got more than you think," Batman countered.

He pulled a small tracking device from his belt.

"Joker may have escaped, but he won't stay hidden forever," Batman said. "I tagged his speedboat before he disappeared. We'll find him."

"And those mercs?"

"They were too coordinated to be a random group. They're trained. Professional."

"LexCorp level professional?"

Batman was silent for a moment before answering. "Possibly. But we can't prove it yet."

"Yet," Alex echoed.

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "So what now?"

"We investigate. We follow the money. And we prepare for whatever's coming next."

Alex nodded, but deep down, he knew—

Whoever was pulling the strings behind tonight's attack wasn't done.

Not even close.

GCPD Arrives

A convoy of GCPD cruisers screeched to a halt near the wreckage.

Officers poured out, weapons drawn, sweeping the area.

A black sedan pulled up behind them—

And Commissioner James Gordon stepped out.

His trench coat billowed slightly in the wind as he took in the destruction.

"Jesus," he muttered, adjusting his glasses. "What the hell happened here?"

Batman stepped forward. "Joker was here. He had help."

Gordon's eyes flicked between the two of them. "And who the hell is he?"

Alex glanced at Batman.

They hadn't exactly talked about what to call him in these situations.

"A temporary ally," Batman answered vaguely. "For now."

Gordon pinched the bridge of his nose. "Great. Another masked vigilante."

"Relax," Alex said dryly. "I don't bite."

"That doesn't make me feel any better," Gordon muttered.

"We need to talk," Batman interrupted. "Privately."

Gordon hesitated, then gestured for his men to give them space.

Once they were alone, he crossed his arms. "Talk."

"There were mercenaries here tonight," Batman said. "Well-equipped. Well-funded."

Gordon exhaled sharply. "Any idea who they work for?"

"Not yet," Batman admitted. "But they weren't here to kill Joker. They were here to retrieve him."

Gordon's expression darkened. "Someone's protecting him."

"More than that," Alex said. "Someone's using him."

Gordon shook his head. "You're telling me Joker—the Joker—is taking orders from someone?"

"Not willingly," Batman said. "But even he has limits."

"Which means someone bigger is behind this," Alex added. "And they just made their first real move."

The Name in the Shadows

"There is one lead," Batman said. "A name."

Gordon raised an eyebrow. "Whose?"

"Overwatch."

Gordon's expression froze.

For a fraction of a second, Alex could've sworn he saw a flicker of recognition in the Commissioner's eyes.

"You've heard of them," Batman said immediately.

Gordon hesitated. "I've heard rumors."

"Then start talking," Alex pressed.

Gordon sighed. "Nothing concrete. Just whispers. Black ops mercenaries. No official records. No known employer. Just… a name that pops up in the worst places."

"And now they're in Gotham," Batman said.

"Which means Gotham just got a lot more dangerous," Gordon muttered.

He looked at the burning wreckage one last time. "I'll see what I can dig up. But be careful. If Overwatch is really involved… you don't want to be on their radar."

"Too late for that," Alex muttered.

Aeternum Industries – The Next Morning

Alex barely got three hours of sleep before he was back at his company.

The chaos from last night was still fresh in his mind, but he had other problems now—

Running a multi-million-dollar tech empire wasn't exactly stress-free.

His assistant, Lena, was already waiting for him as he walked into his office.

"You have five meetings scheduled today," she said, handing him a tablet with a list of appointments. "The R&D department needs approval for the next phase of the bio-tech project, your legal team wants to discuss patents, and—"

"Cancel everything," Alex said.

Lena blinked. "Excuse me?"

"Reschedule it. Prioritize security upgrades instead," he said, sitting down at his desk. "Something big is happening in Gotham, and I don't want Aeternum caught in the crossfire."

Lena hesitated, but then nodded. "Understood."

She turned to leave but then paused. "Oh—one more thing."

"What?"

"You have a visitor."

Alex raised an eyebrow. "Who?"

She stepped aside—

And standing behind her was Bruce Wayne.

A Conversation Between Masks

Alex's expression didn't change, but internally, he was already calculating.

"Bruce Wayne."

"Alexander Kent," Bruce said, offering a polite smile. "Or should I say… the young genius behind Aeternum Industries?"

"To what do I owe the pleasure?" Alex asked.

Bruce sat down across from him. "I wanted to meet the man who's been making waves in Gotham's tech industry."

"Flattering," Alex said dryly. "But I doubt that's the only reason you're here."

Bruce's smile didn't fade. "Gotham is changing. New players are entering the field. I like to keep track of promising… entrepreneurs."

Alex leaned back. "You're wondering if I'm a threat."

"I'm wondering where you stand," Bruce corrected.

The room was silent for a moment.

Then—

"You already know," Alex said simply.

Bruce's eyes narrowed slightly.

Alex smirked. "You wouldn't be here if you didn't."

Bruce held his gaze for a long moment—then, slowly, he smiled.

"Smart," he admitted. "I can see why people are watching you."

"People?"

"Luthor," Bruce said. "Others. You're on their radar."

"I figured."

"Watch your back, Kent," Bruce said, standing up. "You're playing in a dangerous game now."

"I know," Alex said. "And I plan to win."

Bruce gave him one last look before turning to leave.

But just before he stepped out the door—

"One last thing," Alex said.

Bruce paused. "Yes?"

"Tell Batman I said thanks."

Bruce didn't react.

Didn't even blink.

But as he walked away, Alex could've sworn he saw the faintest hint of a smirk.

Aeternum Industries – Hidden Lab

As soon as Bruce Wayne left, Alex locked the door behind him and activated the security lockdown on his office.

The sleek metal panels along the walls shifted, revealing a hidden elevator.

He stepped inside, pressing his hand against a biometric scanner.

"Confirm identity: Alexander Kent," a female AI voice said. "Access granted."

The elevator descended deep below the building, far beneath the public levels of Aeternum Industries.

This was his real domain.

As the doors opened, Alex walked into a massive underground research facility, filled with cutting-edge technology far beyond anything the world had seen.

Blueprints hovered in holographic displays. Prototype weapons and gadgets lined the walls.

In the center of the lab stood a massive quantum computer, its interface displaying complex calculations running in real-time.

And sitting in front of it, waiting for him—

Was Eve.

"You've been busy," she remarked, not even looking up from the screens.

"So have you," Alex said. "Did you find anything on Overwatch?"

Eve sighed, turning the screen toward him.

"Not much," she admitted. "They're ghosts. No official records, no financial trails. Just disappearances and cover-ups."

"And their connection to Joker?"

"Still unknown," Eve said. "But whoever they are, they don't just operate in Gotham. They have a global presence."

Alex frowned, scanning the data.

"So we're dealing with a secret organization that has unlimited funding, military-grade tech, and no moral compass," he muttered. "Great."

"Not just that," Eve said. "They have their eyes on you now."

Alex's gaze snapped to her. "Explain."

Eve tapped a few keys, pulling up a new set of surveillance feeds.

Footage from security cameras around Aeternum's buildings.

"There's been an increase in unidentified operatives near your facilities," she said. "They're watching us."

Alex's jaw tightened.

"They're not just watching," he said coldly. "They're testing us."

The Spy Among Them

A sudden ping interrupted their conversation.

Eve turned back to the screen. "We have a problem."

"Bigger than mercenaries stalking us?" Alex asked.

"Yes," she said. "We have a mole inside Aeternum."

Alex's expression darkened instantly. "Who?"

Eve zoomed in on an employee's security logs.

"This guy," she said. "David Langley. Junior researcher in the R&D division. But his access logs don't match his clearance level."

She pulled up another window—

Showing security footage of Langley sneaking into restricted areas.

"He's been siphoning classified data for weeks," Eve said. "And sending it to an external server."

Alex clenched his fists. "Who is he working for?"

"Still tracing the connection," Eve said. "But it's not a coincidence this is happening right after Overwatch appeared."

Alex exhaled slowly.

"Get me everything on him," he said. "His background, his family, his movements—everything."

"Already on it," Eve replied. "What do you want to do when we confirm his allegiance?"

Alex's expression was stone-cold.

"We send a message," he said.

The Hunt Begins

That night, Alex moved.

Disguised under one of his alternate identities, he tracked Langley's movements through Gotham.

The man was cautious, but not enough.

After hours of waiting, Langley finally made a move—

Slipping into a dimly lit warehouse near Gotham's industrial district.

"Gotcha," Alex muttered, activating his stealth systems.

His suit shimmered as adaptive camouflage kicked in, blending into the shadows.

Silently, he followed.

Inside, Langley pulled out a secure laptop, logging into an encrypted server.

Alex activated his signal interceptor, hijacking the transmission in real-time.

The screen flickered—

And a new message appeared.

"Status report."

Langley typed quickly.

"Extraction scheduled. Awaiting further instructions."

There was a pause.

Then—

"Understood. Proceed as planned. Overwatch out."

Alex's eyes narrowed.

"Bingo."

A Sudden Turn

Alex was about to move—

When the warehouse lights exploded in a burst of sparks.

A figure dropped from the rafters, landing between Langley and the exit.

A tall woman, clad in a sleek, futuristic combat suit, her face hidden behind a reflective visor.

"Langley," she said coolly. "You've been compromised."

Langley froze in terror. "W-Wait, I can fix this! Just give me—"

CRACK!

In a blur of motion, she snapped Langley's neck with a single strike.

Alex barely had time to react before she turned—

And looked straight at him.

Face to Face with Overwatch

"You're good," she said, her voice modulated. "But not good enough."

Alex moved instantly, drawing his shock blade and lunging—

Only for the woman to vanish in a burst of movement.

"Enhanced reflexes," Alex realized. "She's augmented."

She reappeared behind him, aiming a wrist-mounted pulse weapon at his head.

Alex dodged, the blast grazing past him and melting a chunk of the concrete wall.

"We don't need to be enemies," she said, circling him. "You're smart. You know what's coming. Join us."

"Not interested," Alex said flatly.

"Pity," she said. "We could have used someone like you."

She moved—

Faster than any normal human should be able to.

But Alex was ready.

As she lunged, he triggered a miniature EMP grenade, forcing her systems to momentarily glitch.

It was only a split-second advantage—

But it was enough.

Alex struck, his blade slicing through her visor, exposing her face underneath.

For a brief moment, their eyes met.

And Alex felt a jolt of recognition.

"You…"

Her expression didn't change.

"We'll meet again, Mr. Kent," she said.

Then, in a blur of motion—

She activated a teleportation device—

And vanished.

Leaving Alex alone in the ruined warehouse—

And with more questions than answers.

The Storm Is Coming

Alex stood there for a long moment, his mind racing.

Whoever Overwatch was, they weren't just some mercenary group.

They had resources, technology, and operatives who could match him.

And they were interested in him.

"Eve," he said, activating his comms. "We need to accelerate our plans."

"Understood," she replied. "What's the next move?"

Alex's eyes darkened.

"We go on the offensive."

Because one thing was certain now—

This wasn't just about Gotham anymore.

This was the beginning of a war.

Aeternum Industries – Hidden Lab

Alex's eyes remained fixed on the security feed, replaying the encounter with the Overwatch operative.

Her face—

It was familiar.

But from where?

"Eve, run a facial recognition scan on the woman I just fought," Alex said. "Check government databases, military records, and black-market listings."

"Already on it," Eve responded. "But it's not going to be easy. If Overwatch is as covert as we think, they've erased her from public records."

Alex clenched his jaw.

Overwatch had resources—that much was clear.

And now, they were making moves in Gotham.

"Any updates on the data Langley was sending?" he asked.

"Decrypted 40% so far," Eve said. "It looks like blueprints for advanced biotech—something that can enhance human physiology."

Alex's eyes narrowed.

"Super-soldier tech," he muttered. "That's how she moved so fast."

"Exactly," Eve said. "And if they have one enhanced operative, they might have dozens."

Alex exhaled slowly.

"Then we hit them first."

The Counterattack

He pulled up a map of Gotham, pinpointing locations where Overwatch had been spotted.

Red markers flashed across the screen.

"These are their supply lines," Alex said. "Safe houses, black-market connections, off-the-books shipments."

Eve whistled. "That's a lot of infrastructure for a 'secret' group."

"We shut it down," Alex said. "Systematically. Cut off their funding, cripple their logistics, and make Gotham a hostile environment for them."

Eve smirked. "You really know how to make enemies."

"They made me their enemy first," Alex said coldly. "Now, we return the favor."

The First Strike

Alex moved swiftly.

Using one of his underworld identities, he orchestrated a coordinated series of attacks across the city.

Bribed port officials redirected Overwatch's weapons shipments. Cyberwarfare teams planted viruses in their financial accounts, draining millions. Street-level informants spread false rumors, turning Gotham's criminal factions against them.

Within 48 hours, Overwatch lost four safe houses, three arms deals, and two high-ranking operatives.

It was a devastating blow—

And Alex wasn't done yet.

The Meeting with Batman

He knew his actions wouldn't go unnoticed.

That's why, when Batman appeared on Aeternum Tower's rooftop that night, Alex wasn't surprised.

"You've been busy," Batman said, stepping out of the shadows.

"So have you," Alex replied evenly. "I assume you're here about Overwatch."

Batman's eyes narrowed. "You've been dismantling their operations. What do you know?"

"Enough to be a problem for them," Alex said. "They're not just mercenaries, Bruce. They're something bigger."

Batman folded his arms. "And how exactly do you know that?"

Alex smirked. "Let's just say I had a 'close encounter.'"

Batman studied him carefully.

"Stay out of this, Alex," he said. "This isn't your fight."

Alex chuckled. "You really think I have a choice?"

Batman didn't answer.

But the silence spoke volumes.

"Overwatch won't stop," Alex said. "They came after me. That means they're already inside Gotham's power structure."

Batman exhaled. "Then we do this together."

Alex arched an eyebrow. "Did you just say we?"

"Don't make me regret it," Batman muttered.

Alex grinned. "Let's make some noise, then."

The Raid on Overwatch

That night, Alex and Batman struck first.

A covert Overwatch base—hidden beneath an abandoned subway station—was their target.

Batman moved silently, his cape billowing as he glided across the rafters.

Alex, using his stealth suit, infiltrated through the ventilation system.

Inside, Overwatch operatives patrolled, armed with advanced weaponry.

"They're using military-grade energy rifles," Alex whispered into his comms. "This isn't black-market tech. This is government-level."

"Which means they have deep connections," Batman replied. "Stay low. We need intel, not just destruction."

Alex nodded.

Moving like ghosts, they reached the central server room.

"I'll hack their systems," Alex said. "Cover me."

Batman vanished into the shadows as Alex pulled out his neural interface device, plugging it into Overwatch's network.

Data flooded the screen.

And then—

A red alert blared through the base.

INTRUSION DETECTED. LOCKDOWN ENGAGED.

"We've been made," Alex muttered.

"Get the data and get out," Batman ordered.

Alex worked fast, pulling critical files onto his drive.

Then—

The doors burst open—

And heavily armed Overwatch enforcers stormed in.

"Engage targets!"

Gunfire erupted.

Alex dodged, rolling behind a control panel.

Batman moved like a phantom, disarming three guards in seconds.

Alex triggered an EMP blast, frying their advanced rifles.

The tide turned instantly.

Within moments, the last Overwatch agent collapsed—knocked unconscious by Batman.

"We're clear," Alex said. "Let's move."

Batman nodded. "We need to analyze that data—now."

The Truth Behind Overwatch

Back at the Batcave, Alex and Batman poured over the stolen files.

What they found was worse than expected.

PROJECT PROMETHEUS – Human Augmentation Program

Funding Source: UNDISCLOSED

Operational Leader: UNKNOWN

Primary Objective: Creation of Enhanced Operatives

"They're not just a mercenary group," Alex said grimly. "They're a full-scale black-ops organization."

Batman's expression darkened. "And someone high up is funding them."

Alex exhaled. "Which means this fight is just beginning."

Aftermath of the Raid

Inside the Batcave, the soft glow of holographic screens cast sharp shadows across the stone walls. Data streamed in endless lines of text, but it was what they didn't see that worried Alex the most.

"Someone erased crucial files," Alex muttered. "They knew we were coming."

"Not just someone," Batman said, his voice cold. "Overwatch has an inside man. Someone with clearance high enough to cover their tracks this fast."

Alex exhaled slowly.

They weren't dealing with a rogue faction—this was deliberate.

"How much did we recover?" he asked.

"Enough to confirm Overwatch isn't just in Gotham," Batman said, pulling up a world map.

Several red blips lit up—New York, London, Moscow, Shanghai.

"They're global," Alex muttered.

"And someone in Gotham is keeping them hidden," Batman added. "That's where we start."

Alex nodded. "We need to find their backer."

Batman's expression darkened. "I already have a suspect."

The Name That Changed Everything

With a few keystrokes, Batman pulled up a corporate profile.

The name on the screen made Alex's blood run cold.

LEX LUTHOR

CEO, LEXCORP

Net Worth: 85 Billion

"You think Luthor's funding them?" Alex asked.

"It fits," Batman said. "Overwatch has access to cutting-edge biotech, military tech, and vast resources. LexCorp has its hands in all of those industries."

Alex frowned. "But why?"

"Luthor's obsessed with control," Batman said. "He's been looking for ways to counter Superman for years. Overwatch might be his insurance policy against Kryptonians—or something worse."

Alex leaned back, processing the implications.

If Luthor was involved, this wasn't just a mercenary operation—this was a long-term game.

"Then we hit him first," Alex said. "Before he knows we're onto him."

Breaking Into LexCorp

Luthor's security was no joke.

LexCorp Tower was one of the most fortified buildings in Metropolis—guarded by state-of-the-art AI defenses, biometric scanners, and even Luthor's personal security force.

A frontal assault was impossible.

"We need a different approach," Alex said. "Something subtle."

Batman studied the building's schematics. "There's an old service tunnel beneath the tower. It connects to the city's underground infrastructure. It's not on any of Luthor's official blueprints."

"Then that's our way in," Alex said.

The Infiltration

At midnight, they moved.

Dressed in stealth suits, Alex and Batman made their way through the Metropolis sewer system. The air was thick with the scent of damp concrete and rusted metal.

"This place is disgusting," Alex muttered.

"Stay focused," Batman said.

After navigating a maze of tunnels, they reached an access hatch beneath LexCorp Tower.

"We're in," Alex whispered.

Activating a holographic disruptor, he bypassed the security locks on the hatch.

A moment later, they climbed into a maintenance corridor deep within LexCorp.

Inside the Lion's Den

The facility was eerily silent.

Too silent.

"Something's wrong," Batman said.

"Yeah," Alex agreed. "No guards, no patrols—Luthor wouldn't leave his tower unprotected."

Then—

A metallic clang echoed down the hallway.

"Move!" Batman ordered.

They barely had time to react before a wall-mounted turret activated, unleashing a barrage of high-velocity plasma rounds.

Alex threw a flash grenade, momentarily blinding the turret's sensors.

Batman moved in a blur, using his grappling hook to scale the wall and disable the turret's power source.

"We need to move faster," Batman said. "Security's already adapting."

Alex nodded, tapping into his hacking module.

"I'm accessing their network—got it!"

He pulled up a blueprint of the facility.

"Luthor's private lab is on the 82nd floor," Alex said. "If he has any connections to Overwatch, they'll be there."

Luthor's Secrets

Moving swiftly, they reached an elevator shaft and scaled their way up to the 82nd floor.

The lab's entrance was sealed with a genetic lock—keyed to Luthor's DNA.

Alex smirked. "Lucky for us, I planned ahead."

From his belt, he pulled out a small vial.

"You stole Luthor's DNA?" Batman asked, raising an eyebrow.

"A while back," Alex admitted. "Figured it might come in handy someday."

Using a biometric replicator, he tricked the scanner into recognizing him as Luthor.

The door slid open.

Inside—

Rows of cryo-chambers lined the walls.

Inside them, humans floated in a state of suspended animation.

Each one bore surgical scars, enhanced musculature, and implanted neural chips.

"These are Overwatch operatives," Batman said grimly. "Luthor's been making them."

Alex stepped forward, scanning the lab's computer files.

PROJECT TITAN – Phase 3

Objective: Create the perfect super-soldier

Status: Awaiting Activation

"He's making an army," Alex muttered. "These aren't just mercenaries—they're genetically enhanced soldiers."

Batman's jaw tightened. "We can't let this happen."

The Escape

Suddenly—

A loud alarm blared.

INTRUDERS DETECTED. SECURITY LOCKDOWN ENGAGED.

"Time to go!" Alex said.

But before they could move—

The cryo-chambers began opening.

"Luthor just activated them," Batman growled.

One by one, the enhanced soldiers stepped out.

Their eyes glowed red—a clear sign of cybernetic augmentation.

"We need to fight our way out," Alex said.

The Battle

The first soldier lunged.

Batman dodged, using a shock gauntlet to disable the neural implants.

Alex flipped backward, using an EMP grenade to disable two more soldiers.

But they kept coming.

"They're adapting!" Alex realized.

"Then we stop holding back," Batman said.

With precise strikes, they disabled the remaining operatives—taking them down before they could fully react.

"Move!" Batman ordered.

They sprinted down the hallway as LexCorp security closed in.

Alex tossed a smoke bomb, covering their escape.

Through sheer speed and precision, they reached a windowed corridor overlooking the city.

"No way out," Alex muttered.

Batman smirked. "There's always a way out."

He fired his grappling hook—and swung through the glass.

Alex followed, landing on the rooftop of a neighboring building.

Behind them, LexCorp Tower went into full lockdown.

"We'll have to go through the data later," Batman said. "For now, we disappear."

Alex nodded. "Luthor knows we're onto him. He won't stay quiet for long."

"Let him come," Batman said. "We're ready."

Back in the Batcave, Alex and Batman examined the data they had stolen from LexCorp. The holographic screen projected a detailed overview of Project Titan, revealing disturbing details.

"Luthor's been experimenting for years," Batman said, scanning the files. "He's creating enhanced soldiers with cybernetic implants and neural conditioning."

"And Overwatch is just one part of it," Alex muttered. "He's running multiple projects in different countries. Some are even funded by government black budgets."

"Then we need to shut him down," Batman said. "Before these projects go online."

Alex nodded. "But if we move against him now, we risk exposing ourselves. Luthor controls too many media outlets—he can spin this against us."

"We don't need to attack head-on," Batman said. "We just need to make him vulnerable."

Aeternum Strikes Back

The next day, Alex activated Aeternum Industries' black ops division.

From a secure underground facility, he assembled his top operatives.

"Luthor has eyes everywhere," he told them. "So we move in the shadows. Our goal is simple—cripple his network. Disrupt supply chains. Expose corruption. Make LexCorp bleed."

His team nodded.

Within hours, Aeternum launched a covert campaign.

Anonymous leaks exposed LexCorp's illegal projects. Hackers infiltrated Luthor's offshore accounts, draining millions. Supply lines were sabotaged, delaying military-grade shipments.

The effects were immediate.

News outlets exploded with corruption scandals. Stockholders panicked as LexCorp shares plummeted.

Luthor's political allies distanced themselves.

"He's losing control," Batman observed. "But it won't be enough to stop him."

"That's why we hit him next," Alex said. "Personally."

The Meeting with Luthor

Two nights later, Alex received an invitation.

Mr. Kent,

I believe we have much to discuss.

- Lex Luthor

Batman narrowed his eyes. "It's a trap."

"Of course," Alex smirked. "But I'm walking in anyway."

Face to Face with the Devil

Dressed in a tailored suit, Alex entered Luthor's private penthouse in Metropolis.

Luthor sat at a massive desk, a glass of whiskey in his hand.

"You've been busy," Luthor said, smiling. "Impressive work, really. Most people wouldn't dare challenge me."

"You make it easy," Alex said, sitting down. "Funding black-ops death squads tends to attract attention."

Luthor chuckled. "Come now, let's not pretend this is personal. We both know how the world works. Power is what defines men like us."

"Then let's get to the point," Alex said. "Shut down Overwatch. Cancel Project Titan. Or I burn LexCorp to the ground."

Luthor's smile didn't fade.

"And if I refuse?"

Alex leaned forward. "Then you get to find out what it's like to lose everything."

Luthor exhaled slowly. "You're an interesting man, Mr. Kent. More dangerous than your brother, I'd say."

"Then you should know I don't bluff," Alex said.

For the first time, Luthor's expression hardened.

"Neither do I."

The lights in the room dimmed.

Security doors slammed shut.

And from the shadows, four armored enforcers stepped forward—Luthor's personal guards.

"You didn't think I'd let you walk out of here, did you?" Luthor asked.

"Oh, I was counting on it," Alex smirked.

The Fight

The first enforcer lunged.

Alex dodged, twisting midair as he activated his kinetic barrier. The impact sent the guard flying backward.

The second fired a shock round—Alex countered with an energy dampener, redirecting the attack into the ceiling.

Two more charged—Alex used a sonic pulse emitter, disrupting their neural implants and stunning them.

In seconds, all four guards were disabled.

Luthor stared, unimpressed. "Clever. But do you really think you can intimidate me?"

Alex smirked. "I don't need to. I already won."

The Final Blow

A notification flashed on Luthor's holographic desk display.

LEXCORP STOCK DOWN 40%

INVESTORS PULLING FUNDING

GOVERNMENT AGENCIES INITIATING INVESTIGATION

Luthor's face darkened. "What did you do?"

"I just pushed a few buttons," Alex said. "And now, every law enforcement agency is looking at you."

Luthor clenched his jaw.

"You can either shut it all down willingly," Alex said, standing. "Or watch your empire crumble."

Silence.

Then—

Luthor exhaled. "You win this round, Kent."

"I win every round," Alex corrected.

Without another word, he turned and walked away.

The End of Overwatch

Two days later, LexCorp officially dissolved Project Titan.

Overwatch ceased operations.

And Luthor?

He was weakened—but not defeated.

"He'll come back," Batman warned. "Luthor never truly loses."

Alex nodded. "Then we'll be ready."

The fall of Project Titan sent shockwaves through the criminal underworld.

With LexCorp under investigation, many of Luthor's secret operations were compromised.

Corporate allies distanced themselves. Government contracts were suspended. International black-market buyers turned cautious.

But Alex knew this was just a temporary setback for Luthor.

"He'll rebuild," Batman said. "He always does."

"Then we make sure he doesn't recover this time," Alex replied.

Aeternum's Expansion

With LexCorp weakened, Alex seized the moment.

He expanded Aeternum Industries, acquiring valuable assets:

LexCorp's abandoned R&D facilities. Former LexCorp scientists and engineers. Government contracts redirected to Aeternum.

In just a week, Aeternum became a dominant player in Gotham's tech industry.

"You're replacing Luthor," Batman observed. "Be careful not to become him."

Alex smirked. "I'm not building a criminal empire. I'm securing the future."

"Let's hope you remember that," Batman muttered.

The Joker's Next Move

Meanwhile, the Joker had gone silent.

His escape from Arkham had been too easy.

"He's planning something big," Batman said. "He doesn't stay quiet for long."

"Then let's force him out," Alex suggested.

They leaked false information—spreading rumors that Batman had uncovered Joker's hidden cache of explosives.

The bait worked.

Three nights later, Joker struck back.

The Gotham Massacre Begins

BOOM!

An explosion rocked Gotham's financial district.

Smoke and fire engulfed the streets.

Joker's voice crackled over the city's emergency frequencies.

"Hello, Gotham! Miss me? I was getting bored—so I decided to liven things up!"

"Let's play a game, shall we? Three bombs. Three locations. You have fifteen minutes. Tick-tock!*"

Chaos erupted.

Citizens panicked, scrambling to evacuate.

"We need to split up," Batman said. "I'll handle the first bomb. You take the second."

Alex nodded. "And the third?"

"We'll figure it out."

The Race Against Time

Alex arrived at Wayne Tower, where the second bomb was planted.

Security was already evacuating people.

"Status?" Alex asked over comms.

"First bomb is defused," Batman responded. "Hurry—we're running out of time."

Alex activated his neural scanner, detecting the bomb's radio signals.

"Joker rigged it with a failsafe," he muttered. "Cutting the wrong wire triggers detonation."

He took a deep breath.

Then—

SNIP.

The countdown stopped at 00:02.

"Bomb two is neutralized," Alex said. "What about the third?"

Batman's voice was grim. "I can't find it."

Then—

Joker's laughter echoed through the city's loudspeakers.

"Oops! Did I forget to mention? The third bomb… is a person! And their heart is the trigger!"

The Hostage Dilemma

"He turned someone into a living bomb," Alex realized.

"And if they panic, it detonates," Batman added.

"Where is the hostage?" Alex asked.

"GCPD is tracking signals. We need to move now."

The Final Confrontation

The hostage—a young woman—was found in an abandoned amusement park.

Joker was waiting.

"Ah, there you are!" Joker grinned. "Did you enjoy my little scavenger hunt?"

"Let her go, Joker," Batman growled.

Joker tilted his head. "Now, where's the fun in that?"

"Then let's make a deal," Alex said. "You want chaos, right? Then take me instead."

Joker's eyes lit up. "Oh-ho! Now that's an offer!"

"Let her walk free," Alex continued. "And you can do whatever you want with me."

Batman shot him a glare, but Alex winked.

Joker giggled. "Alright, deal!"

He let the woman go.

Then—

BANG!

Joker shot Alex in the chest.

Batman lunged forward—but Alex was already moving.

Despite the impact, Alex rolled with the shot, using his reinforced armor to absorb the bullet.

Joker's eyes widened. "Hey! That's cheating!"

"So is using hostages," Alex snapped.

Then—

He punched Joker across the face, knocking him unconscious.

The crisis was over.

The Aftermath

Joker was returned to Arkham.

The hostage was safe.

And Gotham?

It lived to see another day.

"You took a risk," Batman said later. "Joker could've killed you."

"He never kills his favorite toys," Alex smirked. "And now? He's back where he belongs."

Batman sighed. "Until next time."

"Yeah," Alex muttered. "Until next time."

GCPD's heavily armed convoy escorted the Joker back to Arkham Asylum.

"This time, we made sure all security measures are in place," Commissioner Gordon assured Batman and Alex.

The armored transport was reinforced, escorted by multiple SWAT teams, and monitored via satellite surveillance.

Yet—

Alex knew it was only a matter of time before Joker escaped again.

"It never ends, does it?" Alex muttered.

Batman simply glanced at him. "No. It doesn't."

Aeternum's Response

With Joker back in Arkham, Alex turned his focus to Aeternum.

"The financial district is still recovering," Lucius Fox reported. "Investors are hesitant. Gotham is unpredictable."

"We need to control the narrative," Alex said. "Aeternum should be seen as Gotham's future—its stabilizer."

Aeternum Industries funded rebuilding efforts. Offered high-tech security solutions to businesses. Increased recruitment of top-tier engineers and scientists.

This wasn't just philanthropy—it was power consolidation.

Batman noticed. "You're securing Gotham under your influence."

"I'm securing Gotham from people like Joker and Luthor," Alex corrected. "There's a difference."

Batman didn't argue.

The Criminal Underworld Reacts

Joker's defeat created a power vacuum.

And in Gotham, power never stays unclaimed.

"Penguin's making moves," Selina Kyle reported. "He's absorbing Joker's abandoned operations."

"Let him," Alex said. "Penguin is predictable. Joker wasn't."

Selina smirked. "Cold, calculating, and ruthless. You sure you're not a Gotham villain?"

"I prefer 'pragmatic,'" Alex replied.

But deep down—

He knew he was walking a fine line.

A New Threat Emerges

While Gotham recovered, Alex sensed something else brewing.

Someone was watching.

He felt it.

A presence lurking just beyond his perception—an intelligence beyond the usual Gotham crime lords.

"Whoever they are," Alex thought, "they've been waiting for this moment."

Then—

A letter arrived at Aeternum Industries.

No return address.

No sender.

Just three words:

"The Game Begins."

Alex's eyes narrowed. "Interesting."

----

Alex sat in his private office at Aeternum Industries, staring at the letter.

"The Game Begins."

No signature.

No symbols.

No fingerprints.

But the message was clear—someone had plans for him.

"Evan," Alex called, tossing the letter across the desk. "What do you make of this?"

Evan picked it up, reading the words aloud. "Sounds like someone thinks they're clever."

"Who in Gotham doesn't?" Alex muttered.

Analyzing the Threat

Alex had multiple enemies in Gotham:

LexCorp (Corporate sabotage) Penguin (Underworld rival) The League of Shadows (Potentially watching) Batman (Not an enemy, but… not exactly a friend either)

Yet, this letter didn't feel like any of them.

This was different.

A game.

And Alex hated games he wasn't controlling.

"Find out where it came from," Alex ordered. "I want an answer by tonight."

Meanwhile, in Gotham's Underworld…

Deep within the Iceberg Lounge, Oswald Cobblepot—The Penguin—poured himself a glass of the finest scotch.

"Kent's company is becoming a problem," he muttered. "Too much influence, too fast."

A shadow moved across the room.

"Then perhaps," the voice whispered, "it's time to test his limits."

Penguin smirked. "And you'll be the one to do it?"

The figure stepped into the dim light—

A man in a crisp black suit, with golden playing card cufflinks.

"The Game's already begun, Cobblepot," the man said. "And Kent? He's just another player."

Alex sat in his lab, running every forensic scan possible on the letter.

No ink inconsistencies No fingerprints No traceable fibers The paper itself was unbranded, chemically treated to prevent aging

Whoever sent this wasn't just careful—they were flawless.

That narrowed the list of suspects.

"Evan," Alex called out, tossing the letter aside. "Did we trace the origin?"

Evan walked in, shaking his head. "Whoever sent this covered their tracks completely."

Alex narrowed his eyes. "That's not an answer I like hearing."

"You think I do?" Evan muttered. "This isn't just some rival company or street-level thug. This is someone with real resources."

Alex tapped his fingers against the desk. "Then we force them to show their hand."

That night, the first attack came.

It wasn't loud. It wasn't messy.

It was precise.

One of their data servers overheated, causing a chain reaction that wiped out an entire section of their research archives.

Millions of dollars in projects—gone.

"Security breach!" Evan shouted as alarms blared through the building.

Alex rushed to the control room, pulling up surveillance feeds.

"What the hell happened?"

One of the analysts looked panicked. "No external breaches. It was… internal."

Alex's blood ran cold.

An inside job.

Someone was already in his company.

"Shut down all systems," Alex ordered. "We're running this manually until we find the mole."

A Shadow in Gotham

Meanwhile, across the city, a figure watched from the rooftops.

Batman.

He had been tracking strange digital disruptions across Gotham, and they all led back to one name—Aeternum Industries.

"What are you playing at, Kent?" Bruce murmured, narrowing his eyes.

His earpiece crackled.

"Batman," Oracle's voice came through. "We just detected another anomaly—your company's AI security just tripped a failsafe."

Bruce's eyes darkened.

Someone was hacking Gotham's systems—and somehow, Alex was in the middle of it.

Alex didn't sleep that night.

The sabotage at Aeternum Industries wasn't just an attack on his company—it was a direct challenge. Someone was testing him, seeing how he would react.

But what worried him more was Batman's involvement.

If Bruce Wayne was taking interest, it meant this wasn't just corporate espionage. Something bigger was happening.

"Evan," Alex said, voice sharp. "We're locking down everything. No data access without a direct biometric scan."

Evan nodded. "And the mole?"

"We let them think they're still safe."

"You want to bait them?"

"No," Alex said, standing up. "I want to see how desperate they get."

Meanwhile, in the Batcave, Bruce pieced together the attack.

Every major security system in Gotham had been subtly probed The timing of the breach perfectly aligned with Aeternum's sabotage Someone was pulling strings from the shadows

"Oracle," Batman said, adjusting his gauntlet. "Keep watching Aeternum. If they're involved, we need to know how."

"Understood," Oracle replied. "But be careful, Batman. Whoever did this isn't just skilled—they're untouchable."

Bruce's eyes narrowed.

"No one is untouchable."

The Mole Strikes Again

Two nights later, the mole made their next move.

Alex had deliberately left a false data trail, pretending to transfer highly classified project blueprints to an off-site location.

At exactly 2:43 AM, the system detected unauthorized access.

"Got you," Alex whispered.

But the moment he tried to trace the hacker, his entire network collapsed.

"They knew it was a trap," Evan cursed. "They just fried our whole system in retaliation!"

Alex's jaw tightened.

"Then it's time we stop playing defense."

A Meeting in the Dark

At midnight, Alex left his office and headed to an abandoned factory on the outskirts of Gotham.

Someone had requested a meeting—someone claiming to have answers.

When he arrived, the factory was pitch-black.

A voice echoed from the shadows.

"You shouldn't have come alone, Kent."

Alex smirked. "Who said I'm alone?"

Suddenly, a small device on his wrist activated, sending out a burst of ultrasonic waves.

A figure lurched out of the darkness, clutching their head in pain.

"Nice trick," the stranger growled. "But it won't save you."

"Maybe not," Alex admitted. "But it bought me time."

A flashbang went off, filling the room with blinding light—and when the smoke cleared, the stranger was gone.

Alex's grip tightened.

This was just the beginning.

The factory was silent, save for the distant hum of Gotham's industrial district.

Alex stood motionless, letting the shockwaves of the encounter settle in his mind.

The mole wasn't working alone.

They had outside help—someone who had anticipated his traps, knew how to counter his technology, and had the skill to disappear without a trace.

He didn't like that.

"Evan," Alex said over his hidden comms, "scrub everything. If we have a leak, we need to find out how deep it goes."

"Already on it," Evan's voice came through. "But Alex… this is bad. They just erased our system remotely. That kind of control—"

"Means they have someone inside," Alex finished. "And I think I just met their partner."

Back at Aeternum, the tech team worked through the night.

By sunrise, the conclusion was clear.

"It wasn't just a hack," Lena reported. "It was a complete data overwrite. Someone injected a self-replicating virus into our mainframe."

"How much did we lose?" Alex asked.

"Everything."

Alex's expression remained calm, but inside, he was already making calculations.

The mole's benefactor wasn't just skilled—they were playing at a level far above standard cyber warfare.

"Then we change the game," Alex decided. "From now on, Aeternum operates offline. No more digital vulnerabilities."

Evan frowned. "That'll slow us down."

"Not as much as letting them keep winning."

The attack on Aeternum wasn't just corporate sabotage.

It was personal.

Someone had gone out of their way to erase his research, bypass his security, and leave a message only he could understand.

And that meant one thing.

They knew what he was.

His phone buzzed, breaking him out of his thoughts.

It was Evan.

"Alex, we have a problem."

"Define problem," Alex said, already reaching for his coat.

"You need to get to the office. Now."

Something in Evan's tone made him pause.

"What happened?"

"…We've been infiltrated."

Back to Aeternum

Alex arrived at the office in record time.

Evan was waiting for him at the security checkpoint, looking like he'd seen a ghost.

"Tell me everything."

Evan handed him a tablet. "Look at this."

Alex tapped the screen, and a security feed appeared.

The footage was from inside their server room.

At 3:22 AM, the doors slid open—despite the fact that Alex's personal biometric lock should have prevented unauthorized access.

A figure in a sleek, black tactical suit stepped inside.

They moved without hesitation, without uncertainty.

Like they belonged there.

"We can't ID them," Evan said. "Their suit blocks facial recognition and infrared tracking. Whoever they are, they knew exactly how to bypass our systems."

Alex's eyes narrowed.

"Did they take anything?"

"No. But they left something."

Evan handed him a small, black playing card.

A Joker card.

Alex stared at it, heart beating just a little faster.

"Joker's behind this?"

"We don't know. Could be a message, could be a trap. But whatever it is, it's bad."

The Joker card lay in Alex's palm, its message clear.

"Meet me at the old Ace Chemicals factory. Midnight. Come alone. Or don't come at all."

Ace Chemicals.

Where the Joker was born.

The place had been shut down for years, but it was still infamous. No sane person would go there voluntarily.

But sanity had never been part of Gotham's rules.

"You're not seriously considering going, are you?" Evan asked, watching Alex carefully.

"Of course I am," Alex replied. "Joker doesn't send empty threats. If he wants me there, it's because he already has a plan. Refusing to show up won't stop it."

"It could be a trap."

"It's definitely a trap."

Evan scowled. "Then why walk into it?"

Alex smirked. "Because I want to see who thinks they can control the board. Joker isn't the kind to play other people's games. If someone's using him to bait me, I need to know who."

"Then at least take some backup."

Alex shook his head. "Joker said to come alone. If I show up with an army, I lose whatever chance I have to learn the truth."

Evan sighed. "And Batman?"

"If he wanted to stop me, he would've done it already."

"That's not an answer, Alex."

Alex exhaled. "No, it's not."

Midnight at Ace Chemicals

The old factory loomed ahead, rusted pipes and shattered windows making it look even more haunted under the pale moonlight.

Alex parked his car a few blocks away and approached on foot.

The entrance was wide open—an invitation.

Inside, flickering lights barely illuminated the large, abandoned warehouse.

A single chair sat in the center of the room.

And in it—

Joker.

Dressed in his usual purple suit, he leaned back casually, spinning a knife in his hand.

"Alex Kent," he grinned. "Took you long enough."

Alex stopped a few feet away. "You're making this awfully dramatic."

Joker laughed. "Gotham loves a little drama. Now, be a good boy and sit."

Alex didn't move. "Why am I here, Joker?"

Joker sighed. "Straight to business. You're no fun, you know that? But alright, I'll play along."

He leaned forward, grinning. "Someone wants you dead."

"Shocking."

"*Oh, I know. But here's the fun part—I don't know who it is."

That made Alex pause.

"You don't?"

Joker spread his hands. "Cross my heart and hope to die! Someone's been feeding me information, little tidbits about you and your company. Very juicy stuff. But the thing is? I don't like being used. So, I figured I'd let you know. Because when someone tries to play me, I like to play back."

Alex narrowed his eyes. "Why tell me?"

Joker leaned in, eyes gleaming. "Because I want to see what you'll do about it."

Alex stared at Joker, trying to gauge just how much of this was truth and how much was his usual chaos.

"You expect me to believe you don't know who's feeding you information?"

Joker's grin widened. "Oh, you wound me, Alex! I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid."

"Debatable."

Joker cackled. "See? That's why I like you! Always with the sharp tongue. But no, really—I don't know. They're smart. Too smart. They cover their tracks well, never contacting me directly. Just little gifts, neatly packaged. Information about you, your business, your—"

He twirled his knife, tilting his head. "Secrets."

Alex's gaze didn't waver. "And what do you get out of this?"

"Oh, it's simple!" Joker leaned back in his chair. "I want to make things fun. And what's more fun than a mystery? Someone wants you out of the picture. I want to see if you can figure out who before they make their move."

"And if I don't play along?"

Joker shrugged. "Then you're a very boring man, and I might just have to kill you out of principle."

Joker reached into his coat and pulled out a small flash drive.

"Here's a little something to get you started. Call it a gift. Or a ticking time bomb. Either way, I'm entertained."

Alex took it cautiously. "What's on it?"

"Wouldn't you like to know? But hey, if I were you, I'd check it sooner rather than later.*"

Alex pocketed the drive. "And if this turns out to be a trap?"

Joker's eyes gleamed. "Then you'll have a very bad day indeed."

Before Alex could respond, a sudden gust of wind cut through the warehouse, and a shadow dropped from the rafters.

Batman.

He landed in a crouch, cape billowing behind him.

"Joker." His voice was low, filled with quiet menace.

Joker's grin didn't falter. "Bats! Always showing up right when things get interesting!"

Batman's eyes flickered to Alex. "You shouldn't be here."

"Neither should you," Alex shot back.

Batman ignored the comment. "Joker, whatever game you're playing, it ends now."

Joker sighed dramatically. "Oh, Bats, always ruining my fun! But don't worry, I was just leaving.*"

"You're not going anywhere."

Joker smirked. "You gonna stop me?"

Before Batman could move, Joker pressed a button on a small remote—and suddenly, the entire warehouse exploded into flames.

Gas pipes ignited, sending plumes of fire in every direction.

"Oops!" Joker laughed, vanishing into the smoke. "Looks like I left the stove on!"

Surviving the Inferno

The flames spread fast.

"Move!" Batman shouted, already grabbing Alex's arm and pulling him toward an exit.

Alex didn't resist—he wasn't stupid enough to stay in a burning building.

But as they ran, a section of the ceiling collapsed, blocking the main way out.

"Backup plan?" Alex asked.

Batman tossed him a grappling gun. "Use this."

Alex didn't hesitate. He fired the hook toward a steel beam and launched himself upward, just as Batman did the same.

The two of them swung through a shattered window, landing safely outside as the warehouse collapsed behind them.

Alex dusted himself off. "Well, that was dramatic."

Batman turned to him, eyes narrowing. "Why were you meeting with Joker?"

"He invited me. Seemed rude to decline."

"This isn't a joke, Kent."

"Neither was that explosion," Alex shot back. "Maybe focus on that instead of interrogating me."

Batman's expression didn't change. "Joker doesn't meet people unless he has a reason. What did he give you?"

Alex pulled out the flash drive. "Homework."

Batman held out his hand. "I'll take it."

Alex smirked. "Yeah, that's not happening."

"You don't know what's on it."

"Neither do you."

They stared each other down for a moment.

Then Batman exhaled. "Be careful, Kent. Joker doesn't play fair.*"

"Neither do I."

Batman hesitated—then, without another word, he turned and vanished into the night.

Alex looked down at the flash drive.

Whatever was on it, he was about to find out.

Evan paced the office, processing the weight of what they had just seen.

"So Lex Luthor, the Falcones, and half of Gotham's elite want us buried." He exhaled sharply. "We knew we were making enemies, but this? This is next-level."

Alex remained calm. "They think they've cornered us. But they don't realize—" He smirked. "I don't play by their rules."

Evan raised an eyebrow. "Meaning?"

"We don't fight them in the open. We undermine them from the shadows."

"Alright, I'm listening."

Alex leaned forward. "First, we need to secure our assets. We can't let them cut off our resources."

Step One: Securing the Supply Chain

LexCorp had already started tightening its grip on Aeternum's suppliers. Delayed shipments, sudden price hikes—standard corporate warfare.

"We need a new logistics network," Alex said. "One that bypasses LexCorp's influence."

Evan nodded. "I've got a few contacts overseas. If we shift production to independent suppliers outside Gotham's reach, we can buy ourselves time."

"Do it."*

But that wasn't enough.

"Also," Alex continued, "start securing private shipping routes. If we control the supply chain directly, they can't strangle us."

Evan smirked. "That's going to cost."

"Then it's a good thing we're making money."*

Step Two: Hitting Back

"LexCorp thrives on government contracts," Alex said. "If we start disrupting those…"

Evan's eyes lit up. "They take a hit."*

"Exactly."*

Alex had already been gathering dirt on Luthor's shadier business dealings. Illegal human experimentation, environmental violations, bribery—LexCorp wasn't as clean as it pretended to be.

"I'll leak some of it anonymously to the press," Alex said. "Let's see how he handles some bad publicity for a change."*

Evan chuckled. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

"A little."*

Step Three: The Joker Problem

"Joker's unpredictable," Evan pointed out. "How do we deal with him?"

Alex tapped his fingers on the desk. "We don't fight him. We redirect him."*

Evan blinked. "How?"

"Joker doesn't care about power or money. He cares about chaos."*

Alex pulled up a map of Gotham.

"The Falcones have been expanding into smuggling and arms deals. That's where they're vulnerable."*

Evan caught on immediately. "We make Joker think they double-crossed him."*

"Exactly."*

If Joker believed the Falcone family was trying to control him, he'd tear them apart.

Setting the Trap

"I'll send Joker a little gift," Alex said. "Something that points him in the right direction."*

Evan grinned. "This is going to be fun."*

The Next Move

As the night deepened, Alex's plans were already in motion.

Lex Luthor wanted to play games.

He had no idea what he had just started.

------------------------------------------------------

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