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[Superman] Chapter 231: [Hidden By Author]
🕑 Added 2024-09-15 04:29:49 +0000 UTCEver since Barry received the memories of his future self not long ago, his control over the Speed Force had been steadily increasing.
His speed was growing almost every moment.
His understanding of the Speed Force was also deepening step by step.
Until, during a certain moment, as he was running in a loop, it felt as though he broke through the barriers of space in the universe in an instant.
His entire being suddenly traversed the dimensions of time and space.
He broke through the barriers of time and space, entering a special dimensional space.
"Is this... the Speed Force dimension I once entered?"
At that moment, as Barry looked at the surroundings, both unfamiliar and familiar, memories of meeting his future self resurfaced in his mind.
"Great! I’ve finally gained complete control over the Speed Force and entered the Speed Force dimension!"
The next moment, Barry was filled with excitement.
During this time, nearly everyone had been preparing to save the universe.
Cyborg had recently created a device capable of connecting with other universes.
Everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction.
However, despite significant progress, he had yet to take that final step—to break the barrier of time and space and enter the Speed Force dimension.
Until this moment. He finally felt that all his efforts hadn't been in vain—he had succeeded.
His overwhelming excitement made Barry eager to return to the real world and share the good news with everyone.
Yet, before he could leave the Speed Force dimension, a rapidly moving figure suddenly appeared in the space, and in a flash of lightning, it darted past him.
If it weren’t for Barry already being in control of the Speed Force, he might not have even noticed the figure, moving even faster than him.
"How is this possible? Could there be someone else in the Speed Force dimension?"
At this moment, Barry's original assumption that he was the only one in the Speed Force dimension was completely shattered.
He wanted to chase after the figure, to find out what was going on, but he sensed that his current speed might not be enough to catch up.
So, he gave up on the thought.
However, the figure seemed to notice his intention. Initially speeding away, it suddenly turned back and raced along the same path, returning toward Barry.
Sizzle!
A red and yellow bolt of lightning streaked past, and the figure appeared before Barry in an instant, looking at him with a surprised expression.
"Who are you?"
The TV Flash, staring at the figure in a tight suit like his, wore a look of surprise, as if suddenly understanding something.
"I was about to ask the same thing. Who are you, and why are you here?"
At this point, the movie Flash had just gained control of the Speed Force, barely meeting the conditions to enter the Speed Force dimension.
His understanding of the multiverse was far less profound than that of the TV Flash.
"It seems like this is your first time here!"
Looking at the figure, who appeared a bit confused, Barry recalled the awkwardness of his own first accidental entry into the Speed Force dimension.
Back then, he had encountered a hazy figure here, but before he could ask anything, the Speed Force dimension had pushed him out, sending him into Kara's universe.
"Don’t be alarmed. This is something we speedsters have to go through. The Speed Force is the source of our speed, and the Speed Force dimension is the bridge connecting the infinite universes and reality..."
"And through the Speed Force dimension, we can travel freely across the realities of the multiverse, even break the timeline, and go to the past or future!"
The TV Barry could sense that this other Flash wasn't someone using the Speed Force for evil.
So, he didn't mind playing the role of a mentor, helping the novice Flash understand the purpose and essence of the Speed Force dimension quickly.
"Of course, I don't recommend using the Speed Force recklessly to alter time or reality, as it could lead to unpredictable consequences."
Naturally, he didn't forget to warn the other Barry about the potential dangers of tampering with time and reality.
"Uh... how do you know all this? Who are you, really?"
The sudden guidance and warning left the other Barry stunned, prompting him to ask the TV Flash's identity again.
"I'm The Flash, Barry Allen!"
Without hesitation, Barry extended his hand in a friendly gesture.
"Holy shit! How is that possible!"
However, the other Barry reacted in complete shock.
"Don’t be too surprised. The Speed Force holds incredible power; you’ll get used to these things eventually."
Barry wasn’t fazed by the other Barry's shock, understanding that he too had reacted similarly when first meeting others from different universes.
"Alright... actually, my name is also Barry Allen..."
The younger Barry finally snapped out of his shock, introducing himself while shaking the TV Flash's hand.
"This feels... strange..."
The scene of two people with the same identity introducing themselves felt undeniably odd.
But such was the wonder of the Speed Force.
...
Despite their strange overlapping identities, the two quickly started talking like old friends.
The TV(CW) Barry, with a deeper understanding of the Speed Force, shared his knowledge with the still-green movie Barry, offering tips and advice.
The brief conversation greatly benefited the younger Barry.
Even though he had gained memories from his future self, without a mentor, his understanding and control of the Speed Force remained shallow.
And it seemed that this Flash standing before him had an even deeper understanding of the Speed Force than his future self.
Moreover, this Barry had more experience using the Speed Force in various ways—he could manipulate Speed Force lightning during his runs for attacks or defense.
It was clear that his experience in fighting crime far exceeded that of the younger Barry.
"Alright, that’s enough knowledge about the Speed Force for now. From here on, you’ll need to explore and develop more ways to use the Speed Force on your own."
"The Speed Force is incredibly mysterious, and even I haven’t fully uncovered all its secrets."
"Now, I have something important to attend to, so... until we meet again!"
The reason Barry was so willing to share his knowledge with this newly encountered Flash was that he sensed they shared the same sense of justice.
Although inexperienced, with time, this younger Flash could grow into a remarkable hero.
But there was another reason hidden deep within Barry's heart, urging him to do this. He hadn't forgotten that he was facing an immense crisis, and the only way to stop it might be through his own sacrifice.
By passing his knowledge to this other universe’s Flash, he perhaps hoped that this Barry would inherit his will, continuing to protect justice in the saved future world.
This was also why he hadn’t recruited the younger Barry to join the team to fight the coming crisis together.
...
"It seems... he might be more suited to bear the responsibility of saving all universes than I am."
But at that moment, looking at the Flash who was selflessly sharing his knowledge, the younger Barry had a sudden thought.
That perhaps he should pass the responsibility of saving the multiverse to this other Flash.
It wasn't out of fear of the looming crisis, but rather his doubt in his own abilities. He felt unqualified to take on such a massive responsibility.
While he was willing to sacrifice himself to stop the crisis, he didn’t want to risk all universes due to his inexperience.
And clearly, this experienced, capable Flash before him was far better suited for the task.
"Wait a moment..."
With that thought, the younger Barry called out just as the other Flash was about to leave.
"Is there something else you want to ask?"
Barry, curious as to why he was being stopped, turned to face the younger Flash with a puzzled look.
"Well... what I’m about to say may sound crazy, but I need you to believe me!"
The younger Barry took a deep breath, unsure if the other Flash would believe him.
But for the sake of all universes, he had to speak up.
"Hmm? What could be so serious?"
Sensing the weight of the situation, Barry became more serious, ready to listen to what the other Barry had to say.
"Can you believe that our universe is on the brink of destruction?"
The moment the younger Barry said this, Barry's expression turned to one of shock.
"How does he know about this?"
Without a doubt, Barry was confused as to how this younger Flash, who had only just entered the Speed Force dimension, could know about the crisis.
"Though it may sound crazy, for the sake of all universes, I have to ask... please, will you save our universe in my place?"
The younger Barry, having made up his mind, solemnly voiced his request.
"Where did you hear about the universe’s impending destruction?"
As the younger Flash finished speaking, Barry couldn’t help but ask, his face serious.
...
"So, the information about the universe’s crisis came from another future version of you?"
After the younger Flash explained everything, Barry finally understood.
Though their sources differed, the crisis described by the younger Barry was the same as the one he knew.
"I know it seems weak of me to pass on the responsibility of saving the universe."
"But I don’t care what others think. I just know you’re more qualified to assemble heroes from across the multiverse."
"And you have a better chance of saving everyone!"
The younger Barry didn’t care about how others viewed his actions. He was solely focused on saving the universe.
"Alright, I hadn’t planned on telling you about the crisis, but since things have come to this..."
"Come with me."
After a brief hesitation, Barry told the younger Flash.
Then, in a flash of lightning, he raced ahead, prompting the younger Barry to follow.
"This..."
After a brief moment of hesitation, the younger Flash transformed into a streak of silver lightning and chased after him.
Barry wasn’t running at full speed, mindful of the other Flash following behind.
But even so, they crossed vast distances in a matter of seconds.
...
By the time they reached the outskirts of the city, they found Superman, Batman, and the other members of the League.
"We have a new comrade to join our team!"
A brief introduction, and with that, Barry brought the younger Flash to meet the League members.
The others were initially surprised to see another Flash from another universe, but quickly adapted to the situation.
After all, they had already encountered numerous heroes from different universes.
Soon after, the younger Barry officially joined the Justice League.
...
Meanwhile, in the depths of the cosmic rift, a familiar figure was rapidly approaching.
...
(End of Chapter)
