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[Superman] Chapter 216: Young Barry Joins the League
🕑 Added 2024-09-04 03:02:45 +0000 UTCThe Flash continued to traverse the timeline. Time flew by, and soon, he was back in the future he had just left.
“Barry, you're back? Could it be...?”
Although Barry had experienced many strange and eerie events, including encountering a special blue figure and witnessing the entire universe being consumed by darkness, to Superman and the others who had seen Barry disappear and reappear in less than a few seconds, it was almost unbelievable.
This moment made them realize that the Flash's plan might have failed.
“I’m sorry, the time reversal plan failed!”
Indeed, this was the case. When the Flash reappeared, he looked apologetically at everyone.
To him, it seemed that his lack of strength had led to the failure of the plan.
“There’s no need to apologize to us. We know you were trying hard to fix everything…”
Seeing Barry’s apologetic and remorseful expression, Superman stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and comforted him softly.
Others felt the same way. The Flash had put so much effort into helping them save the world. How could they blame him for the failure?
“But now we’ve lost this chance. It seems we have to start with your desperate plan.”
Barry recalled everything he had seen while traveling through time and his face showed renewed determination.
He remembered the endless multiverse being overshadowed and swallowed by that terrifying dark shadow.
The Flash knew he was now bound to the plan, as he could not ignore the crisis threatening the entire multiverse.
“Barry, are you really sure you’ve thought this through? Once the plan begins, it can’t be stopped!”
Superman was surprised by the Flash’s willingness to help them with the plan, but still urged Barry to be sure of his decision.
After all, the plan was fraught with danger.
“Of course, I’m absolutely sure. I want to do this. I want to save this world and the entire universe!”
The scene of the darkness expanding at an alarming speed and swallowing the multiverse still seemed vivid in Barry’s mind.
He did not tell them about this out of intentional secrecy but because the reality was too terrifying. Knowing it might not boost their confidence and could even hinder their resolve to complete the plan.
“Alright then, if that’s the case, let’s get ready to start. We need to make our final effort to save our world and our future!”
Superman sensed the strong determination in the Flash’s eyes, which seemed equal to his own at this moment.
Without hesitation, he turned to the others and spoke with conviction.
Although they did not understand why Barry had suddenly become so determined to help them save the world after experiencing time travel, it was undoubtedly a good thing for them.
...
Meanwhile, in another universe.
After the team had devised a plan to rescue Barry, Batman left the Watchtower and returned to Earth.
Soon after, he piloted the spacecraft back to the space station.
However, he was not alone this time. Accompanying him in the co-pilot seat was a young, energetic individual, who was both excited and curious about the stunning view of space.
“I can’t believe I actually have the chance to go to space. This is just incredible!”
The young man marveled at the space scenery with a sense of satisfaction on his face.
As a recent graduate, he had not only gained some special superpowers but had also been invited by the Justice League to join this superhero organization as an outer member.
When he told his father proudly during a prison visit, “Your son has found a really great official job,” he never expected the excitement to end there.
One day, a space fighter had suddenly landed above his small house.
And to his immense admiration, Batman had descended from it.
Without hesitation, he accepted Batman’s invitation to board the fighter and head to the Justice League’s true headquarters.
The luxurious space station in orbit, the Watchtower.
“Mr. Barry Allen, get ready. We’re about to enter real space.”
Soon, with Batman’s warning, the spacecraft soared out of the atmosphere and into the unique environment of space.
Fortunately, the spacecraft had a highly advanced life support system, so even though they were in space, it felt almost like they were still on Earth.
As he enjoyed the rare experience of space, a massive space station slowly came into view.
“Is this… the Justice League’s headquarters, the Watchtower in space?”
The young man’s face was full of exaggerated astonishment, his mouth agape in awe at the sight of the space station.
“How did you build such a gigantic space station? This is unbelievable!”
The young man looked at everything with amazement and a desire to explore.
“Because… I have money!”
Batman responded with a hint of smugness, then, sensing the young man’s surprised look, added, “Buckle up, we’re accelerating!”
The next moment, the spacecraft’s engine glowed a deep blue and shot towards the distant space station at incredible speed.
...
“Is this the League’s headquarters? Can I have a detailed tour?”
Soon after, Batman landed the spacecraft on the station’s docking area, and the excited young man, unable to contain his enthusiasm, entered the space station with him.
Before even seeing the others, the young man seemed impatient to explore the entire space station, eagerly asking Batman.
“Of course, you can consider this place your home…”
Batman did not refuse, a small smile appearing on his face.
If it weren't for the Flash appearing in their timeline from the future, perhaps this young man would have been the one to join them.
“That’s great!”
The young man’s face lit up with joy. He immediately transformed into a streak of silver lightning, emitting dazzling light as he zipped rapidly through the space station.
“Ahem… Bruce, is this young Barry from this world?”
As the young man excitedly explored the space station, Batman and his companions had reconvened.
Superman observed the lightning figure darting through the station and spoke slowly.
“Exactly. According to the normal course of the universe, he is actually our companion.”
Batman nodded in affirmation to everyone.
“Alright, an energetic kid full of passion for life isn’t bad!”
Superman also nodded. Although this kid was evidently not as composed as the future Barry, it was understandable.
After all, for them, who were older and approaching middle age, Barry’s youthful energy was expected.
“Humph, I’m not good at dealing with an immature kid.”
Aquaman took a sip from his glass and spoke somewhat sternly, showing skepticism towards the energetic young man.
“Although it might sound a bit harsh, Bruce, are we really going to entrust the most critical task to this kid?”
Wonder Woman didn’t express her concern as directly as Aquaman, but her eyes revealed a hint of worry.
After all, they were about to open a portal to another universe, and now they were relying on a kid to carry out the most crucial step, which was hard for her to accept.
“Don’t underestimate him. He has the same powers and great potential as Barry.”
“Moreover, we don’t have enough time to find the massive energy needed to activate the portal!”
If there were another way, Batman would prefer not to disturb the young Barry. However, opening the portal required enormous energy, and they had no way to find that energy quickly.
They had no choice but to place their hope on the young Barry, who also possessed the Speed Force, to use his abilities to open the portal and save the future Barry.
...
Soon, everyone agreed to Batman’s plan.
“It’s truly amazing for a young self to work hard to save a future self.”
As Barry became familiar with everything in the space station, the team prepared to move forward with the plan to open the portal.
Before starting the plan, Cyborg, who was checking all the facilities, couldn’t help but marvel at the current situation.
“The world is truly amazing. I never imagined that I’d have the chance to fight alongside beings like you.”
Aquaman, who was assisting Cyborg, smiled and said, “Victor, how’s the portal device coming along? We can’t afford any mistakes when the plan begins.”
As the two chatted and worked, Batman and the others walked into the laboratory. They had already informed the young Barry of the plan and his role.
The eager Barry had agreed without hesitation.
After all, these were Superman, Batman, and senior members of the Justice League…
When they said, “We need your help!” it was almost impossible to refuse.
“Of course, Bruce. I’m the most brilliant scientist here. Only I can handle this!”
Cyborg completed a final check of the facility and confidently assured the others.
“Great. Now let’s all work together to go to another universe and bring our teammate back successfully!”
Superman’s gaze swept over everyone, then he spoke with firm determination.
“Awesome, is the plan about to start?”
The young Barry looked at Batman with excitement, waiting for confirmation.
“Yes, Barry. Next, you just need to run continuously on the acceleration track around the space station, as fast as you can!”
“The track will collect the Speed Force energy you release. Once it accumulates enough energy, it will be fed into that device…”
Batman pointed to the portal device next to Cyborg.
“And then, the plan will be perfectly completed!”
He turned to the young Barry again.
“Got it. I’ll run with all my might!”
Barry’s face was full of excitement and determination.
“Alright, since everything is ready, I declare the plan is now officially starting!”
With a decisive wave of his hand, Superman announced the start of the plan.
“Barry, RUN!”
As Batman shouted, Barry’s Speed Force seemed to be fully activated.
He turned into a streak of lightning, speeding into the massive track surrounding the space station.
Vroom! Vroom!
His speed rapidly increased, like a true lightning bolt, spinning around the space station at high velocity.
The track, which spanned tens of thousands of meters, saw Barry completing a lap in just seconds.
And he continued to accelerate.
“Excellent, that’s the way, Barry. Keep going!”
As Barry ran at top speed, the energy progress bar on Cyborg’s monitor began to advance rapidly.
“10%... 25%... 55%... 80%... 90%…”
In less than three minutes, the enormous Speed Force energy was almost sufficient to meet the needs of the portal device.
“Is everyone ready?”
Despite the rapid energy accumulation, Barry, who was running at full force, had already exhausted much of his stamina.
At peak speed, he completed the track in less than a second.
In less than three minutes, he had run hundreds of laps, pushing his stamina to the limit.
“Almost there, hang in there Barry, we’re almost there!”
Cyborg, with a serious and excited expression, watched the energy progress bar slowly advancing while encouraging Barry to keep running.
“Okay!”
Despite the immense fatigue, Barry didn’t give up. His eyes were filled with determination as he accelerated once more.
The Speed Force energy surged through his body, leaving a long silver trail behind him.
His speed became even faster, and the monitor could barely keep up with his position.
“Looks like he really has the potential to be our teammate!”
At this moment, everyone was focused on the young Barry, witnessing his tremendous willpower and potential.
They realized that this young man, despite his age, truly had the potential to become their fighting companion.
“Great, the energy is finally full!”
Just as everyone was impressed and awed by Barry’s perseverance, they suddenly heard Cyborg’s excited exclamation.
Everyone turned to look.
The special portal device was indeed emitting a powerful energy vibration.
Vroom! Vroom!
As the energy surged, a beam of light shot out from it.
Then, in the designated area, a portal to another universe slowly formed!
...
(End of Chapter)
