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Alex sat in his office, reviewing the latest Aeternum reports. The recent events—the assassin, his confrontation with Batman, and Barbara Gordon's visit—had made things more complicated.
He had expected pushback from Gotham's elite.
He hadn't expected Batman to personally intervene this soon.
And now, he had an opportunity.
A chance to secure his standing while also ensuring that the Justice League saw him as an ally, not a threat.
A call came through on his encrypted line.
Bruce Wayne.
Alex smirked and answered.
"Alexander," Bruce's deep voice came through. "I assume you've had time to think."
"About?" Alex played along, though he already knew.
"The drones. The technology. Your intentions."
Alex leaned back in his chair. "I'll make this simple, Bruce. I'm not looking to become your enemy. Superman is my brother. That alone should tell you I'm not planning to go against the Justice League nor I will ever be able to do so before ma hits me."
There was a pause. "Then why hide your talents?"
"Because power invites problems. The moment people know what I can truly do, I become a target. And I'd rather be in control of who sees what."
"…Fair point."
Alex continued, "That's why I developed enhancement technology—temporary physical boosts. Nothing supernatural, nothing illegal. Just something to help myself hold my ground when faced with overwhelming odds."
Bruce remained silent.
Alex pressed on. "I'm not selling this to the public. This is strictly for me."
"I see." Bruce's tone remained neutral. "And the drones?"
Alex smirked. "I've already given them to you. Small, silent, nearly impossible to detect. And unlike most surveillance tech, these don't rely on standard frequencies. They operate on an encrypted network, making them undetectable by normal means."
A few seconds passed. Then Bruce spoke again.
"I'm listening."
Bruce was silent for a few moments, likely processing Alex's offer.
Then, finally, he asked, "What's the catch?"
Alex chuckled. "No catch. You get thirty drones for free. That should be more than enough for surveillance, tracking, and non-lethal takedowns."
Bruce narrowed his eyes. "And if I need more?"
Alex's smirk grew. "Then you'll have to buy them."
A short silence.
"You're charging for them?"
"Business, Bruce. I can't hand out high-tech drones endlessly, can I?" Alex leaned back. "Besides, these aren't just ordinary surveillance tools. Each drone comes with multiple protocols."
Batman remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
Alex tapped his desk, activating a holographic projection of one of his drones. Sleek, black, and silent.
"They can track targets, map out areas in real-time, and operate autonomously with pre-programmed directives. But more importantly…"
The display shifted, showing different engagement modes.
Sleep Protocol – The drones can release a non-lethal gas, rendering criminals unconscious within seconds.
Restrain Mode – High-tensile microfiber nets capable of restraining even enhanced individuals.
Shock Takedown – A controlled stun pulse to incapacitate without long-term harm.
Alex continued, "The best part? You don't need to replace them. If the material runs out, or if one gets damaged, send it back to me, and I'll repair or restock it. But if you need more drones, you're paying."
Bruce exhaled through his nose. "How much?"
Alex grinned. "You'll see the invoice when the time comes."
He wasn't just giving Batman advanced tech—he was setting the precedent for future transactions.
A pause. Then, Bruce finally said, "Understood."
Batman stared at the holographic projection of the drones, his mind likely analyzing every possible advantage and drawback of relying on Alex's technology.
Even though Bruce had all the resources in the world, Alex knew he wouldn't just reject free assets—not when they were this effective.
Still, the silence stretched.
Alex leaned forward, breaking it first. "You don't trust me."
Batman's gaze didn't waver. "No, I don't."
Alex chuckled. "Fair. But these drones are designed to help. My brother's in the League, and I know how difficult things get for heroes like you."
Batman's expression remained unreadable, but Alex continued anyway.
"These drones aren't just about fighting crime. They reduce risks—for both heroes and civilians." He gestured toward the hologram. "Imagine you're tracking a suspect through Gotham. Instead of sending in a full team or engaging personally, you send one of these. It records, follows, subdues if necessary, and calls for backup."
Batman remained quiet, but Alex could tell he was considering it.
Then Bruce finally spoke.
"Why are you doing this?"
Alex smirked. "I already told you. Clark's my brother. I respect what he does, what the League does. I don't want to be a hero myself, but I can still contribute."
A pause.
Then Bruce spoke again, quieter this time. "…And if someone else wants to buy them?"
Alex's smirk disappeared. "They can't."
Batman raised a brow.
"I don't sell these to just anyone," Alex clarified. "They're exclusively for heroes. No governments. No corporations. No private buyers." His eyes met Bruce's. "You should know by now—I don't trust them any more than you do."
That seemed to settle something.
Batman let out a quiet breath, barely noticeable, but Alex caught it.
Acceptance.
Finally, Bruce reached into his belt and pulled out a small, encrypted communicator. He slid it across the table.
"Contact me directly if there are any… 'updates' regarding your technology."
Alex picked it up, twirling it between his fingers. "Oh? You're finally giving me your personal line? I feel honored."
Batman gave him a look. "Don't make me regret it."
Alex just grinned.
The deal was set.
Alex leaned back in his seat, rolling Batman's encrypted communicator between his fingers.
This wasn't just about drones anymore. This was trust. Well… at least as much trust as Batman was willing to give anyone.
Alex had no intention of ruining that.
Batman, of all people, was someone he didn't want as an enemy. Not because he feared him, but because Bruce Wayne was the leader of the Justice League—the organization his brother fought for.
And deep down, Alex knew that if he ever wanted to work with the League in any capacity, he needed Bruce's approval first.
Even if that approval was begrudging.
With the drone deal settled, Alex turned his attention to his next big project.
Aeternum Industries was advancing at a rapid pace, but it needed more than just security contracts and advanced tech.
It needed something that would cement its place as a global powerhouse.
Alex pulled up several project files, analyzing the possibilities:
Advanced Medical Technology – Healing devices, enhanced prosthetics, and bio-regeneration tech. Something that could put Wayne Medical and LexCorp on edge.
Enhanced Energy Systems – A new form of power generation, something that could rival STAR Labs' advancements.
Weaponized Anti-Villain Systems – Not something he'd sell, but rather something to protect himself from people like the League of Assassins and other threats.
Each of these would be game-changing.
And with his growing power, he could develop them faster than any normal scientist ever could.
But…
Which one should he focus on first?
Alex tapped his fingers against his desk, deep in thought.
Then, his communicator buzzed.
Alex glanced at the encrypted device Batman had left him.
[Incoming Transmission: Oracle]
Oracle?
Ah.
Barbara Gordon.
Alex smirked slightly as he answered. "Oracle. Didn't expect to hear from you so soon."
Barbara's voice came through, professional yet slightly cautious. "We need to talk. Now."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "About?"
There was a slight pause.
"The drones. And the assassin from earlier."
Alex leaned back, sighing. Of course.
Batman was trusting him—for now—but that didn't mean everyone else would.
And Barbara?
She was one of the most cautious people in Gotham.
"Alright," Alex said. "Where do you want to meet?"
There was another pause before she finally answered.
"Clock Tower. Be there in an hour."
Then, the call ended.
Alex exhaled, rubbing the bridge of his nose.
This should be interesting
Alex sat in his private hover car, silent, calculating.
The cold wind of Gotham's night howled outside as the vehicle drifted through the city air, its stealth protocols ensuring no one noticed his movement.
Barbara Gordon.
A sharp mind, an even sharper tongue.
She was Oracle, Batman's eyes and ears across Gotham. And she wanted a meeting.
Not a good sign.
Alex leaned back, closing his eyes briefly.
The moment he reached Sequence 8 Cold-Blooded of the Abyss Pathway, his emotions had started fading—his sense of attachment, joy, love, even anger, all of them numbing into nothing but logical impulses.
It wasn't like he didn't remember emotions. He just… didn't feel them.
And with the leveling up of his neighboring pathways:
Justiciar (Law and Judgment),
Red Priest (War and Revolution),
Black Emperor (Authority and Command),
His mind had become even colder, more calculating, and ruthless.
There was no desire for romance, no distractions. Only purpose.
Family above all else then
His Pathway Advancement.
Aeternum Industries.
And maintaining his hidden identities.
Everything else was secondary.
The Clock Tower was one of Gotham's most secure locations, second only to the Batcave itself.
It was Oracle's main headquarters, filled with the most advanced security systems Batman had access to.
Not that it mattered to Alex.
He could bypass most of them if he wanted.
But tonight, he didn't come as an intruder.
Stepping out of his hover car, Alex moved with purpose. His dark coat billowed slightly in the wind as he reached the entrance.
The moment he approached, the door unlocked automatically.
She was already expecting him.
Clever girl.
As he stepped inside, multiple scanning lights ran over his body. Retinal scans, infrared checks, electromagnetic scans.
Oracle was thorough.
A voice echoed through the room. "No weapons detected. But you're carrying some kind of unknown energy signature. What is it?"
Alex smirked slightly. "That would be me."
A brief silence. Then—
"Come up."
When the doors opened again, he was met with the sight of Barbara Gordon, sitting at her massive control station, screens glowing all around her.
She turned her chair toward him, her expression unreadable.
She was dressed in a black and blue tactical suit, her red hair tied back, her sharp green eyes studying him carefully.
"You move fast."
Alex tilted his head. "And you don't waste time."
Barbara didn't respond immediately. Instead, she gestured to a chair. "Sit."
He didn't.
Instead, he looked around the room, taking in the security measures, the exit points, the hidden weapons.
Barbara sighed. "You're just like Batman. Always analyzing."
Alex smirked. "Habit."
She leaned forward. "So, let's get to the point. What exactly are you after?"
The Negotiation
Alex met her gaze, his expression calm and unreadable.
"I already told Batman. I'm not trying to be an enemy. My company is my priority."
Barbara narrowed her eyes. "And yet you're developing technology that can change the balance of power in Gotham. The Justice League doesn't know whether to see you as an ally or a threat."
Alex shrugged. "Then let me make it simple. I don't sell weapons to criminals. I don't sell drones to anyone but heroes. Batman gets thirty free, but after that, he buys them. And every single drone follows my strict protocols—they do not kill."
Barbara didn't look convinced.
"And the assassin?"
Ah.
Alex let out a small chuckle. "What about him?"
Barbara's expression darkened. "Batman told me what happened. That wasn't self-defense. That was an execution."
Her voice was sharp, testing.
She was trying to see if he would lie.
Alex didn't.
"Yes. It was."
A tense silence filled the room.
Barbara tapped her fingers against the desk. "No hesitation?"
"No need for it."
Another pause.
Then, she exhaled, leaning back.
"You're colder than I expected."
Alex didn't answer.
She wasn't wrong.
Instead, he tilted his head. "Does this change anything?"
Barbara stared at him for a long moment before finally saying—
"No. But it means I'll be watching you closely."
Alex smirked. "I'd expect nothing less."
Barbara nodded, then turned back to her monitors.
"Batman trusts you. For now. That's enough."
She tapped a few keys, and one of the screens lit up.
"The drones will be monitored. If I find anything suspicious—"
"You won't." Alex cut in smoothly. "I made sure of that."
Another silence.
Then, Barbara smirked slightly. "You really don't care what people think of you, do you?"
Alex smiled back. "Not in the slightest."
As Alex turned to leave, Barbara's voice echoed from behind him.
"Oh, and Kent."
He paused and turned around, arching an eyebrow.
"Batman said he'll need more drones."
Alex smirked. "I assumed as much."
Barbara gave him a small nod, the kind that indicated the business was done for now.
"Let me know if you need anything else, and don't make us regret trusting you."
With that, Alex stepped into the elevator, the doors closing behind him, leaving Oracle in her sanctuary.
The elevator door slid shut behind Alex, sealing him away from Oracle's eyes. As the soft hum of the machinery reverberated through the cabin, Alex leaned back against the wall, his mind turning over the events of the evening.
The meeting with Barbara Gordon had gone almost as expected. Oracle was sharp, unyielding, and not easily fooled. But she had shown no immediate hostility, which was a step forward. She trusted Batman's judgment, and right now, Batman was inclined to trust Alex.
But trust was always conditional, always fragile.
"Batman will be watching," Barbara had said. That much was certain.
As his vehicle glided silently through the air, Alex reviewed the conversation in his mind, analyzing each word, each pause, each gesture. Barbara was smart, but she wasn't perfect. She would eventually come around. He just had to keep proving that he wasn't a threat. The drones would help with that.
The conversation about the assassin, however, had been a reminder of how much colder he had become. His Abyss Pathway had numbed him to most emotions. The cold-blooded, detached demeanor that had taken hold of him was a necessary evil for someone with his goals. And while it helped him stay focused, it also made interactions like tonight's feel more like a transaction than a personal connection.
"No hesitation. No need for it." His own words echoed in his mind. It was the truth. His decision to take down the assassin had been swift, methodical, and entirely necessary. The man had posed a threat, and Alex didn't waste time with moral quandaries when survival was on the line.
But Barbara hadn't seen it that way. She saw it as an execution. And maybe, from her point of view, it was.
But Alex wasn't in the business of answering to anyone else's moral compass. He had his own rules. And those rules—built on survival, control, and power—did not leave room for half-measures.
As his car streaked across the darkened sky, Alex turned his attention to something else: his Pathways. The Black Emperor Pathway had reached Sequence 8, and with it, the pathways that aligned with it were beginning to evolve in unexpected ways. The Abyss Pathway, Justiciar Pathway, and Red Priest Pathway had all leveled up as well.
It wasn't a massive boost yet—only Sequence 8 after all—but it was enough to begin pushing his powers in new directions. More importantly, it was a sign that things were changing. The pathways that once stood as individual entities were now starting to morph, overlap, and even bleed into each other. The Abyss was becoming more akin to the Red Priest's embrace of darkness and revolution, while the Justiciar Pathway began influencing how Alex viewed the law and judgment, not just as abstract concepts but as instruments of power.
This wasn't something Alex thought about actively, at least not right now. But deep down, he could sense the shift, the impending evolution.
He would need to be ready.
The Paragon Pathway too was growing, and though it wasn't the focus of the evening, it had leveled up with his progression. The Abyss Pathway had reached a stage of its evolution that removed most of his emotional responses—he didn't need to fight against the tide of human sentiment. His goals were clearer, sharper, and his methods more refined. Still, the Paragon Pathway brought with it a sense of justice and order that occasionally clashed with his new-found detachment.
By the time Alex's car touched down at Aeternum Industries, the sky had deepened to an even darker shade of midnight. The glow of city lights below flickered in the distance, but here, the Aeternum tower stood tall, a beacon of controlled chaos. His building. His creation.
The foundation for everything to come.
Stepping out of the car, Alex was met with the familiar buzz of activity around the compound. The security was tight, and the perimeter was equipped with multiple levels of defenses to ensure no one slipped through. Aeternum Industries wasn't just a company—it was a fortress, built with the very foundation of his Beyonder abilities and enhanced by his growing influence over both the mystical and technological realms.
Inside, he was met by security personnel who respected him but didn't dare speak unless spoken to. The internal elevators took him directly to the top floor, where his office awaited. The space was sleek, minimalistic, and perfectly organized—designed to reflect the efficient, methodical nature of the man who ran it.
Alex took a seat at his desk and called up the latest reports on his drones, the ones he had delivered to Batman. The 30 free drones he had promised were now officially in Batman's hands, with Barbara's confirmation that he would need more.
The drones had done their job. They were perfectly equipped for non-lethal action. They followed precise protocols, all developed by Alex himself to subdue criminals, not kill them. Of course, if the drones' mission changed—if they were destroyed, or their materials depleted—they'd be sent back to him for repairs and refurbishing.
The drone project had become a milestone in his plan. But it wasn't just about helping heroes.
He had developed a set of protocols that would compensate for the things he wasn't ready to tackle yet—things like infiltration,stealth, and maintaining a low profile while executing a plan. He hadn't yet turned to the complete merger of his pathways, but that didn't mean he wouldn't eventually.
For now, the drones were his anchor to the outside world. His way of offering something to the Justice League while keeping his true agenda closely guarded.
But as Alex sat back in his chair, a soft hum echoed through the building, the only sound other than the steady beating of his heart. His mind was already a few steps ahead, running through possible scenarios and analyzing his next move.
The night was still young. His plans were coming to fruition.
And in this game of shadows, Alex Kent had yet to reveal all his cards.
As the glow of his office lights softened, a silent message flashed across his computer screen.
"Batman requests additional drones."
The quiet hum of the office was the only sound that accompanied Alex as he leaned back in his chair, studying the new message from Batman. His fingers hovered over the keyboard for a moment before he typed a simple response:
"I'll have them ready."
The message was sent. Now, the only thing left was to fulfill the promise. Batman's request for additional drones was a sign of progress, a small but important victory in his larger scheme. The drones he had already provided had worked as intended, but this was different. Batman needed more, and that was something Alex was prepared for. But it wasn't just about fulfilling an order—it was another step in his delicate game with the Justice League.
For a moment, he allowed himself to pause and reflect. The drones were only a piece of the larger puzzle. They helped him maintain a low profile, stay in the shadows, and gain a foothold within the Justice League's operations. However, Alex knew that eventually, they would become more than just tools—they would become a symbol. The drones represented his calculated approach, the way he had always worked, moving with precision and purpose.
And as for the Beyonder pathways—they were evolving. His progress had slowed somewhat, but it was inevitable. When his pathways reached Sequence 8, it was a turning point. It was the moment when things began to morph, overlap, and shift. The merging had begun, and though Alex had yet to fully realize the extent of it, the influence was undeniable. The neighboring pathways were growing stronger, pulling him in new directions. The Black Emperor, Fool, and Paragon pathways all had their own unique developments, pushing his powers to new heights. But it wasn't just about the raw strength that came with these powers. It was about the direction they were taking him—towards something far greater.
For now, though, he focused on the immediate task at hand. The drones.
Later that night, Alex met with his personal team of engineers at the Aeternum Industries R&D department. The team had been working tirelessly, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with the drones. The drones Batman had received were a prototype, designed to be silent, efficient, and lethal only when absolutely necessary. But the new batch would have upgraded protocols, more advanced designs, and additional capabilities that could help the Justice League in ways they hadn't even considered.
Alex glanced over the designs, his eyes scanning the blueprints. These drones would be equipped with more sophisticated AI that allowed them to operate autonomously, adapt to different situations, and react to threats without direct input. They would be capable of subduing criminals silently, efficiently, and without leaving any trace. But there was one key difference—they wouldn't be for everyone.
He had made it clear from the start—the drones were only for heroes. The moment anyone else tried to get their hands on them, they would be deactivated. It was a measure of control, a way to ensure that no one could use his creations for their own gain. After all, Alex didn't trust just anyone with his technology. His drones had been designed with specific protocols, and those protocols would only be activated under the right conditions.
"Make sure the repairs are up to par," Alex instructed his lead engineer, "If any of these drones get damaged or the materials run out, I expect them back immediately. Batman will need them, and we can't afford any delays."
The engineer nodded, understanding the importance of the task. Alex was already thinking ahead, already planning for the next stage of his drones initiative. But he wasn't just creating drones for Batman—he was building a network of influence, a web of connections that could extend far beyond the Justice League.
The drones were just the beginning.
The next day, Alex received a message from Barbara Gordon. She had called in favor of Batman again, a simple request this time. She wasn't asking for more drones—she was asking for details. The Justice League's operations were far more complex than Alex had anticipated, and each member had their own specific needs.
"Batman's pleased with the drones you've provided, but he's going to need more." Barbara's message was concise. "I'll come by later today to discuss it in person."
Alex had to smile. It was clear that the Justice League was starting to trust him, or at least trust his technology. But this wasn't just about drones anymore. He was slowly but surely making his mark. Barbara's message was more than just an order for more equipment—it was a sign that Alex was becoming indispensable to their operations.
But even as he reflected on the success of the drones, Alex knew that he couldn't afford to get complacent. He couldn't afford to let the League see him as just a supplier. He needed them to see him as an ally, a partner. Only then would he be able to maneuver in the shadows with ease, without anyone suspecting his true intentions.
As the day wore on, Alex sat alone in his office, deep in thought. The Aeternum Industries building was quiet, the silence allowing him to think clearly. His thoughts turned inward, to his pathways and the changes that were happening within him. The progression had been slow, but each pathway was leading him to new places. The Abyss Pathway had already stripped away his emotions, leaving only the cold efficiency necessary to achieve his goals. The Black Emperor Pathway had opened his eyes to the realities of power and control. The Fool Pathway, with its manipulation of chance and fate, had already started to blur the lines between the past, present, and future. Each one had its purpose, and each was working together, building on each other's strengths.
Alex didn't yet know what the full extent of this evolution would be, but he could sense it. The potential was there. He wasn't just a Beyonder anymore. He was becoming something greater—a force that no one, not even the Justice League, could completely understand.
In the coming days, he would meet with Barbara Gordon, and they would discuss the drones and the plans for further upgrades. But Alex knew that this was only a small part of the bigger picture. He had much more to accomplish.
For now, he had to stay focused. The drones were one step forward, but there were bigger plans in motion. Plans that would change the course of the future.
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