American comics: Damn it, I’m surrounded by those who worry about their fathers!.

Chapter 1094 The Witch's Dream, The Great Dictator Batman!

Peter was grappling with the psychological issues of the "father-worshipper," while on the other side, night had fallen in Gotham.

Gotham City's night sky, as always, is stained with neon lights and crime.

On a street somewhere on Naihe Island, an elegant figure rose and fell between tall buildings, flashing with bright light, accompanied by the clear shouts of incantations.

Zatanna landed lightly and unleashed a spell of irony that knocked down the nearby robbers.

Wearing a top hat, she patted non-existent dust off her hands, preparing to use magic to clean up the scene and contact the GCPD.

Suddenly, a faint sound of a trigger being pulled came from behind.

One of the bandits, who had been knocked down and pretending to be dead, quietly pulled out a hidden pistol and pointed it at Zatanna's back.

Just as the bullet was about to leave the barrel, a dull thud was heard, and a dark figure descended from the sky, followed by a swift chop to the bandit's wrist holding the gun.

"Crack!"

A crisp cracking sound of bone breaking rang out, accompanied by the bandit's shrill scream, as the pistol flew out of his hand.

Without pausing, the shadowy figure delivered a swift and powerful elbow strike to the bandit's jaw, knocking him unconscious.

The entire process was smooth and quick, taking no more than two seconds.

Zatanna turned around when she heard the voice, and when she saw who it was, her eyes were instantly filled with disbelief.

"Bruce?!"

Standing in front of Zatanna was Bruce Wayne, dressed in his Batsuit.

"When...when did you get back?!"

Zatanna hurried forward, her voice brimming with undisguised surprise, "Where's Peter? Is he back too? Are you all alright?"

Bruce nodded slightly. "I just got back, and the gentleman is back too. Everyone is safe and sound."

He glanced at the bandits lying scattered on the ground. "You've had a tough time these past few days, as have Ciri and Artoria."

Bruce knew that without Zatanna and Ciri's help during this time, Gotham would likely have fallen into even deeper chaos while he was away.

Zatanna waved her hand. "No need to be so polite. We've been friends since we were kids. By the way, how was your intercosmic trip? Did you see anything interesting or scary?"

Zatanna blinked curiously, wanting to know what Bruce and Peter's group had gone through.

Bruce paused for a moment, seemingly organizing his thoughts.

After a moment, he said to Zatanna with a complicated expression, "Yes, I have gained a lot this time. The multiverse... is more vast and more complex than I imagined."

During this journey, Bruce witnessed power systems under different laws, drastically different fates resulting from different choices, monsters consumed by obsession, and light that still chooses to shine in the darkness.

"Hmm, if I didn't know Peter was back, I would love to hear your story about this trip."

Although Zatanna was curious about what Bruce had gone through, she was now filled with a more urgent feeling. "Peter is back safely, I have to go to the farm right away."

The action-oriented Zatanna waved to Bruce after speaking, "You're in charge of cleaning up here. We'll talk later!"

Before she could finish speaking, she had already chanted the spell, "Fly!"

As the incantation was recited, Zatana's figure disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

Bruce looked at the spot where Zatanna had disappeared and shook his head slightly.

Even old friends aren't as close as your relationship with the Godfather.
Bruce skillfully used batarangs and ropes to tie up the thugs, then anonymously notified the GCPD.

As Bruce finished his work and prepared to slip into the shadows to continue his patrol for the night, Alfred's voice came through the miniature communicator in his ear:

“Young Master Bruce, I apologize for disturbing your night patrol, but there is something important I must inform you.”

"what's up?"

“A violent earthquake and explosion occurred at the ‘Abyss’ research outpost in the Bermuda Triangle region. The signal was completely cut off three minutes ago. Based on the last transmitted data, the outpost is likely to have been destroyed.”

Bruce's heart sank as he heard Alfred's words.

The "Abyss" outpost is one of Wayne Enterprises' most secretive and well-hidden research facilities, located deep in the Bermuda Triangle.

This research institution is unknown even to most senior executives of the company.

Is there any sign of survivors?

Bruce calmly asked Butler.

Alfred replied, "At the last moment, a signal from an emergency escape pod briefly appeared, but it quickly disappeared amidst strong interference."

Bruce didn't hesitate at all. "I understand. Get ready, Alfred. I'll head to the research station immediately."

……

The Bermuda Triangle, beneath the deep sea.

The once magnificent "Sea Abyss" outpost has now been reduced to a twisted metal ruin, slowly sinking into the cold, dark seabed.

The violent explosion and earthquake tore apart its main structure, and magma gushed from the seabed fissures, heating the surrounding seawater to boiling point.

Dr. Ethan, one of the lead researchers at the outpost, was desperately swimming towards an emergency escape pod that was not yet completely destroyed, wearing a tattered protective suit.

The violent tremors and explosions allowed him to escape the control room by sheer luck, but he knew that the entire outpost was about to be completely destroyed.

Dr. Ethan struggled to climb into the cramped escape pod and used his last strength to press the launch button.

The escape pod was launched like an arrow from the collapsing launch silo and sped towards the sea.

However, misfortune struck again. Shortly after the escape pod ascended, it was struck hard by a huge metal component that had collapsed due to the explosion.

The hull was severely deformed, the propulsion system was damaged, and the speed was drastically reduced. To make matters worse, ahead of the planned ascent route, a large amount of molten lava was gushing out from the cracks due to an undersea earthquake, forming a deadly lava barrier.

The escape pod's power was insufficient to force its way through the high-temperature zone. The alarm blared shrilly in the cramped cabin, the oxygen content dropped rapidly, and the external pressure reading soared wildly.

Dr. Ethan stared in despair at the crimson light outside the window, his consciousness beginning to fade.

Just as his consciousness was fading, through the murky seawater and churning bubbles, he vaguely saw a huge, unnatural black shadow rapidly rising from the deep sea.

what is that? !

Dr. Ethan was stunned.

Sea monster?
Or is it some kind of mechanical object?!

The shadowy figure drew closer, its outline gradually becoming clearer.

That's a powered mech!
The mecha has sharp, angular lines, a deep blue-black paint job, and its joints emit a faint blue energy glow. The huge thrusters on its back spray energy.

To Dr. Ethan's astonishment, the mech extended its mechanical hand and grabbed the severely damaged escape pod.

the other side.

Bruce, inside the cockpit, was completely focused on controlling the machine.

The mech that Bruce pilots is a new type of mech similar to Warhammer Power Armor, which he developed with the help of Boom and Horus.

“Dr. Ethan, hold on, I am Bruce Wayne, I’m here to get you out of here.”

Bruce's calm voice came through the external speaker into the escape pod.

Dr. Ethan seemed to hear heavenly music, and his will to survive was rekindled.

However, the situation remains critical. Although the mechs are powerful, they were not designed for underwater environments from the outset.

Moreover, carrying a cumbersome escape pod and forcibly breaking through a continuously erupting, extremely hot magma zone on the seabed remains extremely risky.

Bruce quickly calculated the route and risks, preparing to take the plunge—

"Buzz!"

A powerful yet gentle stream of water suddenly surged from the side, supporting the mech and the escape pod.

The water flow contained a peculiar power that not only stabilized them but also forcibly separated a relatively safe and cooler channel in the magma zone ahead.

Immediately afterwards, a strong figure emerged from the water and hovered beside the mecha.

Aquaman Arthur was shirtless, revealing his muscular physique, and wore green scale armor pants. He held a trident that emitted a powerful aura in his hand.

"Hey, Batman, that big metal thing of yours is making quite a racket."

Arthur's teasing voice came clearly through the water, "Need a hand?"

Bruce felt certain when he saw Aquaman appear.

"Arthur, you're just in time! Help me stabilize the escape pod, let's get out!"

“No problem, leave it to me!” Arthur wielded his trident, unleashing his full control over the ocean.

He manipulated the water flow, not only maintaining the passage but also creating a powerful boost that enveloped the mech and escape pod, propelling them rapidly upwards along the passage he had created, like launching a torpedo.

The molten lava churned on both sides, and the high temperature caused the seawater to vaporize violently, but it could not break through the barrier that Arthur had built with water.

Just a few dozen seconds later, the mech and escape pod finally broke through the danger zone and accelerated upwards toward the sea.

"Wow!"

Huge splashes of water erupted on the sea under the moonlight.

With Arthur's help, the mech, dragging the deformed escape pod, came to a steady stop on the sea near a deserted beach.

With a "bang," the hatch of the mech opened, and Bruce quickly jumped out. Together with Arthur, they rescued the unconscious Dr. Ethan from the escape pod and laid him flat on the soft sand.

Bruce crouched down and skillfully checked the other person's vital signs, confirming that it was just a case of unconsciousness caused by lack of oxygen and a minor impact, and that there was no danger to his life.

Only after confirming that the other party was not in danger did he truly breathe a sigh of relief and look at Aquaman beside him.

Arthur planted the trident in the sand, crossed his arms, and surveyed the imposing mech before him. He glanced at the unconscious scientist on the ground, then fixed his gaze on Bruce. The teasing expression on his face gradually faded, replaced by a serious one.

"Long time no see, Bruce."

Arthur began, "It's been a long time since we last met, ever since we parted ways at Padrick Farm and I've been busy dealing with that mess at the bottom of the sea."

Bruce stood up and nodded to Arthur. "Yes, it's been a long time. Thank you for your help, Arthur."

"Let's put the thanks aside for now. I need to ask you first, Bruce Wayne... Your research institution, hidden deep in the Bermuda Triangle, was unknown to everyone, not only on land but also to the underwater world of Atlantis. You've kept the whole world in the dark. What exactly are you up to down there?"

Arthur asked Bruce with some dissatisfaction.

If it weren't for the fact that this underwater research station was damaged by the earthquake, he probably would never have known it existed.

He was quite annoyed by Bruce's habit of stirring up trouble behind the scenes.

After all, he is the guardian of the ocean, and he was completely unaware that someone was carrying out secret activities that could threaten the safety of the ocean right under his nose!

Bruce seemed unsurprised by Arthur's questioning.

He stood up, his gaze calmly meeting Aquaman's beneath the bat mask.

The sea breeze ruffled his cloak, making it rustle.

Instead of answering Aquaman's question directly, he cast his gaze toward the dark horizon, as if he could see through the deep waters to the ruins that had sunk into the abyss.

"Atlantis..."

Bruce said in a deep voice, "Do you, the kingdom of the sea, truly know everything about what you are protecting?"

He paused, slowly turned his head, and refocused his gaze on Arthur Curry's surprised face.

"You Atlantis."

Bruce continued, "Is there something hidden... something you yourselves may not fully understand, or something whose true danger you've deliberately concealed?"

Arthur froze, his thick eyebrows furrowing deeply: "What do you mean? What is Atlantis hiding?"

Bruce did not answer immediately.

He bent down to check on Dr. Ethan's condition, making sure his breathing was steady, before straightening up to face Arthur.

However, what Arthur didn't see was that Bruce secretly took a data USB drive from the doctor's hand.

"I don't know, but I've been investigating, and that's why this research institution exists."

As he spoke, he discreetly slipped the data disk he had taken from Dr. Ethan into his belt.

This secretive research institution focuses on metallic materials.

As for why Dr. Ethan was still holding such a data disk after falling into a coma...

Bruce guessed that before the research facility exploded, the doctor took out the research data, put it in a data disk, and then took it with him to take it out.

Bruce discovered this data disk when he examined Dr. Ethan's body.

He needs to take this data disk back and check the information about the metallic substances inside.

Although he didn't know why, Bruce felt uneasy at that moment.

It seems that some more evil and powerful being is constantly approaching this place.

Meanwhile, at Padrick Farm.

Peter sat alone at his desk, the lamplight illuminating the dark object in his hand—the Heart of Darkness.

The black diamond still exudes a subtle, unsettling chill.

Its interior, once filled with a viscous darkness that flowed like a living thing, has now completely vanished, leaving only hollow dark energy.

"The consciousness of Eclipse...cannot be felt at all."

Peter gently ran his fingers along the cold surface of the diamond, his brow furrowed, and muttered to himself, "Could it be that Tom really absorbed it completely?"

However, absorbing an ancient demon like the Sky Eclipse is by no means easy, and even with the aid of knowledge from the Dark Book, the risks are beyond imagination.

Peter could sense that the new, cold power within Tom was indeed being restrained by a powerful will, but was it permanent?

Could the eclipse be like a latent virus, making a comeback when Tom's will weakens?

Just as he was lost in thought.

"ah--!"

A short, terrified scream shattered the stillness of the night.

The sound came from the left side of his room, the room of Ceresa and Elaine.

Peter was instantly jolted out of his reverie, immediately put aside the Heart of Darkness, and moved swiftly to the door.

He could clearly hear Ceresia's rapid and anxious breathing coming from the room, as well as Joan of Arc's soft, comforting whispers.

"Serissa? Are you alright?"

Peter raised his hand and knocked on the door.

The door was quickly opened a crack, revealing Elaine's slightly worried face.

She visibly relaxed when she saw it was Peter, and gently opened the door completely. "Uncle Patrick, Ceresia... seems to be having a nightmare."

Peter touched Joan of Arc's hair and strode into the room.

At this moment, Ceresa was curled up in bed, her body tightly wrapped in the blanket, with only her pale face showing.

Her long, dark hair was disheveled and stuck to her forehead, and Seresa's usually bright eyes were now filled with fear.

Peter's heart clenched. He walked to the bedside, reached out and gently stroked Ceresa's sweaty forehead, then tidied her messy hair.

"What's wrong, my little witch? Did you have a terrible dream?"

Feeling the warmth and familiar scent of her father's hand, Ceresa felt as if she had found her pillar of support.

She crawled out from under the covers and nestled into Peter's arms, burying her face in his chest, greedily seeking a sense of security.

Peter held his little daughter firmly in his arms and gently patted her back.

A few minutes later, Ceresa's trembling gradually subsided, and her breathing became more even.

"Okay, it's okay."

Peter gently comforted him, "Tell Daddy what you dreamed about? Tell him about the nightmare, and it will go away."

Ceresia snuggled against Peter, then looked up at him and said, "Daddy... I... I dreamt of a scary Batman."

"Batman?"

Peter paused slightly. Bruce?
How did he end up in Ceresa's nightmare?
"Um……"

Ceresia nodded vigorously. "It wasn't the Batman we know. I dreamt that Batman became a dictator, and I saw another huge black Batman statue, with many people tied to that black giant statue."

"Some of them were crying, some were motionless, and they looked like they had died tragically."

As Peter listened to his daughter's account, a serious expression gradually settled on his face.

After a moment of contemplation, he gently stroked Ceresa's hair and comforted her, "It was just a dream, Ceresa, a very realistic and frightening dream. Things in dreams aren't necessarily real. Bruce has always been trying to protect Gotham City. He won't become like that."

Although he was comforting Ceressa in this way, Peter felt a strong sense of unease welling up inside him.

Is this really... just a nightmare?
(End of this chapter)