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

Chapter 1106 Superman's Counterattack: I Should Be the Commander!

"Dr. Fate's Helmet".

His gaze fell on Doctor Fate's helmet, which shone with the power of Naboo.

"The power carrier of the ancient god of order, Nab, is essentially the same as N metal."

Then, he looked at the Steel Man standing in the corner, "The Steel Man's hammer will also be made of N metal."

Horus then added, "And the plastic man's eggshell, these are all substances related to N metal. After my father gave me the Shazam dagger, I studied its composition, and what I just mentioned is the same as the aura emitted by the Shazam dagger."

“N-metal is the nemesis of the forces of the dark multiverse. By using these things, we can make it resonate with N-metal and find out its storage location.”

Although they were skeptical of Horus's words, they eventually agreed to his proposal.

A relatively quiet corner of the Forgotten Bar was temporarily cleared out.

Meanwhile, Mr. Zhuoyue operated his futuristic portable devices, attempting to scientifically analyze the cross-dimensional resonant frequency of N metal.

At the heart of the matter are Horus's Shazam dagger stuck in the center of the table, and the rubber man's seemingly comical "egg" that contains special energy.

Horus himself stood to the side, his eyes fixed on the Shazam dagger that was trembling slightly in the center of the magic circle, his expression solemn and focused.

Elsewhere in the bar, the people waiting for the results had different thoughts.

Ah Zu listlessly fiddled with the wine glass in his hand, the ice cubes instantly vaporizing and then freezing again with his heat vision, repeating the cycle endlessly, revealing his inner restlessness.

Deathstroke sat alone in the shadows, wiping his knife, his eyes beneath the mask observing the legendary "Sons of the Farm."

Stargirl and Beast Boy huddled together, whispering about how to quickly mine the N metal vein if they found it.

Xinghuo looked worriedly at Mr. Zhuoyue and the others, then at Clark, who was lying on the bar and fast asleep.

Raven sat quietly in the corner, her dark purple hood obscuring most of her face.

Her gaze fell on Artoria Pendragon, who was also alone and resting with her eyes closed, not far away.

The Knight King sat upright, his hands resting on the holy sword, as if ready to rush to the battlefield at any moment.

Raven hesitated for a moment, but eventually got up and sat down in a seat near Artoria.

She didn't speak immediately, but simply stayed quietly.

Artoria slowly opened her eyes, looked at Raven, and spoke with a hint of concern in her voice.

“Raven, your heart is filled with turmoil. If you feel nervous, perhaps you could try having a little wine. The drinks here seem to be able to soothe your soul a bit.”

She pointed towards the bar.

Raven shook her head slightly, the shadow beneath her hood shifting slightly: "Alcohol cannot quell the restlessness that originates from the soul."

She paused for a moment, then whispered, "I just... feel a lot of pressure. Bruce is missing, Father is acting alone, the enemy is stronger than ever before, and we..."

"And you are trying to shoulder a responsibility that doesn't belong to you alone."

Artoria interrupted her, saying, "You're too nervous, Raven."

Raven looked up at Artoria: "And what about you? Your Majesty King Arthur, you were once the king who ruled a kingdom. The burden you carried should not be heavier than any of ours."

A flicker of reminiscence and complex emotions crossed Artoria's eyes. Instead of avoiding the question, she decided to talk to Raven.

"Yes, I once carried the fate of all Britain on my shoulders. From the moment I pulled the sword from the stone, my life no longer belonged to myself. I lived with the vow to 'become the ideal king' and the fear of the moment I drew the sword. I told myself that I had to be perfect, that I had to be strong, and that I had to abandon all human weaknesses."

After a pause, Artoria continued, "I thought I could overcome this fear, but in reality... I couldn't. I walked a predetermined, lonely path until... utter failure, the end of Camran Hill."

She turned her gaze to the exploration ceremony taking place in the center of the bar, as if she were seeing another world through it.

"When I came into this world and met Peter, I saw many... different beings, especially Clark Kent."

"He also possessed godlike power, but he met a completely different end than I did."

Artoria took a deep breath. “Peter once told me that it was because Clark’s parents, Jonathan and Martha, were just ordinary farmers. They didn’t try to raise their son into an ideal ‘something’—whether it was a savior or a god on earth. They simply raised him to be a person, a good person who grew up in accordance with his own nature, healthy and happy, and learned the principles of being a good person.”

"As Clark grew up and gained power, he constantly reflected on himself while using his power to protect the Earth, always maintaining the perspective of an ordinary, good person from Smallville Farm."

Artoria's tone carried a hint of envy and relief that were hard to describe.

"And I... under Merlin's guidance and the expectations of the times, could only go down the path of the 'ideal king' instilled in me since childhood. Peter once told me that my reaction after the failure in Camran was not to hate the traitor, nor to reflect on where the rule went wrong, but to think 'it would be better if I didn't exist'... This is wrong."

She sighed softly, “Peter told me that I have never truly acknowledged my value as a ‘human being,’ I only recognize my value as a ‘king.’”

"But now, I see Clark, I see you, and I see that even after you have great power, you still try to maintain your humanity, always facing problems and taking responsibility from the perspective of an ordinary good person... I feel that perhaps the path I have insisted on and the path I have taken before is not the only one, and may even be fundamentally wrong in some aspects."

At this point, Artoria's gaze softened and turned to the other side of the bar.

There, Mordred was drinking with Deathstroke without any regard for her image, letting out hearty, even somewhat rude, laughter—a stark contrast to her past image as a rebellious knight.

"and"

A smile appeared on Artoria's lips.

“To see a child like Mordred have the opportunity to embark on a life completely different from her past, and to be a part of that as a family member and witness her transformation…it gives me a sense of meaning I’ve never felt before, and that’s one of the reasons I’m willing to stay here and continue fighting.”

She looked at Raven again, her eyes clear and firm: "So, Raven, don't put too much pressure on yourself, don't try to carry everything alone, acknowledge your limitations, trust your family, trust your comrades, and then... try to do what you believe is right, that's enough."

"We are all here, walking with you."

Raven listened quietly; Artoria's words flowed like a clear spring through her anxious heart.

The other person's words about responsibility and value deeply touched her.

Raven's brows relaxed slightly beneath her hood, and her tightly clenched hands loosened a little.

She may not be completely at ease, but at least the loneliness that almost crushed her has lessened considerably.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Raven said softly.

Meanwhile, at the bar, a weary and exhausted Clark finally fell into a deep sleep due to extreme mental fatigue.

However, what awaited him was not peace, but an even more bizarre and terrifying nightmare.

The dream begins with an incredibly warm and peaceful scene.

The setting sun, like melting gold, bathed the tranquil land of Padrick Farm.

The haystacks are edged with gold, and the windmills turn slowly.

Seresa and Elena sat on the porch.

Seresa plucked the strings of a lute-like instrument, while Irene sang softly.

The instrument they were playing was none other than "The Batman Song," a melody imbued with gothic melancholy.

The lyrics are somber and poetic, telling the story of Batman's perseverance in the darkness, his solitary patrols, and his inner shadows.

Peter sat leisurely in the rocking chair, while the Kents listened to the music with smiles on their faces. The other "fathers" on the farm, such as Mark and Rocky, were also scattered on the lawn in twos and threes, enjoying this rare tranquility.

Everything was so beautiful it seemed unreal.

"This piece of music... is a bit too gloomy, isn't it?"

Diana smiled and spoke to Bruce Wayne, who was sitting next to her and looked somewhat awkward.

In the dream, Bruce was unusually not wearing the bat costume, but rather simple casual clothes.

He coughed slightly awkwardly and explained in a low voice, "These lyrics express my feelings; they remind us to seize the day (Carpe Diem)."

"Live for the moment? That's a strange thing to hear from you, Bruce."

Clark smiled at Bruce in his dream, feeling incredibly relaxed and happy.

However, this warm illusion was soon shattered.

Without warning, Bruce in his dream suddenly let out a painful groan. He looked down sharply and saw that his shirt was instantly stained red, with a blood-soaked Batman symbol appearing glaringly.

Immediately afterwards, a huge claw covered in dark metal burst out of his chest, dripping with blood and shattered internal organs.

"Bruce!"

Clark stared in shock at the scene before him.

The next moment, with lightning speed, the claws grabbed Clark, who was standing right next to them.

The immense force nearly crushed him.

The farm scene before me collapsed like a shattered mirror.

The golden sunset was replaced by rolling black clouds, and the gentle breeze turned into a cold, raging wind carrying the stench of blood.

The lawns withered, the houses crumbled, and the melodious music turned into the maniacal laughter and wailing of countless dark Batmen.

The twisted bat shadows of the evil god Barbatos tore through the sky, and his malevolent gaze, almost tangible, enveloped the entire nightmare space.

On the distant horizon, the Batman Who Laughs, along with his diverse Dark Knights, slowly approached.

Wherever it passes, everything withers.

In this bizarre and terrifying dream battlefield, Barbatos's whispers, like those from the depths of the cosmic abyss, were imprinted deep within Clark's soul:
"All the paths that may seem in this world, no matter how bright or hopeful they may appear... will ultimately lead them into boundless darkness..."

These desperate words, like the most vicious curse, accompanied by the anger and sorrow of witnessing his brothers and sisters being harmed, almost completely destroyed Clark's spirit.

"Hey, Clark! Clark! Wake up!"

A familiar voice, like a ray of light piercing through thick fog, forcefully entered his dream.

Clark jolted awake and looked up.

He was drenched in cold sweat, and his heart was pounding wildly.

Gasping for breath, Clark found himself still slumped over the bar counter of the Forgotten Bar.

Diana was gripping his shoulders tightly, her face filled with worry.

"You're having a nightmare."

Diana looked at his pale face and asked in a low voice.

Before Clark could fully recover from the lingering fear of the dream, Diana's next words instantly tightened his nerves: "There's news about the resonance detection of N metal. Horus and the others seem to have found something."

The bar counter in the middle of the bar.

Mr. Zhuoyue said, “There are three definite locations: one in deep space, pointing to an unknown star field; one below Atlantis, shrouded by powerful magic and deep-sea pressure; and the last one, located at the center of the multiverse, the legendary Tower of Eternity. But the fourth one… the signal source comes from pure darkness, with abnormal intensity, but it cannot be located.”

Just as everyone was processing this complex information, Clark, who had just woken up from a nightmare, suddenly had his superhuman intelligence kick in.

“I know that the fourth coordinate comes from the Dark Multiverse.”

Clark's voice rang out. He stood up abruptly, his eyes burning, and said, "That's Bruce! He sent the distress signal!"

He looked at the crowd.

"Seize the day. Bruce said that phrase in my dream just now. It's no coincidence. At that time and in that situation, he couldn't have said it for no reason. It must be a hint, a signal he's sending to us from the depths of darkness. He's telling us to seize this opportunity to save him."

After Clark finished speaking, Horus slowly shook his head.

"Do not."

“Clark, I understand your feelings, but do you remember what happened to Hawkman Carter Hall? He was bewitched by Barbatos’s carefully woven dreams and illusions, which led him step by step into the trap, and he eventually disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind only that altered diary.”

He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over Clark, Dick, and the others.

"Barbatos is a master of manipulating people's hearts. In the intricate traps created by the evil god, every seemingly hopeful path may lead us into an abyss of darkness. This so-called 'signal' is likely just another bait, designed to distract us and lead us into darkness."

“No, Horus, I trust my gut feeling. This is a signal Batman gave me. I know him better than you do.”

“You’re consumed by anger right now, Clark.”

Horus shook his head and said, "You must calm down. I am now the commander appointed by the Emperor Father. You cannot act recklessly."

Clark was furious when he heard Horus use Peter to pressure him, as he was already dissatisfied with Horus's leadership.

Because the commander he saw in his dreams was himself.

Although a major rebellion later broke out, these details are probably not important.

“No, Nameless, you cannot command me. I am the Godfather’s most trusted man. I have followed the Godfather through countless wars, while you were not yet here. My experience is far greater than yours.”

“That doesn’t prove anything, Clark.”

The two started arguing, and others joined in.

"Horus is now the commander-in-chief, and you must obey his orders!"

Diana gripped the Vulcan sword tightly, her tone firm.

"An order? An order to watch Bruce die?"

Dick retorted without backing down.

The atmosphere in the bar instantly became tense.

At this stalemate, when the argument was escalating—

"Roar--!"

A frenzied roar was followed by a figure as fast as lightning, who suddenly pounced out from a shadowy corner of the bar.

The target was Dick, who was arguing fiercely with his back to the shadows.

The Laughing Robin Hound's torn mouth dripped with saliva, its eyes filled with pure bloodlust, and its sharp claws were about to touch Dick's nape.

"Dick! Watch out!"

Spark exclaimed in surprise.

At this critical moment, a golden light arrived first.

"Evil heretics!"

A clear and resolute shout echoed throughout the bar, and Artoria, who had been standing quietly by the sidelines, launched her attack.

As she swung her holy sword, a sword aura containing the conviction to sever all evil, like a blade of light tearing through space, struck Robin Hound's path as he lunged forward.

"Pfft——!"

The soft sound of a sharp blade cutting through decaying matter rang out.

Robin Dog froze in mid-air as if a pause button had been pressed, then neatly split in two, turning into two puddles of writhing, dark, viscous matter that eventually evaporated and disappeared.

Artoria slowly withdrew her stance, her eyes calm and unwavering, as if she had only done something insignificant.

She glanced at the still-shaken Dick, then swept her gaze across the silent crowd, and finally fixed her eyes on Horus and Clark, saying with a serious expression, "There's no time for argument now; the enemy has probably already discovered us."

Robin's sudden attack and Artoria's words brought everyone to their senses.

Indeed, arguing won't solve anything now; the tentacles of darkness have already reached their last refuge.

Horus took a deep breath, suppressing the internal strife, and his gaze became firm again.

"The debate is paused. The immediate priority is to ensure safety here and decide on our course of action regarding those three clearly defined coordinates. As for the signal in the darkness..."

He looked at Clark, his expression complex, and said, "...Until we have conclusive evidence and rule out the possibility of a trap, I, as the commander-in-chief, will not allow anyone to take any risks."

(End of this chapter)