266. Apokolips War.
Under the darkened sky, in a desolate and pitch-black alley, a purple portal suddenly opened, breaking the silence.
"Safe."
The first person to step out was Alex, arriving in a new world, filled with countless unknown dangers.
Although Alex had experienced many worlds before, this was the first time he had traveled through two parallel timelines simultaneously. At this moment, Alex wasn't entirely sure where they were, only roughly able to ensure that their landing point was still on Earth.
"So stinky." Pietro fanned his hand in front of his nose, mumbling with a frown. "Another trash bin nearby? I'm almost getting used to it."
However, no one was paying attention to the pungent smell at this moment. They were all observing their surroundings, especially Black Canary and Red Hood, who were finally back in their own world. It was impossible for them not to feel some excitement inside.
"Kara, how's the environment around us?" Black Canary knew Kara had X-ray vision, and the dim surroundings wouldn't hinder her. Kara could even monitor the entire city.
"I don't see—wait, this city… has already..." Kara's eyes widened, and as her gaze shifted, her breathing gradually quickened.
In Kara's vision, the entire city had long since fallen. The once neatly arranged skyscrapers had now turned into rubble. The streets were littered with shattered concrete, countless crushed cars were scattered on the ground, and everywhere she looked, there was only desolation.
If the ruins of New Babylon still held some remnants of human life, this place was like a graveyard, utterly devoid of life. Only the void of death and the fear of silence enveloped the entire city.
"Miss Minutes, check the time flow between the two timelines."
While everyone else was inspecting their surroundings, Alex slightly turned away, calling out to the Miss Minutes in his mind.
[Processing... please wait.]
"Kara, what did you see?" Black Canary asked anxiously. Although she had already prepared herself for the worst, deep down, she still harbored some hope.
"I don't see any signs of life. At least not nearby. Don't worry, Dinah, I'll check elsewhere. Maybe this place was abandoned after the war," Kara forced a smile, trying to comfort her.
However, Jason Todd, who had been observing for a moment, gradually showed a more serious expression.
"This is Gotham!"
Jason Todd spoke with an unwavering tone, and at the same time, a flash of surprise and anger flickered in his eyes.
"This is Gotham? How can you be sure?" Pietro asked quietly. He had been to Gotham before, but he didn't think Jason could pinpoint the city so quickly. "You haven't even stepped out of this alley."
"There are many alleys," Jason Todd clenched his fist, his eye twitching. "But this alley? There's only one like it in the world. I can't be wrong."
"Huh?"
Pietro was puzzled, not understanding what he meant.
"It shouldn't be like this. The Justice League were the only ones who left Earth. The planet should still be protected by other heroes. How did this place end up like this? Could they have..." Black Canary didn't dare continue her train of thought.
Jason Todd also remained silent at this moment. Everyone was deep in their thoughts, and the alley returned to a state of quiet.
After a moment, Alex turned back to face the group, who were still lost in thought, and broke the silence.
"I just checked the time flow between the two worlds. Although these two timelines are running parallel, there's still a slight difference in their flow. You all stayed in the wasteland for three years, but in this world... only about two years have passed."
"Two years..."
Black Canary covered her face in pain as the image of Green Arrow, Oliver Queen, appeared in her mind. "In just two years, this place has become like this?"
"Dick... Damian... this is how you protected Gotham?" Jason Todd gritted his teeth, putting on his Red Hood mask and walking out of the alley.
"Where are you going?" Pietro asked.
Without turning back, Red Hood replied coldly.
"To the Batcave."
Seeing this, Pietro looked towards Alex.
"Gotham shouldn't have fallen so easily. The heroes and criminals here are all formidable. Unless Darkseid personally intervened or sent a large army of Doomsday-like creatures for a direct assault, killing them wouldn't be easy."
Alex thought for a moment, then continued speaking.
"My guess is that they found a way to hide. After all, Doomsday-like creatures also have Kryptonian X-ray vision, so there must be some sort of sanctuary here. Let's check the Batcave; maybe we can find some clues."
"You're right. Damian is an exceptional hero. They wouldn't fall so easily." Black Canary took a deep breath, acknowledging Alex's words.
The group stepped out of the alley to find Jason Todd standing silently at the entrance, seemingly waiting for them.
"I was afraid you wouldn't know the way."
Jason said casually, then turned and started walking.
Although they hadn't known him for long, the group had come to understand Red Hood's personality. Considering that he had been tortured by the Red Skull for three years and had such a tragic backstory, they all made efforts to accommodate him, including his emotions.
"Kara, I'm not sure if there are any Parademons nearby. I need to connect with this world's magical energy, so keep an eye out while we're on the move."
"Leave it to me." Kara nodded solemnly.
Since arriving here, although it was still nighttime, Kara felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted from her shoulders. It seemed that the sun in this universe was different, and this place was much better than the wasteland.
Though they were walking, the group moved quickly. A gentle breeze stirred the old newspapers scattered on the ground, sending them flying into the air. The entire city seemed to have been killed in its sleep, leaving only the desolate streets.
The ruined city was covered in signs of destruction, with hideous scars covering the entire area. Black Canary frowned deeply as she saw this, her mood growing heavier.
If Gotham had become like this, what would have happened to her Star City? Especially after it had lost Green Arrow and her. Black Canary struggled to keep her mind from imagining that scenario.
The air was thick with the stench of decay and the smell of gunpowder, as if sewage from the sewers had overflowed. Suddenly, Kara, who was walking in the middle, stopped, her eyes fixed on something ahead.
"What is it?" Ashley asked curiously.
"There's something ahead," Kara said uncertainly. "About fifteen blocks away, someone is being chased by some flying creatures."
"It's Parademons!" Black Canary reacted instantly, preparing to summon lightning and transform.
"Wait. Using Thor's power here would draw too much attention. Are you planning to attract all the Parademons?"
Alex stopped Black Canary and then turned to Ashley and Pietro.
"The skyscrapers are your playground. Go check it out, and be careful."
Ashley and Pietro exchanged glances, then gave Alex a confident smile.
In the next moment, they sprang into action.
Ashley was covered by the Venom suit, leaping into the air and shooting webs from her palms, swinging between the damaged skyscrapers. Pietro put on his goggles and disappeared down the road in the blink of an eye.
.....
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267. Batwoman Under Siege.
268. The Bat Family's Ordeal.
269. The People of Gotham Amidst Disaster!
270. Gotham Falls.
271. A Dance of Madness!