DC X LOTM: A Beyonder in DC

The League's stronghold in the Himalayas was a fortress carved from the bones of the mountain itself. Cold stone walls stood as silent witnesses to centuries of bloodshed, their jagged surfaces lined with torches that flickered against the darkness. The scent of incense and burning wood masked the iron tang of dried blood, but Alex could still sense it—death was as much a part of this place as the shadows that clung to its halls.

Dressed in simple training robes, his wounds still fresh from the Trial of the Mountain, Alex followed Talia through the labyrinthine corridors. He maintained a careful balance in his movements—not too strong, not too weak. Every step was measured, his breathing controlled, his posture reflecting exhaustion but not vulnerability.

He had already passed the League's first test, proving himself through combat and endurance. But he knew that was just the beginning.

If he wanted to earn their trust, he had to be more than just a skilled fighter.

He had to become one of them.

The Philosophy of Shadows

The training chamber was massive, its ceiling lost in darkness. Murals of ancient battles adorned the walls, depicting assassins moving unseen, striking from the shadows to topple kings and emperors. The floor was lined with mats where new recruits trained, their forms moving through silent, deadly katas.

At the center of the room stood Ra's al Ghul, his emerald eyes sharp as they watched the students. His presence alone demanded obedience.

The recruits, including Alex, formed a line before him.

"The League of Assassins is more than just a collection of warriors," Ra's began, his voice echoing through the chamber. "We are the unseen force that shapes history. We are the whisper in the dark, the unseen blade that ensures balance in the world."

His gaze fell upon Alex, lingering for a moment longer than the others.

"A warrior fights. A true assassin manipulates, deceives, and eliminates obstacles before they even become threats."

A figure stepped forward from the shadows—a man clad in dark robes, his face partially obscured by a hood. His movements were smooth, effortless, like a phantom gliding across the floor.

"This is Malik," Ra's continued. "He will teach you what it means to be a true assassin. The art of disguise. The mastery of deception. The ability to walk through a battlefield unseen, and leave only ghosts behind."

Alex met Malik's gaze, his expression unreadable. This was exactly what he needed.

Mastering Deception

The first lesson was not about combat, but control.

For hours, Malik drilled them on the fundamentals of deception.

"An assassin must be more than a killer," Malik instructed as they stood in front of a series of mirrors. "You must learn to become someone else entirely. A different walk, a different posture. The way you carry yourself can determine whether you live or die."

Alex watched the other recruits struggle, their attempts to alter their stances awkward and unconvincing.

For him, however, this was second nature.

He had already been shifting identities his entire life. As Alex Kent, he was the younger brother of Superman, the son of the Kents, the ordinary man with a brilliant mind. As "Kane," he was a ruthless assassin in training. And as "Mr. Villain," he would become a name whispered in the dark, someone the Justice League could neither trust nor destroy.

So he adjusted his movements effortlessly, adopting the rigid form of a soldier, the casual swagger of a nobleman, the hunched posture of a beggar.

Malik's sharp eyes studied him.

"You've done this before."

Alex offered a small smile. "I've always been good at pretending."

Malik did not smile back. "Then let's see how far that skill goes."

A Test of Shadows

The next lesson was infiltration.

Malik led them to a large chamber filled with obstacles—wooden beams, shifting platforms, ropes hanging from the ceiling. At the far end, a single lantern burned dimly, casting just enough light to create deep shadows.

"The goal is simple," Malik explained. "Cross the room without being seen. If you fail, you will start again."

One by one, the recruits attempted the trial. Some moved too fast and drew attention. Others hesitated too long, trapped in uncertainty. A few made it across but lacked the grace of a true shadow.

When it was Alex's turn, he exhaled slowly and stepped forward.

He moved with practiced ease, flowing between shadows like water. He timed his movements perfectly, waiting for the flickering light to create blind spots before advancing. His steps were soundless, his breathing controlled.

By the time he reached the end, he was standing behind Malik before the man even realized he had arrived.

Malik turned slightly, his expression unreadable. "Not bad."

Alex offered a smirk. "I aim to impress."

For the first time, he saw something like amusement flicker in Malik's eyes.

"Let's see how well you kill."

A Silent Kill

The mission came at night.

Ra's had summoned Alex personally, leading him to the highest tower of the fortress where the cold winds howled through the open windows. The Demon's Head stood before him, his hands clasped behind his back, gazing out at the frozen peaks beyond.

"There is a man in the eastern watchtower," Ra's said without preamble. "A traitor. He has betrayed the League and must be eliminated."

Alex remained silent, waiting.

"You will do it alone," Ra's continued. "And you will do it silently. If you are caught, you will not return."

It was a test. Not just of his skill, but of his understanding of the League's philosophy.

Alex nodded once. "Understood."

The Hunt Begins

The night air was sharp against his skin as he moved through the stronghold, using the rooftops to stay unseen. The eastern watchtower loomed ahead, a single torch flickering near the entrance.

Two guards stood at the base, their eyes scanning the darkness.

Alex didn't hesitate.

A small pebble, flicked from his fingers, clattered against the opposite wall. The distraction worked instantly—both guards turned toward the sound. In that moment, Alex moved.

He was a shadow. A flicker of movement that disappeared into the night.

Scaling the side of the tower, he reached the top window and slipped inside without a sound.

The target lay asleep on a small cot, his breath slow and steady. A man in his late thirties, his features hardened by years of battle.

Alex stepped forward, dagger in hand.

For a brief moment, the man's eyes fluttered open.

Recognition. Fear.

Alex didn't hesitate.

A quick, clean slash. The warmth of blood spread across the sheets as the man gasped once—then fell still.

He cleaned the blade, wiped away any trace of his presence, and slipped back into the night.

The Price of Trust

By the time Alex returned to the stronghold, Ra's and Talia were waiting.

Talia's sharp eyes studied him, lingering on the faint traces of blood on his sleeve. "Quick work."

Alex merely shrugged. "He was asleep. I didn't see the point in dragging it out."

Ra's remained silent for a moment before nodding. "You learn fast. But skill alone does not make one of the League."

Alex met his gaze evenly. "Then what does?"

Ra's studied him, as if searching for something deeper beneath the surface.

"Loyalty. Purpose. And the willingness to embrace the shadows fully."

Alex gave a small smile. "Then I suppose I have more to learn."

Ra's smirked slightly. "Indeed."

As the Demon's Head turned and walked away, Alex exhaled quietly.

He had passed another test. Earned another layer of trust.

But this was just the beginning.

Because the deeper he went into the League of Assassins…

The closer he came to controlling them from within.

-----------------------------------------------------------GIVE ME MORE POWER STONES!