บท 565: Visit
Edward's next target was the DNA sample of the Kryptonians, as he had great use for it. Manufacturing high-tier clones is a very costly endeavor as he needs the Mana to forcefully raise their tier while also considering how to nurture their souls. After mastering Soul Law, he mastered the ability to create artificial souls, making things slightly easier but still costly.
Additionally, these clones have very limited lifespans, which is a problem in itself.
But the Kryptonian Life Code is the key to solving this problem. He can now clone them in mass like any other clone before placing them in a facility with immense solar energy. He can design the place to accelerate these clones' ability to absorb solar energy to increase their growth.
With this method, he can manufacture Tier 5-6 Clones in batches, creating a mighty army. These clones won't be even more powerful because he needs to modify their Life Code to remove the Kryptonians' natural weakness against magic. Of course, he also has to worry about possible revolts and so on.
Once that was finished, he searched for his next target — the Anti-Life Equation. The Anti-Life Equation was a transcendental mathematical formula initially said to allow those who knew it to dominate the will of any sentient race; this is the ultimate goal of Darkseid.
Edward wanted to get his hands on it as he believed he might access the Mind Authority after studying it and the Mind Stone from the MCU.
"It's not working," Morgana declared. Whatever form of divination I try, I cannot find the location. We might have to buy the information from the Akashic Record."
"I tried, but even news on where this thing is too expensive," replied Edward. "Let's try a little cause-and-effect trick to see if we can find it."
He cursed whoever held the Anti-Life Equation; his purpose was to find this person through the karmic link formed between them after cursing the individual. Normally, this tactic would not have worked since curses require a medium or more information to go on, but since he controlled Curse Rule, he had fewer limitations.
"It's not working," sighed Edward.
"That's to be expected; we're searching a single thread from an infinite multiverse," replied Morgana. "What now? We can try hunting down variants of Darkseid."
"No, we have a better way," said Edward.
"You mean luck?"
"Yes."
"This might work," nodded Morgana as she summoned a Felix Felicis. Luck, or the control of probability, was a powerful thing. Over the years, the Luck Potion has been thoroughly studied, understood, and updated. Edward does not like to overuse this thing as it has long been revealed that overusing the potion will have severe consequences, primarily a Curse of Misfortune, where someone will have terrible bad luck.
Edward wiped the corner of her mouth.
"So, what's on your mind?"
"I have this urge to see Diana again."
"Could her timeline contain the equation?" asked the little elf.
"Very likely."
"In that case, let's go. We can get the equation and say our goodbyes."
The Netheril opened a breach in space-time before navigating to its destination.
"So, we couldn't land not long after I left?" asked Edward, looking at the modern metropolis before him.
"You know how strange this world is."
"I'm not complaining," he said calmly. He scanned the entire planet, scrutinizing all 7 billion people. "Found it."
"Where?"
Edward showed her a projection of a man in his 60s with brown hair, smoking a cigar and a gold ring in his pinky.
"Billion-Dollar Bates."
From his knowledge of the comics, this man was the only person who had the equation in his mind
"Can you get it from his mind?"
"No problem. Although the formula granted him the power of Mind Control, he is still technically a normal human," replied Edward, swiftly taking the formula from the latter's mind.
The formula was: [loneliness + alienation + fear + despair + self-worth ÷ mockery ÷ condemnation ÷ misunderstanding ⋅ guilt ⋅ shame ⋅ failure ⋅ judgment n=y where y=hope and n=folly, love=lies, life=death, self=dark side].
Edward knew it from the comics, but it had to be pronounced in specific ways. Upon success, alien symbols or glyphs would materialize in the air. He tried it, and it was a success.
"What an interesting equation," commented Morgana. "It will release a frequency that affects a person's deep subconscious and instill upon them the mathematical certainty that life, hope, and freedom are pointless and break their will in the process. Even someone with a high Willpower like yourself can be affected if not careful."
"This equation will do wonders for the development of Mind Magic," commented Edward.
"Do you plan to make it public?"
"Mind Magic is inherently dangerous. So, even without this formula, its development is a cause for concern," replied Edward. "So, we only need to continue with the strict preventive measures as we have done."
His main focus was never Mind Magic, so it is best to let others study the formula while he reaps the benefits.
"True. However, you should develop a Life Equation to counter this one before making it public."
"That was my plan," nodded Edward. "Let's go see Diana." He disappeared from his spot.
"Who's there?" asked Batman, who was the first to notice an uninvited guest had appeared in the room. Everyone became on guard before finding Edward casually looking at them.
"Edward?" asked Diana.
"Sorry for the intrusion."
"It's really you." She flew from her seat and landed before him; she hugged him, "I haven't seen you in decades."
"For you, it's been decades. But for me, it has been a little over a year."
"Are these the wonders of interdimensional travel? Regardless, it's good to see you again."
"Likewise."
"Diana, are you going to introduce us to your friend?" asked Superman.
"Wonder Woman, get away from this man," yelled Flash.
"Flash, what's with this reaction?" she asked.
"The moment I laid eyes on him, I received a great warning from the Speed Force; this man is extremely dangerous." Everyone once again raised their guards, which they'd previously lowered.
Diana frowned before looking at Edward, "What did you do?"
Edward calmly smiled, "Remember the research I told you about?"
"Yes."
"Well, I was studying how to replicate the Speed Force, and it did not like that. Let's just say I used some extreme means to succeed, and we are not on good terms."
Diana wanted to shake her head; she had long known he was not law-abiding. Luckily, he usually resorts to peaceful methods instead of force when dealing with things.
"And what kind of extreme measures?" asked Batman.
"Nothing that concerns you," replied Edward.
"Okay, Edward is my friend, and I vouch for him," said Diana before looking at him. We're in an important meeting. If you don't mind, wait until we finish."
"Are you guys discussing Darkseid?"
"Darkseid? You know who is trying to invade Earth?" asked Cyborg.
"I saw the Parademons on Earth, and that's his army," replied Edward.
"Who is this Darkseid?" asked Hal Jordan—a Green Lantern. Unlike Flash, he felt a connection toward this stranger and wondered about its origin.
"Darkseid, ruler of the nightmare world, Apokolips. He's a New God that has conquered countless worlds, and Earth is his next target."
"How do you know so much?" Batman asked, but Edward did not pay him any mind. He looked at Diana and said, "I'm interested in Apokolips Technology. I don't mind helping you out if you want."
Diana did not immediately accept but looked at the team, "What do you think?"
"We could use all the information possible," uttered Superman, and soon, the others, with the exception of Flash and Batman, also agreed. So, Edward sat next to Diana as he participated in this Justice League meeting.
บท 566: Tension
Edward tapped his finger on the table and instantly hacked the Justice League's system. Cyborg — who was the one who instilled it with Batman's help — looked at him in shock. The technology in their system was years ahead of its time, but it was hacked so easily.
"I have only met variants of Darkseid from different parallel dimensions, but all of them were the same: ruler of Apokolips, conqueror, uses a powerful and inescapable Omega Beam, and searching for the Anti-Life Equation," explained Edward, who showed them his primary data on Darkseid.
"And what exactly is this equation?" asked Diana.
"An equation capable of breaking any sentient life's will and controlling them," replied Edward casually. "With it, he should have no issue ruling the Multiverse."
"Mind-controlling? How powerful are we talking about?" asked Superman, who had experienced this issue before.
[AN: Previously, I mentioned I was using the Justice League: War trilogy as my main source of inspiration for Wonder Woman and the eventual Justice League. Now, I have changed my mind and decided to take from many different sources, including Justice League: Unlimited and the comics.]
"How do I explain this?" uttered Edward. "The bat furry over there is the person with the highest Willpower amongst you, but even he could not resist it if a ten-year-old child used the formula."
Hal Jordan almost laughed out loud; he had to use his famous Willpower to stop himself. Batman was as stoic as ever, while Diana kicked Edward slightly to reprimand him, but he only shrugged. Superman, who felt the tension and awkwardness of the room, spoke, "If it's so powerful, we must prevent Darkseid from getting his hand on it. So, what is the plan? Do we preemptively attack Apokolips or wait until he comes to us?"
"It says the beam is as fast as any Speedster. That could be a major issue," added Cyborg.
"That is yet to be corroborated," countered Flash.
"The man has literally studied the Speed Force. Don't you think that's something he would know of?" Cyborg argued. "All I'm saying is we must watch out and prepare for all eventual possibilities."
"...You have a point."
"..."
The discussion about the next course of action continued, and everyone chimed in with their opinion, except Edward, who was looking in the distance, still thinking about that formula.
"Something is not right," suddenly said Diana, looking at Edward.
"Excuse me?"
"From what I know about you, this equation is the kind of thing you would jump at to research, Yet here you are without a single thread of interest."
"That's because I already have the equation and, thus, not interested."
Diana almost let out a groan as she massaged her temple. 'Oh, Hera, couldn't you just keep that information to yourself?' she thought, feeling the tense silence in the room.
"So, you know where it is?" she swiftly asked.
"Yes, in the mind of a rich man called Billion-Dollar Bates. You guys should probably protect him or something. However, be prepared since he knows how to use the formula: gag his mouth to prevent him from speaking."
"We'll keep that in mind," said Superman, trying to change the subject.
"What are you going to do with it?" asked Batman.
"What does it have to do with you?"
"You're an unknown individual, possibly a criminal, possessing knowledge with worldwide ramifications. So, I think we all deserve to know what you will do with it."
Edward looked at him and the others, "I'm only a passenger in this dimension. Once I say my proper goodbye to Diana, I will leave, and you won't see me again."
"And we're supposed to trust your words?" continued Batman.
"You want to talk about trust? Why don't you tell the people here about the Contingencies Plan you created for each other in case they've gone [rogue]."
"What? Batman, is that true?" asked Superman.
"Bruce, tell me this is not true," added Diana.
"The Justice League is a formidable force of good, but it can also be used for evil."
"Do you think so little of us?" asked the Flash.
"Not cool, man," stated Green Lantern.
"I do not doubt your character. But as you saw with this equation, sometimes, the choice is not yours."
"So eloquently spoken," sneered Edward. "Why didn't you create a plan for yourself? I know what you've convinced yourself: The Justice League is my Contingency Plan. But you and I know you're simply too arrogant and believe you're incorruptible."
"You don't know me."
"On the contrary, I do. You and I are more alike than you know: losing parents at a young age, fiercely intelligent, paranoid, and like to be prepared for the worst. The difference between us is I don't let my trauma define me; I've learned to grow, to mature, but you're still that little boy who watched his parents die in that alley."
"Enough, Edward; you've gone too far."
"Maybe," he replied before standing up. "Like I said, I'm just a passerby. Once you deal with Darkseid, we can say our goodbyes, and I can leave."
He disappeared from the room, leaving the meeting. The room was quiet for a moment before Superman continued:
"We will discuss Batman's inappropriate behavior later; let's focus on this upcoming invasion." After a small discussion, the team decided to capture Billion-Dollar Bates first before preparing for the upcoming battle; it helped that he was a criminal and had just cause for their actions.
A few days later:
Edward held a Mother Box in his hand, analyzing and disassembling it. He sensed a visitor and opened the door to his apartment in New York.
"What happened in that meeting?" Diana asked. "You're usually so calm and composed."
"As you can see, I'm not a big fan of the Bat," shrugged Edward. Back in Primordial Earth, he used to be a superfan of Batman. However, as he grew up, he wanted to read characters that grew emotionally, but the writers never allowed Batman to do so. He had a similar issue with Spider-Man, as the writers never allowed him to evolve as a character.
Later, he developed a great disdain for Batman because of his fans; he was sick of their constant arguments about how the man could do anything with prep time.
"That is very obvious," sighed Diana.
"Don't mention him. You looked lovely," commented Edward. Although she was dressed casually in jeans, heels, and a shirt, the clothes could not hide her divine beauty.
"Thanks for the compliment, but I'm here on official league business."
"What now?"
"They wanted me to ask if you knew when the invasion was."
"In three days," he replied.
"And how do you know?"
"I've already reverse-engineered some of their technology. The Parademons who escaped have already set up a portal to Apokalips, and it will open in three days."
"If that's true, we must stop them beforehand."
"That should buy you a few more hours."
Diana frowned, "Has Darkseid prepared to open the portal from his side?"
"Based on the reconnaissance probes I've sent into Apokolips, that's correct."
"In that case, we need to hurry," said Diana, preparing to leave. "We will catch up later."
"Wait up," said Edward, stopping her. He opened a small portal to summon a small cube.
"What's this?" asked Diana as she received this thing.
"Once the battle starts, press the button, and it will drag Darkseid and his army into the Mirror Dimension. In there, you can fight with all your strength without affecting the planet; you can even blow it if you please."
"Really?" said Diana with shining eyes. One disadvantage of a hero is the restraint he or she must exercise to protect the surrounding people, houses, and even the planet. People like him and Clark cannot use all their strength.
"Thank you for this."
"Consider it an apology for how I acted towards your friends."
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