Night Owl is feeling pretty frustrated lately, wondering if maybe he's just having a run of bad luck.
Before he got there, someone told him that the team led by the Primary Universe Batman was in a bad spot and he should hurry over to watch the spectacle. But as soon as he arrived, instead of seeing a disaster, he watched Primary Universe Batman turn the tide in spectacular fashion. Was this all just a show for me or what?
When he wasn't there, the situation was dire, not that it had anything to do with him; but once he arrived, the tide turned, and it still had nothing to do with him. He can't just say that his mere presence boosted Primary Universe Batman, right?
Let's not even talk about how all the Batmen are materialists who don't believe in such superstitions; if he went around saying that, Batman would retort: Why didn't you come sooner? Wouldn't we have avoided the early setbacks if you had?
Moreover, Night Owl was never content being a mere mascot; he wanted to be a leader with real power. Like Primary Universe Batman, who commanded such respect that even Multiverse Batman bowed before him—that's the kind of status he's after.
But now, with Primary Universe Batman performing so well, what space is there for him to make an impact? Most Batmen already look down on Evil Batman; if Primary Universe Batman's abilities were lacking, Night Owl might have a shot at rising to the top. Now there's no chance at all.
Let's not even talk about Justice Batman; even his old subordinates have almost all left. While they haven't directly defected to Primary Universe Batman, they aren't exactly listening to him either. Hoping to rely on them for status is a pipe dream.
The more Night Owl thinks about it, the angrier he gets. But he's not someone who blames himself; he usually chooses to blame others.
He thinks Primary Universe Batman is doing it on purpose: laying low when he wasn't around to make the situation look worse, tricking him into coming so that he could shine and turn the tide, making Night Owl look useless in the process. To utterly ruin his chances at leadership, Primary Universe Batman would stop at nothing! Despicable! Shameless!
After doing such a thing, to think he'd have the audacity to blame me. Every time he remembers being completely insulted by him before, Night Owl gets even angrier. It's like digging a pit and covering it with dirt, then stomping on his grave.
His gut full of fire, Night Owl goes out only to be greeted with snarky comments from other Batmen.
"Yo, Brother Owl," Batwoman said, leaning against the door frame with her arms crossed, "going diving again?"
Night Owl clenches his fists tight. Don't get it wrong; he didn't punch Batwoman not because he's a gentleman, but because he's genuinely afraid of losing. Right next door are the dorms of those Batmen from the Dark Multiverse; if he dares lay a finger on Batwoman, a horde of breadheads would rush out and beat him up good. Don't ask how he knows.
Night Owl kept his eyes straight ahead as he walked out of the dorm. He usually doesn't hang around the base much these days, often bringing his life support system along to wander around nearby areas. Anywhere is better than staying at the base and listening to those Batmen's snark.
Today was no different; Night Owl took his life support device along with a booster and left the planet, heading to a nearby asteroid to watch the construction.
Thanos finally returned to his hometown, and with so many superheroes from other worlds around, he'd be silly not to take advantage of this labor force for free. They had to pay some rent, so he decided to seize the opportunity to make up for lost time over the years. Defensive structures were going up on surrounding planets.
The main labor force consisted of Wonder Woman and The Flash, when they're not on a mission. One took care of the building, the other the errands, and their speed was impressive. The only thing delaying their progress was that meddling Night Owl.
"Why are you here again?" Wonder Woman couldn't help but ask as she watched Night Owl fly closer.
"Just came to take a look," Night Owl shrugged, "My suggestion yesterday wasn't bad, right? I see you're almost done here."
Wonder Woman really didn't want to talk to him. This guy is narcissism incarnate. Every time they're working here, he's there butting in.
You'd think, as a Batman, they should listen to him about the construction. Night Owl's suggestions are decent enough. But whether he's pent-up, or frustrated from dealing with the Batmen and taking it out on other superheroes, the way he acts is insufferable. He doesn't just guide them, but also loves to praise himself and belittle others. He talks as if he's a genius and they're idiots, lucky to have his guidance.
In this situation, no matter how good his suggestions are, nobody wants to hear them. But if others won't listen, he just keeps on nagging, and it's baffling how a Batman can have so much free time, hanging around the construction site all day and staying until midnight before heading back. He's really become the Owl in every sense.
Wonder Woman and the others would love to punch him, but the problem is he's too frail. One punch would practically turn him into a white light. If such a non-combat casualty occurred, it would be a laughing stock for the other side, so they just have to endure it.
"Hey! That shield generator is upside down; why don't you flip it right side up? How dumb do you have to be to not know up from down? If I hadn't pointed it out, were you planning to just leave it that way on that smaller asteroid? It's an embarrassment to us!"
"And don't circle around the gravity device. Look at how much you're interfering with it. The faster you run, the more you prove you have no brains..."
"Why are you so slow? Didn't I say the orbital system over there should be set up? You guys are a bunch of scientifically illiterate morons. That orbital system would boost your efficiency by at least 30%. I said on day one to build it, but you just wouldn't listen. The more ignorant you are, the bolder..."
One of the Wonder Women clenched her fist tightly and walked quickly toward him, but was soon stopped by The Flash, who whispered, "Don't rush, someone will deal with him soon."
"Yo, isn't that Owlman? I thought it was the old man guarding the construction site," a voice sounded behind Night Owl. He turned his head and saw Bruce landing with his Justice League from that universe.
"Bruce," Night Owl's face immediately darkened. It was unclear whether he still harbored unrealistic fantasies about Bruce, or if the brother filter had shattered too thoroughly, leading to love turned to hate; in any case, seeing Bruce now made his emotions very complicated.
"Primary Universe Batman sent me to find you," Bruce's speech was quick. Just as he said this, he deliberately paused, letting Night Owl think he had a chance to interject, but upon Night Owl opening his mouth, Bruce immediately interrupted him, saying, "He sent me to warn you, you'd better not try anything sneaky, or your fate won't be any better than the enemy's. Understand?"
But actually, about ten minutes earlier, when Primary Universe Batman found Bruce, he said, "I noticed Night Owl has been pretty upset lately, maybe because he hasn't had the chance to participate in command. But that's really just because my current battle plans are quite important, and I don't want any complications. He has a good impression of you, so go soothe him and tell him he'll get his moment to shine in the upcoming operations..."
Bruce interpreted and translated these words himself, then turned to Night Owl and said, "Primary Universe Batman doesn't need you. All you can do now is stay put and not cause trouble for him. As for the subsequent combat missions, don't even think about getting involved. Commanding is not for fools, especially ones like you, whose mere presence might lead to a Murphy effect unraveling the situation. Staying away is the best help you can offer."
After speaking, Bruce turned and left, leaving Night Owl there with steam almost coming out of his head in anger.
"Are you sure Primary Universe Batman meant that?" Clark couldn't help but ask, "Why do I feel he genuinely wants to appease Night Owl?"
"Come on," Bruce said, "He just can't lose face, pretending to be the good guy. It's fine, I'll be the bad guy here. After all, contributing to the stability of the Multiverse is my honor."
Clark didn't see the malicious gleam in his eyes as he said this, so he could only nod, tacitly acknowledging Bruce's approach.
Night Owl was almost driven mad with rage. To him, Primary Universe Batman sending Bruce seemed like an intentional humiliation. Fine, if you initiate, you can't blame me for retaliating!
Night Owl grabbed a thruster and flew toward a desolate, uninhabited planet off to the side. It was more barren here, and the lower temperatures prevented any priority development, leaving it still desolate.
Here, he traced a pattern with his finger, recited a few spells, and then, accompanied by flames and swirling ashes, a figure appeared before Night Owl.
"Mephisto," Night Owl called his name.
"You've finally figured it out," Mephisto smiled, "I told you, even if this war is won, the victory wouldn't belong to you at all; but if it's lost, then Primary Universe Batman's reputation would be severely hit. Never show mercy to any rival, for they won't show mercy to you."
"You're right," Night Owl said gloomily, "Since this won't be my victory, I prefer failure. I refuse to believe that guy can handle such a massive defeat gracefully. When that happens, he will be the one appearing ridiculous."
"Of course," Mephisto smiled again, "The command center has been pushing me to make a move. If you're going to act, you must act quickly. Only when results are seen can I provide you with more strength."
"What do you want me to do?"
"Think it over yourself," Mephisto said, "But I can remind you that Batman greatly values the Infinity Gems. He has already gathered five and is about to find the sixth. Once he creates the Infinity Gauntlet, it will be his best moment to showcase his strength. Ending the Multiverse war all alone is such a glorious feat; it's up to you whether you want to be among those cheering for him."
Night Owl clenched his fists as if he could already see the scene: the incredibly powerful Divine Artifact in Primary Universe Batman's hands, a true bastion, victory at his fingertips, everyone cheering for him, the Multiverse welcoming a new king.
No, such a thing must not be allowed to happen! Even if victory is to be achieved, it cannot be solely due to Primary Universe Batman's abilities, and he must not be allowed to steal the spotlight in such a manner!
Night Owl took a deep breath and said, "I know what to do. I'll send word to you soon."
Night Owl soon returned to the construction site. He said nothing, continuing to mutter as usual. Upon returning to the base, he surprisingly took a turn to the meeting room, where I heard Primary Universe Batman inside saying, "So, regarding the last Infinity Gem, we are determined to obtain it..."
Night Owl perked up his ears but couldn't catch any information about the whereabouts of the Soul Gem. Until the meeting concluded and Batmen walked out in small groups, Night Owl seized the opportunity to enter the conference room and blocked Primary Universe Batman, asking:
"What is the next combat mission? Can I participate in the battle?"