"Alright, so you mean our mission now includes rescuing the Batman from that Injustice League universe." Batwoman's voice echoed in the communication channel.
"Yes. Although it's quite troublesome, we can't just allow their violence to go unchecked." Primary Universe Batman said, "I've already decided on the team to go. But if he leaves his universe, the defense level there might weaken, and Electronic Life might take advantage. We need to help him protect his universe."
"Just tell me what to do." Lightning Batman said, "I have the speed advantage. Although Electronic Life is omnipresent, they aren't as fast as I am. So my situation is manageable; it's not impossible to maintain things over there for a few days either."
"It's best not to." Batwoman said, "Precisely because your situation is better than ours, if you leave, Electronic Life will undoubtedly use the opportunity to focus on attacking your universe. Don't forget, on our side, things always go for the worst-case scenario."
When the Batmen gathered, there were many issues to discuss. They readily discussed cosmic-level matters, triggered by many minute details in reality. Through information exchange, it was easy to identify the differences between the Light Universe and the dark universe.
So now they understand that the Multiverse consists of distinguishing between the Light Universe and the dark universe, and they can roughly deduce which side their universe is on through their experiences.
Currently, Batwoman and the former members of the Dark Knights can all confirm they are located in the dark universe. However, the only confirmed universe in the Light Universe is the Primary Universe; others are difficult to judge.
Luckless shadows always seem to accompany the dark universe. With the onset of the Electronic Life invasion, defending on their side has become particularly challenging. Sometimes Electronic Life performs small actions, but through a series of coincidences, it becomes very vicious. This has left the Batmen in the dark universe struggling, powerless.
The situation in their own universe ties them down, making it hard to support other universes. Alternatively, it's also hard for people in the Light Universe to support them, as that Universe too is being invaded. Once a Batman travels from the Light Universe to the dark universe, Electronic Life will set its sights on them, ferociously attacking the universe without a Batman before trapping the Batman of the Light Universe there using the dark universe's characteristics.
This is an unsolvable predicament. Everyone stays in their own homes, but none can individually fend off Electronic Life; if they support each other, it leaves defenseless empty houses.
"I also think we should not leave our universe now." Primary Universe Batman said, "However, though we can't leave, we can think of ways to call in reinforcements."
"You mean...?"
"I completely understand that, under normal circumstances, you wouldn't want other superheroes entering your universe, especially from a neighboring world. They are different from us in ways difficult to adapt to. Many of them are too powerful, and if not managed properly, could cause vast disasters. But now is an extraordinary time; we need strength, and they are the best choice for reinforcements."
Primary Universe Batman's words prompted a silence. But it didn't mean disagreement; the other Batmen were contemplating, trying to weigh the benefits and costs.
This plan sounds simple, but it's actually quite challenging. Reflecting on themselves, their superheroes aren't completely aligned, and the situation for the others might be more complex.
What if among those called, there are villains? What if they won't commit themselves fully? What if there are grievances or conflicts among them? What if they plan to take over?
By that time, the originally barely maintained defense line might collapse due to the commotion caused by these outsiders, making it irretrievably worse. This is not something the Batmen want to see.
"Information is very important." Big Adventure Batman hesitated before saying, "We need to find out who would be willing to help from the other side and who can actually be helpful. But frankly, this might be a bit difficult."
Primary Universe Batman, of course, knows that while the Batmen have been continually collecting information on the neighboring universe, knowing some well-known superheroes' general personalities and abilities is not enough to make a judgment.
Take Spider Man, for example. Spider Man is a good person and would certainly be willing to help, but can he be helpful? While he can help solve some cases caused by Electronic Life, he doesn't have good means to attack and defend against Electronic Life itself—it's a classic case of misplaced expertise.
Then there's Iron Man. Although his temper is somewhat quirky, he would mostly be willing to help. He is highly skilled in hacking and mechanical engineering, which could help strengthen the defense line. However, his ability derives from Mecha, and if Electronic Life controls his Mecha, the repercussions could be grim: not only might he find himself in trouble here, but Electronic Life could also further evolve using his Mecha Technology. It's a double-edged sword.
Many other superheroes are similar. Some would come, but could not help; some are ambiguous, though capable of helping, cannot be invited; and others who can come and help all have weaknesses Electronic Life could target. In short, it's difficult to find a perfect choice.
"Who did you think of first?" Big Adventure Batman asked knowingly.
"Magneto, without a doubt."
"Of course, Magneto."
"Magneto."
"Magneto and his arch-nemesis."
The Batmen all uttered the same name. However, it was clear they were just considering; none of them truly intended to bring the old man over.
"Yes, that's what I thought too," Big Adventure Batman said. "He's definitely the bane of all electronic lifeforms. The only issue is that he won't come to help us, and even if he does, it would be with ill intent. Even if a few are willing to help, the price would be steep. With his nemesis around, we wouldn't even have the upper hand in negotiations."
"Mutants are too unstable," Batwoman sighed. "Although we could invite both Magneto and Professor X and have them balance each other out, it's more likely they would turn our universe into their battlefield. Electronic life might get crushed in their skirmish, but so could ordinary humans and us."
The Batmen sighed in unison. The neighboring mutants were mighty, but the problem was they were too powerful; with a single clash, they could obliterate the entire path. Electronic life would be destroyed, but any other losses would be equally colossal. The Solar System really can't afford to lose another planet.
"I do have an idea," the Primary Universe Batman said. "What do you think about the mages?"
"Mages? Do you mean the Supreme Sorcerer and the others?" Big Adventure Batman stroked his chin. "Honestly, they've given me a pretty good impression. Although I can never fully grasp their overly mysterious worldview, there's no doubt they're a group of conscientious administrators who wish for cosmic stability and balance of power."
"Stephen Strange is a very proud person," Batwoman judged. "Although he maintains a refined demeanor to uphold the wizarding style, his highest achievements in both ordinary society and the mage realm give him every reason to be proud. I don't believe negotiating with him would be easy."
"But he's probably the best choice," the Primary Universe Batman said. "Moreover, we attended the Magic Academy together and have some connections with the Supreme Sorcerer from that universe. I'm planning to ask him for help. Additionally, to establish a magical defense network, the mage team is the most professional; he could significantly accelerate the setup."
"I have a question," God of War Batman spoke up. "Their magic energy shouldn't be usable here, right?"
"It can be exchanged," Primary Universe Batman said. "The Doujie System provides such a function. But based on the current rates, our side's magic power is more valuable, so they might need to exchange more of their power. But as long as the reward is sufficient, these won't be an issue."
"The key is what kind of reward we can offer them," Big Adventure Batman frowned. "These mages seem to want for nothing."
"That's only on the Earth or individual universe level. If we look at the multiverse, they certainly have desires," Primary Universe Batman replied. "For example, our esteemed Dean has always wanted to establish a multiverse human alliance. While he hasn't started yet, if we are willing to assist him, he would be willing to help us."
"Is Strange really a good choice to lead the human alliance?" Batwoman frowned. "I don't believe you have no such concerns. Although he could solve our immediate crisis, we shouldn't compromise on long-term plans because of it."
"In general, Strange is a very tough person, but that toughness is more directed at non-human creatures. For humans, his biggest issue is not being able to accept non-human supremacists. But the 'human supremacy' concept itself can unite the vast majority of Earth's heroes, including many of their dangerous elements, and even Magneto and Professor X—after all, mutants are broadly considered human."
"Is this leadership style beneficial to us?"
"Not necessarily beneficial, but I wouldn't say it's disadvantageous. I'd prefer to call myself an earth supremacist; anyone truly for the good of Earth is one of us. This, of course, includes aliens who have lived on Earth for a long time, like Superman and Martian Manhunter."
"That's where the conflict lies. Can Strange accept them?"
"I'm confident I can persuade him. Even if he doesn't accept, he's not an interventionist. He may reject alien participation in his plans, but he would never interfere with these aliens living on our Earth. Moreover, certain aspects of Superman can appeal to him."
"Like what?"
"The power of making things happen by will," Primary Universe Batman paused before speaking. "Magic is the realization of one's will. What mages seek throughout their lives is no more than this state. And Superman inherently has such power, at least in the aspect of idealism, they have commonalities and are not entirely incompatible."
"Alright, you managed to convince me," Batwoman said. "If not many Supreme Sorcerers can come, then you'd better focus on your universe first. If he can bring a few over, we could have more strength to organize a counterattack."
"When do you plan to negotiate with him?" Big Adventure Batman asked.
"I'll go in a bit," said the Primary Universe Batman. "Since I'll be away for a while, I need to secure this place first, or else the electronic life might take advantage of it."