Strange understood that this was indeed a problem. This is different from the nature of Batman going to study. The Batmen started from scratch, without even the concept of magic, so naturally, they could learn something by going to school, at least changing their mindset to understand that real magic energy has to be 'snatched' — that was the biggest gain.
But it's different for this group of mature magicians. Don't they know that magic can be snatched? It's just that they couldn't snatch it!
Even though they can now get some energy from Batman, this doesn't mean they can fight devils alone. Even when they team up, the chances of winning are not high; failure means ending up in the Underworld.
What they need to improve now is the efficiency of energy usage, that is, to cause higher damage with less energy and explosive damage with more energy. This way, they can subdue the devils and snatch more energy.
If this were the case, going to the magical school on Marvel's side wouldn't be suitable. Because the magic usage techniques in Marvel differ from those in DC. Although the essence of magic is the same on both sides, analyzing the details shows a vast difference. After all, these are two different universes where matching perfectly is tough.
Magic, although it offers grand offensive means, also has intricate usage techniques. The magic skills of this group are not weak; to improve further, one must delve into the details. Going to a foreign world where the rules do not completely match easily leads to learning incorrectly.
Strange thought for a while and said, "Actually, there is a magic academy in one of the universes here, do none of you know?"
The magicians looked at each other and finally all turned to Batman. Of course, Primary Universe Batman knew and said, "Are you talking about Gotham Magic Academy in The inner world?"
"That's right, the magic realm of that universe is developing quite rapidly and has already cultivated many young magicians. And there's also a magical defense network and the barrier of The inner world over there; you can go there to avoid trouble and train simultaneously."
Primary Universe Batman thought for a moment, realizing this was indeed the best plan, but he really didn't want to deal with that old rascal.
In the end, reason prevailed over emotion. Primary Universe Batman glanced at the Battleworld time, calculated internally, and realized it's exactly the work time of the Justice League over there, so he sent Bruce a message.
Bruce, who was mixing drinks at the bar counter, received the message and nearly jumped up. He shouted as if he'd seen a ghost, drawing everyone's attention.
"What's up?" Arthur put down the dice in his hand. Diana also laid down her cards and turned to look at Bruce.
"What's going on? Why is Batman targeting me again? Wasn't he already suspecting the universe of the Injustice League?" Bruce said, frowning.
They quickly gathered around, and Diana looked at him and said, "Didn't you say you had already fooled him? Why is he looking for you again?"
"He said he wanted to send a group of magicians to Gotham Magic Academy, but I think he's definitely testing us. If those magicians escape from The inner world, they will surely discover Brainiac. What are we going to do?"
"Magicians?" Diana frowned and said, "Why suddenly send magicians? Did something happen on their side?"
Bruce thought for a while and said, "Recently, the universe where that Batman is from took over Oa Star. Batman got his hands on a bundle of energy from there and borrowed the people from the neighboring world, fully invested in building a magical defense network, and it should be completed now."
"They should be lacking manpower right now, so why would they want to send magicians our way?"
"It's probably because they're short on people that they need to send them over. Magicians are not solitary, they all have creditors. If they all go to work for Batman, their creditors will come knocking eventually. Sending over a group might be to distribute the load."
"Are you going to agree?" Diana asked.
"The current issue is that I have no reason to refuse," Bruce said, "The Multiverse is amidst turmoil, most Batmen are adopting a cooperative stance. If I don't cooperate, I'll certainly be targeted. Then, being associated with Night Owl would make the situation even more passive."
"Oh, that can't happen," Arthur said, "You absolutely cannot mix with that fool, even being mistaken to support him would be bad. They'll think you're a fool too, bringing endless trouble to us."
Diana sighed and said, "Indeed, Night Owl can't even protect himself now; the Multiverse situation is one-sided. It's not wise to confront the stronger side right now. But if you agree, the risk of exposure greatly increases."
"If Batman finds out we have a Brainiac in our universe, there'll be no peaceful days ahead," Bruce sighed again, "Moreover, he'll definitely take precautions against Brainiac, making it hard for us to use Brainiac to stir things up again."
"So you must agree?"
Bruce nodded, saying, "The current plan is to ensure that the group of magicians doesn't escape, preventing them from getting in touch with Brainiac."
"But there are also many ordinary people living in The inner world," Diana said, frowning, "I felt back then that allowing ordinary people to live there was a mistake, and now, it's hard to seal off the area."
"Sealing off is possible, but it will cause panic. Moreover, those living in The inner world are either rich or noble. Locking them inside affects the real world as well; we can't stop them from communicating with the outside."
"Then exposure is almost inevitable," Arthur shook his head and said, "Even if just by listening, they can hear discussions, which hardly exclude Brainiac."
"Whatever they hear doesn't matter, as long as it doesn't get transmitted back," Bruce said.
Diana widened her eyes and said, "You wouldn't actually consider silencing them all, would you? That probably won't work, those mages are likely skilled; otherwise, they wouldn't be involved in building the Magical Defense Network."
"But none of them would be able to enter Battleworld, nor could they communicate across universes. As long as we keep them here, they won't be able to report back to Batman."
"But they'll have to return sometime."
"Not necessarily. They're not tools for Batman; it's normal to have their own career plans. Wanting to stay here, considering our good conditions, and teach, isn't too much. Can Batman really hold a knife to their throats and force them back?"
"So that's your plan," Diana thought for a moment and said, "I don't feel they have much loyalty to Batman, but they're following his arrangements; Batman must have offered them something appealing. So what are you going to use to change their minds?"
"What mages want is simple; they want Energy. Batman likely used this to appeal to them, considering he raided the Guardians of the Universe's home, which makes sense. So if we were to bribe them with Energy, we'd need a lot, which would be too costly; it's better to find another way."
"Like what?"
"Mages who gather energy must have a place to use it. Most mages enjoy exploring the universe's origins; the reason they conduct magic experiments is to uncover more 'truths.' So let's focus on that."
"Are you saying you'll tell them the universal truth? Using your Angel status?"
"Certainly not. I'm saying we can provide them with better experimental conditions to let them feel research here is faster than over there, or make them unable to adapt to the simple conditions over there, so even if they return, they'd want to come back."
"But how do we create a technological gap between here and there?"
"Brainiac," Bruce said.
Both looked at him. Bruce continued, "Perhaps you haven't seen the recent global survey on the lifestyle of researchers. The report states almost all researchers are satisfied with their current conditions, an unprecedented phenomenon."
"Why is this happening?"
"Because Brainiac has replaced most lower-level researchers, eliminating exploitation in the scientific field, leaving only geniuses who truly push humanity's scientific endeavors. Then, by taking care of their lives, they can focus on experiments, and using Brainiac's computational power, solve most of their calculation problems so every idea swiftly materializes—how could they not be happy?"
Diana nodded and said, "If it were me, I'd be happy too."
"It's the same for mages. If Brainiac can aid their experiments and daily lives, even play a decisive role, naturally they'd be willing to stay. Even if they return, they likely wouldn't disclose Brainiac's existence to Batman."
Diana pondered and said, "That's indeed a solution, but I don't think this can remain hidden forever. You're really not planning to help resolve this multiverse invasion?"
"I can participate, but Brainiac cannot," Bruce sighed and said, "Previously, when he repelled the Electronic Life, he already caused it to significantly evolve. If they engage a few more times, the opponent's improvement would be huge, which would be counterproductive."
"Moreover, I'm not doing nothing," Bruce squinted and said, "I'm investigating which universe this thing actually came from."
"Any clues?"
"A few, not many. But it's confirmed it came from a neighboring world. Which specific universe, we might need to go investigate."
"Do you plan to go yourself?" Arthur swirled his glass and said, "You don't have an Angel status over there, nor sufficient combat power; it's quite dangerous, maybe you should find someone to go with you."
"I'm considering it," Bruce said, "It's just because there's no suitable candidate that I've been delaying; otherwise, I'd have gone."
"You're sending Clark away, clearly not planning to go with him. Why?"
"He's similar to me; the Yellow Sun over there might not be effective for him. Without power replenishment, long-term combat isn't feasible and poses a danger."
"It looks like we're facing similar problems. The universe's structure over there is different from here, making it hard to replenish power. Ideally, find someone able to navigate both worlds... Oh, God, are you thinking of Schiller?"
"I am, but I'm troubled about which version of him to choose. Doctor Schiller charges too high a price, Professor Shearer is inefficient, and the remaining options all seem unstable—not suitable for allies."
Just as Bruce finished speaking, he received a message on his Doujie System, signed as Schiller Rodriguez, but the avatar seemed unfamiliar:
"Want to go next door to investigate the origin of Electronic Life?—Agent."