"All sorts of demons and ghosts are coming out," Nick sighed, "Where could he be coming from?"
"We just questioned Clark. He explained their entire conversation in detail. The other party mentioned the 'Origin Wall' in their words."
Nick's expression changed. Clearly, he knew what the Origin Wall was and what was on it. Just as Natasha was about to ask, Nick said, "Check how he left. See if we can intercept his teleportation methods unilaterally."
Natasha frowned and asked, "You don't want him coming back?"
"He's definitely not here for the wedding," Nick said. "Don't ask why, just do it."
Natasha left, but soon returned. "We don't have the Central Universe's advanced monitoring methods. We can only tell that he left, but how he left or if we can intercept him, we don't know."
Nick lightly thumped the table. It wasn't clear who he was cursing in his mind, but certainly Stephen Strange's name was included. Ever since the Central Universe's comprehensive magical defense network resounded throughout the Multiverse, the other universe's Doctor Stranges have endured quite a bit of criticism.
You all started and worked around the same time. Look at their results, then look back at yours. And then hearing how the Central Universe's Doctor Strange can even balance surgery, makes his own work look bad.
Quite key is that if Doctor Strange really dedicated himself to his duties diligently every day, nobody would criticize him even if he didn't accomplish much. After all, some work is better than none. But Doctor Strange indeed rarely does the right thing—whatever he's defending against, he usually doesn't get it right.
Nick slightly bowed his head, falling into contemplation. Natasha, however, offered a new perspective: "Since Battleworld sent him an invitation, it proves he's not very dangerous. If he were one of those apocalyptic-level monsters, Battleworld wouldn't invite him and cause trouble for themselves."
Nick nodded, finding Natasha's reasoning sound. Battleworld doesn't issue invitations based on justice or evil. It includes many villains; even the Joker can enter. The main criterion is whether the individual is powerful and whether they abide by rules.
Like Golden Superman and Silver Superman—extremely powerful but adhere to order, unlikely to disrupt the platform's system. Those like the Joker, though evil, don't have the power to disrupt cosmic rules, so they can be let in too.
So, this mysterious Superman is either very powerful but follows rules, or perhaps evil but not overly competent, to receive an invitation.
"But our city is much more fragile than Battleworld," Nick remained worried.
"It's not just us who should be wary now," Natasha hinted, implying that another mastermind was gradually emerging. Their scheming may be earlier and larger, and naturally, wouldn't let this Superman ruin his plans.
"Moreover, Battleworld will also divert his attention," Natasha added. "Everyone I know who first encounters Battleworld becomes highly obsessed, wishing they could live inside and never leave. As long as he's engrossed in the game before the wedding ends, there won't be an issue."
Nick nodded and said, "But we still need to keep a close watch on him. Report to me immediately if there's any anomaly."
Soon, Clark's door was knocked. He opened it to see the young Superman standing outside, with a complicated expression on his face.
"Did you find it?" Clark quickly asked, inviting him into the room. Jonathan promptly went to pour a cup of tea.
The other paused for a moment, then shook his head.
"How could it be?" Clark said in surprise, "Logically speaking, the coordinates they provided shouldn't be wrong—they're the universe administrators."
The other suddenly raised his eyes with an all-seeing look that captivated Clark instantly.
"Are you telling the truth?" he asked.
Clark, somewhat baffled, said, "What do you mean?"
"Everything—the platform for communication and exchange between two Great Worlds, and the games and such..."
"Of course it's true," Clark said, somewhat exasperated, "Not only me; everyone knows. You can ask anyone in the Rebirth Alliance, and no one is unaware of these things. The superheroes have experienced it themselves. Can I make so many superheroes lie with me?"
"Moreover, why would I deceive you? We've just met, without any grudges, and I'm not the type to mess with people for no reason. I wouldn't have you run in vain if I wasn't confident."
After speaking, Clark became puzzled again and said, "Logically, the coordinates shouldn't be wrong. Could something have happened there causing the invitation to get lost or something?"
"Don't worry. I'll make a call and ask them now," Clark said, "Battleworld's after-sales service is excellent. If worse comes to worst, we can go to the production office and find it for sure."
"Wait," the young Superman suddenly held back his hand, "Is it possible for someone else to take the invitation?"
Clark was indeed stumped, saying, "I honestly don't know. Let me ask for you."
He eyed the air in front of him, likely sending a message. It wasn't long before he said, "The administrator says, generally not."
"What about unusual circumstances?"
Clark evidently sent another message. But soon, he closed the interface and said, "The other party says they'll send someone to discuss with you in detail."
The young Superman tightened his grip on Clark's arm. Clark quickly reassured him, "Don't worry, the Universe administrators aren't as terrible as you think. They're not some ferocious devils. They're humanoid like us and very approachable.
"Last time I participated in an event they held, one of the missions ended a minute or two late, and I didn't get the reward. They even compensated me, much better than companies on Earth. No need to worry, I'll go with you..."
"No need!" he blurted out instinctively, then realized and continued, "I mean, if it really was their mistake, they might not want too many people to know. Let's give them a little face."
"True," Clark nodded, "You should go by yourself, but remember to talk to them nicely. If it's lost, I'm sure they'll resend it. Just remember, don't get into a fight. No one can beat an administrator."
"Are the Universe administrators the only ones who created Battleworld?"
"Probably not," Clark said uncertainly, "It seems there might be others, and they even pulled some players to help with planning. I haven't been there long. If you want to know, you'll have to ask those veteran players once you get in."
Suddenly, the young Superman's phone rang. He glanced at it and then put it down, "They've contacted me."
"See, I told you it would be quick," Clark said, "Alright, go quickly. Oh, and if it's confirmed to be their mistake, don't forget to ask for compensation, Points are really hard to accumulate."
As the young Superman walked out, Clark watched his back with a bit of concern, noticing he seemed a bit out of sorts, a bit dazed, not sure if he could explain himself clearly.
He was willing to let him go alone because, in his interactions with the Battleworld administrators, he found them to be indeed gentle, even pandering to the players, trying to solve any issue and generously giving compensation, unlikely to trouble a newcomer who lost an invitation.
They had agreed to meet at a café not far from Clark's apartment. Superman arrived shortly after, spotting a man sitting there from afar—not Lucifer. As he approached the café, he saw the man clearly, with black hair, glasses, and a pair of gray eyes.
The man noticed him too and, upon seeing him, showed a visible look of surprise, then smiled and said, "I was wondering why the invitation ended up on the Origin Wall; turns out it was you."
"Do you know me?" he sat down and asked.
"Of course, I also know that on your Earth, there aren't any superheroes; all the superheroes are merely comic characters. It's like you've traveled into a comic, and can't return home."
Superman's eyes slowly widened. The man opposite him, Shiller, sighed and said, "I know you feel very lonely and angry, but I think you should understand one obvious thing, that in infinite possibilities, nothing exists in isolation. You're not the only one in this world who has experienced such a thing."
"Who are you?" Superman asked, "I've never seen you in the comics."
"I'm Shiller," Shiller smiled again, "It's normal you haven't seen me in the comics because I'm not a comic character either. I come from a very distant place, where superheroes are also figures from comics."
Superman suddenly got excited, his chest rising and falling, his body slightly trembling, he said, "You and I are from the same Earth, aren't we? We're from the same place! What year did you come from? Who was the US President? What's the latest issue of the Batman comic?"
"I'm sorry, but we're not from the same Earth," Shiller sighed lightly. "Beyond the comic world, in places without superheroes, there's not just one universe. Our hometowns might be very far apart."
Superman's movements stiffened. His hand on the table slowly clenched into a fist. Shiller continued, "Take it easy. You're just unable to go home."
"What do you know?!" he shouted, "First, I was trapped in the Heaven Dimension for so many years, then imprisoned, and then trapped on the Origin Wall. I can't even find my home..."
"But your home should still be safely existing," Shiller remained calm, "It's different for my home; it's about to be destroyed soon, and I have to find a way to save it, not even sure if it can be saved."
Superman was completely stunned, his anger extinguished before it could erupt. He stammered, "Des—destroyed? Why would it be destroyed?"
"Let me ask you, if World War III happens, who do you think would be fighting?"
"It would definitely be between America and the Soviet Union..."
"I'm referring to the period after the Soviet Union's dissolution."
Superman slowly sat back down. He looked at Shiller and said, "So they started fighting? Who won?"
"No one won," Shiller said, "They are all about to go down together, aren't we just trying to figure out a way to save it?"
"…That's really unfortunate." Superman held back for a long time, only able to respond curtly, "When did you come over? Was it earlier than me?"
"I'm not really sure about that, but there is someone who definitely came earlier than you. Have you heard of Anatoli?" Shiller asked.
Superman shook his head and said, "Never heard of him. Who is he?"
"He has another codename—the First Lantern."
Superman's eyes instantly widened.