Scarlet Witch, despite her usual confidence, showed a rare vulnerability in this new world. Her power had weakened significantly, and that vulnerability led her to unconsciously lean on Shin for support. She had even let go of the fact that he had never revealed his true name or appearance until now.
"I don't know the full picture yet," Shin said, narrowing his eyes as he observed the strange robots operating in the city below. After confirming that they weren't asking, 'Excuse me, do you need help?' in a sinister tone, he finally exhaled in relief.
Looking at Scarlet Witch's uneasy yet trusting expression, Shin couldn't help but find it endearing. When he had first met her in the Marvel Universe, he'd approached her using a false identity "Kevin" and a disguised appearance. It had become a habit, a precaution rather than a deception. Only recently, before they traveled to the DC universe, had he revealed his true identity.
Wanda had, understandably, been angry at first. But now, with the chaos of this world pressing down on them, she had temporarily shelved those feelings.
Shin turned his focus to the current threat. The DC world was infamous for its array of powerful and bizarre robotic entities. And among the most dangerous was Amazo.
Amazo was no ordinary android. It could mimic and replicate the abilities of any superpowered being it encountered merely by observing them. It had once faced the full might of the Justice League, copying powers from Superman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, and others. In mere moments, it had turned the tide of battle and nearly crushed the League.
Ironically, it had been Batman, devoid of any superpowers, who ultimately disabled it, proving that intellect often triumphed over raw strength.
Then there was NewMazo, a newer model constructed by the original scientist. Unlike its predecessor, it turned against its creator almost immediately.
These machines, despite their overwhelming strength, were not outright malevolent. They didn't destroy cities wantonly, which made the chaos unfolding below even more puzzling.
Shin had another fear, what if these weren't Amazo variants at all, but something worse? What if they were machines modeled after old men constantly muttering, "How may I help you?"
That would be the Alfred Protocol Units the dreaded robot butlers of the Batman: The Murder Machine storyline. These twisted creations, born from alternate, corrupted Batmen, were apocalypse-level threats. If any version of those had appeared, Shin knew he'd have no choice but to retreat. That entire event had destabilized the multiverse. In a world like this, a fragile, cinematic offshoot of the DC Universe even one corrupted Batman could cause global annihilation.
Thankfully, the robots in question weren't polite old men in suits. Instead, they were hulking figures, heavily modified from human beings, each with a single glaring eye set in their foreheads. Brutish and coldly efficient, but not yet in the world-ending category.
Still, Shin couldn't determine exactly which threat they represented. DC Comics had a long history filled with arcane tech and obscure science fiction, robots being just one of many repeated crises. These particular models didn't immediately match any known storyline.
The good news? Ancient One had deployed a cloaking barrier powerful enough to mask their presence entirely. Despite being somewhat weakened in this world, he still had enough energy to protect their group.
Moreover, the new body Shin had created for him, using the First Hokage's cells had significantly boosted his vitality. Though he still appeared elderly, his new physique rivaled even the likes of Captain America.
With Hashirama's body structure and chakra now infused into his system, Ancient One had become a close combat powerhouse in addition to being a master sorcerer. If not for Doctor Strange's use of the Time Stone, it would be debatable who held the upper hand between them.
Thanks to that barrier, the robots failed to notice their presence.
Shin narrowed his eyes. "These robots seem like nano-cyborg hybrids, humans forcibly converted into machines. I'd bet this is the work of a rogue Earth scientist." He sighed. "And of course, no Justice League in sight. Which probably means both Superman and the Flash are incapacitated again."
He wasn't surprised. Those two were the first targets of any large-scale threat. Superman could be sidelined with kryptonite, while the Flash, without access to the Speed Force, was little more than a regular man. If one could strike fast enough, neither was difficult to neutralize.
But contacting them now would be a waste. Instead, Shin decided to try reaching other members of the League.
Pulling a Den Den Mushi from his dimensional storage, he dialed Batman first. The image on the snail's face remained blank.
"No signal," Shin muttered. "Typical."
The last time they'd all been together, Cyborg had already been sent to Apokolips. If Superman and Flash were down, that left only Wonder Woman, Batman, and Aquaman as options.
Batman was unresponsive.
Shin exhaled and switched to Wonder Woman's line. This time, the Den Den Mushi transformed into a curvaceous figure with wild flowing hair, and the moment the connection stabilized, a loud voice rang out.
"Thank the gods, Shin! I thought we were all doomed!" Wonder Woman exclaimed. "I knew you'd show up. You're always reliable!"
Shin's expression twitched slightly. "What happened this time? I was only gone for a year or two. Don't tell me Apocalypse is invading again."
"It's worse than that," Diana replied. "Or at least... more complicated. You should come quickly. We'll talk in person."
He nodded grimly, eyeing the grim urban landscape below, one where machines roamed freely, converting civilians into cybernetic drones in open daylight.
For now, he put the chaos aside. Wonder Woman's intel would be more valuable, and regrouping was essential. One thing was certain this was not just another minor timeline gone rogue. Something big was happening in this universe, and Shin had a sinking feeling that it would soon drag him and his team into its center.
*******************************
If you would like to gain early access, you can join me at www.patre on.com/bookbattalion
95+ Advance Chapters Now Available!