43 Chapter 39: Leveling the game 1

Guys, happy new year!!!!

In Mexico it's not yet, but I won't lie to you, today I will drink so much that I will end up sleeping in the street. Because of that, I leave you the chapters a little earlier.

But, well. May the following year fulfill everything you set out to do. And may it bring you happiness. A big hug to you.

---------

"Talking"

'Thinking'

//written//

---------

London, England, July 26, 14:28, 2016

In the busy cities of London, a man with dirty blond hair in a trench coat was walking along looking all over the place. It was a busy time, as many people were leaving work and returning home. So, at this time, there were many people on the streets of this city.

As he was walking, he could see soldiers with an embroidered emblem of a raised fist who were walking and doing patrols, which made the common people who were walking feel uncomfortable in their presence, as they tried to avoid them or not to draw their attention.

Since the Liberation Front was approved, more and more soldiers dressed like this patrolled the streets to 'monitor' and 'safeguard' the people of the city. This was, at first, welcomed by the people, but then, as time went by, it became uncomfortable as there were cases where people were taken away by these soldiers for 'disturbing the peace' or other absurd cases.

However, they had the authority to do so, since, at this time, they were the highest authority in security matters in the world. They decided who was punished, and who deserved to be taken by them.

The truth is that crime had decreased to the point where it was rare to see a robbery or any other criminal matter nowadays, which was common before. However, that 'security' was a false security as everyone lived in fear of being taken by these soldiers. Where they were being taken? no one knew. And that was the scariest thing.

There were crazy theories that people were being taken to be used for unethical experiments, or to test powerful weapons. Although those were the craziest theories on the internet. In truth, being logical, they were most likely taken to a common prison, and only released after some time of arrest. At least that's what most people wanted to believe.

While all this was going on, the man in the trench coat could only shake his head as he watched these scenes. His beloved city had been relegated to one where people lived in fear. All because of the corrupt government that had surrendered to powerful people. He knew better, as he had many powerful contacts in the government, who told him many things. But there was nothing he could do. At the end of the day, he was just a simple man.

'Bloody hell. This life is horrible' he thought. In the end, he just kept walking until he reached his destination. The nearest convenience store. As he entered, he approached the counter and said.

"Give me some cigarettes. Yellow pack, please, mate"

"Sure, like to pay with cash or value points"

Value points were something implemented since the beginning of the year. It was a concept brought in by the UN, to balance the different currencies of the world. A currency that did not fluctuate so to speak. The only thing needed to get value points was just that, to show value.

An example would be to be a doctor or to be a teacher, or to be a genius or to be an athlete. Anything could give you value points. On a monthly basis, as long as you continued to show your worth, these points were deposited or replenished.

It sounds far-fetched, and even a little silly. But, as time went on, more and more powerful companies began to tap into this new economic resource. By making every product sold have a certain price in value points.

This had a big advantage since, maybe you could buy some cigars in London that cost you so much, and buy the same in New York that cost you differently, but in value points, it would cost the same. Being, so to speak, a global currency.

Sure, most people didn't get many value points, and it was silly to use them on cigars, but people were saving more and more of these points to pay mortgages or to buy that dream car they had always wanted, which leveled the world's economic playing field a bit. There were many divided opinions about this 'currency', but in general it was already quite popular and used.

The problem is that to get them you had to register at a Value Center. Which was safeguarded by the Liberation Front. And this was what the man feared the most, since he knew that this was just a ruse so that this Front could know your data, and start watching you.

The truth is that all the people they were taking were people of interest, or problematic people. That's how bad the situation was.

"Sigh, money. I don't have any points of value" and that was the truth. This man would never register at such centers. His and his family's information, to him, was the most precious thing.

"...Okay, money then... that's £24"

"What?, that's double what they normally cost!"

"It went up in price as the company sold their products and already said they are not going to make any more. This batch that came out will be the last one, sir"

"Damn hell. Sigh, well, take it"

"Come back soon"

'No thanks' he thought as he walked out of the place. If these were going to be his last, he would enjoy them like never before.

Arriving at his family's mansion. The man sat in his favorite armchair. He poured himself a glass of bourbon. And proceeded to light his cigar. However, just as he was about to enjoy his beloved vice, he felt a fluctuation in the air that caused him to become alarmed.

Quickly an orange portal began to materialize right in the center of the house. The man did not stand still and made a series of manual movements that activated a large magical seal.

This caused some armors, which were in the corners to come to life and position themselves to attack. The man did not remain idle and began to summon his magical power. His hands began to glow a light purple color.

However, when he saw the person who came out of the portal, he no longer attacked. He knew this man well, as he owed him a life debt.

"Constantine. How nice to see you" was Edgar, who was just coming out of the portal he had made. He was getting used to the new way of summoning portals. He was still afraid that the portals would send him far away or to another dimension. But he was getting the hang of it.

"Damn hell, Edgar. You scared the hell out of me. I thought I was going to be one of those fuckers who control the government. By the way, where have you been, Orsi only told me you'd be hiding, but even he was a little worried, since there wasn't any news of you in quite a while. Besides, I feel you more powerful. My hairs stand on end from feeling such power"

"Are you talking about The Light?, and don't worry about Orsi, I just came from talking to him. I already explained everything to him. And about where I've been, let's just say it's a long story and a bit boring, really"

"You know about them, I thought it was a well-kept secret. I know about it because I charged some favors for information to some people in parliament. Let's just say they half have me in their sights, but they haven't tracked me down yet. And no story will be boring about the guy who smashed the faces of the League and publicly humiliated them, my friend"

"I'll tell you later" Edgar dismissed the last part with his hand as if it didn't matter "But right now, I come for The Light's business. You remember you owe me a favor, well I come to collect it from you. I need your help"

Constantine, however, did not answer. He just picked up his cigar, lit it and began to take a few puffs. Edgar was about to speak, but he interrupted him by raising his hand, while he continued to enjoy his cigar. When he finished it, he finally put it out, and turned to Edgar.

"Something tells me that what you're going to ask me is not going to please me and maybe get us all killed... so I wanted to enjoy my favorite cigar. I'm ready, let's go"

With two claps a suitcase came into his hands.

"Were you expecting me?"

"No. But I'm always ready to go, mate"

With that said, they both walked through Edgar's portal

----------

Santorini, Greece, July 26, 16:23, 2016

Santorini, a beautiful tourist spot, especially in the summer season when the sea practically looked beautiful as the sunlight reflected it. There, in a small, not at all luxurious apartment, two people were hiding from the eyes of their captors.

One of them was a woman who could only be described as 'beautiful'. Her red hair seemed to glow in an intense fire as it adorned her face of perfect features, and her body, with the right curves, only added to her already perfect image.

The other, was a middle-aged gentleman. He had slight wrinkles, but he had a regal look and a regal bearing that made people who looked at him show him the proper respect.

They were Mera, Arthur Curry's wife, and Vulko, the king's advisor and right-hand man. However, they were both fugitives at the moment, which is why they were traveling while keeping a discreet profile so as not to attract the attention of their captors.

They were trying to find clues and look for her husband's allies to ask for help, but they had been unable to find any clues that would lead them to them. They had already traveled part of Europe and it was getting riskier as Orm controlled the seas and had eyes almost everywhere.

Mera was already losing her patience at that moment, she could only turn to her friend and previous mentor and tell him

"We can't go on like this, Vulko. We haven't managed to find any clues as to where The League is hiding. And Orm's on our heels more and more. Since he became a dog of that group of The Light, he expanded his forces even to the surface, since those damned men in military uniforms are also looking for us"

"I know, your majesty. But, at this time, we can't do anything. We have no resources, and we don't have the troops to free the king. We are cornered. But that we are free, that is a huge gain. And that puts Orm at risk. His false government remains stable because the lie that his majesty contracted a deadly surface disease on a former Justice League mission is flimsy as long as you remain free, and not in his hands. If we are captured, especially you, majesty. He will win"

"Every day that passes, is another day of all the torture of my beloved, Vulko. I am only keeping sane, for I have this thing that tells me he is still alive"

From her neck she displayed a bluish necklace. This was a wedding gift from Arthur, which was connected to a bracelet of his. As long as it continued to glow blue, it indicated that Arthur is still alive. On the other hand, if it turned red... well, Mera didn't even want to think about it. She'd go crazy if that happened. She was sure that, if her husband died, she would unleash her fury on Orm and her father, even if she gave her life for it.

"I KNOW, Majesty. I know. But there is nothing we can do-"

However, Vulko could no longer continue to calm the queen as he was interrupted when a golden portal materialized on the spot. This unnerved both of them. Vulko took his Atlantean sword and Mera summoned water knives. However, they did not attack when out of the portal came a beautiful woman with black hair and blue eyes. It was Diana. However, Mera, who knew her husband's allies well, knew that she was Wonder Woman, so she quickly stopped showing hostility.

"Vulko put down your weapons. She is an ally"

Vulko lowered his sword, and no longer showed hostility, but was cautious as it could be a trap.

"Hello, Mera. We haven't met, but I'm-"

"Wonder Woman, yes. I know. My husband talked about you a lot. You were good friends"

"I also hold Arthur in high regard. He is a great warrior. And a great leader... and that's why I come here. I come to ask for your help, and to recruit you to lead Arthur, and Atlantis out of its situation"

"Thank goodness. I was praying for the Justice League to come-"

"It's not the Justice League. It's... another group. But still, we have similar interests. It's a long story, but if you follow me, we'll tell you all about it"

Mera didn't know what to think. She thought maybe they had gotten lucky and the League had learned of her whereabouts. But another group? that sounded suspicious. She couldn't think of another group that could help their precarious situation. Mera couldn't help but get a little wary because of this. Diana who saw her face of doubt, said to her.

"I know how you feel. I can't ask you to trust me. But I am your only chance to get out of this situation. Believe me, contacting The Justice League is almost impossible from where you are. And they wouldn't be able to help you much either sice they're cornered too"

"All right. We'll go with you. But please help me to save him. Help me to save my husband"

"We will" Diana nodded resolutely.

With that said, Vulko and Mera stepped through the portal.

----------

Suicide Slum, Metropolis, August 14, 11:37, 2016

In the slums of Metropolis, in the area known as Suicide Slum, there was a small, but fairly well kept bar that was frequented by the entire neighborhood. In said bar, an African-American man, about 32 years old, was cleaning glasses, while watching the few customers that morning.

It was still early, but there were already a couple of customers enjoying a good beer at this time of day. He was the owner of the place, Jefferson Pierce, but, recently with the release of information from the government about metahumans, everyone knew him as Liberation Front member and former Justice League member, Black Lightning, which brought more customers to the place as many were going to take pictures with him. Which, frankly, annoyed him.

He is a hero...or was a hero. Right now, with The Light, he felt like a simple circus clown, performing for the people while keeping quiet about all the bad that was going on under the rug of the world.

He regretted everything that had happened. He had betrayed his friends. His family that he had acquired in the group of heroes. But, it was necessary. For him, who was a single father and lost his wife in childbirth of his second daughter, safeguarding his daughters was the most important thing. And he knew that if he did not act as they wanted, his daughters would be in danger.

And all because of that damn great 'Professor' Emerson. Neal Emerson, a member of The Light disguised as a school teacher. Just the thought of the danger his daughters were in week after week in the presence of that man made his hair stand on end.

However, he could no longer complain about his situation when a piece of paper magically materialized right in his hands. Jefferson was not alarmed by this, as he had been in the presence of magic before. So he acted natural. The paper read

//Are there eyes watching us?// was a simple question, but Jefferson knew what it referred to. He didn't notice any different behavior. He just looked around and saw that there was nothing unusual. As he was drying the glasses, he began to nod slowly. The rhythm was as clear as possible so that his response would be noticed. After a few seconds the paper disappeared in small flames.

After another moment, the slip of paper materialized again.

//Don't panic. Act natural//

Out of nowhere, a mental voice came into his head. It was the voice of Zatanna, who had used her magic to make a mental connection with Jefferson. This was difficult, even for the most experienced magicians. But in all this time, with training from her father and The League, said mage had managed it. That's how good she had become.

With that said, the mental connection was severed. Out of nowhere, magically, a common looking black ink marker materialized. In reality, this was an artifact that would transmit everything written to Zatanna. She send him to the bathroom because, if he was indeed being watched, she was sure The Light still respected the human decency of leaving the privacy of the bathroom. After all, even the worst villain wouldn't want to see you pooping.

Jefferson acted natural for a couple of minutes. He poured some drinks that were ordered, spoke politely to a friend who had arrived, and then left for the restroom. Nothing unnatural was ever seen in his actions. But what no one saw was that in his pocket he was already carrying this marker.

-----------

Superman Prison, Siberia, Russia, August 14, 11:35, 2016.

In the cold lands of Siberia, was located underground, a place built specifically to be the prison of the Kryptonian, Kal-El, or as his adoptive parents named him, Clark Kent, or known to the world as Superman.

Some time ago, Superman was ambushed by Black Adam, Cyborg Superman, Ultra-Humanity, and other villains who had been able to subdue the superhero by using his weakness to Kryptonite, and locking him in conditions that stripped him of his powers.

In that prison, as every day, there were several dozens of people working hard, since, not only functioned as a prison, but this place was an important piece in a major project called Cadmus. So not only were there guards, but there were scientists studying and monitoring the prisoner and his special anatomy.

Such a project, only the principal investigators, and the members of The Light, knew what its purpose was. But one thing was certain, whatever it was hoped to accomplish, it had to do with this superhero. Specifically his DNA. For more than 400 milliliters of blood was taken from him daily.

This blood was studied, with several biochemical tests and its components were separated, and then accumulated in several liters and sent to other research centers of the same project, which were distributed throughout the area known as the Polar Union.

(AN: the name is horrible, I know. If you have another name for the old USSR, let me know, I am open to suggestions)

A union that was generated since the end of 2015, where Eastern European countries would join in an alliance to support each other. This union generated that they became more powerful than the former USSR. And that, today, this area of Europe contained the best researchers in the world. This was practically the place where science and progress were developed at present.

In that place, in the central area, where the main control panel that monitored the prisoner was located, were two scientists having a morning conversation, while drinking coffee and analyzing the flow of data obtained from the previous night.

"Hey, Roger, has there been a change?" asked one of the scientists whose name was Stuart.

"No, Stuart. The prisoner is still not moving. He doesn't move unless it's to eat. He doesn't speak. He expresses nothing, not even discomfort when we draw blood. If it weren't for his vitals that we're monitoring, you'd think he was a corpse"

That's right. They were talking about Clark. He had already spent several months as a prisoner. In the first few months he was quite feisty, where he was always trying to escape whenever they opened the door to his cell. There were even nightly recordings of him training, even though he was in a weakened state. He was clearly motivated to get out of this place.

However, in the last month, everything changed. Clark no longer moved from his bed except to eat what he was given, he didn't complain or struggle when they came to take his blood, he just lay there, inert, like a person waiting to die.

"Well I made a bet with Richard, the guard in the west sector that he would go on like that for 10 more days. And from what I see, I'll win that bet, hahaha" Roger said. There were already several bets in place as to how long Clark's behavior would stay that way. Although most were betting that he would stay that way for the duration of the whole project, as it seemed he had run out of will to live. That's how bad it looked.

"Hahaha, I bet that when the project was over he would still be like that" at this point, they were both amused by the situation.

It was not always like that. Once upon a time they were scientists who followed ethical rules and had a moral code with science. But, after being recruited by The Light group, more specifically by Sivana, their mentality had changed and they no longer felt remorse for the situation in this place. They even went so far as to bet on the terrible conditions in which the prisoner was living.

And it was no wonder. With the infrared light that simulated the wave frequency of a red sun, added to all the blood that had been taken from him, Clark looked like a living corpse. He was emaciated, had sickly pale skin, and you could tell that even the slightest strong wind could knock him over. Horrible conditions for anyone. Even his muscular body had lost weight. The muscles were still noticeable, but he was no longer the robust man who first arrived on the scene.

They were still talking happily, until the door opened, revealing a bald man with a glowing left eye. He was the head investigator of the place, Doctor Sivana.

When he entered, they both straightened up and fell silent. It has to be said, this man was cruel, and had erratic behavior. There was no telling when he might get angry out of nowhere and go so far as to hurt the people on the place. In his presence, the investigators had to be on their best behavior.

"What are you guys talking about, you look very cheerful"

"Excuse us, sir. We were just talking about the prisoner's behavior"

"Mmm, any change?"

"Negative, sir. His behavior remains the same. He looks like a living dead"

Sivana had a serious and thoughtful look on his face about this, but out of nowhere he simply started laughing madly.

"Hahahahahahahahahaha"

The researchers had a confused look on their faces as to why he was laughing, but they didn't interrupt him, far from it. They didn't feel like dying in such a stupid way that day.

Sivana, who was laughing, saw the confused look on the faces of his collaborators, and explained to them.

"Sorry, hahaha, it's just that it's unavoidable not to laugh. Don't you understand, we just broke a 'god's' hopes of getting out of this place. We, a mere mortals, destroyed the great Superman's will to live. How funny it is, hahahaha"

"It certainly is funny, sir, hahahaha"

"Yes sir, hahaha"

The researchers agreed with him as they tried to laugh with him, but their acting was so bad, that Sivana stopped laughing and became serious. In the end he just looked at them seriously, and said.

"Keep monitoring it. And lower the wavelength to 710 nm, so that his power can be replenished a bit. We just sent a large batch of blood and we need his platelets to start reforming quickly"

Although the prison simulated the wave of a red sun, in reality, it was not always at the same frequency, because they knew that Clark had to replenish himself with all the milliliters of blood they drew day by day. Without his powers, he would practically be dead by now. That's why, at intervals of time, they would let him regain some of his power so that his enhanced system would replenish the large amount of blood lost.

"I understand, sir. but is that okay? The wave would be the lowest, we normally leave it at 730 nm"

"Relax, research tells us that at that frequency it is still in the norm of normal. Just a little more superhuman than the rest. Nothing will happen. Besides, you guys said it...he doesn't feel like living anymore, hahaha"

"We will, sir"

With that, they touched several buttons on the control system, and manipulated the wave at 710 nm. The red light in Clark's prison began to dim to a slightly orange light. With that, Sivana just nodded and said.

"Well done. I'll be in my office. Call me only if there's an emergency... that is, don't call me or bother me unless someone is dying, understood?"

"We understand, sir"

With that, Sivana departed the scene. The investigators let out a big sigh as he left. They hadn't noticed that at all times they were holding their breath and cold sweat was running down their backs throughout their conversation with him.

-------

A few kilometers away from the prison site, a ship camouflaged with Martian alien technology landed, making as little noise as possible. From that ship, the Young Titans emerged. Not all of them were there, as at this moment a plan was being hatched together, which involved them splitting into two teams to accomplish two missions:

-Save Superman

-Save Black Lightning and his daughters.

That was the priority and, they were coordinated to precisely attack these two places at the same time and confuse The Light.

At this moment they were: Nightwing, Miss Martian, Artemis, Supergirl and Kid Flash.

Nightwing put his hand to the communicator in his ear and transmitted to the base.

"Nightwing to Base. Coordinated and ready for mission. Proceed to clearance"

After several minutes, he finally received feedback

"Nightwing, proceed with mission"

With a hand signal, everyone moved. Before moving, Miss Martian used her telepathic power to transmit a message to Superman. Said message was.

<Superman, this is Miss Martian. Don't worry, we're coming to get you out. Hang in there>

-------

12:00

While all this was happening, all over the world, on the different screens of the buildings or on the screens of each TV set, a specific video started to be projected. Even some of the old school radios were switched to a different frequency and began to hear the voice of the video being shown.

When this happened, the bustling cities came to a standstill as everyone stopped to look at the image projected on the world's screens. For they quickly discovered that it was the image of someone familiar. It was Batman.

"Greetings, people of the world, I am Batman, or Bruce Wayne, but you already know that. Today I come to bring you information that you should all be aware of. Information about a group that operates in the shadows in every government in the world. Today I come to bring you the truth..."

Next chapter