17 CHAPTER 17

"Something doesn't seem quite right..."

After reading the information from the network, Yuri couldn't help but have some doubts.

At first glance, this information seemed to serve no purpose other than highlighting how impressive the network was. It was essentially useless in helping the FBI crack down on the organization. Even the FBI itself didn't particularly prioritize the security of this information, casually storing it in the evidence room.

But the network specifically sent Axel to steal the data. Why?

Unless the Blacksmith believed that there was some kind of information in this data that could pose a threat to the network, she wouldn't have cared about its existence.

"And she was careful, deliberately letting a newly emerged rookie handle it. First, she stole the Magician's equipment to attract everyone's attention. Before the data theft, the FBI never associated it with the network."

Yuri pinched his chin, a playful smile forming on his face.

"No matter what is hidden in this data, it must be important to the Blacksmith. The network's annual net profit is fifty million..."

"Jim said that this job could earn us millions of dollars. I want to see if it's really worth that much."

Yuri made up his mind to sell this data to the Blacksmith, earning himself a few million at least. Then he would leave Central City, this land of trouble, far behind. Whatever earth-shattering moves the network planned, he wouldn't be involved.

As for where to go after leaving Central City, Yuri didn't have a clear plan yet, but he heard that Blue Valley Town had the world's lowest crime rate. It should be a good place...

In conclusion, no more expired cereal for Yuri from now on!

The thought of having a rich diet of meat, eggs, and milk three times a day couldn't help but make Yuri's lips curl up.

Wait!

Suddenly, Yuri realized a very serious problem.

Selling the data to the network was a good idea, and with the Omnitrix on hand, Yuri wasn't worried about being double-crossed. But... where was the network?

"Shit!"

Yuri cursed under his breath.

"Never mind, the network isn't stupid. They'll know the data is lost and should come looking for it. I'll see if there's an opportunity to make contact then."

Yuri neatly stored away the data and laid down on the bed, quickly falling into a deep sleep.

—-—

Meanwhile, in the residential area of Keystone City, a single-story house stood.

James and Hunter arrived at the front door, accompanied by Kid Flash.

After the "attack" by the mysterious person, Wally had remained on guard at the same spot for a while, but the anticipated second attack never came.

Feeling no discomfort in his body, Wally thought it might have been his heightened emotions playing tricks on him. He gave up aimlessly running around and instead rendezvoused with James and the others.

Hunter took out the key and opened the door, and the three of them entered the house.

"Hunter, there's been something on my mind since earlier."

James spoke as they walked.

"I've seen the network's data, and there isn't much valuable information in it. The network didn't need to go through all the trouble of stealing it. When you led the investigation against the network, I hadn't joined the FBI yet. Is there something I don't know about what happened back then?"

"Or is there a secret hidden within the data?"

Hunter shook his head and said, "I'm also not sure why the network suddenly wanted to retrieve that data. In fact, we couldn't uncover anything at the time. The network is deeply concealed."

"Most of the information we received came from anonymous tips within the network, but they refused to meet us face-to-face and wouldn't provide more detailed information. We had limited contact, so I don't even know the true identity of that informant or if they're still alive."

James pondered for a moment and said, "The data had been sitting in the evidence room for months, with plenty of opportunities for someone to tamper with it. But it's only now that the network stole it. There's a significant problem here."

"Maybe I know why the network waited until now to take action."

At that moment, Wally interjected.

Hunter and James both turned to look at him, with the latter wearing a grave expression that conveyed a sense of impending trouble.

"The Flash... is no longer in this world."

As soon as those words were spoken, Hunter and James stood frozen in shock, unable to find words.

Seeing their reaction, Wally immediately realized they had misunderstood and hurriedly explained, "It's not what you think. The Flash is still alive; he just... went to another world."

James and Hunter exchanged glances and simultaneously said, "The Mirrorverse?"

"To be precise, I don't know, but I don't think so."

Wally continued, "Do you remember the fight between the Flash and the Weather Wizard a few days ago?"

"Of course, the entire street was devastated by tornadoes and lightning. Nobody would forget that scene... But wasn't the Weather Wizard defeated?"

"Yes, the Weather Wizard was defeated by the Flash, but few people know how the Flash actually defeated him."

"At the time, the tornado created by the Weather Wizard surpassed all known wind levels and was accompanied by countless lightning bolts. The Weather Wizard has never been so powerful."

Wally revealed the information he had received from his Aunt Iris.

"To stop the Weather Wizard, the Flash had to surpass the speed of light... I don't know why, but the Flash often warned me that speedsters shouldn't casually exceed the speed of light, as it can lead to severe consequences."

"Before, I didn't know what those severe consequences meant, but now I do."

"The Flash has been sucked into an unknown and mysterious space, and no one knows when he will come out."

After hearing Wally's words, James and Hunter immediately thought of something very bad.

"Oh my... Are you saying that the network probably took action because they learned about the Flash's disappearance?"

Wally nodded heavily.

"Not only that, I suspect the network might be planning to target the Flash, my allies like Jesse Quick, Jay Garrick, and the others..."

!!

Before the words were even finished, a sudden realization struck Hunter's mind. It seemed like he understood the network's intentions!

—-—

The Old Car

Yuri slept until late morning before getting up.

"No need to go to school. Life feels so wasteful."

Yuri thought idly, but in the next second, his attention shifted to the omnitrix.

After a long wait, the omnitrix finally finished analyzing the energy he got from Kid Flash!

Yuri couldn't wait to see his new form, to think about what name to call himself.

"Hmm?!"

With a startled gasp, Yuri was shocked to find that the unlocked number in the DNA database still showed 10!

He opened the transformation list and went through it again. Yes, they were still the initial ten heroes in appearance, none of them had changed.

"How is this possible?!"

After spending so much time analyzing, he got nothing?

At least give a report or something!

Just as Yuri was getting annoyed and impatient, planning to transform into Four Arms and go find someone to fight, he finally noticed a subtle change.

In the lower right corner of the XLR8's avatar, there was a small green dot shining...

******

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