Mardon's Madness

Mardon tucked the gun into his waist, pulling it away from Eddie's scalp. His powers made him unafraid of Eddie's resistance.

Eddie, still unsure what was happening, kept his hands raised rigidly, not daring to move.

Mardon placed a hand on Eddie's shoulder and said ecstatically, "Prepare to witness the power of a god."

A gale swept up, sending withered yellow leaves flying everywhere.

The sudden change in weather startled Eddie. The strong winds and dead leaves slapped against his face, making him squint uncomfortably. He felt a current of air rising from beneath his feet, lifting him like driftwood on water, making him unsteady and unable to keep his balance.

He swayed, and the hand on his shoulder maintained his equilibrium.

Beneath his feet, an updraft lifted him and Mardon off the ground.

Ten centimeters, his feet slowly left the ground.

Thirty centimeters…

Eighty centimeters…

One meter…

Three meters…

He was stunned, staring blankly at Joe, who was getting smaller and smaller.

This power, beyond human capability, shook him to his core.

The airflow lifted their feet, carrying them up, flying.

The swirling dust and dead leaves, the fierce wind, shocked Joe and Eddie's hearts. The last time, with the heavy fog, Joe couldn't see what was happening, only feeling the immense power and destructive force.

This time, though dust and leaves obscured their vision, it was clear that two figures were rising into the air amidst the dust, leaves, and swirling wind.

Joe and Eddie were both dumbfounded, their minds blank as they stared at everything.

Eddie murmured in disbelief, "Oh my God… this… this…" He stammered, unable to articulate his inner shock.

Could human strength reach this level? It was impossible. In his understanding, humans couldn't fly, nor could they create gales. It all felt too insane.

"I am God! LamGod!"

Mardon laughed heartily, standing thirteen meters in the air. It wasn't a great height, about four or five stories, enough for him to see the continuous expanse of trees and the undulating buildings of Central City. The wind rushing against him gave him a surge of power, a desire to conquer everything.

"You're a robber, a murderer, cough… you can't be… cough…"

Eddie suppressed his astonishment and shouted angrily at Mardon. The airflow in the sky made him cough several times.

Mardon sneered arrogantly, "See? This is the power of a god, haha. You mortals trying to capture a god? Haha…"

Mardon roared with laughter, a cruel glint in his eyes. He released his hand from Eddie's shoulder.

"Ah…"

STAR Labs, control room.

Cisco and Barry were engaged in a heated discussion.

"Cisco, I don't think you can remember nearly 300 criminal acts."

"Why is it impossible? I'm the one who came up with it, using numerical codes for criminal acts. It can help us fight crime efficiently and quickly."

"Okay, then tell me, what criminal act does number 237 represent?"

"I… I need to check my notebook."

Barry spread his hands in exasperation, a look of "I knew it" on his face.

Cisco quickly flipped through his notebook, then gave up and threw it onto the table. "Alright, this plan is scrapped. I really can't remember them all."

Caitlin stated matter-of-factly, "See? I told you it was impossible."

Cisco was about to retort when the computer alarm sounded.

They exchanged glances. Caitlin, being closest to the computer, rushed over to check it.

"South City Woods, about ten kilometers from the residential area. There's abnormal weather activity; the Weather Wizard might have appeared."

Caitlin typed rapidly on the keyboard.

"Looks like our nemesis of supercriminals needs to make an appearance."

Cisco said, adjusting the channel and picking up the microphone. Simultaneously, his phone rang.

"Nemesis of Supercriminals, our consultant Lin Li, your opponent the Weather Wizard has appeared."

In the underground lab, a loudspeaker broadcasted Cisco's voice. Lin Li, who was studying, heard Cisco and put away his tablet, walking towards the control room.

Hearing Cisco, Barry felt a pang of bitterness. He believed his abilities were insufficient to deal with the Weather Wizard. Joe had severely damaged his confidence.

Cisco pulled out his ringing phone, looking a bit puzzled. It was Joe.

Since Lin Li didn't have a phone, his contact information was given to Joe. If there was news, Joe would call Cisco, who would then relay it to Lin Li. Lin Li's usual practice sessions could easily disrupt or damage phone components, so he didn't carry one. Having Cisco relay messages was fine, as Lin Li rarely left STAR Labs anyway.

Normally, Joe would only call Cisco if he found a trace of the Weather Wizard. For him to call now, just as abnormal weather was detected, Cisco suspected he was already at the scene.

Cisco glanced at Barry and Caitlin.

"It's Joe."

Cisco said, then put the call on speaker, and Joe's pained voice came through.

"Cisco, notify Lin Li, immediately, ah..."

Barry heard Joe's pained cry and nervously snatched the phone. "Joe, what's wrong?"

A crazed, furious voice came from the phone: "Lightning wielder, come and face judgment from a god. I will eventually trample Central City and rule all. You will perish beneath me, becoming the step to my ascension to the throne."

Then the phone crackled and went silent.

The frantic tone and voice startled them.

Cisco, stunned, said, "My god, Weather Wizard must have gone mad after Lin Li beat him... he didn't even give an address."

Barry's mind was in chaos. He paced back and forth, terrified by the uncertainty of Joe's fate. "I have to go save Joe," he said impatiently.

Caitlin stopped him. "Barry, you're no match for him."

Joe's life or death threw Barry into a frenzy. He feared something would happen to Joe. Joe was like a second father to him, raising him, no less important than his biological father. Their bond of over a decade made it impossible for Barry to ignore the danger he was in.

Yellow arcs of electricity streaked across Barry's body, stirring up gusts of wind. Wearing The Flash Suit, he vanished from the control room.

Cisco and Caitlin were both filled with worry.

Barry's figure, trailing yellow electrical arcs, could be felt from the hallway.

Barry's impulsive and spirited nature flashed through Lin Li's mind. A sense of unease washed over him, and he quickly headed to the control room.

"Barry went to deal with Weather Wizard?"

"Yes, Mardon threatened Joe."

Lin Li's heart sank. He beckoned to Cisco.

"Let's go, Cisco."

"What?"

"Give me a ride, I don't know the way."