A Joke

'A second surprise?'

Zhang Ye's ears twitched, picking up on the implication in Bruce Wayne's words. They already had an answer in their mind, but on the surface, Zhang Ye didn't say anything or react.

The two followed Bruce Wayne into the interior of the castle. The decorations here were even more exquisite than President X's castle, but Zhang Ye was in no mood to admire them. Their gaze remained fixed on Bruce Wayne.

"Let me introduce myself. I'm Zhang Ye, and this is Pietro. We came here from another universe. Originally, we were just planning to rest here for a while, but it seems this universe is in the midst of a devastating disaster."

"If you're talking about the multiverse and altering timelines, you've come to the wrong person. I'm just an old man enjoying retirement. But I'd be happy to introduce you to the 'mastermind' behind this disaster." Bruce Wayne grinned.

"I came here to find you, Bruce. I need your help," Zhang Ye said seriously.

"Is that so?" Bruce Wayne continued walking without turning back. "So, you're one of my friends too? In another universe, we're close comrades?"

"You might be mistaken about that. I don't know you. None of the universes I've experienced have you in them. You're the first Bruce Wayne I've ever seen in person."

"Then how do you know I exist?" Bruce Wayne casually picked up a bottle of wine, drinking as he walked. There was no emotional reaction in his tone.

"The interconnectedness of universes. I know most of the people and events in most universes, so naturally I know you, Batman. Every universe is interconnected but impossible to fully see, but that doesn't mean they don't affect each other. There are many universes with you in them, and you are the one and only Batman."

"Then do you know that I'm retired, and in this world, there aren't any of the other superheroes you know? So you've come to the wrong person."

"No, my purpose is simple, not as complicated as you think. Other superheroes are worthless to me. My purpose in coming here is for you alone." Zhang Ye paused, then added, "And also to try and save this world that's about to be destroyed."

Bruce Wayne chuckled softly, then swayed to a stop at the entrance to a room. Judging by the smell wafting from the room, it must be the kitchen.

"If you're here to save the world, then I think you should be looking for the person who caused all this, not me. Come and see, they're right here with me—"

Following the direction Bruce Wayne pointed, two identical men were sitting at the table in the kitchen. One of them was holding a plate, shoveling noodles into their mouth.

The moment Zhang Ye saw them, they instantly recognized their identities: Barry Allen from the future, and this timeline's Barry Allen.

It seemed that the two of them had followed the story's development. The older Barry Allen had helped the younger Barry Allen gain superpowers, but unfortunately, they were struck by lightning. Both of them were hit by the same bolt, and the Speed Force from the older Barry Allen was transferred to the younger Barry Allen.

This meant that the older Barry Allen had lost their Speed Force and was no longer a speedster, while the younger Barry Allen had become a super-speedster.

This probably explained why the younger Barry Allen could instantly learn skills that the older Barry Allen had to train for a long time to master, such as rapidly vibrating their body to phase through objects.

"So, this is the first surprise you mentioned," Zhang Ye said with a smile, not surprised at all.

"Yes, since you're both from other universes, I think you must know each other. So why don't you have a good chat? This old man won't get involved."

As Bruce Wayne spoke, they picked up another bottle of wine and slumped down on the stairs, drinking deeply.

"No, no, no, I don't know either of them! I've never seen either of them before! Wait, you said they're from other universes too?!"

The older Barry Allen's eyes widened, and they stood up abruptly, staring intently at Zhang Ye and Pietro, their trembling hands waving around as they finally choked out, "That's impossible!"

"Nothing is impossible, Barry Allen," Zhang Ye said sternly, stepping forward. "You don't know me, that's fine, but I know you. You originally lived in a world full of hope, even if it was suffering, there were still heroes who would step up to save it. But you destroyed it with your own hands."

"I didn't," the older Barry Allen retorted.

"Didn't? Then tell me, where is this world's Aquaman? Where is Wonder Woman? Can you confidently tell me whether Atlantis and Paradise Island still exist in this world?" Zhang Ye pressed closer.

"I..." The older Barry Allen was stunned, and then realized that they might have made a huge mistake. They grabbed their hair with both hands, their face contorting. "What have I done?"

"Don't tell me Bruce Wayne didn't warn you how out of control the consequences of doing this would be. You're playing with everyone's lives and the safety of the timeline!" Zhang Ye said sternly. "Without Atlantis and Paradise Island, what are you going to use to fight Steppenwolf? Not to mention Zod now."

"Did I warn him?"

"Not you, the Bruce Wayne from their universe." Zhang Ye glanced at the slightly drunk old Bruce, then continued to Barry Allen.

"Do you know how selfish you're being? You don't even understand what happened that day, and then you recklessly altered the timeline according to your own ideas. That's extremely irresponsible. Look at this world, this is the world you created, and it's about to be destroyed by Zod."

"I, I can stop all this," the older Barry Allen argued.

"Stop it? Easier said than done. But have you ever thought that from the moment you altered the timeline, two or even more universes were born? And for the people living in those universes, they are living beings, they have their own stories and experiences. Are you going to erase their value and meaning of existence?"

Saying this, Zhang Ye glanced at the old Bruce. Yes, perhaps this world's Batman is different from most Batmans, but they also have their own story, and those stories are inspiring and influencing others.

But with the older Barry Allen's alteration, they were all erased.

Everyone in this world, no matter how great their achievements or sacrifices.

In the end, it all became a joke, just like what Barry Allen said to Aquaman.