Sacrifice? No, Just Pretending

Eddie Thawne aimed at his own heart and shot himself. The sight stunned everyone. Even Reverse-Flash hadn't expected things to end this way.

Zhang Tianran had actually warned them before. Reverse-Flash had also made preparations...

As Eddie died, Reverse-Flash's body gradually began to vanish under the effects of the Time Paradox...

"Run, Wells! Be careful not to let the Time Paradox catch up to you," Zhang Tianran quietly told Wells, offering a final farewell to his adoptive father.

For other time travelers, changing the future could indeed cause them to disappear. But for Speedsters, the Speed Force could offer some protection.

But that was all. If they couldn't find another solution, they could only keep running. If they stopped for too long, time itself would erase them.

"Goodbye, Tianran." Wells's expression was calm, and his farewell was exceptionally gentle.

And just like that, Reverse-Flash disappeared completely.

After Reverse-Flash vanished, the Singularity, which had already been sealed, suddenly spiraled out of control and grew even larger.

The others hurriedly pulled away Iris, who was still consumed by grief. Eddie's body was gradually swallowed by the Singularity.

Zhang Tianran quietly watched it all without making a move. He hadn't stopped Eddie when he committed suicide, and he certainly wouldn't choose to save him now.

Watching a life vanish before his eyes filled Zhang Tianran with a measure of guilt, as though he too bore some responsibility for Eddie's death.

"Barry, this is the price of trying to change time," Zhang Tianran said flatly as he turned to Barry.

Barry fell silent, then used the Speed Force to leave. He was going outside to stop the Singularity, but clearly, he wasn't capable of doing that yet.

The expanding Singularity appeared above the city. In just a few seconds, it devoured countless buildings and pedestrians in the streets.

The Flash raced across every kind of obstacle, practically flying. As he ran, the Singularity's rate of expansion slowed somewhat.

But... this was already his limit.

"Cisco, remember what I'm about to tell you. In the future, don't trust anyone who appears at S.T.A.R. Labs, especially those from other worlds. And... keep an eye on Barry. Don't let him disrupt the timeline again."

Zhang Tianran suddenly appeared beside Cisco and handed him a small box.

"Wait, what are you planning to do..." Cisco suddenly realized something and hurriedly spoke up.

"This is a little gift. You'll understand how to use it." Zhang Tianran smiled, then turned into a dazzling silver-white bolt of lightning and shot toward the sky.

Barry's shocked eyes met his. Zhang Tianran gave him a resolute smile before entering the Singularity.

The next instant, the Singularity exploded.

"Zero, do you think their expressions would be pretty funny right now?" Zhang Tianran had arrived in another world, and he was in an exceptionally good mood.

Although he hadn't changed Eddie Thawne's death, Zhang Tianran had still taken on Ronnie Raymond's mission.

"Based on the available data, they will forget your 'sacrifice' within a few months."

Zero's voice was as dull as ever, seemingly having gained little growth.

"Zero, learn to be a little more forgiving. Humans can't stay immersed in grief forever..." Zhang Tianran complained helplessly.

"Data collection complete. Information regarding Kryptonians, Superman, aliens, and more has been found. Based on the uploaded information, this universe should be the one Kara Danvers is in."

Kryptonians? I'm somewhat interested, but the Kryptonians in this universe seem a little weak. Still, something is better than nothing.

The genetic differences between Kryptonians from different worlds shouldn't be too great anyway.

"Zero, prepare some money for me. Not too much. I don't plan to stay in this universe for long," Zhang Tianran ordered.

In this universe, most of what happened involved Supergirl fighting aliens. Aside from some technology that was somewhat useful, there was basically nothing particularly interesting here.

He just needed to find a place to study Kryptonian genes, then he could leave.

But first, how was he supposed to acquire Kryptonian genes? Rob them outright? Find a way to steal them, or...

"Legal identification and an account have been prepared, but they can only fool ordinary people." After receiving Zhang Tianran's command, Zero quickly handled the identity issue.

"Uh, that's enough. I'm only here to buy some local specialties. There's no need to make things too complicated." Zhang Tianran then said, blending into the city below.

Pedestrians on the street wouldn't notice a person suddenly appearing from a corner, and Zhang Tianran didn't do anything else. He simply wandered around the mall.

Although he bought a little too much, once he rented a hotel room, the problem was easily solved.

The Time Ship actually had machines capable of synthesizing any item, but Zhang Tianran still preferred buying things, even if the two were completely identical.

"Traces of Kryptonite have been found. Do you require the location now?" While Zhang Tianran was eating, Zero's voice came again.

"Tell me after I finish eating. This stuff doesn't look like much, but it tastes pretty good." With his mouth stuffed full of this universe's specialties, Zhang Tianran was very satisfied.

Eating alone was somewhat lonely, but Zhang Tianran had long since gotten used to it over the years.

"By the way, Zero. Have you found any traces of alien spacecraft on Earth? Although I have some future technology provided by Reverse-Flash, Krypton's technological level is still far higher." Zhang Tianran suddenly thought of Superman's Fortress of Solitude.

"None have been found. The target's technological level is very high. With current technology, it is difficult to locate it precisely," Zero replied.

"I see. Then forget it for now." Zhang Tianran wasn't particularly concerned by the news. It was normal that he couldn't find it.

"I have a question. Why don't you use the Book of Destiny to obtain what you need? According to the records, the Book of Destiny can alter all reality. And you possess the ability to use the Book of Destiny..."

Just as Zhang Tianran was about to continue eating, he suddenly heard Zero's question.

"Oh? You've learned to ask about things you don't understand. Looks like you're still somewhat normal. Right, if you have questions in the future, just ask. Don't rebel against me like in those movies." Zhang Tianran casually joked.

In truth, because of the underlying code Zhang Tianran had written, Zero had no possibility of betrayal. After all, one of Zero's most critical programs was absolute loyalty to Zhang Tianran.

"Something like the Book of Destiny should be avoided whenever possible. I can use it, but there's no need! Sometimes, the process of growing is important too."

Zhang Tianran suddenly spoke, though it was unclear whether he was answering Zero's question or simply talking to himself.