Traps and Bait

Hall of Justice, reception room.

Tony sat on the leather sofa with his legs crossed, his fingers rhythmically tapping the armrest. He wore his signature nonchalant smile, but his eyes behind his sunglasses were fixed on the data stream flashing on the screen.

"Friday, faster," Tony said in a low voice, a relaxed smile still playing on his lips.

"Boss, the Justice League's firewall is extremely complex," the AI's voice rang in his ears. "I'm trying to bypass Steel's quantum encryption system."

Tony picked up the coffee on the coffee table, took a sip, and frowned slightly—this coffee was absolutely awful, worse than the worst he'd ever made in the Arbitrator Tower.

He put down his cup and glanced at the monitors on the wall of the meeting room. Behind those seemingly ordinary cameras, there was likely a connection to Steel's consciousness.

"Have you found any leads on Batman?" Tony asked in a low voice, pretending to straighten his tie.

"Searching... wait..." F.R.I.D.A.Y.'s voice suddenly became urgent, "Boss, I've found abnormal data--"

The door to the reception room suddenly slid open, interrupting the AI's report. Wonder Woman — Diana— strode in, her Lasso of Truth gleaming with gold at her waist, her expression even more stern than the statue of the Amazon god of war.

"Wow!" Tony exclaimed, spreading his arms wide. "Isn't this the most beautiful princess of Paradise Island? So, Superman finally decided to send you to entertain me?"

Diana ignored his teasing; her gaze pierced Tony like a sword. "Stark, you're under arrest."

Tony's smile froze on his face. He shrugged, trying to sound casual. "Is this some kind of new joke? The Justice League's hospitality is certainly unique."

However, beneath the clothing, at the chest area, the nano-armor from the [Eternity Core] was slowly covering the body.

"This is no joke." Diana's voice was as cold as ice. "One of the Arbitrators' leaders— Chen Tian— just attacked Superman, and now they've been designated global criminals by Superman. And you—" She took a step forward, and the Lasso of Truth began to emit a faint golden light, "As Chen Tian's accomplice, you must be interrogated."

The golden Lasso of Truth lashed out at Tony like lightning, whistling through the air. Tony smirked, raised his right hand, and the Mark-Eclipse Edition armor instantly covered his entire body. As nanoparticles flowed, the armor's red and gold paint reflected the golden light of the Lasso of Truth.

"Wow, Diana, that's not ladylike at all." Tony's voice came through the armor's speakers, with his usual sarcasm. "I thought the Amazon princess would at least invite me for a cup of tea first?"

Diana snorted coldly, flicked her wrist, and the Lasso of Truth coiled around Tony's neck like a serpent. Tony flashed forward, his back armor unfolded, and six floating cannons instantly popped out, their laser sights locking onto Diana's limbs.

"Friday, activate the 'Cavalry' protocol," Tony ordered, as the armor on his right wrist deformed, and a high-energy laser sword hummed as it sprang out.

Undeterred, Diana drew her Godkiller Sword, its blade slicing through the air as she aimed for Tony's chest. Tony dodged to the side, and the lightsaber clashed with the Godkiller Sword, sparks flying. At the same time, the drones opened fire, their dense laser beams blocking Diana's escape route.

"Is that all you've got?" Diana sneered, unleashing her divine power to shatter several laser beams. Her Shield Slam Tony's armor, forcing him back several steps.

Tony steadied himself, his shoulder armor deploying and miniature missile launchers popping out. "Sorry, Princess, I don't intend to play with you for long." He snapped his the Snap, and missiles roared out, while the floating cannons switched to high-speed mode, their laser beams weaving into a net.

Diana leaped into the air, her Lasso of Truth ensnaring a missile, and hurled it at the drone. In the Kakkō of the explosion, she charged forward like a war goddess, her Godkiller Sword aimed straight for Tony's face.

Tony retreated swiftly, his armor thrusters fully activated, and his lightsaber clashed with the Godkiller Sword once more. Their battle raged from the meeting room, smashing through the walls and crashing into the Midgard of Hall of Justice. Beneath the glass dome, the clash between steel and divine power stunned the entire audience.

"Friday, how much longer until we find the information?" Tony asked breathlessly.

"30 seconds, Boss, but I suggest you finish this quickly— Steel is trying to hack into our system."

Tony clicked his tongue and looked at Diana: "Looks like we'll have to get serious."

"The Light Angel Protocol activated." F.R.I.D.A.Y.'s voice rang in Tony's ears.

In an instant, the nano-coating of the Mark-Eclipse armor began to regenerate, and the red and gold paint quickly faded, replaced by a futuristic blue, white, and black paint scheme.

The six mechanical wings fully deployed, and the particle accelerators at the wingtips began to resonate, emitting a piercing buzzing sound.

"Diana, let me show you the true power of technology!" Tony's voice came through the armor's speakers, tinged with unprecedented seriousness.

One by one, the energy nodes on the mechanical wings lit up, and countless tiny laser beams extended from the wingtips, weaving into a dense network of light in the air above the meeting room.

Diana felt an unprecedented sense of crisis. She quickly held her shield across her chest and wrapped the Lasso of Truth around her left arm to form a second line of defense.

"Glory of Olympus!" she cried, divine power forming a golden protective shield around her.

"Fire all missiles!" Tony shouted.

Hundreds of laser beams suddenly converged, forming a giant energy beam with a diameter of over five meters, which blasted towards Diana with overwhelming force. Wherever the beam passed, the air was ionized into blue arcs of electricity, and the glass dome of Hall of Justice shattered in the aftershocks of the energy.

Diana gritted her teeth and poured all her divine power into the shield. When the destructive torrent of energy struck the shield, the shockwave instantly destroyed all the decorations in the Midgard. Her feet carved two deep furrows in the ground, and she was pushed back more than thirty meters.

"Data download complete, Boss," Friday's voice rang out at the opportune moment.

Tony looked at Diana, who was still struggling, and a victorious smile appeared on his lips, "Next time, remember to serve tea first, Princess." After saying that, the mechanical wings on the back of his armor emitted a dazzling trail of flames, carrying him through the dome.

Diana remained kneeling, a fine crack appearing on her shield. She looked up in the direction Tony had gone, watching Tony leave with cold indifference.

Tony's armor sliced through the sky and disappeared into the clouds.

Just then, a golden bolt of lightning flashed, Flash stopped in front of Diana, looking somewhat confused. He scratched his head and said, "Uh... so, the Arbitrators have fallen out with us?"

Diana didn't answer, she just gave him a cold glance.

With a heavy metallic thud, Steel Victor Stone descended from the sky, his right arm's mechanical structure rapidly scanning the surrounding environment.

His electronic eyes flashed red, and his voice was serious. "I just found out that Tony Stark downloaded information about Batman from my database."

The Flash's eyes widened. "What? Why is he looking for Batman?"

Steel paused for a second, then pulled up a holographic projection showing Tony's system hacking logs. "He not only downloaded Bruce Wayne's file, but also retrieved the coordinates of the Batcave, the Justice League's encrypted communication protocol, and..." He paused, "... the last place where Bruce Wayne and his rebel group disappeared."

The Flash gasped, "Wait, this doesn't sound like they're helping us find Batman..."

Diana finally spoke, "He lied to us."

Steel nodded. "Not only that, Chen Tian just attacked Superman, and Tony Stark, as a core member of the Arbitrators, has now stolen Alliance secrets..." He looked at Diana, "They're probably plotting something."

The Flash frowned. "But Tony has always been cooperating with us, why suddenly..."

"This is not the time to ask that. We need to figure out whether Tony Stark and Chen Tian's actions were on behalf of the Arbitrators or their own personal actions." Diana put her hands on her hips.

"It's unnecessary!"

Superman's voice, like thunder, came from the shattered dome. Everyone looked up and saw the red and blue figure slowly descending and hovering in mid-air.

His eyes gleamed with a cold red light, his cloak fluttered behind him, and he exuded a suffocating sense of oppression.

"Announce this to the public—" Superman's authoritative voice echoed throughout the room, "The Arbitrators' aid to the rebel Bruce Wayne constitutes a betrayal of the Justice League." His gaze swept over everyone present, finally settling on Diana, "From this moment forward, the Justice League will hunt down and punish all members of the Arbitrators... dead or alive."

Diana frowned and stepped forward. "Clark, this is too extreme! Starting a war rashly will only plunge the world into chaos!"

Superman sneered, his red eyes gleaming even brighter. "One world, two organizations, too crowded."

The Flash wrung his hands nervously. "Uh... shouldn't we talk first? Maybe there's some misunderstanding..."

"There's no misunderstanding." Superman interrupted him, his tone icy. "Chen Tian attacked me, Tony stole Alliance secrets, and they've clearly sided with Bruce." He slowly clenched his fist. "In that case, let them understand—who the true protectors of this world are."

Steel paused for a moment, then his electronic eyes flashed. "Clark, I suggest we suppress the news to avoid causing global panic."

"No." Superman refused decisively. "Let the whole world know— the Arbitrators are no longer allies, but enemies." He looked at Diana. "Diana, you're in charge of the Atlantic region. Steel, you take over the global surveillance system. The Flash, you're in charge of sealing off all Arbitrators strongholds."

Diana took a deep breath, a hint of struggle flashing in her eyes. "Clark, are you sure this is the right decision?"

Superman didn't answer, he just gave her a cold look, then soared into the sky, crashed through the dome, and disappeared into the horizon.

The Flash swallowed hard and muttered to himself, "Uh... has he been a bit... extreme lately?"

Steel shook his head. "No, he simply no longer tolerates any threats."

Diana remained silent for a long time, then finally gripped the Lasso of Truth tightly, her voice low and deep. "Execute the order."

Meanwhile, high in the sky.

Tony's armor sliced through the clouds, and F.R.I.D.A.Y.'s voice came through the communicator. "Boss, the Justice League has just issued a global warrant; all Arbitrators members are listed as hostile targets."

Tony clicked his tongue. "Just as I thought, Superman is starting his reckoning."

"Should we contact Chen Tian?"

"Of course." Tony turned the ship around, thrusters at full throttle. "Tell him the plan is ahead of schedule—the war has begun."

The Big Apple City, Hell's Kitchen.

In Daredevil Matt's office, the television screen flickered with blinding light. Diana stood at the Justice League press conference, her voice loud and firm:

"Effective immediately, the Arbitrator Organization are classified as a top-level global threat. All members—including Tony Stark, Chen Tian, and others—will be hunted down by the Justice League."

Matt tapped his fingers lightly on the table; his exceptional hearing allowed him to clearly detect every subtle sound wave vibration from the television. He tilted his head slightly, turning towards the tall, dark figure standing by the window— Batman Bruce Wayne.

"Have you achieved your goal?" Matt asked softly, his tone tinged with complex emotions.

Batman didn't answer immediately. His gaze remained fixed on the television screen, Diana's image reflected in his dark goggles. After a moment, he spoke in a low voice:

"I don't want it to be like this."

Matt frowned. "But you've always wanted to pit the Arbitrators against the Justice League."

Batman slowly shook his head, his voice hoarse and heavy. "My original plan was to have the Arbitrators act as a counterbalance to Superman, rather than engaging in direct warfare."

He turned around, his Cloak flowing like a shadow in the dim light. "But now... Superman struck first."

Matt was silent for a moment, then asked, "Why? Why would the Arbitrators suddenly turn against Superman?"

Batman's lips tightened slightly, as if he were deep in thought. "Chen Tian attacked Superman... Tony stole the Justice League's secrets..." he muttered to himself, "This isn't right."

Matt keenly caught his suspicion. "You think someone is manipulating the situation?"

Batman didn't answer directly, but instead walked to the computer in the corner of the room and his fingers flew across the keyboard.

A series of encrypted data flashed across the screen, finally settling on a blurry surveillance video—in which Tony Stark was downloading Batman's file from the Justice League's database.

"Tony is looking for me," Batman's voice was deep and calm.

Matt was slightly taken aback. "Why would he want to see you?"

Batman's gaze was sharp as a knife. "Because he knows the Justice League is not just."

Matt paused for a moment, then sighed, "So, the Arbitrators has now become your pawn?"

Batman slowly shook his head. "No, they've become Superman's enemies."

He turned off the screen, turned and walked to the window. "My plan hasn't even begun, but the war has already broken out."

Matt stood up and walked over to him. "So what are you planning to do now?"

Batman paused for a second, then said in a low voice, "Find Tony Stark."

Matt frowned. "Are you sure? The Justice League and the Arbitrators are looking for you. If you show up rashly—"

"That's precisely why I must see him," Batman's voice was firm. "If the Arbitrators are truly going to war with Superman, then they need to know... what they are really facing."

Matt took a deep breath. "You mean...?"

Batman didn't answer, but his silence said it all.

Suddenly, Batman and Daredevil turned around simultaneously, their muscles tense, assuming fighting stances.

From the shadows, a tall, slender figure slowly emerged, his red hair standing out like flames in the dim light.

"I knew it," Natasha's voice was tinged with coldness, "There's something fishy about Tony and Chen Tian."

She raised her hands to indicate that she meant no harm, "I just came to see why our Arbitrators trainee members haven't submitted an action report for over 18 hours."

Her gaze swept over the Justice League's wanted posters still playing on television. "Now I understand."

Batman's eyes narrowed slightly. "Black Widow." His voice was wary. "What's your role here? Arbitrators? Or...?"

"Or are they here to arrest us?" Daredevil added, his guide cane slightly raised, ready to transform into a weapon at any moment.

Natasha chuckled and looked at Batman. "Superman is looking for you now. If I were to arrest you, I would simply report it to him."

Batman remained vigilant. "What is your purpose?"

Natasha shrugged. "The Justice League has put the Arbitrators on its threat list, but he doesn't know what he's going to face."

As he spoke, his eyes filled with murderous intent, "Bruce, do you know why Chen Tian and Tony are both looking for you?"

A slight smile played on her lips as she extended her finger, a crimson light condensing at its tip. "I hope you're not lying to me."

Batman's muscles tensed instantly; he could feel the temperature of the crimson liquid dripping from Natasha's fingertip—cold, yet deadly.

His fingers had already touched the smoke grenade behind his waist, but Natasha's voice whispered in his ear, tinged with a hint of mockery:

"Don't move, Bruce." Her breath brushed against his ear. "Just 0.00001 milligrams of my Venom is enough to take down an elephant."

Batman didn't turn around; he slowly released his grip, abandoning his plan to use the smoke bomb.

"A wise choice." Natasha chuckled, a faint red light flickering at her fingertips. "Now, we can have a proper talk."

Matt stood to the side, his guide cane slightly raised, but Natasha merely glanced at him, a dangerous smile playing on her lips, "Matt, I advise you not to make any rash moves—your heartbeat has already given away your intentions."

Matt's fingers stiffened slightly, but quickly relaxed. He took a deep breath and whispered, "Natasha, whose side are you on?"

"Ha, which side are we on? I just want to know what my 'brother Chen Tian's is up to."

Batman turned around. "What do you know?"

Natasha's lips curled up slightly. "All I know is that war is coming, and Tony is coming too."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Tony appeared in Daredevil's office.

A ripple of light spread across the surface of his armor as the optical camouflage faded, revealing the iconic red and gold paint scheme.

He crossed his arms, scanned everyone in the room, and finally fixed his gaze on Daredevil, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

"I really didn't expect that one of our trainees would be harboring someone who's being hunted by Superman."

Tony raised a finger and pointed it at Matt: "You're fired."

The air in the room froze instantly.

Natasha chuckled, breaking the silence. "Tony, don't scare the little kid."

Tony turned to look at her, his armor visor snapping open to reveal his tired yet still sharp eyes. "Natasha, you knew Bruce was here all along, why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Batman, Bruce, stood in the shadows, his voice low and menacing. "Stark, you stole the Justice League's secrets just to find me?"

Tony didn't answer directly. Instead, he took a small holographic projector from his armor and tossed it onto the table. The projector unfolded, showing Superman hovering above the ruins, his eyes glowing red.

"Look at this," Tony's voice was unusually tinged with anger. "Three hours ago, Superman destroyed the Bel-Air Hotel in Beverly Hills, causing at least 127 civilian casualties—just because he suspected Chen Tian and Wade were there."

The projection switches to another scene: Superman's Heat Vision sweeps across the street, and innocent pedestrians scream and flee in flames.

"This is not justice," Tony said, shutting down the projector and staring intently at Batman. "This is tyranny."

Batman paused for a moment, then slowly stepped out of the shadows. "So you came to find me because..."

"To be honest, I really don't want to fall out with the Justice League without being fully prepared," Tony interrupted. "But Chen Tian asked me to find you."

Natasha raised an eyebrow. "Was all of this Chen Tian's idea?"

Tony nodded and tapped his fingers lightly on his arm armor. A beam of blue light emanated from the armor, forming a rotating holographic projection of a star map in the center of the room.

"That guy has set a trap for the Justice League's tyrants." Tony pointed to the flashing red marker on the projection. "You know, if we went to war with them on Earth, half of the Blue Planet would be reduced to ruins."

A brief silence fell over the room as everyone's eyes were focused on the shattered planet in the holographic projection.

Natasha narrowed her eyes, her red lips slightly parted. "This is..."

"Titan." Tony's voice carried a complex emotion. "Thanos's home planet, and also the place where Chen Tian killed him."

The surface of the planet in the projection is covered with huge cracks, as if it had been torn apart by some terrifying force. The ruins of dilapidated buildings float in space, forming an eerie star ring.

Washington District., the ruins of the Trident Tower.

Inside the underground explosion-proof room, dim emergency lights cast a pale glow on the metal walls.

The air was thick with the smell of dust and engine oil. The ventilation system had been destroyed in an explosion years ago, leaving only a few broken pipes exposed.

Wade sat atop an overturned metal crate, his long legs swinging restlessly. He toyed with a gold-plated pistol in his hand, muttering to himself:

"So we're waiting for Superman to walk right into our trap? Like waiting for a pizza delivery guy? Except this 'delivery' might use Heat Vision to roast us into BBQ?" He exaggeratedly made a throat-slitting gesture, "And we don't even need to tip!"

Chen Tian stood in the center of the room, his right hand tightly gripping the Space Stone. Blue light seeped from between his fingers, outlining the cold profile of his face in the darkness.

"Hey! Chen Tian!" Wade suddenly jumped off the box, leaned in front of him, and waved. "Are you sure this plan will work? I mean, we're using the entire Washington, D.C.. as bait! What if Superman goes crazy—"

"He'll come," Chen Tian finally spoke. "Superman won't let any opportunity to find Batman slip by."

Wade curled his lip, turned and strolled to the wall, tapping the metal with the barrel of his gun. "This crappy place can block Superman's Heat Vision? I remember the last time he got angry, he melted the entire Big Apple City's bank vaults into liquid metal!"

Chen Tian did not answer, but stood up, reached out and summoned the Red Queen Greatsword into his hand.

"If I weren't afraid the little ball under my feet would explode, why would I bother with that boy in the red cape who stuffs toilet paper into his crotch?"

"Since we don't know how to separate this Stitched World for the time being, let's bury the threat first."

[The main purpose of searching for Batman was to lure Superman and the Injustice. Thinking about it now, DC's resources seem a bit mismatched. Superman aside, there's also the Flash who can turn back time, and Wonder Woman.]

[Will it Bayonetta vs. Wonder Woman? Or Goku vs. Superman? Or Saitama vs. Superman? And how will the opponents for the others be assigned?]