DC X LOTM: A Beyonder in DC

Chapter 38: Chapter 36: Into the Lion’s Den Section



Special thanks to RrJ, Juice, Ashton Jackson. Thank you for the support and Thanks LoreKeeper_101 for the Ideas

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The black envelope sat on Alex's desk like a loaded gun—silent but deadly, promising nothing but trouble.

An invitation from Black Mask wasn't just a meeting request. It was a power play, a declaration that Alex had crossed a line he wasn't supposed to.

Evan paced the room, arms crossed. "This is insane. You can't seriously be thinking of going."

Alex leaned back in his chair. "I'd rather control the conversation than let him dictate it."

Evan shot him a glare. "He doesn't negotiate, Alex. He eliminates problems. And right now? You're the problem."

Alex smirked. "Then I'll have to be a problem he can't afford to eliminate."

Evan sighed, rubbing his temples. "You have a company to run. A public image to maintain. You can't just go waltzing into a crime lord's den like you're in some action movie."

Alex's gaze darkened. "I'm not going in as a hero, Evan. I'm going in as a businessman."

Evan scoffed. "Right. Because Black Mask is known for his ethical business practices."

Alex ignored the sarcasm. He reached into his desk and pulled out a sleek black briefcase—one of his latest projects.

Evan raised a brow. "That another one of your little toys?"

Alex grinned. "Something like that."

Inside the briefcase were three of his latest inventions, each designed for situations exactly like this:

The Phantom Cloak – A high-tech fabric embedded with chameleon-like nanotechnology, allowing him to blend into shadows. The Echo Dagger – A small, untraceable blade that emitted a subsonic pulse, disorienting anyone within a five-foot radius. The Pulse Grenade – A compact EMP device, capable of knocking out electronics within a twenty-meter radius.

Evan sighed. "You really think those gadgets are going to save you?"

Alex smirked. "I think they'll keep me alive."

Evan rubbed his face in frustration. "Fine. Just—don't get yourself killed."

Alex chuckled. "No promises."

The meeting was set for midnight at an abandoned steel factory on Gotham's outskirts.

Classic.

Alex arrived alone, dressed sharply in a dark suit, the Phantom Cloak discreetly integrated into his jacket. He walked through the massive rusted doors, his boots echoing against the hollow metal.

The place was filled with Black Mask's men—armed, masked, and radiating hostility.

Alex stopped in the center of the room, hands in his pockets. "Nice place. Very… industrial."

A slow, deliberate clap echoed from the shadows.

Black Mask stepped forward, dressed in his usual tailored suit and ominous skull mask. "Alexander Kent. You've been causing problems."

Alex smirked. "It's a gift."

Black Mask's chuckle was cold. "And what exactly made you think it was a good idea to start digging into my operations?"

Alex tilted his head. "Let's not play dumb. We both know Lex Luthor is using you."

The room went deathly silent.

Several of Black Mask's men stiffened, gripping their weapons.

Black Mask's fingers twitched at his side. "Careful, Kent."

Alex took a step forward. "Luthor doesn't share power, Roman. He's setting you up to take the fall the moment things get messy. Do you really think he'll let you walk away with Gotham and his tech?"

Black Mask's jaw clenched.

Alex continued, voice smooth. "I'm not your enemy, Roman. But you are standing in the middle of a chess game where Lex is three moves ahead. The question is—are you going to be his pawn?"

The tension in the room was palpable.

Black Mask exhaled slowly. Then, he did something unexpected.

He laughed.

"You've got balls, Kent. I'll give you that."

Alex smiled. "I hear it's a family trait."

Black Mask studied him for a long moment. Then, he gestured to one of his men.

"Bring out the guest."

Alex's smirk faltered. "Guest?"

The warehouse doors opened.

And Joker walked in.

The moment Alex saw the Joker, every instinct screamed at him to move.

But he didn't.

Joker strolled into the room like he owned the place, dressed in his usual purple suit, his grin stretching far too wide.

"Ahhh, if it isn't the boy genius! I was hoping you'd show up!"

Alex kept his expression neutral. "Didn't realize I was on your radar."

Joker giggled. "Oh, everyone's on my radar! But you? You're special."

Black Mask's voice was ice. "We had a deal, Joker."

Joker's eyes flickered to him. "Oh, relax, Roman! I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about!"

Black Mask growled. "He's mine."

Joker's grin widened. "Ohhh, I like that possessive tone! But you see, I have plans for dear Alexander, too."

Alex sighed. "Can you two argue over me after I leave?"

Joker cackled. "Ohhh, I like you!"

Black Mask's patience snapped. He gestured to his men. "Kill him."

Joker clapped his hands. "Oooooooh, it's party time!"

The room exploded into chaos.

Alex moved first.

He activated the Phantom Cloak, his body vanishing into the dim light as gunfire erupted.

"Where is he?!" one of Black Mask's men shouted.

Alex moved like a ghost, weaving through the confusion.

Joker, meanwhile, was laughing hysterically, pulling a pistol and shooting wildly.

"Ohhh, this is so much fun!"

Alex reached into his pocket and tossed the Pulse Grenade.

A sharp EMP wave burst through the room.

Lights flickered. Weapons shorted out.

Black Mask cursed. "Find him!"

Alex didn't wait. He ran—dodging between the confused mercenaries, heading straight for the exit.

Then—

A batarang whizzed past his head.

Alex barely ducked in time. "Oh, you have got to be kidding me—"

Batman dropped from the ceiling, landing between Alex and the mercenaries.

Black Mask snarled. "You."

Batman's eyes narrowed. "Enough."

Joker giggled. "Ooooooh, I love when Daddy Bats shows up!"

Alex groaned. "Worst timing ever."

Batman turned his gaze to Alex. "You need to leave. Now."

Alex smirked. "I was already doing that, thanks."

Black Mask aimed a gun. "You're not going anywhere—"

Batman moved.

In a blur of motion, he disarmed Black Mask and took down two mercenaries in seconds.

Alex didn't wait to see how the fight ended. He bolted, slipping through the chaos and disappearing into the night.

Back at Aeternum, Alex sat in his office, exhausted.

Batman had saved his ass.

And Joker…

Joker was still out there.

Evan walked in. "Tell me that was the last time you pull something that stupid."

Alex exhaled. "Not even close."

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