Chapter 176 : Dark Superman!!

[In the gentle morning light, the six individuals stood atop the highest peak, basking in the warmth of the sun, their faces adorned with joyful smiles. The threat of the mother box had been vanquished, Superman had returned, the Justice League had formed, and everything now appeared splendid.]

In the DCEU world.

Across the land, ordinary folk erupted in cheers, their excitement palpable as if they had just overcome a formidable adversary. In this moment, any past reservations towards these extraordinary beings seemed to dissipate, replaced by adoration and reverence for them as saviors.

Meanwhile, in the Marvel universe, Deadpool was beside himself with bewilderment. "What about me!? Where do I fit in!?" he exclaimed in exasperation. 

"The promised seventh member of the alliance, and yet there are only six!!?" Despite eagerly anticipating the "June 17" call to action, Deadpool found himself left out of the fray entirely.

Feeling slighted after his boastful banter with Doctor Strange, Deadpool sought a way to insert himself into the situation. "Damn it, you maple leaf-loving hero, you're toast!!" he fumed, plotting revenge in his mind.

In the confines of the Batcave, Bruce Wayne breathed a sigh of relief. The emergence of the video assured him that despite the potential exposure of their identities, the future seemed less daunting. However, his respite was short-lived as a sudden realization struck him.

"Why is Superman still affected by the Darkening, even though the crisis has passed?" Bruce wondered aloud, his attention drawn to the screen still displaying images of Apokolips.

On the screen, cloaked in darkness, Dessard, the chief scientist of Apokolips, spoke in a raspy voice, "I warned you, Steppenwolf would fail." 

Darkseid, with a single motion, crushed Steppenwolf's head beneath his foot and declared icily, "His purpose has been served. I've uncovered the anti-life equation, and we must seize it at any cost."

"Prepare the fleet. We shall employ the old methods this time," Darkseid commanded.

A wicked grin crept across Dessard's lips as he bowed his head deferentially, "Yes, my master."

With a nod, Darkseid levitated out of the hall, his hands clasped behind his back, leaving an ominous silence in his wake.

Off the screen, the crowd that was cheering just moments ago froze in place!

This time, the crisis was truly upon them!

With the playback of the video, Darkseid's pursuit of the anti-life formula was inevitable, and it meant he would arrive sooner than expected!

Having glimpsed the images from ancient times, everyone knew Darkseid's typical approach: a direct invasion of Earth with legions of demons and cosmic fleets!

And after millennia had passed, it was certain that Darkseid would be even more formidable than before!

Moreover, Steppenwolf alone had conquered 50,000 worlds for Darkseid, implying that the enemy's demonic forces had reached an unprecedented level of strength!

Fear gripped the hearts of everyone present!

Some even went as far as to turn pale and collapse to the ground in terror!

For if Darkseid were to truly descend upon them, regardless of victory or defeat, Earth would face annihilation!

Ordinary individuals without power would undoubtedly face dismal odds of survival!

It would be akin to the catastrophic clash between Superman and General Zod in Metropolis!

When gods battle, mortals suffer!

In the DC main universe...

Lucifer seized the opportunity to approach God from behind, grasping the God's shoulder and inquiring with a grin:

"Father, what precisely is this anti-life equation? Enlighten your son, if you would."

God arched an eyebrow in response.

"Do you truly wish to know?" he queried.

Lucifer nodded vigorously, his curiosity piqued by the enigmatic concept.

A cryptic smile danced upon God's lips as he began to expound:

"The Anti-Life Equation equals loneliness plus alienation plus fear plus despair, divided by self-worth, then multiplied by ridicule, condemnation, and misunderstanding, all multiplied further by guilt, shame, and the trials of failure.

"Where n equals y and y equals hope, n equals foolishness; where love equals lie, life equals death, and ego equals darkness.

"How fares your comprehension?"

Lucifer released his grip wordlessly.

God chuckled softly, hardly surprised by Lucifer's inability to grasp the complexity.

After all, comprehension of such matters was reserved for minds of exceptional wisdom, beyond the scope of mere mortals!

This knowledge was not to be trifled with lightly!

Observing his son's crestfallen countenance, God offered a comforting reassurance:

"There is no need for dismay at your lack of understanding. Simply remember this: should anyone obtain the complete Anti-Life Equation in the future, it would be prudent for you to steer clear."

"Curious," Lucifer inquired.

You should understand, as the Lord of Hell, his combat prowess doesn't even compare to that of the Archangel!

Then God spoke with a solemn tone:

"Because of that very thing, it can effortlessly manipulate you."

[The scene shifts, time skips ahead!]

[Batman formally establishes the Justice League!]

[Aquaman defeats Orm, ascending as the king of Atlantis!)

[Barry Allen secures a job in the police lab!]

[Superman Clark, aided by Bruce's financial prowess, reclaims the house mortgaged to the bank!

(Everything seems bright!

[Two years later, Lois is pregnant!]

Just as Clark was elated, the timeline on the screen leaps, and the image alters once more!

[The sky fills with smoke and fire, countless spaceships swarm the earth like locusts!!)

[Darkseid has arrived!]

[In the next moment, the perspective shifts to the spaceship!]

[Superman, kneels helplessly, cradling a charred wreckage in his arms, tears of despair streaming down his face!]

[Darkseid slowly approaches Superman from behind, his voice dripping with menace:]

"What a tragedy.]

["Kal-El, Bruce Wayne has betrayed your trust, he neglected to protect your wife and unborn son!"

With Darkseid's words, Superman writhes in agony!!)

[And in that moment, Darkseid's eyes blaze with red flames as he places his hands on Superman's unresisting shoulders!)

[The next moment, Superman's gaze begins to change!!]

[The sorrowful eyes gradually give way to blackened hatred!!)

[As the god of the world departs, the Dark Superman emerges!!!].

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