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SM/DC Chapter 50 : Fear's Candidate ?
🕑 Added 2025-03-06 22:05:34 +0000 UTCArthur stood up from his seat, ready to leave, when the news broadcast caught his attention.
"Another wave of high-profile criminals has either vanished or been taken down in brutal fashion. Reports suggest an unknown group is behind these attacks, though no official confirmation has been made. Survivors describe them as precise, methodical, and—"
Arthur clicked his tongue, exhaling through his nose. "Not my problem."
He grabbed his coat and walked out, pushing through the café doors into the cool night air. The world was always shifting, always moving. He had his own things to deal with.
****
Arthur stepped into what was left of Adam’s office. The place was still in shambles, construction workers moving about, installing new walls, cleaning debris, and setting up replacement furniture. Sparks flew as some workers cut metal beams, the scent of fresh wood and paint lingering in the air.
Arthur surveyed the damage, letting out a low chuckle. "I guess me and the Titans really messed up this place, huh?"
Adam, sitting casually behind a makeshift desk amid the chaos, waved a hand dismissively. "Nah. I was planning to renovate anyway. You just… expedited the process."
Arthur smirked. "Glad to be of service."
Adam leaned back, reaching into a drawer and pulling out a small key, placing it on the table between them. "Oh, yes. About that. There is place in Gotham now ready for you. It’s under someone else’s name, just like you asked."
Arthur picked up the key, turning it between his fingers before slipping it into his pocket. "Appreciate it."
Adam gave him a look. "It’s a modest place, nothing extravagant."
Arthur shrugged. "Doesn’t matter. As long as I can stay there for a while."
Adam tapped his fingers against the desk. "I’m not gonna ask why Gotham of all places, but…" His voice took on a more serious tone. "Do be careful."
Arthur smirked. "Sure, I will."
Adam sighed, leaning back in his chair. "That's what worries me."
Arthur just chuckled, shaking his head as he turned to leave.
****
Justice League Watchtower – Emergency Meeting Room
The air was tense, the holographic screens surrounding the circular table flickering with reports of recent attacks, rogue factions, and the growing unrest across different cities. The Justice League had gathered, each member sitting in their designated spots, but it was clear that not everyone was at ease.
Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, stood at the front of the room, arms crossed over his chest, his expression grim as he looked around at his fellow heroes. His deep voice carried a weight that made even the most seasoned members listen.
"The reason I didn’t comply with Bruce's orders and decided to follow him?" Hal started, his voice steady but carrying weight. "Because of Sinestro."
That got a reaction. Superman leaned forward, his fingers interlocked on the table. “Sinestro? You think he’s behind all this?”
Hal exhaled sharply. "Not directly. But I’ve had reports from my fellow Lanterns. He’s expanding his Corps...looking for new candidates, spreading fear wherever he can. I suspected that what happened in our cities wasn’t just some random attack. The ones we stopped? Just pawns."
A heavy silence settled in the room. Diana’s brow furrowed. "If he’s growing his ranks, then it’s only a matter of time before he makes a move."
Batman, standing off to the side, arms crossed, remained silent. He was thinking. Calculating.
Flash, lounging slightly in his chair, tapped his fingers on the table. “So you’re telling me that in between Joker blowing up half a building, You and Bruce fighting Shadow boy, and Lex strolling back into society as usual like he didn’t do anything and he will do something by the way Clark watch out,” Flash glanced at superman. Superman simply smiled. ” we also have Sinestro cooking up something in the background?” Flash continued.
Hal's jaw clenched. "It’s worse than that. The Lanterns who reported back to me...they said something was different this time. He’s not just looking for strong candidates. He’s searching for people who already know how to weaponize fear. People who thrive on it. And there’s a rumor going around that he’s found someone big. Someone dangerous. I'm not sure if it’s on earth or not"
Bruce’s eyes flickered at that. "A name?"
Hal shook his head. "Nothing confirmed yet. All i know that if Sinestro is personally recruiting, then we need to be ready."
Superman exhaled, leaning back in his chair. "One crisis at a time."
Diana turned to Bruce. “What’s your take on that Arthur? You think he can be one ?”
Bruce was quiet for a moment before finally speaking. "Dangerous. Smart and Reckless. He knows what he’s doing. But ..” He glanced toward Hal. “Which is why I doubt he’s tied to Sinestro.”
Hal nodded. “I agree. But he’s a wildcard. And if Sinestro is truly looking for warriors who understand fear, then Arthur might be someone he’d want.”
That thought didn’t sit well with anyone.
Flash let out a low whistle. “Man, this year just keeps getting better and better.”
Superman folded his arms. “We need more information. On Sinestro. On his recruits. And on Arthur.” He looked at Bruce. “Do you think he’ll make a move soon?”
Bruce’s eyes narrowed slightly. “He already has. We just don’t know it yet.”
****
En Route to Gotham -
The sleek black car cruised along the highway, cutting through the dim glow of streetlights as the cityscape faded behind them. Inside, Arthur Blackwynd sat comfortably in the back seat, his chin resting lightly on his knuckles as he gazed out the tinted window. The world outside was a blur, but inside, the mood was… almost peaceful.
His driver, George, an older gentleman with a refined demeanor, cleared his throat before speaking. “Master Arthur, if I may be so bold… why on earth would you choose to go to Gotham?”
Arthur smirked, glancing at him through the rearview mirror. “You’re the second person to ask me that today. Is it really that bad of a place?”
George paused for a moment, his gloved hands steady on the wheel. Then, with the weight of someone who had seen far too much, he simply said, “Well… yes.”
Arthur chuckled. “Then it’s a good thing I don’t scare easily.”
George let out a small sigh, clearly not reassured. “Even so, sir, there are far more agreeable places in the world to conduct… whatever it is you intend to do.”
Arthur leaned back, stretching his legs slightly. “I have something to take care of there.”
George nodded, but the question lingered. After a moment, he spoke again. “And why, might I ask, did you insist on making this journey by car? A flight would have been far more efficient.”
Arthur smirked. “Is it too much for you, George?”
“Certainly not, Master Arthur. I always enjoy your company.” There was a slight warmth in George’s voice, a subtle fondness beneath the formality.
Arthur grinned. “Good. Then consider this quality time.”
George chuckled. “Indeed, sir. Though, if I may, what about your academic responsibilities? Surely you haven’t forgotten about school?”
Arthur shrugged. “What about it? I’ll deal with it later.”
George sighed again, but there was a knowing amusement behind it. “Very well, Master Arthur. Very well.”
Arthur let his head rest against the seat, his fingers flicking in the air as he pulled up his status screen.
[Status Window]
[Name: Arthur Blackwynd]
[Job: Necromancer]
[Title: Bane of the Unworthy] (+20% attack against those who harbor evil intent)
[Level: 80 → 88]
[Fatigue: 0]
[HP: 7050]
[MP: 8700]
[Strength: 164 → 180]
[Health: 141 → 150]
[Agility: 135 → 150]
[Intelligence: 169 → 180]
[Sense: 100 → 113]
[Available Ability Points: 24 → 0]
[Passive Skills]
Tenacity (Level 1)
Insanity’s Gambit 'NEW' Grants immunity to mind control, fear, and sanity-based debuffs)
[Job-Specific Skills]
Shadow Extraction
Shadow Exchange
Monarch’s Domain
[Combat Skills]
Bloodlust (Level 2)
Ruler’s Authority
Mutilation
Sword Rush
[Equipment]
Omega-Hardened Hide
Abyssforged Necklace
[Inventory]
Amulet of Shazam’s Wrath
Doomsday’s Bone Gauntlets
Azarath Knight Armor Set
Greatsword of the Lowborn
Promethium Sword
Anti-Kryptonian Blood Vial (Epic)
Shattered Bolt
Tower of Fate Key
??? Key
Arthur’s eyes lingered on the ??? Key for a moment. His fingers hovered over it, his mind churning with thoughts.
"I feel like I’m close to something… not to my actual power, but something else entirely."
Then, another notification blinked across his vision.
[DEATH FOLLOWS WHEREVER YOU SET FOOT.]
Arthur’s relaxed expression hardened instantly. His eyes narrowed, glowing faintly as he stared at the words. His fingers curled slightly, the leather of the seat creaking under his grip.
“I got this when I first unlocked my powers… but why is it showing up now?”
His reflection in the window looked back at him, calm, collected, but beneath that something did bother him.
