Standing on the Gotham rooftop, Constantine found himself genuinely impressed by Marcus's casual display of interdimensional travel. Even the most advanced black magic he'd mastered couldn't achieve teleportation with such precision and control.
"This goes beyond magic," Constantine muttered as they prepared to move. "Black magic can open portals between dimensions, but controlling the exact destination? That's something else entirely."
Marcus led the way across Gotham's skyline, their destination clearly visible in the distance – the Central Church with its distinctive spire and the statue that had become the city's most revered landmark.
"I invested some of my energy into that statue years ago," Marcus explained as they approached. "It's been the real source of protection for this entire city. The interesting thing is that people's faith and prayers have actually strengthened the original power rather than depleting it."
Constantine studied the statue with professional interest. Even from a distance, he could sense the immense spiritual force radiating from the carved figure. It was unlike anything in his experience – not divine in the traditional sense, but something that transcended normal supernatural categories.
"You're planning to enhance it further with heavenly power?" Constantine asked, recognizing Marcus's intention.
"The combination should make Gotham essentially immune to demonic incursion," Marcus confirmed. "Though I suspect some people might find the results... unsettling."
Before Marcus could begin the enhancement process, familiar voices called out from behind them.
"Teacher! I knew we'd find you here!"
Bruce and Selina emerged from a sleek car, both looking relieved to have located their mentor. They moved with the confident efficiency of people who had learned to manage complex responsibilities while maintaining their primary mission.
"Finished with your business already?" Marcus asked, noting how quickly they'd handled whatever corporate or legal matters had demanded their attention.
"We prioritized the important things," Bruce replied diplomatically. "When Constantine mentioned finding demon activity, we wanted to participate in the investigation."
"Ah," Marcus said with a slight smile. "Well, I'm afraid you missed the main event. We've already dealt with the immediate threat."
Both students looked disappointed, then turned their attention to Constantine for confirmation.
"It's true," Constantine said, lowering his voice instinctively. "But what we found was worse than normal demonic activity. These weren't natural demons – they were artificially created by grafting demon flesh onto human subjects."
The revelation clearly disturbed both Bruce and Selina. They'd encountered demons before, but the idea of deliberate human experimentation crossed lines that even Gotham's criminal underworld typically respected.
"Artificial demons?" Selina asked. "How is that even possible?"
Constantine explained the situation methodically. "The demon I exorcised earlier was genuine – probably drawn here by the concentrated demonic energy from multiple artificial creatures. We tracked one of these constructed abominations back to its source and found an entire facility dedicated to creating hybrid monsters."
"Someone was collecting demon corpses and using them as raw material," Marcus added. "The process involved surgically grafting demonic tissue onto living humans, then animating the results with residual infernal energy."
Bruce's expression hardened as he processed the implications. "This wasn't random experimentation. Someone with significant resources and knowledge planned this operation."
"Which brings us to the real question," Marcus said, studying his statue thoughtfully. "Who in Gotham has access to demon corpses, the surgical expertise for such procedures, and the complete moral vacancy necessary to use people as test subjects?"
All three of his companions looked expectant, clearly hoping he had answers.
"I believe I know who's responsible," Marcus continued, "though finding their base of operations will require more investigation."
"The Court of Owls," Bruce said suddenly, his voice carrying old anger and frustration.
Marcus nodded approvingly. "You remember the nursery rhyme."
The rhyme was infamous among Gotham's children, though most adults dismissed it as harmless folklore. But those who'd grown up in the city's darker corners knew better – the Court of Owls represented real power operating from the shadows.
"They called me a Kryptonian," Marcus explained to Constantine's confusion. "And mentioned wanting to make me one of their 'claws.' The Court uses enhanced assassins called Talons to eliminate threats and maintain control."
"So they're trying to create supernatural enforcers," Constantine concluded. "Artificial demons would give them agents that conventional weapons can't stop."
"Exactly. And if they can capture enhanced individuals like Clark or myself, they could create even more powerful servants."
Bruce clenched his fists, old frustrations surfacing. "I've been hunting them for years, but they're integrated into Gotham's power structure. For all I know, they could include city officials, business leaders, even people I interact with regularly."
"That's their strength," Marcus agreed. "But it's also a weakness. The more people involved in a conspiracy, the more opportunities for exposure."
Putting aside the immediate threat analysis, Marcus turned his attention back to the statue. The enhancement he'd planned would serve multiple purposes – strengthening Gotham's defenses while providing his students with resources they'd need for future challenges.
Drawing forth the captured heavenly power, Marcus shaped it into a concentrated sphere of pure white energy. With careful precision, he guided the divine force into the statue's incense burner, watching as it merged seamlessly with his original void-based protection.
The effect was immediate and profound. Gentle warmth spread outward from the statue, carrying a sense of peace and clarity that touched everyone in the immediate area. The combined energies created something unprecedented – protection that was both absolute and benevolent.
"This is my gift to you," Marcus said, extending portions of the heavenly power to Bruce and Selina. "After twenty years apart, you deserve something that will help in the challenges ahead."
Both students accepted the energy with obvious gratitude, though Marcus could see them already analyzing how best to integrate such power into their existing abilities.
Constantine cleared his throat diplomatically. "I don't suppose you could spare some of that power for someone who's been fighting demons professionally for years?"
Marcus smiled at the exorcist's directness. "Since this energy originally came from your prayer, I think that's entirely appropriate."
Constantine's relief was palpable as he received his portion of divine power. For someone whose soul was already claimed by Hell, having access to heavenly energy represented unprecedented insurance against supernatural threats.
But as Marcus observed his students and their new ally, he realized that simple power distribution wasn't enough. They needed sustainable access to these abilities, something that would function even when he wasn't present to provide support.
"This approach has limitations," Marcus mused aloud. "The power I've given you will eventually be depleted through use. And I can't guarantee I'll always be available to provide more."
An idea began forming in his mind, inspired by legends from other worlds he'd visited. In one reality, an organization called the Green Lantern Corps had solved similar problems through technological innovation – devices that could channel specific types of energy while being recharged from a central source.
"I think I have a better solution," Marcus announced. "Something that will give you permanent access to heavenly power while ensuring it can't be misused by unworthy individuals."
He studied the enhanced statue, noting how the combined energies had created a stable resonance field. With proper focus items, his students could tap into this reservoir from anywhere in Gotham – and potentially beyond.
"What did you have in mind?" Bruce asked, recognizing the thoughtful expression that meant his teacher was developing a complex plan.
"Customized focus devices," Marcus replied. "Items that will allow you to channel the statue's energy directly, but only if you possess sufficient strength of will. Think of them as spiritual amplifiers with built-in safety measures."
The concept had multiple advantages. It would give his students the tools they needed to face enhanced threats while ensuring that casual criminals or corrupt officials couldn't simply steal the devices and gain access to divine power.
"How long would something like that take to create?" Selina asked practically.
"Not long, if I use the right materials," Marcus replied. "Though the testing process will require some patience. We need to ensure the resonance frequencies are properly calibrated for each user."
Constantine watched the exchange with growing interest. "Would these devices work for non-students? Asking for a friend who makes poor life choices and has enemies in multiple dimensions."
"If your friend has genuine commitment to protecting innocent people, then yes," Marcus replied diplomatically. "The devices respond to moral character, not formal training."
As they discussed implementation details, Marcus felt a familiar satisfaction. His students had grown into capable protectors, but they still faced challenges that required more than conventional solutions. By providing them with sustainable access to enhanced abilities, he was ensuring Gotham's protection would continue even during his inevitable absences.
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