Bruce guided his aircraft down to the ground, ensuring he could collect samples from the destroyed Minotaur demon before the remains degraded further. Constantine would need to examine these specimens when he returned to recharge his Incinerator Lantern, and proper identification could prove crucial for future encounters.
The battle had confirmed Bruce's growing concerns about escalating demonic threats. Without divine enhancement, his conventional weapons would have been useless against the creature's supernatural resilience.
As Bruce emerged from the cockpit, he studied the figure who'd been fleeing the demon – a hooded archer carrying what appeared to be a custom longbow. Even in the dim lighting, Bruce recognized the distinctive green costume and equipment of Star City's vigilante.
"You're the one they call Green Arrow," Bruce observed, approaching the archer with professional interest.
Oliver Queen straightened, studying Bruce's dark tactical suit with its distinctive bat emblem. Despite the night conditions, the archer's trained eye easily identified the newcomer.
"And you're Gotham's Dark Knight," Oliver replied with obvious respect. "I've heard about your work cleaning up one of America's most dangerous cities."
Bruce was mildly impressed by the accurate identification. Many people confused him with Selina when visibility was limited, despite the clear differences in their equipment and approach.
"Sharp eyes," Bruce acknowledged. "Though I suppose precision vision is essential for an archer of your caliber."
Oliver smiled slightly. "That, and I've studied the intelligence reports. Batman and Catwoman may both operate in Gotham, but your methods are distinctly different."
Bruce moved toward the smoking crater where the Minotaur's remains lay scattered. "Actually, I came to Star City specifically to find you. I just didn't expect to encounter you in the middle of a demon attack."
He leaped into the crater and began collecting samples, tearing the creature's horned skull free from the other debris. The casual brutality of the action made Oliver wince, though he quickly composed himself.
"You came looking for me?" Oliver asked. "And you're calling that thing a demon?"
Bruce climbed out of the pit, the Minotaur's head tucked under one arm like a grotesque trophy. "The reason I sought you out is directly related to creatures like this. We've discovered an organization conducting systematic demon summoning across multiple cities. Every major population center except Gotham has shown demonic activity."
Oliver's skepticism was understandable. The creature had been physically real, albeit monstrous in appearance. Accepting that literal demons were being summoned from Hell required a significant leap of faith.
"I know it's difficult to accept," Bruce continued, activating his Incinerator Ring's power. Divine energy flowed around his hands as he withdrew a small flamethrower from his equipment belt. "But myths and legends often contain more truth than people realize. These entities may not match every detail from religious texts, but they're undeniably supernatural in origin."
Bruce channeled heavenly power into the flamethrower, causing its flames to burn with pure white radiance. When he directed the enhanced fire toward the crater, the demon's remains dissolved completely rather than simply burning away.
"The reason I need you," Bruce said, turning back to Oliver, "is that Earth belongs to humanity, not to demons. We're building a team to eliminate this threat permanently."
Oliver considered the offer while watching the last traces of demonic essence vanish under divine fire. His expression showed internal conflict – he wanted to help, but doubted his ability to contribute meaningfully.
"I appreciate the invitation," Oliver said finally, "but I'm just a human with good training. I couldn't even scratch that creature with my best shots. Without whatever power you possess, I'd be a liability rather than an asset."
Bruce had anticipated this objection. He withdrew a pristine Incinerator Ring from his equipment case, the metal gleaming with contained divine energy.
"The power I used isn't naturally mine," Bruce explained. "My teacher created a system called the Covenant Incinerator that grants access to heavenly power specifically designed to counter demonic forces. This ring would make you fully capable of fighting these threats."
He tossed the ring to Oliver, who caught it instinctively. The weight felt significant, as if the small piece of jewelry contained far more than its appearance suggested.
"The choice is yours," Bruce said. "But if you accept, you'll have the tools necessary to protect innocent people from supernatural predators."
Oliver studied the ring for several long moments, weighing the implications of joining an organization he knew nothing about. But one factor outweighed his concerns – if demons were real and threatening civilians, he had a moral obligation to act.
"I'm in," Oliver declared, slipping the ring onto his finger.
The transformation was immediate and overwhelming. Divine energy flooded through Oliver's body like liquid lightning, testing every aspect of his character and resolve. The power came with visions of eight different virtues, each one representing a possible path forward.
Oliver's training and personal code made the choice clear. He selected Honor as his guiding virtue – the commitment to keeping faith with those who depended on him, regardless of personal cost.
As the power settled into his system, Oliver felt his body strengthening and his senses sharpening. The white light of divine energy replaced his traditional green costume, transforming him from Green Arrow into something entirely new.
"Always intense the first time," Bruce commented as Oliver adjusted to his enhanced capabilities. "You'll learn to control the transformation with practice."
Oliver flexed his hands experimentally, watching divine energy flow between his fingers like captured starlight. The power responded to his thoughts, shifting form and intensity according to his will.
Testing his new abilities, Oliver drew his bow and channeled heavenly power into a standard arrow. The projectile blazed with white radiance as he released it, streaking through the air to strike a distant tree with devastating force.
They walked over to examine the result. Instead of embedding in the trunk, the enhanced arrow had punched completely through the tree and buried itself deep in a boulder beyond.
"Impressive," Oliver murmured, studying the perfectly round hole the arrow had created. "If this is what ordinary arrows can do with divine enhancement, specialized ammunition should be even more effective."
"The Covenant system is designed to amplify existing skills rather than replace them," Bruce explained, retrieving a portable Incinerator Lantern from his aircraft. "This will keep your ring charged when you're operating independently. When its light dims, contact me for a replacement."
Oliver accepted the lantern with obvious gratitude. "You're leaving already?"
"Central City is my next stop. Intelligence reports suggest a speedster has appeared there – someone who might need warning about supernatural threats before encountering them firsthand."
Oliver's expression shifted to amusement. "You mean the Flash? Kid visited Star City a few weeks ago, looking for advice about being a hero. Impressive abilities, but definitely still learning the ropes."
"How fast is he?" Bruce asked with professional interest.
"Around Mach 2, last I measured. And he's still getting faster."
Bruce made mental notes about threat assessment protocols. A speedster capable of supersonic movement represented both tremendous potential as an ally and significant danger if corrupted by demonic influence.
"We'll stay in contact," Bruce said, boarding his aircraft. "If you encounter demons beyond your capabilities, don't hesitate to call for backup."
Oliver waved as the fighter lifted off, already considering how to integrate supernatural patrol duties with his existing responsibilities in Star City.
Meanwhile, at the Kent Farm...
Marcus sat on the front porch with Jonathan, cold beers in hand as they watched a baseball game on the portable television Martha had set up outside. The peaceful evening felt almost surreal after the supernatural chaos erupting across the country.
"Which team are you backing?" Marcus asked, noting Jonathan's obvious investment in the game.
"The Red Bulls have the advantage," Jonathan replied confidently. "Better batting average, stronger defense, and their pitcher's been on fire all season."
Marcus studied the players' statistics scrolling across the screen. "The Oil Men have more consistent offensive numbers though. Sometimes steady performance beats spectacular moments."
"Maybe in the regular season," Jonathan laughed, "but playoffs are where champions prove themselves. You need players who can handle pressure."
The casual debate felt wonderfully normal after weeks of dealing with cosmic threats and supernatural conspiracies. For a few hours, Marcus could almost forget about demons and ancient conspiracies, focusing instead on the simple pleasure of friendly competition over America's pastime.
Of course, he remained alert for any signs of supernatural activity in the area. But until actual threats emerged, he was content to enjoy this peaceful interlude with Clark's adoptive father.