"How many asset points?"
He knew the system communicated directly into his brain. Mishearing was impossible. He asked anyway.
System: Three million asset points.
"I spent years working in another universe," Jude said, shaping each word carefully. "I saved just over four million dollars total. And you want to take three million of it in one transaction."
System: Clarification. Connecting to a destination within the DC Universe involves finding an existing path. The infrastructure already exists, and you are navigating it. Connecting to a universe outside the DC multiverse requires building that infrastructure from scratch. A dedicated, secure, return-capable channel. Two-way travel. You cannot remain in a non-DC universe indefinitely, and finding your way back from outside the boundary without a prepared route is not feasible given current threat levels.
That was fair. Jude considered the logic. The DC universe never lacked entities eager to intercept something small and non-powered stumbling around the outer boundary looking for a way home.
"Is there a more economical option?" he asked. "Building an entirely new passageway for what is functionally a business trip seems—"
System: The Boys universe transit portal costs one million asset points.
Jude looked at the ceiling.
"The Boys universe," he said. "I maintain my objections to it as a concept. But relatively speaking—"
He ran the numbers.
"—relatively speaking, it saves money."
System: Additional note. After selecting a transit universe, two portals must be constructed. One connecting this universe to the transit universe. One connecting the transit universe to the Dark Multiverse. Asset point cost is therefore doubled.
"So two million for The Boys route." Jude exhaled. "And six million for Invincible. And I have four million total."
System: Correct. Additionally, the intervention itself may consume a further five hundred thousand to two million asset points depending on how events proceed. Please prepare accordingly.
"I'm going to lose my mind," Jude said evenly. "You've nearly spent every dollar I own. If you keep this up, I'll start getting annoyed with you in a way I've been holding back."
System: This expenditure is necessary. There are no further asset point costs in the current plan beyond what has been outlined. Also, please focus on the assignment.
He clicked his tongue.
"Once the two portals are built and we're in the transit universe, how exactly do we intervene in the Dark Multiverse from there?"
System: This will require a Speed Force-assisted time travel operation with Superman. Detailed instructions will be provided at each stage. Please ensure the Speed Force absorption is complete before departure.
Jude stood and drained his glass.
"Right." He looked at Clark. "I have a plan. We're going for a walk." He turned toward the corner of the room, to the unnaturally still shadows. "Bruce, don't wait up, and don't be in my room when we get back. I don't care how many secret passages you've installed. You can knock on a door like a person."
Batman emerged from the shadow and followed them outside in silence, keeping to the dark margins of the street.
This is still the relatively early version of him, Jude thought. He tracked the near-imperceptible movement in his peripheral vision. Intermediate-level stealth and enhanced senses were the only reasons he caught it at all.
The street at this hour held the distinct emptiness of Gotham at three in the morning. It lacked peace, remaining only temporarily dormant. Even the prisoner construction crews had knocked off. Some operations were simply too disruptive to run through the night.
"Let me make a few preparations."
Jude reached into his coat. He pulled out a series of transparent, apple-sized cubic containers. Inside them, golden lightning moved in tight, rapid arcs. As the light hit the pavement, the street flashed gold.
Speed Force. Condensed, stored, and waiting.
The reward from the Central City mission had altered his physiology. Energy Affinity, the system had called it. In practice, his body could now interface with the Speed Force directly, store it, and draw on it. He could not run with it or use it as Barry did. But he could hold it, and spend it when needed.
He reached toward the nearest container.
Golden arcs immediately jumped the gap and climbed his arm. The Speed Force established a connection without resistance. It found a path and settled, merging into his cells with a steady warmth.
He worked through the containers methodically, absorbing each one.
Clark and Bruce watched in silence, the golden light reflecting on their faces. Bruce's expression remained flat. Clark tilted his head, watching the energy transfer with quiet recognition.
When the last container was empty, Jude folded them back into his coat.
"Is that a superpower?" Clark asked.
"Magic trick," Jude said. "Don't ask."
He gestured for Clark to step closer. He addressed the darkness behind him without turning. "Batman. There's no point waiting for us. We're leaving this universe. You don't have to stand there."
"Understood," the shadows replied.
"How do we get there?" Clark straightened, his posture shifting into immediate readiness.
"Actually," Jude paused. "Should we be in uniform for this?"
Clark smiled. He launched straight into the sky. A sonic boom cloud expanded and dispersed into the night air as he climbed.
Three minutes later, Clark landed back in front of him, wearing the suit. The classic red and blue, complete with the cape. Jude still had no rational explanation for why the design remained so effective.
"All set." Clark patted Jude's shoulder. He held Jude's gaze. "Hopefully we can resolve this cleanly. I didn't bring spares." He smiled. "Shall we go?"
"Boss, shall we go? Meow."
The voice came directly from the top of Jude's head.
Before he could address the cat, a streak of gold carried them both off the street and into the dark.
Batman stood alone on the empty pavement. He looked at the space where they had been standing. He reached into his coat and removed a small collection device.
"Speed Force sample first," he said to the empty street.
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