[Integrated/Crossover DC/Marvel] Why Did the World End Again? - Chapter 23

Chapter 23: Cracks in the Wall

People are as greedy as they are shallow, so they craved something of immense value from the lips of the Dark Knight for instance, how could one become a hero as a mere ordinary human?

Batman: what a staggering figure he was. He possessed the most ordinary genes, seemingly no different from the billions of humans in the genetic pool, yet he was the one who walked out of the shadows.

He became a superhero as an ordinary man and stood at the core of the Justice League. So, what was his secret?

People were desperate to pry his mouth open, yet they forgot one crucial thing: he is Batman.

Annabelle’s investigation had stalled, but she figured they hadn’t obtained any results. Instead, the experimental base had inexplicably exploded. No one knew his final fate, but Annabelle was clear about her own future.

She was going to have her revenge.

People began to refuse to give her injections because her veins had started to lose elasticity and her skin began to seep medicinal fluid. The medical staff had no choice but to switch methods. Since she couldn’t keep pills down the long-term inversion of day and night in the laboratory had caused most of her gastric functions to malfunction they found a new way: electroconvulsive therapy. Annabelle had to admit, the man’s mind was remarkably agile when it came to torture.

Doing this left no scars, yet it had a definitive impact on her. Annabelle couldn’t afford to show weakness; if she did, the man would only intensify his efforts.

What was even more ridiculous was his belief that dragging her to the center of the cafeteria every day for public denunciation would have some profound effect. It was hilarious. Back when she was fighting for people and resources in the lab, she had been far more shameless than this.

Annabelle watched his so-called speech with cold indifference. Sometimes, one shouldn’t talk too much; speaking too much makes it easy to expose oneself completely. Loose lips sink ships.

“Today, we welcome many new friends into our family. Although their illnesses are severe, I believe that with our help, they can move toward a brighter future. With everyone’s hard work and assistance, we will all become the most brilliant part of human civilization…”

Listening to the man, Alice felt that his demeanor and behavior were more like a crazed pyramid scheme recruiter.

Standing in the line, Bruce heard the deluded words. This world was even more insane than he had imagined.

Then came a pile of meaningless nonsense. Alice fell into silence. As expected, meetings are boring no matter where they are. The world has turned into this, so why is there still a bureaucratic style of work?

Alice was impatient but didn’t dare show it. She currently had no desire to experience the “Yang Yongxin” method of treatment.

Annabelle kept her head down. She knew the routine after the talk: she would once again be the “chicken” displayed to these poor, weak “monkeys” who had lost their self-awareness.

Soon, she would be strapped to the electric chair again for the “treatment.” Perhaps human genes are just that resilient; through long-term struggle and pain, Annabelle could feel her sensitivity to the electric shocks gradually decreasing. But can humans truly become immune to pain?

Was this an evolutionary transcendence, or a descent into absolute madness?

Bruce watched the man’s actions. His emotions told him to step forward and stop it, but his reason pinned him to the spot. He couldn’t alert the enemy yet. At the same time, he observed the surroundings. Perhaps because of these frequent “meetings,” everyone facing the scene was numb, as if what was happening was the simplest of occurrences.

There was no spark of life in anyone’s eyes.

Alice’s brow furrowed as worry surged in her heart. She didn’t know what to do next. Furthermore, her partner this time was Bruce Wayne. The only one even slightly reliable was likely the “Homebody Girl,” but looking at the continuously electrocuted Annabelle, Alice fell into silence. She hoped the Homebody Girl… stayed healthy.

The more Alice thought, the more her head ached. Finally, the so-called treatment ended, and Alice breathed a sigh of relief. She controlled herself as much as possible, making sure not to look up.

It was finally over. Only after the crowd dispersed did Alice settle her emotions. Next was free activity time one of the few flashes of humanity in the entire process.

Alice first found Bruce to briefly explain what was happening. Fortunately, along the way, it was clear that regardless of whether this billionaire had a brain, he at least seemed obedient and sensible. Seeing Alice walk toward him, Bruce remained silent, unsure of what persona to use with her.

If he appeared too much like a “rich airhead,” she might not share important information; but if he was too smart, she might become suspicious of his identity. It was a troublesome situation.

“Mr. Wayne, hello. You might be a bit confused by everything happening, but please don’t be nervous. Although I’m just an ordinary person, I will do my best. Also, if you notice anything strange, please let me know.”

“You mean, this is a massive game? A game on your computer? You unlock the plot, and when you sleep at night, you enter this place. I’m accompanying you for unknown reasons, and our goal is to complete the mission and escape.”

Alice nodded vigorously after Bruce’s summary. The situation was better than she thought; at least he could understand and cooperate to some extent.

“Alright. Is there anything you need me to do?”

Bruce’s question put Alice in a bit of a bind. In her mind, a person with an aristocratic aura and wealth like Bruce shouldn’t have such a friendly attitude or offer help so proactively.

In Alice’s eyes, as long as he didn’t cause her too much trouble, it would be a huge cooperation. She hadn’t expected this pleasant surprise. She then began to observe him. If nothing else, this playboy kept himself in excellent shape—no wonder he liked extreme sports. He looked very sturdy. That meant he should be quite agile when it came time to run.

“If you find any abnormal situations, I hope you’ll tell me. Likewise, if I find anything, I’ll tell you. Then we can organize the clues and escape together.”

“At least he’s cooperative…” / “He’s easier to fool than I thought.”

Both breathed a sigh of relief.

Soon, the free activity time ended, and everyone returned to their wards. As she entered, Alice saw Annabelle being dragged back. She was soaked, looking as if she had been splashed with water.

Thinking of the scenes she had seen before, the girl eventually successfully escaped this place. To be able to escape under such abusive conditions spoke volumes of her strength.

Therefore, it was best to establish contact with her. But there seemed to be no opportunity during the day. She would have to wait.

In the ward, Bruce began to reflect on everything that had happened today. First, the secret hidden here must be closely related to the inexplicable disbandment of the Justice League. Superman had been mentioned; if Superman were around, he would never allow such things to happen on Earth. Yet Superman wasn’t on Earth, and no one knew where the other heroes were.

This strange Director seemed both crazed and obsessed with Annabelle. Annabelle’s significance was definitely more than just being a “negative example.” She must know a lot of insider information. For whatever reason, he had to make contact with her.

Bruce reached for his Utility Belt. He used a device within the belt to scan the door lock and successfully created an ID card. Now, his task was to loop the surveillance. For Batman, this wasn’t difficult.

Under the cover of night, Bruce quickly operated his instruments. In the security room, the guard couldn’t help but doze off. The moment he closed his eyes, the monitors flickered with static for a second, then settled back into a normal loop.

After Annabelle returned to her room, she struggled to her feet and lay on the bed. she had taken another beating, but she had gained a unique clue out of the misfortune.

After leaving the cafeteria, she hadn’t been returned to her room but was taken to the Director’s Lounge. Seeing him sitting hypocritically in his chair, she found it laughable. Was his conscience truly that clear? She didn’t believe it. The harvested organs must have brought him a lot of profit.

The man looked at Anna and gave his daily advice: if she was willing to join the experiments, she could regain her former status, and more benefits would await her.

But Annabelle could not accept it. This would be the greatest crime in human history: polluting the human gene pool. It involved too many things. Human genes are the most mysterious things in the world, and no one can master them easily. Yet power and eternal life had blinded most people.

Everyone thought they were the smartest person in the room; everyone thought they would master the unique; everyone thought they would be the great leader guiding everyone into the next future. In reality, most people were just mediocrities fools.

Annabelle licked her lips and spat out a small piece of metal. Arrogant people eventually pay for their actions. Pain brings madness and boundless revenge. Annabelle had tolerated him for a long time. She rolled the metal piece on her tongue and smiled. She wanted to touch her neck, but ultimately lowered her hand.

She walked into the bathroom. Because they were afraid patients would commit suicide or use glass shards, the mirrors had been covered with mirror-finish paper. Annabelle looked into the “mirror.” She was very pale and very thin, so the handprints left on her neck from where he choked her were very distinct.

Looking at the clear fingerprints on her snow-white neck, she smiled.

She had them his fingerprints.

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