"Bruce, did you see the news from Washington?"
Lucius spoke first, and Bruce answered immediately.
"I saw it. Start moving as many company employees and nearby civilians as possible into Wayne Group's underground shelters. If anyone refuses, direct them to hide near Wayne Manor, quickly. I will have Alfred contact City Hall to issue an evacuation notice right away."
Bruce ended the call without hesitation and dialed Alfred.
At Wayne Manor, the atmosphere could not have been more different. Music drifted through the air as Axel enjoyed an outdoor barbecue, completely at ease.
After finishing a lamb chop, he lifted a glass of whiskey and raised it toward the group.
"To Zatanna joining the family. We finally have someone from the magical world on our side. The Zatara family is known as the pinnacle of magic on Earth, so from now on, Zatanna will be our magic consultant. Any magic-related questions, go to her."
He paused, then added with a smirk, "Selina, you are not allowed to learn charm magic just to mess with people."
Zatanna hesitated, clearly nervous. She lifted her champagne and spoke carefully.
"Wraith… Boss, I only shared some information. I did not agree to join your family yet. I…"
"You called me boss, that settles it," Axel cut in casually. "Once you say it, you are already in. Do not worry, I will look out for you."
He drained his glass in one go.
Beside him, Lex set down his champagne and gave Zatanna a polite nod.
"Miss Zatanna, I have several questions about magic. First, is magic truly a human's own power? That point matters a lot."
Zatanna lowered her head, clearly unsure.
"I do not really know. I learned it, and then I could use it. When I was young, my father made me recite spells backward while hanging upside down, then simplified them into normal speech."
She hesitated before continuing.
"He always said magic has a price, and I should avoid using it when possible. But he has been missing for two years, and I have used magic a lot without noticing any cost. Maybe he was just trying to scare me."
She gave an awkward smile.
"So I guess magic is something humans can use, but I cannot say more than that."
Axel raised his glass again.
"Do not call me Wraith. Call me Axel. You will like it here. We are not the Justice Society. No talk about sacrifice or duty. No one forces you to be a hero. Here, we focus on results and enjoyment."
Selina immediately lifted her drink.
"To the Axel family."
She pulled Rachel close, grinning as Rachel flushed in embarrassment.
Rachel managed to free herself, glancing around. Everyone seemed relaxed and cheerful.
Everyone except Bruce, who was nowhere to be seen.
She frowned slightly.
Axel might disappear into other universes, but he still came back at night. Bruce, on the other hand, was rarely around at all.
Rachel took a drink, then set her glass aside.
Selina noticed and shifted closer, resting a hand lightly against Rachel's side.
"Do not dwell on Bruce. Men always chase their work. The fact that we matter to them at all is already something."
She smiled faintly.
"And when they are gone, we have each other. Now that Zatanna is here, the three of us should spend more time together."
Rachel nodded.
"Okay, Selina."
Her mood improved, though Selina's subtle expression made her swallow unconsciously.
Not far away, Alfred observed everything with a composed expression, though his thoughts were less calm. The harmony in the household was reassuring, but perhaps a little too strong.
Before he could dwell on it further, his phone rang.
He checked the caller and answered immediately.
"Bruce, what happened? Have you confirmed the situation at Arkham?"
"There is no time for that. Contact Gotham City Hall right now and issue an emergency evacuation notice for tonight. If you have not seen the Washington news, watch it while you work. Floyd and I are heading back."
The call ended.
Alfred froze briefly, then stood at once.
"Master Axel, there is a disaster in Washington. Gotham may be affected. I need to coordinate with City Hall immediately."
Axel gave a slight nod.
"Go."
At the same time, Pierce, Lex's assistant and longtime friend, pulled out a laptop.
"I will pull up the Washington reports… actually, no need."
He turned the screen toward them.
The satellite footage made Lex stand abruptly.
"What is this?"
His voice rose in disbelief.
"Why is Washington destroyed like this?"
"I did not do it," Axel replied instantly, raising both hands.
Lex stared at him, momentarily thrown off.
"I know you did not. I am asking who could have done this."
He turned to Zatanna.
"Your thoughts?"
Zatanna stepped closer to the screen, her earlier uncertainty gone.
"This is a mix of divine power and witchcraft," she said firmly. "Witchcraft is the dominant element, but there is also a trace of divine influence."
She studied the images carefully.
"It could be tied to a tribal deity or a shamanistic force, possibly from South Africa. Or an ancient sorcerer who has survived until now."
Lex nodded, then looked at Axel.
"Do you know anything about that?"
Axel shrugged.
"No. But if they are actually powerful, they should know better than to get in my way."
A faint grin appeared on his face.
"I just hope they are not ignorant enough to test that."
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