Facing everyone's curious stares, Zatanna continued.
"Those lightning bolts are not purely elemental. They come from magic fused with divine power, just as I suspected. This kind of magic traces back to ancient African sorcery after it evolved over time.
As for the purpose of this large-scale divine spell, to be direct, it is not meant for attacking. It is designed to absorb or restore someone's power.
The lightning Bruce mentioned is only the medium used to collect and transfer that power. It is not the core issue.
What truly matters is the target, whoever is receiving the power gathered from countless primal elements, bodies, and souls.
As for preventing us from being struck and reduced to nothing, let me think. I will place an anti-magic mark on all of you."
Zatanna raised her finger and spoke softly.
"Mark of Anti-Magic."
A purple magical seal floated from her fingertip. It flickered, unstable and incomplete.
At the same time, she lowered her voice.
"You should move quickly. This is anti-magic, and even with my backward magic, this is pushing my limits.
Honestly, it is only possible because it is me. Anyone else would only manage partial resistance against divine artifacts, no matter how hard they tried.
But I am just that good. Credit goes to my dad's teachings.
Once the mark is applied, the magical components of the Washington spell should not affect us.
That means even if lightning hits us, we will not be erased instantly.
However, the lightning still carries divine force. That part is beyond me.
So even if you survive, it will feel like taking a full hit from Wraith."
"Uh..."
Victor curled his lips.
"Getting hit by the boss? That is basically the same as dying."
"Even surviving would not make it better," Floyd added. "Axel's power is far beyond what we can handle."
Despite their words, they moved first. Each of them quickly grabbed the magical seal.
One by one, the others followed.
When the seal appeared in Clark's palm, he clenched his fist and spoke after a moment of thought.
"If this mark really ensures I will not be disintegrated, only hit with force comparable to Axel's punch, then I should take the lead.
I can draw attention from the Spire and whoever is behind it, and intercept the lightning when it targets the rest of you."
"What?"
Bruce and Lex, who had been locked in a silent standoff, both turned toward Clark.
Lex spoke first.
"Clark, we do not have a third combat suit for you. Even if we use spare equipment on the plane, it will not compare to ours.
Are you certain your body alone can handle something like Axel's strike?"
"It should be fine."
Clark nodded firmly.
"I cannot fly, but my strength is considerable. I believe my speed and power are at least close to Axel's, the one who killed so many people that night."
As he spoke, Clark traced an uneven shape in the air.
Bruce swallowed, then asked,
"You are referring to the night Axel wiped out members of the Court of Owls?"
"Yes. But I need to point something out. Axel killed many innocent people that night, not just members of the Court."
"How do you know that, Clark Kent?"
Bruce stood abruptly, his eyes sharp with suspicion.
He stared straight into Clark's eyes.
"The Court of Owls is considered a myth. Who would identify them so confidently?
And if you did not witness Axel firsthand, how can you claim your abilities are comparable to his?
More importantly, you have always lived in Smallville. Your home does not even have a computer. The footage from that night was suppressed by me and Lex before it spread online.
Only governments and corporations with satellites could have seen anything. No one outside Gotham witnessed it directly. Any rumors are unreliable.
Even with satellites, they would have needed to be pointed at Gotham at that exact moment.
So..."
Bruce stepped closer, his gaze growing colder.
"Who are you really? A farmer with strength rivaling Axel?
An ordinary man who can observe Gotham in real time without any equipment, who knows about the Court of Owls, and can judge their members accurately?"
He stopped directly in front of Clark.
"What organization do you belong to? Are you connected to Axel? Were you created in the same lab? Did something go wrong between him and your group? Is he your greatest success?"
"What?!"
Clark's eyes widened, completely thrown off.
He pointed to his eyes, trying to explain.
"I have nothing to do with Axel. We only crossed paths once.
Yes, I have strong physical abilities, but I also have heightened senses.
Even from Smallville, I can see and hear what happens in Gotham. That night, I personally..."
"So you admit it."
Bruce cut in immediately.
"You have been watching us, or more specifically, watching Axel.
And if he has the same senses, then both of you might be capable of monitoring the entire world.
Same strength, same speed, same senses. Can you also come back from the dead, or is Axel unique?
And why are you here tonight? What made you approach us?
Does what is happening in Washington connect to your organization? Are you using us to influence Axel?"
"I...?!"
Clark spread his hands, completely overwhelmed.
"I do not know what you are talking about. I just want to stop civilians from suffering.
Washington is the capital. Its fall has already thrown the country into chaos.
If this continues, countless people will die from the aftermath.
Bruce, I understand your caution, but this is not the time for suspicion.
If I were a threat, Axel would never have allowed me on your aircraft.
If you do not trust me, then trust him."
"I do not trust anyone."
Bruce cut him off without hesitation, his eyes locked onto Clark.
Nearby, Zatanna flinched and stepped back.
Leaning against the table, she swallowed.
"So he is like Axel, and possibly his enemy.
If he wanted to act, I would not still be standing here."
She quickly raised her hand, preparing to cast defensive spells.
Before she could act, Selina grabbed her wrist and let out an amused, almost mocking laugh.
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