DC: My Name Is Not Billy Batson

"You've crossed the line!"

Batman's voice was low, but his anger was unmistakable.

Dane met his gaze with a calm seriousness. "And how do you define the line, Bruce?"

"You shouldn't have killed him!"

"Doesn't he deserve to die?"

"Only the law can judge justly—"

"Bruce, I'm tired of hearing that argument," Jason interrupted, his voice sharp and filled with bitterness.

Batman turned to him, startled.

"No matter how logical or legally correct your reasons are, they don't change the truth: you've allowed the Joker to poison Gotham over and over again!" Jason's voice rose, his frustration spilling out.

"Jason, we can't do this," Batman responded, his tone quieter but firm. "We can't resort to something so simple and crude. It might seem convenient now, but it will create even greater dangers in the long run."

Dane smiled faintly. "I actually agree with you."

Batman raised an eyebrow as Dane continued.

"That's why we need to form a Justice League."

Batman's frown deepened.

"Bruce," Dane said, his tone growing heavier. "You won't deny the possibility that you, too, might lose control someday, will you? And when that happens, who will stop you?"

The room fell silent. Batman's jaw tightened, his mind working through the implications.

After a long pause, he finally spoke. "If I ever lose control... I'll make sure Batman disappears forever."

Dane regarded him carefully. He believed Batman's determination—this was a man who had even devised contingency plans against himself.

But belief didn't equate to certainty. Dane couldn't ignore the unsettling realities of the multiverse: the existence of dark, corrupted versions of Bruce Wayne, like the Batman Who Laughs, who had wreaked havoc across countless realities.

"You may believe that, Bruce," Dane said, breaking the silence. "But belief doesn't guarantee results. I respect your resolve, but you're not infallible."

Batman said nothing, his silence speaking volumes.

Dane leaned forward, his voice steady. "Bruce, after all these years of fighting the Joker, haven't you realized something?

Batman looked at him warily.

"You're a lot more alike than you'd care to admit," Dane continued. "But your pride won't let you acknowledge it. You're both brilliant, both possess a unique perspective on the world, and you're both obsessed with shaping it to fit your ideals. The difference lies in how you go about it."

Dane lifted the Joker's lifeless body, placing it in a glowing circle he had drawn on the ground. The magical containment was a precaution, as the Joker's blood was known to be laced with a dangerous virus in certain realities.

Sitting on the stool the Joker had occupied moments before, Dane discreetly used his divine powers to neutralize the viral threat within the corpse.

"But while you both chase extremes, you couldn't be more different in your goals," Dane said, looking back at Batman. "The Joker thrives on chaos, burning the world for his amusement. He finds joy in your constant battles, no matter how often he fails or how much blood he sheds. Because to him, it's all a game."

Batman clenched his fists.

"I think you hold onto the principle of not killing because, deep down, you know the Joker wants you to break it. You're afraid that if you do, he'll win," Dane said, his voice calm but cutting.

Dane smiled meaningfully. "Bruce, you're conceited. I'm sure you know that about yourself."

"But," he continued, "you're also smart enough to manage the consequences of that conceit. The Joker, though—he's different. He's like another version of you. If it wasn't Batman, it would have to be the Joker."

Batman narrowed his eyes. "What are you trying to say?"

Dane's expression darkened. "When it comes to the Joker, any rational person would agree—this kind of madman shouldn't continue to live. Everyone in this world can die. You can, I can, Jason can. So why can't the Joker?"

Batman turned to Jason. "You think the same?"

Jason's voice was resolute. "Of course."

"Then you can't be Robin anymore," Batman said flatly.

As if in response, Jason's suit began to shift. The pointed ears on his mask disappeared, and his visor turned a stark, blood-like red.

The transformation was complete—his new appearance was menacing, more fitting for a killer than a hero.

"From now on," Jason said, his voice cold and steady, "call me Red Hood."

Batman stared at him, understanding what this transformation symbolized. He turned back to Dane.

"You're saying this Justice League you've formed carries out missions like this—murderous missions?"

"Of course not," Dane replied, shaking his head. "The Justice League was created to address global catastrophes. Ordinary criminals like the Joker aren't really our focus."

"Global catastrophes?" Batman pressed.

Dane smiled cryptically. "That's classified information."

Batman studied him for a moment, then spoke. "I want to join."

Dane raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "If you want to join, you'll have to pass the test first."

Batman frowned. "What test? When does it start?"

Dane glanced around the room and smirked. "Here and now."

"The test is simple," Dane explained. "One of our members will test your strength. If you win, you're in. If you lose... well, then I'm afraid we'll have to part ways for now."

Batman's mouth twitched slightly. "I'm not going to fight you, am I?"

Dane leaned in, his tone teasing. "What if I said yes?"

Bruce's eye twitched, his patience clearly tested.

"If you want to kill me, just say it," he muttered. "No need to beat around the bush."

Dane chuckled. "Relax, I was kidding. Your opponent is Jason. Defeat him, and you'll earn your place."

Batman composed himself, though his voice remained stiff.

"Actually, as long as I have some time to prepare, defeating you isn't impossible."

Dane said: "On second thought, I might not be able to control my strength and could end up killing you."

batman didn't acknowledge the comment, maintaining his indifference.

Jason stood off to the side, frustrated by the exchange. What did Batman mean by that? Did he think he had already won?

It was as if Dane had just remembered something important.

"By the way," he said, "Jason has just returned from the League of Assassins, and his strength has improved significantly. You should be careful."

With the high-tech suit Dane had given him, Jason's strength was formidable, and it was doubtful that Batman could win, especially since he wasn't in peak condition.

Dane turned his attention back to Jason.

"You can use any weapon except for lethal ones. Now, go ahead and knock this old bat over."

Jason nodded silently and activated his suit, synthesizing two metal rods that crackled with blue arcs of lightning.

Batman exhaled slowly, relieved. He had equipped himself with a set of light power armor before arriving—thankfully, or this would have been much more challenging.

Dane didn't watch the ensuing fight any longer. He floated upward and soared straight into the sky, flying toward Wayne Manor.

As he flew, he helped a few passersby in need. There weren't many decent people left in Gotham, but Dane couldn't turn a blind eye to those who still needed help.

Half an hour later, he returned to Wayne Manor.

As soon as he arrived, he noticed Damian's intense gaze.

"What's wrong with you?" Dane asked.

Damian grinned mischievously. "You were just that... Thai pants are spicy!"

Dane blinked, then realized the boy was just being playful—typical of a teenager.

Damian was bouncing around now, his earlier sullenness replaced by a youthful energy.

"How did you do that?" Damian asked eagerly.

"Quite simply," Dane replied, patting him on the shoulder. "First of all, you have to be a god."

Damian looked at him, bewildered, but Dane simply walked past him, heading toward Alfred.

"Alfred, he was just mocking me, wasn't he?"

Damian groaned in frustration.

Alfred, always the kind observer, smiled gently. "Looks like it, Master Damian."

"Ah, how similar this is to how you were when you were a child!"

As Dane continued into the manor, Diana had already returned, along with Clark and Nightwing. Nightwing was catching up with Barbara, while Poison Ivy stood quietly in a corner, observing.

"Is everything settled?" Diana asked.

"Yes, it's settled. The local government and police will handle the rest."

Clark hesitated, then spoke, "What about Batman?"

Dane understood the question but didn't elaborate. "He's already agreed to join us."

"So suddenly?" Diana raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"He probably wants to spy on us. After all, there are nearly three gods in our current membership."

"If he doesn't keep an eye on things, he won't be able to sleep at night."

"Sounds like something he would do," Diana chuckled, covering her mouth.

Dane turned his attention to Poison Ivy. He respected her, but given her controversial past, she wasn't suited to join the Justice League.

"What are your plans for the future?"

Poison Ivy looked at him indifferently. "As always."

"That's not going to work. Soon enough, I'll have you behind bars," Dane laughed.

Poison Ivy scoffed. "Who needs you to fish for me? You can't trap me with those humans."

Diana frowned slightly as she observed the exchange but quickly relaxed.

"The world is changing faster than ever, and your abilities have already caught the attention of the 'Sky Eye Society'. They won't let you slip away."

"Hmm... In that case, you'll follow me. You don't have the right to refuse."

Irritated by his domineering tone, Poison Ivy silently released a few spores, hoping to blend them into his body.

But as soon as the spores touched Dane, they were immediately burned to ash by a bolt of lightning.

Dane then turned his attention to Barbara, who was in a wheelchair.

"I can cure your paralysis. Would you like to walk again?"

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