Chamber of Secrets.
A brightly lit incandescent lamp illuminated the room. The surface of the round table reflected the light, making the entire secret chamber glow.
Seated here were representatives of various countries and superpower organizations.
From Russia, the Red Star.
From Egypt, Ras Eger.
From Japan, Dr. Star, Kimiyo.
From Saudi Arabia, the boyish-looking Sheikh Al.
From Asia, General Iron Mask.
From Germany, the German Captain.
From South America, Impala.
From Kandak, Prince Osiris.
From America, Amanda Waller of the Sky Eye Society.
From the United Kingdom, Zatara, representing the British League of Magicians.
Altogether, representatives from fifteen countries with extraordinary abilities, all gathered here because they were aware of the global shifts in superhuman power. Whether to defend their own nations' metahumans or to invade others, this alliance was formed with their respective agendas.
At the large round table, Amanda Waller, a short, stocky Black woman with a stern expression, stood up.
"Please put away all mobile phones and electronic devices. Every precise electronic instrument and electromagnetic wave might be monitored, leading to the leakage of our discussions," she said firmly.
"Barmulodi monitors everything!"
"Representatives of the superpowered organizations from various nations, we are gathered here for a confidential discussion. I believe everyone understands that the current situation is critical and uncontrollable," Amanda said, glancing around the room.
"We all understand the urgency," someone responded. "But… why is there an orangutan dressed like a detective sitting here?"
Sheikh Al of Saudi Arabia, wearing his usual mischievous expression, looked toward the corner of the round table.
Indeed, there sat an orangutan, calmly dressed like Sherlock Holmes. A pipe rested in his mouth, and from time to time, he puffed out smoke rings. His black, gem-like eyes scanned the room, calm and unbothered.
Next to the orangutan sat Deathstroke, the one-eyed mercenary.
"Detective Chimp, from Orangutan City. For years, he has been the main force resisting the African branch of Barmulodi. Though little known to the world, he was introduced into this alliance by Deathstroke, the ruler of the mercenary kingdom," Amanda Waller explained.
Some of the attendees felt a sense of absurdity.
"I'm smarter than any of you," the detective-like orangutan exhaled another smoke ring, his sharp black eyes sweeping over those present.
"If you're questioning my qualifications, know that I have established an underground mercenary nation in Africa. Together with Grodd of Gorilla City, I've been fighting against the largest branch of Barmulodi for years. I'm far more reliable than many of you here."
"There may be people here already under Barmulodi's control. What right do you have to face him?" Deathstroke's one eye sharply scanned the room, his tall figure sitting as steady as a mountain.
"There's no need for such pointless suspicion," Amanda Waller replied coldly. "Everyone here has passed the strictest screening by the Sky Eye Society. We have confirmed there are no signs of Barmulodi's influence among us."
"We must cooperate."
"A few days ago, it was confirmed that Barmulodi sank the island of New Guinea. Indonesia, Australia, the New Hebrides, the Solomon Islands, the Philippines, the Hawaiian Islands, and other nearby areas were hit by massive tsunamis, devastating the Pacific coastlines and killing or injuring over sixty million people."
"Afterward, ten countries under Barmulodi's control dispatched rescue teams, making themselves appear as saviors. But we know this is just part of his plan."
"Sky Eye received intel that peace talks were underway with representatives from Atlantis. But the envoy was killed, pushing the entire world closer to the brink of war," Amanda said grimly, her hands pressing down on the table.
"This isn't going to be easy. The whole world is grateful for Barmulodi's so-called 'rescue efforts.' No one would suspect he was behind the disaster."
"Atlantis was among the first to save people from the sea. If word gets out that their royal envoy was killed by humans, the consequences will be disastrous."
"So, is Barmulodi eager to start the war now?"
"How are we supposed to stop him? Unite? Form an alliance?"
"Unite, alliance? First, you'd have to purge your own governments of his influence before even thinking about that. Right now, almost every country here has been infiltrated by his agents. If Barmulodi wants, he can easily overthrow any regime represented at this table."
Around the table, voices rose with differing opinions.
"So, we must unite, truly unite, to stand against him," Amanda Waller said, knocking on the table firmly.
Silence fell over the round table.
The only sound was the light reflecting off the polished surface of the table.
"I agree," said General Iron Mask, nodding his rust-covered metal head. "This is not the time for each nation to fight alone. Isolated, we will only fall faster to Barmulodi's growing power. His march toward world domination is accelerating. We need to stand together."
"I agree," Sheikh Al added, his playful expression now serious. "Since Barmulodi established a nation near Saudi Arabia, we've already lost large areas of land and oil fields. He continues to encroach on my country. I have no reason to object."
"Agree."
"Agree."
"Agree."
One after another, the representatives voiced their support.
Only Zatara of the British League of Magicians remained silent, his hands clasped, deep in thought. He had once fought alongside Bardi against Trigon, sharing a deep friendship. But after lending the magic circle to Madame Xanadu, their bond had quietly faded.
Now, ten years later, Zatara couldn't help but wonder—if he had killed Bardi while he was still weak, would things be different now?
"I agree," Zatara finally said quietly.
With unanimous approval, the Global Alliance of Superpowers was officially established.
But immediately, another problem arose.
Who would take command?
"He's not human. He's Kryptonian. Bruce shared this intel with you in secret long ago. You all know this, and that's why so many of your superpowered organizations have already been preparing to face him," Deathstroke spoke up, his voice steady.
"You've all received my intel. You know how long I've been fighting against him, how long I've been preparing."
"I've spent ten years studying his every move, tracking his behavior, analyzing his psychology. Every photo of him is burned into my memory. Every movement of his fingers, I've documented in tens of thousands of words. I know him better than anyone."
"I've prepared for this moment for so long—to kill him."
"So, command… should be mine."
Deathstroke's single eye gleamed sharply as he sat there, steady as a mountain, his tone unwavering.
Amanda Waller's face remained expressionless, though a faint light flickered in her eyes.
Silence once again filled the chamber.
"I agree," said Detective Chimp.
One by one, the other organizations followed suit, expressing their approval.
(To be continued.)
***
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