AM I SUPERMAN?

After Bruce Wayne successfully dismantled the super-energy reactor, the nuclear fusion reaction was terminated, and Gotham City was finally safe. The imminent threat of a nuclear explosion had been eliminated, but the city bore the scars of the battle between Kaius and Ares.

As the calm returned, crowds began to gather near the destroyed sports center. Among them was a gutsy reporter, microphone in hand, accompanied by a slightly overweight photographer lugging a camera. The devastation around the site left them in awe.

Spotting Batman near the reactor, the reporter hurried forward. "Mr. Batman!" he called boldly. "May I ask, is the nuclear bomb still a threat?"

Batman turned toward the camera, his modulated voice cold and commanding. "The nuclear bomb has been dismantled. Gotham City is safe."

The reporter's face lit up with excitement at the reassuring words. He then turned to Kaius, his curiosity piqued by the unfamiliar hero. "And you, sir… you're Mr. Avenger, correct? It's surprising to see you in Gotham City. Are you and Batman part of the same team?"

Kaius glanced at Bruce, who remained silent, and then smiled at the reporter. "Yes, we're a team. We're both members of the Justice League."

While the Justice League headquarters was still under construction and the U.S. government had yet to release official statements, Kaius's casual acknowledgment was enough to spark public interest. The mere mention of the team, already backed by the Olympian Watch and recognized as a potential independent force, was headline-worthy.

The reporter's eyes widened as he furiously jotted down notes, the excitement of breaking such significant news evident. Batman, standing stoically beside Kaius, showed no visible reaction. However, Kaius knew better. On his system interface, the friendship value with Bruce Wayne had ticked up to 80%—progress, even if Batman's usual arrogance kept it from climbing higher.

The news spread like wildfire. Within hours, headlines praised Batman and Kaius for saving Gotham City, while the Justice League's existence was officially introduced to the world.

Later, back in the Batcave, Bruce called out to Kaius. "Kaius."

"What's up?" Kaius asked, noticing Bruce had already stripped off his bat suit and was now wearing an elegant tailored suit.

Bruce, now the billionaire playboy, adjusted his cufflinks. "I should've invited you to dinner as thanks for your help. But I already have an appointment tonight. If you're staying in Gotham for a few days, I'd be happy to host you properly."

Hearing this, Kaius smirked. It wasn't every day Bruce Wayne extended such invitations. Clearly, their partnership had shifted to a new level of mutual respect. "Someone, huh?" Kaius teased, his grin widening. "Judging by your well-dressed appearance, I'm guessing this 'someone' is a woman?"

Bruce didn't reply immediately, his smirk the only confirmation Kaius needed. Kaius leaned back, his tone playful. "Let me guess: Selena Kyle? Or maybe one of Gotham's elite—Silver St. Cloud? Or is it just some lucky journalist this time?"

Kaius leaned against a console in the Batcave, watching Bruce Wayne as he adjusted his tie. He decided now was the time to ask. "Bruce, I've been working on forming a team of heroes—The Justice League. I'd like you to join us."

Bruce paused, meeting Kaius's gaze. "You're all superpowered beings. I'm just an ordinary man. Are you sure you want me on your team?"

Kaius shook his head, a small smile forming. "Bruce, an ordinary man doesn't take on Bane while his internal organs are bleeding. Fiora told me Bane had been enhanced by Ares, and yet you still defeated him with nothing but your skill and willpower. If that's ordinary, then the rest of us are something less."

Bruce stayed silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. Finally, he asked, "What about him? Is he part of this team?"

Kaius immediately understood who he meant. "Clark? Superman? Of course. You've seen the reports: rescuing a plane crash, saving deep-sea oil workers, putting out high-rise fires. Day or night, he's always helping people."

Bruce nodded slowly, thoughtful. "You admire your friend," he observed. "But I'll need to meet him myself. If he's as selfless as you say, then I'll fight alongside you."

Kaius grinned. "You'll like him, Bruce. I promise."

Two and a half months later, the first phase of the Justice League Earth Headquarters was complete. Situated in a neutral zone, it was designed to be both functional and symbolic—a beacon of hope for Earth's defenders. With America's advanced industrial capabilities and streamlined construction methods, the site was progressing at an astonishing pace. By year's end, it would be fully operational.

Kaius attended the headquarters' final review meeting alongside President Abraham, General Swanwick, and General Sam Lane, who had recently been promoted following the events of the Metropolis War.

During the meeting, Kaius leaned forward, addressing the room with a calm but firm tone. "Let me be clear: whether it's the military or the government, there will be no surveillance of Justice League members. No monitoring, no wiretapping, no tracking. Superman recently found a drone tailing him. That's unacceptable."

General Swanwick's expression darkened. "That drone cost $50 million, and Superman smashed it. I've been patient, but this is pushing it."

Kaius leaned back, his grin returning. "Well, General, you're free to try catching him. Drive your tanks, send your jets—by all means, give it your best shot. I promise I won't interfere."

Swanwick's mouth twitched, and he glanced toward President Abraham for support. The president sighed, raising a hand to calm the room. "Kaius, we understand your concerns, and we'll address them. The League's autonomy is important, but so is communication with the government. We'll find a balance."

Kaius nodded. "That's all I ask. The Justice League isn't here to oppose anyone. We're here to protect Earth. Let's keep it that way."

As the meeting concluded, Kaius stepped outside, joining Bruce Wayne in the hallway. Bruce had attended in his civilian capacity, dressed impeccably as usual.

"Interesting crowd," Bruce remarked dryly.

"Could've gone worse," Kaius replied with a shrug. "At least they're taking us seriously."

Bruce smirked faintly. "They're taking you seriously because they're terrified of Clark. And me? Well, I think they're still trying to figure out if I'm more dangerous in or out of the suit."

Kaius laughed. "And what's your answer to that?"

Bruce adjusted his cufflinks, his smirk widening. "Depends on the day."

The two shared a quiet laugh, a moment of camaraderie amidst the tension. With the League's foundation laid, the next phase of their mission was clear: to protect Earth from threats that no one hero could face alone.

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