DC: Becoming Supreme With Technology ( I Beat Superman)

The Colonel nodded slowly, impressed by Ethan's confidence and vision. "You drive a hard bargain, Thorne. But the value your suits bring to our forces is undeniable. Consider it a deal."

They shook hands, and Ethan felt a sense of satisfaction. This partnership wasn't just a business move; it was a step toward securing resources and opportunities for his future projects.

After the negotiation, Ethan returned to his office to find Claire waiting with a cup of coffee. She placed it on his desk and sat down across from him, her expression a mix of pride and concern.

"So, now that you've secured a military partnership, can we talk about the company's future?" she asked.

"What about it?" Ethan replied, taking a sip.

"As of this morning, Aether Corp's market value has surged to $15 billion," Claire said. "The release of the Predator Suits has made us the talk of the tech industry. Investment firms are clamoring to get a piece of the action. Ethan, it's time to go public."

Ethan shook his head immediately. "No. I'm not diluting my authority over Aether Corp."

Claire sighed, clearly anticipating his response. "I get it. You're a control freak. But going public would give us the capital to expand globally, acquire subsidiaries, and dominate the market. You could make Aether Corp untouchable."

"We already are," Ethan said firmly. "I don't need investors meddling in my vision. The Echobox and the Quantum Time Pad alone give me access to resources beyond anyone's imagination. Why would I trade that for a few more billion?"

Claire studied him for a moment before leaning back in her chair. "You're stubborn, but you've earned it. Just don't forget the people who've helped you get here."

"I never do," Ethan said, giving her a rare, genuine smile.

After Claire left, Ethan gazed out the window, his mind racing. With the Echobox, the Quantum Time Pad, and now the military partnership, he was on the verge of reshaping not just Aether Corp but the world itself. Yet, there was a part of him that wondered if he was drifting too far from his roots. The company he had built with blood, sweat, and tears was thriving, but its success felt almost trivial compared to the power he now wielded.

Still, Ethan knew he couldn't abandon Aether Corp. It was his anchor to the world, a reminder of his humanity in the face of godlike abilities.

As Ethan sat in his office, he turned on the wall-mounted screen to catch up on recent news. A headline flashed across the screen: "Scarlet Speedster Saves Dozens in Bus Accident." Footage showed the Flash zipping through the streets, pulling people out of harm's way with uncanny speed and precision. Ethan chuckled to himself, admiring the hero's mastery of the Speed Force.The news anchor lauded him as a "symbol of hope and relentless speed," and the crowd cheered in awe.

Ethan chuckled softly. "Hope… Speed… What a combination," he muttered. The corner of his mouth curved upward. While most of the world admired Flash for his heroics, Ethan's interest lay elsewhere. Flash's powers—the manifestation of the Speed Force—represented one of the most complex and untapped reservoirs of energy in existence. A force so mysterious and immense that it transcended traditional physics.

He tilted his head, resting his chin on his hand as he mused aloud, "I wonder if he even realizes the full extent of what he's connected to. If someone like me had that kind of access, the things I could achieve…"

"DC's been oddly peaceful lately," he mused. "No alien invasions, no multiversal crises. Almost makes me wonder if something big is brewing."

He was no mere spectator in this world anymore.The screen flickered to the next segment, showcasing some business news. The anchor spoke about the global market and the rising influence of Aether Corp. The company's valuation was skyrocketing after the unveiling of the Predator Exoskeleton. But Ethan barely paid attention. Wealth no longer interested him. The Echobox and the Quantum Time Pad had given him access to resources beyond any Earthly valuation. Wealth was now simply a tool for influence, not an end in itself.

Just as he was leaning back in thought, his desk phone buzzed. The name "Alfred Pennyworth" appeared on the caller ID. Ethan raised an eyebrow. He had immense respect for Alfred, not just as Bruce Wayne's butler, but as one of the wisest and most steadfast individuals he'd met.

He picked up. "Alfred. To what do I owe the honor?"

"Good evening, Mr. Harper," Alfred's measured, dignified voice replied. "I trust you're keeping yourself well. I wanted to inform you that Master Bruce has finalized preparations for the inauguration of the Wayne & Harper Foundation for Extraordinary Assistance. The event is scheduled for tomorrow in Metropolis."

Ethan smiled. "The foundation Bruce and I has been talking about for months and planning to establish, huh? That's good news. I'll be there."

"Master Bruce will be pleased to hear that," Alfred said. Then, after a brief pause, his tone became slightly more cautious. "I should also remind you, sir, that Gotham's shadows cast long and persistent reach. Some… less savory individuals might view this foundation as a threat to their interests."

"I figured as much," Ethan replied. "Thanks for the heads-up, Alfred. Tell Bruce I'll see him in Metropolis."

"As you wish. And Mr. Harper—do tread carefully. We wouldn't want tomorrow's festivities to be marred by unpleasant surprises."

After ending the call, Ethan leaned back in his chair. Alfred's warnings always carried weight. He tapped a finger rhythmically against his desk, deep in thought. He knew the world Bruce operated in, the enemies he faced—shadowy figures and organizations who would stop at nothing to maintain their grip on chaos.

Deep beneath Gotham, in the labyrinthine halls of an ancient mansion, the Court of Owls convened. Their meeting chamber was an ornate room lit by flickering candelabras. The floor was polished obsidian, and masks adorned every wall—a silent testament to centuries of Gotham's underbelly manipulation. The council sat in a semicircle, their white, birdlike masks hiding their expressions.

The leader of the Court, draped in an elegant black robe, spoke with authority. "It has come to our attention that Bruce Wayne, under the guise of his philanthropy, is taking steps to strengthen Gotham. His actions threaten the equilibrium of chaos and order we so carefully maintain."

"His partnership with Ethan Harper of Aether Corp is particularly concerning," one of the members said. "Aether Corp's innovations—especially the Predator Exoskeleton—are weapons of order. They empower the weak and protect the vulnerable. If Wayne and Harper align their resources, Gotham will become inhospitable to our endeavors."

"They must be stopped," the leader declared. "Bruce Wayne's continued existence has always been a thorn in our side. But Ethan Harper… He is an unknown variable. His influence grows unchecked."

One member hesitated. "Wayne is notoriously difficult to kill. Every attempt we've made has failed. It's as though the Batman himself watches over him."

Another spoke up. "Then we target them both. Harper's technology threatens not only Gotham but the balance of the world's chaos. We will dispatch the Talons to Metropolis, away from Batman's interference."

"But Metropolis is Superman's domain," someone countered. "His presence will make this risky."

"We will act quickly and silently," the leader said. "By the time any hero realizes what has happened, both Wayne and Harper will be dead. Superman cannot protect everyone."

The decision was unanimous. The Talons, the Court's elite assassins, were summoned. Trained for generations and nearly invincible, they were the Court's ultimate enforcers. Their mission: to eliminate Bruce Wayne and Ethan Harper before their partnership could bear fruit.