Absolute King Ch. 20

Chapter 20: Tension above the world.

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Mark and Constantine stood side by side in front of the swirling energy of a boom tube. The light shimmered and expanded like a gateway tearing reality apart. In the next instant, they stepped through, and the world around them shifted violently.

When Mark blinked, he found himself standing inside the Justice League’s Watchtower.

The tower itself was enormous—an architectural marvel suspended high above the earth. The curved windows stretched wide, revealing a breathtaking view of the planet below. Vast blue oceans and wisps of white clouds spread across the horizon, glowing faintly under the sun’s reflection.

For a moment, Mark froze. His chest tightened as the reality sank in—he was standing above the world itself.

Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined something like this. The thought of being this far up, looking down on the entire Earth, felt surreal. He lowered his gaze briefly, grounding himself, almost afraid that if he looked too long, the illusion might shatter and drop him into the void.

A familiar gravelly voice broke the silence.

“I see you’ve arrived.”

Batman stepped forward from the shadows, Robin walking briskly at his side.

Robin tilted his head, smirking with his usual sharpness. “Nice to see you again, sword boy.” His tone wasn’t one of friendliness—it was thick with mockery, his words barbed to cut.

Mark’s lips twitched, but he didn’t flinch. Instead, he replied calmly, though his words carried weight. “A sword boy who could kick your ass and send you back to your master sobbing.”

Robin’s smirk vanished, replaced with a glare. His hand reached instinctively to his belt, pulling free a sharp, boomerang-like blade shaped in the form of a robin. He was ready to throw it, his anger barely contained.

But Batman’s hand shot out like iron, stopping him before he could act.

“Let me go! He dares disrespect me!” Robin’s voice cracked with rage, his eyes burning with inherited fury.

Mark could tell the boy carried deep scars. Ra’s al Ghul had raised him to be merciless, intolerant—a hollow vessel filled with anger. Batman was trying to undo that, but it was clear the boy still carried too much of his lineage inside him.

Mark’s own words came sharp and cutting. “This is exactly why I turned Raven down on her offer.”

Batman’s expression didn’t change much, but his eyes narrowed beneath the cowl. “Enough,” he said firmly. “We don’t have time for this. Mark, follow me.”

With that, Batman turned and began walking, his cape trailing behind like a shadow swallowing the light. Robin stayed close to his side, fists clenched. Constantine strolled casually, quickening his pace so he could walk near Batman. Mark, though simmering with irritation, followed at the back.

Constantine’s voice cut into the silence. “You know, I kind of like this wanker. Maybe it’s time your kid here learned some respect. Don’t you think?”

Batman’s head shifted slightly. His voice was cool, but there was an edge underneath. “What exactly are you implying?”

Constantine smirked, lighting a cigarette as they walked. “Think about it, mate. Your boy might finally learn a bit of humility if he runs into someone who can put him in his place every once in a while. Something you’ve clearly missed in his education. You and I could both agree—you’re not exactly winning awards for parenting.”

Batman’s shoulders tensed. He said nothing, his eyes narrowing, and his pace quickened. The silence that followed was heavy, though Constantine looked quite pleased with himself.

“I think I got under his skin,” Constantine muttered with a chuckle. Robin brushed past him roughly, shoulder-checking him on the way.

“He’s always annoyed,” Robin muttered without looking back.

Constantine whistled low, raising an eyebrow. “Father and son, no different. Talk about poor parenting, eh, lad?” he said toward Mark.

Mark didn’t respond. He only pressed forward, gaze straight, his jaw set.

They eventually arrived at the main hall of the Watchtower—the space where League members often convened. The room was vast, circular, with high ceilings and walls lined with towering screens. But to Mark’s surprise, the chamber was empty.

“Where are the others?” Constantine asked, glancing around.

“I didn’t call them,” Batman replied simply.

That made Constantine arch a brow. He exhaled smoke and shrugged. “Then why drag me all the way here to fetch the boy? You could’ve sent one of the younger ones.”

Batman’s response was precise. “Not many members of the League are versed in magic. Only you and Zatanna. She’s currently on assignment. That left you.”

“Ah, so that’s it.” Constantine flicked ash onto the floor. “You sent me to evaluate the kid, didn’t you? Well, I’ll give you this—his magic is phenomenal. Raw, unrefined, sure, but impressive nonetheless.”

Batman nodded slightly, his expression unreadable. “And did you uncover why Faust was after him?”

Constantine shook his head. “No clue. Not yet.”

Mark, who had been silent long enough, finally cut in. “You do know I’m standing right here, don’t you? If this was your plan—to interrogate me—save your breath. I won’t give you anything. The only reason I agreed to come was to warn you. Stay out of my life.”

His voice carried a sharp warning as he turned to leave. But Robin quickly moved, stepping into his path.

“Move, lurky. Or else…” Mark said coldly.

“Or else what?” Robin shot back, defiant.

Mark’s hand lifted, and in an instant a gleaming sword appeared in his grip. Robin mirrored him, pulling his own weapon and settling into a fighting stance. But Mark’s eyes hardened further. With a flick of his wrist, seven more blades shimmered into existence, levitating around him, all aimed at Robin. The air between them thickened with tension.

“I’ll slice you to pieces,” Mark threatened.

“Bring it on,” Robin answered, unshaken.

Batman stepped forward before either could strike. “Robin. Stand down.”

Robin hesitated, glaring at Mark, but eventually obeyed. His sword lowered, though his pride remained intact.

“Listen first,” Batman said to Mark.

“Then you can leave if you wish.”

Mark ignored him, his summoned blades vanishing as he turned away. But then Batman spoke again, his words deliberate.

“Think about your parents.”

That stopped Mark cold. He turned back slowly, eyes narrowing. “And what about them?”

“Think about their safety,” Batman said.

Mark’s jaw tightened. “Do you really believe you can protect them better than I can?”

Batman didn’t flinch. “We have resources. We tracked down your father’s location.”

That made Mark’s eyes widen. His anger faltered, replaced by a flicker of urgency.

Batman moved toward the massive central computer, his fingers dancing quickly over the keyboard.

The holographic display came alive, showing a global map. He zoomed in, narrowing the view to a small island.

“Your father is being held at Santa Prisca,” Batman explained. “The Light has stationed Bane and his forces to watch over him.”

The name Bane rang heavy in the air.

“I’ve already assembled a team to infiltrate Santa prisca,” Batman continued. “I won’t promise success, but we’ll try to get your father out.”

“I’m going too,” Mark said immediately.

Batman’s eyes narrowed under his cowl. His voice was firm. “No. You’ll be a liability. The plan would collapse with you there.”

Mark’s hands curled into fists. “Then fine. If you won’t take me, I’ll storm in myself.”

The room stiffened at his words. Robin looked uneasy. Constantine let out a low whistle. “Might as well let the lad tag along, Bats.”

“Shut up,” Batman snapped.

Mark turned to leave, but the doors in front of him slid shut with a heavy clang.

He spun back, fury blazing in his eyes. “Open the damn doors,” he growled.

Batman’s voice was calm but resolute. “No. You’re not in the right state of mind.” His cape shifted as he subtly readied himself, knowing how unpredictable Mark could be.

Mark’s patience shattered. Blades shimmered into existence all around him, a storm of steel poised to strike. “Open them,” he warned, his voice like a blade itself. “I’m not asking again.”