Chapter 32 Begins

"Maybe, no matter the outcome, at least we tried."

Bruce smiled and asked another question.

"By the way, earlier you mentioned that there are many parallel universes in our cosmos. Does that mean there’s another version of me in those universes?"

Norin nodded.

"Of course. Outside this universe, there are countless others, each with its own unique events and outcomes."

"Then, if you have time, could you tell me more about my other selves and what happens in those worlds? Consider it fulfilling the last wish of a dying man."

Bruce’s interest was piqued as he pulled out two bottles of an unbranded red wine.

Ever since Gotham had stabilized and Alfred had passed away, Bruce hadn’t had a meaningful conversation with anyone.

Everyone who had known or understood him was gone.

Without his identity as the Dark Knight, he no longer knew how to live as a normal person.

Wayne Enterprises ran itself, and money flowed into his accounts automatically.

Bruce didn’t even bother to check his balance anymore—those numbers felt meaningless.

Norin’s arrival had rekindled Bruce’s fighting spirit, giving him both purpose and someone to confide in.

Because Norin was from another universe and wouldn’t stay, Bruce felt safe sharing his thoughts without fear of consequence.

Bruce handed Norin a bottle of wine. Norin smiled, took it, and unceremoniously drank straight from the bottle—completely disregarding etiquette.

Bruce chuckled and mimicked Norin’s casual style.

"Refreshing!"

Seeing Bruce’s enthusiasm, Norin began to tell him about the Justice League Universe.

Bruce listened intently, his mind racing as Norin described the threats and superhumans in other universes.

"So there’s an Atlantis beneath the Atlantic Ocean? And on a hidden island, there’s a race of Amazons descended from Zeus? Plus a half-god warrior called Wonder Woman?"

Bruce’s focus shifted to Superman.

He desperately needed allies.

Not because he wanted to rely on others, but because he had already pushed himself to the limit—and realized that no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t defeat Kryptonians alone.

Even humanity’s greatest weapons—nuclear and hydrogen bombs—were powerless against them.

It was a technological gap too vast to overcome.

Bruce’s mind buzzed with questions about whether their universe contained counterparts to the Justice League heroes.

"This universe might not have them…" Norin shook his head.

The Keaton-Batman Universe was originally grounded in realism.

The arrival of The Flash and Norin had warped its reality, allowing Kryptonians to emerge.

Still, Norin wasn’t certain what else might exist.

Maybe there was a New Genesis or a Green Lantern Corps somewhere out there.

Perhaps Atlantis was hidden in the Atlantic, or Diana was living peacefully on Themyscira.

But it was all speculative.

Bruce’s excitement flared.

"You think Aquaman might live in the waters near Maine?"

Norin smirked and poured cold water on his hopes.

"Don’t bother looking. I already checked."

"There is someone who could be Aquaman’s father, but he married a chubby girl—not the Queen of Atlantis."

"Arthur exists, but he’s… a dog."

Bruce’s face fell.

"And Cyborg? He’s just Victor, a college football player in Gotham."

"Wonder Woman? The only Diana in Las Vegas is a cabaret dancer."

Norin concluded, "It’s just us—me, you, Kara, and soon, The Flash. No help is coming."

Bruce’s excitement deflated completely.

He realized that unlike other universes, his lacked heroes but still had plenty of villains.

Even if they defeated Zod, stronger enemies could still emerge in the future.

Bruce’s scalp tingled at the thought.

He was already in his late seventies, barely hanging on, yet still fighting to save the world.

Wasn’t he entitled to a peaceful retirement?

Did he really deserve to spend his twilight years battling cosmic threats?

He cursed Barry Allen, blaming him for this chaotic timeline.

But there was no time for resentment.

Bruce chatted with Norin late into the night.

Bruce proudly mentioned that he had turned Gotham into one of the safest cities in the world—something few Batmen in other universes had accomplished.

"Am I an idiot in those other worlds? A fool who refuses to kill criminals and just locks them up in Arkham, only to have them escape again?"

Norin smirked.

"Well, considering the supernatural threats they face, it’s a bit more complicated."

Bruce took another swig of wine.

"When you visit other universes, tell them what I’ve done here. Let them learn from my experience."

Drunk and satisfied, Bruce passed out on the lawn.

Norin carried Bruce back inside the manor before returning to the Marvel Universe.

Two hours had passed—just in time for lunch.

Even though Norin didn’t need food, he stepped outside and immediately ran into Jean Grey.

Jean flinched when Norin suddenly appeared.

"Norin! Next time, knock first! At least let people prepare themselves!"

Norin grinned and offered:

"Sorry about that. How about I make it up to you with lunch?"

Jean rolled her eyes.

"What’s wrong with the cafeteria? It’s free."

"No, I mean let’s go to the city."

Jean hesitated but eventually agreed.

"Fine. Let’s head to New York. I’ve got an outdoor event planned next week anyway."

Norin was curious.

"Outdoor event? I hadn’t heard about this."

Jean explained:

"You’ve only been here for three weeks. It’s normal you haven’t heard. We organize outdoor activities regularly for X-Men members and students who can hide their mutant abilities."

"It’s meant to help them experience normal life—visiting museums, zoos, amusement parks, and more."

Jean’s expression darkened.

"People misunderstand mutants so much. These activities help, but we always have to be on guard for unwanted attention."

Norin nodded thoughtfully.

"Let’s hope things change."

Jean sighed.

"I doubt it. Prejudice runs deep."

She shook off her worries and smiled.

"Anyway, let’s go. Don’t forget—you’re supposed to protect Rogue. I wouldn’t be surprised if Magneto tries something again soon."

Norin wasn’t worried.

He had arranged for Claris and Kitty to stay close to Rogue and had even left them with gadgets for emergencies.

If trouble arose, Norin would know instantly—and be there in moments.