Central City.
At night, in the brilliant glow of Central City, a streak of yellow lightning blazed across the skyline, drawing a long arc of dazzling energy as it raced down First Avenue, overtaking traffic lanes and leaving behind trails of wind and flurries of hair. The rushing air swept toward S.T.A.R. Labs.
A yellow flash appeared instantly in the main hall of S.T.A.R. Labs. The sudden gust blew everyone's hair, and loose papers scattered into the air.
"Everyone, the Alchemist escaped. But luckily, I managed to grab his Philosopher's Stone."
The Flash held up a stone box. The object emitted a strange aura that imdiately drew the attention of everyone in the control room.
"That's good. At least we can stop more tahumans from popping up in Midtown," said Joe, Barry's adoptive father.
"This isn't over yet. What if he has a second stone? Or so other thod? I'll need to run so tests." Cisco reached out, took the stone box, and frowned slightly, his expression distant.
Faintly, he seed to hear a voice lingering in his ear—as if his brother were calling to him.
In the Flash TV series, at the end of Season 2, after Barry returned from Flashpoint, he indirectly caused the death of Cisco's brother. Cisco had only his arms left to mourn.
"For now, it's not bad. At least in the fight with the Alchemist, we've gained so ground," Caitlin said.
"Not necessarily. The Alchemist's been trying to summon the one behind him. That's who we really need to worry about." The Flash pulled back his hood, concern etched across his face.
"So… how do we prepare?" Iris asked.
Everyone exchanged uncertain glances. None of them knew the identity of the being the Alchemist was trying to summon, and they had no clear plan for how to guard against it.
Bardi had altered the progression from the TV series. Instead of following the original order, he skipped over many unnecessary arcs. When the ti was right, he had the Alchemist awaken powers from Flashpoint in Midtown, drawing the Flash's attention and leading them into a struggle that ultimately gave Bardi easy access to the Philosopher's Stone.
The stone, which was a calcified form of the Speed Force, was key to releasing himself. In the original show, it was Wally who threw it into the Speed Force. But this ti, Bardi had arranged for the Flash to do it instead.
Based on the established relationships in the show, there was no doubt Bardi could fulfill this final wish with ease.
However—
Boom.
A sudden thud echoed in S.T.A.R. Labs. Everyone in the control room turned to the door. A man in a blue suit, wearing a half cloak and do hat, holding a classic black cane, stood there like a figure out of Victorian England. His appearance instantly aroused their suspicion.
"Who are you?"
"How did you get in? Damn it, I reinforced the security system multiple tis!"
"Why is S.T.A.R. Labs always getting breached?!"
In an instant, everyone looked suspiciously at Cisco and the mysterious stranger.
Joe pulled his gun from his waistband and shielded Iris behind him, watching the Phantom Stranger warily.
Cisco and Caitlin wore helpless expressions. S.T.A.R. Labs' security really did feel like paper. It was constantly being breached, never once holding.
The Phantom Stranger calmly glanced at the Flash, Cisco, and Caitlin, then removed his hat. The sudden motion startled everyone, making them fear he was about to attack.
"I apologize for the intrusion. I didn't expect that the Flash of this universe would form a team with Shockwave and Killer Frost." The Phantom Stranger lowered his hat to his chest, bowed slightly, and spoke politely.
The Flash, Caitlin, and Cisco exchanged confused looks. The Flash asked cautiously, "You… don't seem like soone trying to cause trouble. Is there sothing we can help you with?"
The Phantom Stranger's deanor showed no hostility. He was composed, respectful, and carried himself with a calm that put others at ease.
Of course, apart from bypassing their entire security system without warning, everything else seed civil.
The Phantom Stranger nodded. "I do indeed require your help."
The Flash glanced around the room, hesitant.
"You're really polite for soone who just broke in…"
"This universe has not yet been invaded," the Phantom Stranger continued. "I need your help. The multiverse needs your help. We must unite all available strength to confront a newly born Only God."
"This is about saving the multiverse. And saving yourselves."
His tone was asured, his words steady. Yet the weight they carried was imnse, pressing on the room like a mountain.
Everyone at S.T.A.R. Labs could sense that this was serious. The air felt heavy, but even so, none of them truly understood what the Phantom Stranger ant.
A stranger had appeared out of nowhere and asked them to help save the universe. What universe? Where? What exactly was happening?
Imdiately, several of them frowned, confused, hesitant, and skeptical.
"I'm sorry, but we don't know enough about this situation. If you're in trouble, we'd be happy to help," the Flash said.
"We're already dealing with a major threat of our own…"
The Flash didn't give a direct answer. He remained cautious toward the sudden plea for help.
In Season 2, he had trusted soone from another world and ended up losing his father because of it. He had learned his lesson. Trust wasn't given lightly anymore.
"I understand. So—"
The Phantom Stranger nodded, then looked at the Flash with a deep, unreadable gaze. He raised his cane and cast a spell. A small point of light, no larger than a fingertip, shot toward the Flash's forehead.
Startled, the Flash imdiately activated the Speed Force, lightning arcing around him as he attempted to dodge. But the light was too fast. In the next instant, it had already pierced his forehead and vanished inside.
"This is a multiverse communication hub," the Phantom Stranger said. "It will allow you to connect with other Flashes across the multiverse. You can strengthen your abilities, share knowledge, and understand the enemies that lie ahead."
Everyone in the control room stood frozen, shocked and staring at the Phantom Stranger.
The Phantom Stranger offered a faint smile, then turned his gaze toward the stone box.
"I offer this advice. What's inside that box is calcified Speed Force. Unless the Speed Force channel is opened, that key cannot release the enemy you fear."
His figure began to fade, becoming translucent, and finally disappeared from S.T.A.R. Labs.
(To be continued.)
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