Batman said nothing, momentarily at a loss for words.
Ignoring the teen, Batman coldly cuffed the criminal to the roof of the Batmobile, pretending he couldn't see the boy at all, even as the criminal wailed in pain.
With a sigh, Soren jumped off the roof and leaned over the side of the Batmobile, peering in near the A-pillar, "B?"
Batman's voice was as deep and rough as if he had a serious throat condition, "Don't block my door."
"Come on, B, help me out, for old times' sake! I even helped you catch the Mad Hatter last time he escaped Gotham!" Soren pleaded, rubbing his hands together.
Batman started the engine, muttering through gritted teeth, "Costa Rica. Now close the door."
The Batmobile door lowered like a black butterfly folding its wings.
Satisfied with the information, Soren stepped back with a big smile. "Thanks, B!"
The Batmobile roared to life, speeding off like the wind, completely drowning out Soren's voice in the rumble of its engine.
...
4:28 a.m.
Puntarenas.
This city is the largest port along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, was still buzzing with activity.
Massive cargo ships continued to dock, even in the dead of night.
Inside a seemingly ordinary warehouse near the port, a small flash of white light flickered in the darkness.
Soren, back in his human form, dressed in a protective suit and wearing goggles, bit down on a flashlight as he carefully pressed an iris scanner against the electronic lock's camera.
With a soft click, the lock disengaged, and Soren turned the handle, entering the hidden basement.
Pitch-black darkness surrounded him, so thick it seemed to cling to him like ink.
In order to get a better view, Soren transformed back into his Angemon form, quietly moving through the underground chamber.
All around him were antiques covered in thick, white dust cloths.
There was even a towering marble statue and an Egyptian pharaoh's sarcophagus.
He moved silently, searching for his target among the priceless relics.
From the corner of his eye, he noticed a faint green glow beneath a dusty white cloth, just behind a pair of rusted bronze urns.
Soren stopped.
Stepping closer, he lifted the cloth, revealing a glass display case.
Under the glass, resting on a soft cushion, was the Kryptonite ring Soren had been desperately searching for.
Even in the darkness, the ring emitted a faint green glow.
Soren held the key to the glass case tightly in his hand, applying just enough pressure until the thick lock bent like soft clay, instantly crushed.
He tossed the lock aside, lifted the glass cover, and carefully picked up the glowing Kryptonite, placing it in his palm.
Suddenly, a familiar voice broke the silence of the basement.
"What are you planning to do with that?"
Soren spun around, instantly summoning his Executioner's Staff into his hand!
Amid the glowing digital energy of the staff, a figure emerged from the shadows—tall, regal, with a face like a god.
His blue uniform which is darkened by the shadows, contrasted with the crimson cape that hung heavily like a stage curtain on his back.
...Clark?
Soren gasped in shock but immediately remembered the Kryptonite ring in his hand.
With no time to explain, he shouted, "Stay back!"
A beam of light from the staff cut across Clark's face, illuminating his piercing Kryptonian blue eyes.
Clark stared at him, unshaken, slowly advancing with measured steps.
His red boots stirred up dust from the floor,
"Tell me, why are you after that ring?"
Clark's voice was steady and commanding.
His eyes, usually warm and kind, were now cold and stern, filled with an unyielding seriousness.
...He was questioning him.
Soren's mind was in chaos, retreating one step for every step Clark took forward.
Why was Clark here?
What did he know?
"Stay back, the Kryptonite will hurt you."
In panic, Soren, in his Angemon form, extended the Executioner's Staff to block Superman.
But the godlike man in the red cape simply grabbed his golden staff.
His eyes lowered slightly, as if thinking he was thinking something, and then he let out a soft laugh.
In the blink of an eye, he teleported right in front of Soren!
At the same time, the curved tip of the staff was pressed against Soren's chest.
The blue waves of energy surged from the tip of the staff, flowing forward like a tide.
Soren's body shuddered, and in the next moment, he was enveloped in a bright blue light.
"Clark" smiled at him, just for a second.
In that brief second, everything changed.
The short black hair grew longer, the strong jawline became narrower, and the signature curl on his forehead vanished.
The bright red cape slowly turned a dark green.
The once strong, noble face morphed into one with sharp, mischievous features, carrying a dark charm.
It was Loki, the god of mischief from Asgard, who now stood before Soren, smiling at his newly trapped prey.
He pinched a strand of Angelmon's golden hair, playing with it, "Interesting, you want to protect a Kryptonian."
Under the illusion's spell, Angelmon responded like a lifeless robot, "Yes, Master."
The trickster god Loki circled around him, examining him.
He even reached out to touch the six massive white wings on Angelmon's back, running his long fingers through the feathers.
"As your master, shouldn't I give my pet some tasks?"
"Yes, Master."
Loki used his staff to create a 3D cube pattern in front of Angelmon.
The cube was made up of countless tiny cubes that moved like waves on the surface.
In the center of the cube, a bright light emitted a powerful energy.
"This is a Mother Box. Bring it to me within three days."
"Understood, Master."
...
11:07 AM.
Gotham City.
After a night of chaos, this city that was always restless at night was once again brought under control by Batman.
The busy Batman, however, was woken from his sleep by the sound of his butler.
"...Batman doesn't come out during the day..."
The tired Wayne Enterprises heir pulled the covers over his face, trying to hide.
"But, Master, you have a small guest in your Batcave," Alfred said.