The Watchtower's observation room was eerily quiet, save for the hum of the advanced technology that filled the space. Batman, ever the vigilant guardian of Earth, stood in front of a massive display screen, his eyes narrowed in concentration. The Justice League had long maintained the Watchtower as a central hub for monitoring both Earth's crises and the growing threat of intergalactic dangers. But tonight, his focus was narrower, far more immediate.
Across the globe, superpowered beings were stirring. Whether through the chaos of emerging metahumans or the increased activity of known threats, the balance of power in the world was shifting. The recent rise of metahumans in major cities was both a blessing and a curse. As much as they could be allies, they could also destabilize the very foundation of what the Justice League stood for. Batman's mind raced with the possibilities, and he felt the weight of responsibility settle heavy on his shoulders. The question on his mind was simple: Who could be trusted?
The screen in front of him displayed multiple surveillance feeds from around the world—places like Gotham, Central City, and even distant locales like Themyscira, Atlantis, and the Outer Rim of space. He scrolled methodically through the data, searching for anomalies in the world's newest superheroes. Each new face could be a potential ally or an unforeseen threat to his world, and Batman didn't leave any detail unexamined. He had to stay one step ahead of everyone, even those who might call themselves his allies.
A sudden ping interrupted his train of thought, a new feed coming through. He froze.
Metropolis.
The feed showed a figure moving with fluid, calculated precision, swinging from building to building—his movements almost too fast to track. Batman's eyes darted to the screen as he zoomed in. The figure was unmistakable, but unlike any other hero he had seen. This was not Superman, though there was a certain familiarity to his presence. The way the figure operated—his movements, his efficiency—was unique. Batman had seen many heroes fight crime in the streets, but this one was different. There was a calculating intelligence behind each move, an almost surgical precision to his actions.
This wasn't just a man in a suit—this was a hero who appeared to be on a whole other level. The man was using a vast array of gadgets, which were quickly employed to incapacitate criminals, demonstrating a mastery of both technology and combat.
Spider-Man.
Batman's lips curled into a tight frown. The name came from the sources he had access to, but there was so little known about him. Was he just another vigilante like the others in Metropolis, or was there something more to him? He had seen some footage of this "Spider-Man," but nothing concrete. The man's efficiency, his utter disregard for the usual tactics of other heroes, spoke of something darker. Something more dangerous.
The figure on the screen dropped down from a building, quickly apprehending a group of thugs in an industrial sector. Batman's keen eyes observed the way he handled the criminals—methodical, ruthless. He wasn't pulling punches, but there was no sign of excessive force either. The spider-like hero moved like a predator, his webbing quick to disable foes before they even knew what was happening.
Batman's thoughts turned inward. This wasn't the first time he had heard of Spider-Man. Rumors had circulated that a new player had entered the world stage, someone unaligned with any known faction, yet capable of feats that most would consider impossible. But this was no time for rumors. Batman needed facts. He needed intel.
His fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard of his workstation, tapping into Metropolis's network. He ran a scan, collecting every scrap of information on this Spider-Man. No surprise, the results were scarce. What little he could find painted an unsettling picture: a man in his twenties, with extraordinary agility and strength, a web-slinging apparatus that appeared almost alien in design, and an extensive knowledge of combat tactics and technology. But no real origin story, no clear allegiance. There were whispers of a scientific genius, but no solid evidence to back it up.
Batman leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on the feed. This Spider-Man was clearly no ordinary vigilante, and the more he watched, the more Batman realized that this was a situation that required outside input. He needed to understand this man's true nature, not just his actions. Batman wasn't one to trust easily, and he was too used to dealing with the unpredictable nature of superpowered individuals to be swayed by appearances alone.
His hand hovered over his comms system, and he activated the secure channel to Superman. Within seconds, the Man of Steel's voice crackled through.
"Batman, what's the situation?" Superman's voice was warm, as always, but Batman could detect the subtle shift in his tone. The trust between them ran deep, and Superman knew Batman only reached out when something serious was on the line.
"Superman," Batman began, his voice low, "I need your input on someone. Have you encountered a figure calling himself 'Spider-Man'? He's been operating in Metropolis. I've been monitoring his activity."
Superman paused. Batman knew that the Kryptonian didn't need to be told twice when it came to matters of world security, but there was an edge to his response. "Spider-Man... There were a few run-ins in the last couple of weeks. He's a little... unorthodox."
"Unorthodox?" Batman's voice was skeptical. "Explain."
Superman sighed. "The first time we met, he was stopping a gang of tech thieves who were planning to rob a high-tech lab. I was already on the scene, and he showed up—just... appeared. Fast. Strong. But what really caught me off guard was how he handled the situation. He didn't ask for help. He didn't want it. He didn't even seem interested in making a grand entrance. It was almost as if he had no interest in anything except stopping the criminals, no matter the cost."
Batman's eyes narrowed, intrigued despite himself. "That doesn't sound like someone who wants to be a hero."
"That's the thing, Batman. He's not looking for glory, but it's almost like he's already operating on a higher level. He's calculating, precise, and efficient. But there's something... unsettling about the way he approaches things. It's like he's already figured out the best possible way to deal with any threat, without needing to ask questions."
Superman's voice softened, a tone of concern seeping through. "Look, I get it. You're wondering if he's a friend or foe. Honestly, I'm not sure yet. But there's a part of me that thinks... he's not out to hurt people. He's just playing by his own rules."
Batman's lips curled into a rare, faint smile. "That's exactly what worries me. A man like that doesn't operate without a purpose. He could be an ally—or a wildcard who's too dangerous to ignore."
Superman paused, clearly considering Batman's words. "I can try to talk to him again, maybe get more intel. But for now, if you want to know more about him, you might need to meet him face to face."
Batman's gaze never wavered from the screen as he watched Spider-Man swing away from the scene. The decision weighed heavily on him. He could watch from afar, gather more intel, but there was always the chance that Spider-Man might become more than just a wildcard—he could be a threat, or worse, an uncontrollable force.
"I'll consider it. Keep me posted on any further encounters," Batman replied, his tone as calm and detached as ever. "And if you find anything else on him, let me know. I'll be watching."
With the call ended, Batman's focus returned to the screen. There was a potential ally here, yes. But also a potential threat. And in his world, every unknown was a danger waiting to be unleashed.
He had made his decision. He would be watching Spider-Man closely, waiting for the moment when his path would inevitably cross with the Dark Knight's. And when that moment came, Batman would be ready.