I only found out about this one day before you did.
I'm sorry, Tim, I need to know how far I can go." Colt pressed his forehead against Red Robin's, "Time is running out, I can't stop, because this isn't just my wish alone.
Red Robin stroked Colt's damp hair, tilting his head slightly to kiss his lips, whispered, "Don't apologize to me. You haven't done anything wrong; you saved a world."
Colt wrapped his arms around his neck, reciprocating the kiss. "Does the Justice League know about this? Batman—I mean, is our Batman angry?"
“Mm,” Red Robin tilted his head back slightly, unable to resist pecking Colt's lips again, whispered, “Batman has experienced countless crises more serious than this; his blood pressure is very stable, with no symptoms of neurasthenia or myocardial infarction. I believe this incident won't give him more of a headache than the madmen breaking out of Arkham, after all, it isn't our world that is regressing in time.”
"You don't think restarting the world is a good idea?" Colt mused.
For Earth 50, going back to the turning point to start over wouldn't be any worse than what they had. But our world isn't as bad as theirs; we've faced countless crises and struggled through them. Even if we were to start over with our memories, it wouldn't necessarily be better than what we have now." Red Robin smoothed the furrow between Colt's brows. "We are moving toward the light; we don't need to restart the world.
"What kind of world do you want?" Colt asked.
“This isn't a good place for a conversation, shall we talk later? If we stay any longer, I'm afraid those adults will imagine something inappropriate for children," Red Robin said, leading Colt outside. "Batman—I mean, the Batman of Earth 50—wants to thank you in person."
No need, don't let him come. I just wanted to test my new abilities, not for him." Colt didn't want to hear Batman say thank you, regardless of which Batman it was, "He is the only one who retains his memories and bears the responsibility of correcting the world; he must be very busy.
Colt released Red Robin from the Ghost.
They were gone for a total of 15 minutes.
Everyone cast subtle glances at Red Robin, but only Joseph stared directly at him, pointing out, "The belt is crooked."
If it's crooked, then it's crooked. Saying it in that tone, those people who are experts at overthinking were looking at the sky and the ground, as if they had done something they shouldn't have!
"Can I go home? I have an exam tomorrow, I need to do some reviewing." Colt did not want to stay and undergo interrogation.
Of course you can!" Superman glanced at Batman. "Red Robin brought you here because he wanted to use Kryptonian technology to treat you, not because he wanted to imprison you.
Colt looked at Red Robin.
The skateboard and the Leap Mech are both in Gotham, so take the Batwing," Red Robin said. "Batman is heading to the Watchtower, so I'll fly the Batwing back to drop you off, I'll bring the Treatment Pod along for the ride.
The Batwing is very cool.
If Joseph hadn't taken the co-pilot's seat and instead let Colt sit with the Treatment Pod, Colt would have been even happier.
Colt silently recited the principle that 'what belongs to Batman belongs to Red Robin, what belongs to Red Robin belongs to me,' as he pulled the Batwing into his own Ghost field.
The Batwing was no longer affected by the harsh Arctic climate and flew even faster.
Colt, relying on the fact that the Ghost force field was not in danger and not wearing a seatbelt, leaned directly between the front seats and asked Joseph, "Dad, how long has it been since you last slept?"
Joseph glanced at his son, whose head was nearly resting on Red Robin's shoulder, said, "Not long. Sit properly."
"It will take us an hour to fly back to Gotham, you can sleep first." Colt pulled back and obediently fastened his seatbelt.
Joseph leaned back. "No need, there are no outsiders here. If there's anything you want to know, just ask directly."
I already asked Tim." Hearing the snort, Colt hurriedly pressed further, "Dad, how did you send me to Superman's Krypton Fortress?
Joseph let out another cold snort. 'Good question. Because you were messing around in front of that Quantum Superbrain, you granted Timothy access to the computer room. That's how he was able to spot you fainting and notify me immediately.'
It was chaos outside at the time; Two-Face was causing mayhem in Gotham, time in Metropolis had regressed by two days. I don't know who he went looking for, but he brought back a Blue Gem and a vat of what was said to be a Magic Potion used to stabilize the soul, which reversed your state of blurring, yet you still remained unconscious. To wake you up, I informed the Justice League about your condition, Timothy provided some additional details. Stark wanted to take you to New York to use the Life Cradle, but Superman believed Krypton's research into Phantom Space was more suited to your situation. The Fortress of Solitude has higher security, so your treatment plan was carried out there.
I don't think Timothy loves you all that much. Even with you lying there unconscious, he still gets at least four hours of sleep a day—he sleeps more soundly than anyone." Joseph let out a yawn. "He left you in the Arctic and went back to Gotham to sleep, making Superboy drive you back and forth every day. Even if you do wake up, you won't even be excited.
Colt stared intently at the back of Red Robin's head: "Dad, you don't understand. Tim went back to Gotham to sleep because he loves me."
He sleeps so that he can meet me in his dreams! Even though he didn't see me, he saved up six treasure chests for me!
Joseph looked at his son, who was clearly intoxicated by love, rolled his eyes. He didn't have the strength to say anything more; his head tilted to the side as he fell fast asleep.
Dad, Robin Bird..
Colt didn't let the voice finish and cut it off directly.
Joseph was snoring. Judging by the dark circles under his eyes, let alone not sleeping for three meals a day, he probably hadn't closed his eyes for three days.
You've been unconscious for seven days, he hasn't slept for seven days," Red Robin said softly. "Birdie is at Wayne Manor, Alfred is helping us look after it, with Damian there, its days are very full.
The Batwing hovered above Oak Tree Manor. Colt used his Spiritual Power to carry Joseph and the Treatment Pod off the aircraft, then turned back to look at Red Robin. "Aren't you coming with us?"
"No thanks, I'm going back to the Batcave first to write a report, then I'll head to the Watchtower to have a chat with Batman from Earth 50. The exam review materials are in your inbox. See you later at the usual place." Red Robin was a natural-born workaholic, taking on all the cleanup work for Colt.
See you tonight.
Colt carried the fast-asleep Joseph back to his room, took off his shoes and outer clothing, placed them on the bed and covered him with the quilt, then began a thorough cleaning of the house.
The sweeping robots and vacuum cleaners were all set to work, expired food was cleared out of the refrigerator, the yellowing crystal chandelier was cleaned with Spiritual Power.. Tomorrow, an invigilator would be coming to the house, a thorough cleaning was the highest etiquette for welcoming a guest.
An acceptance form indicating passing the examination checkpoint was posted on the door of the children's room on the first floor, which listed tomorrow's examination location inside. The entire room contained only a single desk and a laptop.
Colt checked all the holographic projector lenses, tested the portable miniature holographic projectors, calibrated the synchronization rate of the avatars.. The interactive holographic technology was already very advanced; as long as one didn't attack forcefully, even if they touched it, they wouldn't be able to tell the difference from a real person. If one wore normal clothes and gloves, it would look even more real.
In this era of American dollars, Father had already stuffed enough money into the system that even if a monkey were taking the exam tomorrow, the proctor would still sign Little Reed's verification form. However, Colt still maintained the mindset of "Du Zhe," believing that a student should respect the examination.
Colt finished all his preparations before finally hopping on a skateboard to pick up Birdie.
As soon as he stepped out the door, a small red shadow rushed into his arms like a cannonball, hitting his chest so hard it actually hurt.
Chirp
Birdie rolled around in Colt's arms, protesting loudly.
Colt gave Birdie both kisses and nuzzles, promising snacks and television, finally coaxing the bird to calm down.
He stroked the tiny Robin Cape on Birdie's back, as well as the miniature camera hanging around its neck, which was transmitting intermittent sounds.
“.. Signal.. come back..”
Colt added the miniature surveillance signal to the trusted signals, Damian's voice became clear.
Come back, Robin Bird, I told you that you can't leave my sight when you go out.
Birdie tilted its head, covered the surveillance camera with its wings, tucked its head into Colt's neck.
Colt thought Damian would be angry, but the other man only paused, his voice devoid of anger.
“You found Ghost?”
Colt gently patted Birdie, leading him down the mountain, found Damian at the entrance of Oak Tree Manor, who was riding a bicycle with a backpack on.
Damian stood with one foot on the ground, gazing toward the hilltop, his expression looking rather unhappy.
Colt released Birdie from the Ghost field and moved the bird onto the handlebars of Damian's car. "Hello, Damian. Thanks for helping me look after Robin Bird. I'll treat you to dinner."
"Sure." Damian straightened the Robin Bird's crooked cape and pedaled his bike up the hill.
Because there was a vegetarian little guest, Colt made quesadillas and apple pie, then cooked millet porridge, also fried taro balls and bananas.
Damian looked at the vegetarian food and said earnestly, "You can eat meat."
He wasn't an extreme vegetarian; he never cared what the person sitting at the same table was eating.
Colt stirred the millet porridge, "It's not because of you, but I can only eat porridge right now."
Birdie ate millet, apple slices, banana ends.
Damian finished all of his food and also patted Birdie's belly, supervising the bird to ensure it didn't pick at its food or overeat.
Colt cleared the tray and prepared a glass of milk for Damian.
Damian possessed the poise of Batman, pulling a file from his schoolbag and placing it on the table.
Regarding the upbringing of a Robin, I have a proposal I'd like to discuss with you.
Colt pulled out a pen to use as a page turner, finding that this was a serious training plan for Robin Bird, it contained no spelling errors.
The Robin Bird's potential is immense; it has already learned stealth, evasion, weak-point attacks." Despite his young age, Damian's presence was incredibly reliable. "The Robin Bird has a strong desire to help others. I hope it can be Red Robin's little assistant; I will be responsible for its safety.
Colt looked at the bird, which was still shaped like a ball.
Birdie naturally nudged its way to Damian's cup to drink milk. Damian didn't mind the bird either, sharing the same cup of milk with it.
As long as Robin Bird agrees, I won't stop him in principle, though I'll still need to consult the other parent. I'll give you an answer before Easter," Colt answered seriously after finishing the documents. "During this time, I will supervise his training according to your schedule. On weekends, I'll send him to Wayne Manor for you to look after him. How does that sound?
"That works. You are willing to respect a bird's wishes; you are a good owner." Damian did not offer thanks, for praise was his highest form of respect.
The oven let out a "ding" and stopped working.
Colt took out the freshly baked animal cookies and picked out the ones shaped like bats and birds to put into a box.
Give these to your family for me. Thank you for looking after Robin Bird for me.
It was late, because Alfred had been notified in advance, the car sent to pick up Damian had already arrived at the entrance.
Duke was the driver.
Colt helped Damian into the car, asked Duke, who was busy putting a bicycle into the trunk, to wait a moment, then brought three boxes of glasses from the basement to give to Duke—a low-end version of the Quantum Terminal, a byproduct of research.
Smart glasses. One box is for you, please deliver the other two to Spider-Man and the Armory. Thank you for your past trust in Ghost.
Duke didn't expect to receive a gift and thanked him repeatedly, promising that he would definitely deliver the gifts into their hands.
The Robin Bird really liked Damian, chirping incessantly while perched on the car window ledge. Even after the car had left, it kept flapping its wings and flying down to the foot of the hill, only returning once Damian waved to him.
When I'm not home in the future, when Mom and Dad are busy, how about I send you to his house, okay?" Colt stroked the bird as it burrowed back into his arms. "You can just leave your luggage at their house, so next time you go, you won't need to bring your nest and toys again.
The bird had no objection, pressing its fluffy little head against Colt's face.
Sleep with me tonight." Colt gently pinched the solid little bird, "Rub against me more to absorb some power, strengthen your constitution, become a Super Red Robin.
Birdie flapped its wings and flew away as if having received a critical command. Colt tidied up the kitchen and placed Joseph's dinner in a thermal pot. Birdie returned, clutching a large rat and carrying a flower in its beak.
The rat's head had a hole pecked in it, its body was covered in several bloody scratches.
Colt held the bird while it bathed, warning it never to peck at someone's eyes with such sharp beaks again, as they could easily blind a person.
Birdie flapped its wings, splashing water all over Colt's face and head, yet the bird showed no remorse. It lightly pecked at Colt's wrist, then pecked his nose again, before jumping onto his head and making scratching motions.
The bird was demonstrating the weak points Red Robin had taught him, as well as its precise control over its strength.
Birdie is much better than before!
In the past, the bird spent every day either watching television or eating snacks; he was mocked by his companions for being fat, lost every fight with his own kind until he was plucked bald, couldn't even find a mate during breeding season, leaving him to sulk in depression at home.
Colt discussed Damian's Robin Bird training program with Timothy, while drying the cleaned Birdie, completing the affectionate nuzzling ritual, then tucking the bird into his pocket before heading back down to the third basement level once more.
The Quantum Superbrain appeared unchanged, the Earth Simulator was still running, but it had switched to a new Earth.
Batman has not yet been born on Earth 1736; Bruce is just a cocky middle school student.
Colt pulled up the code for Earth 1735.
Lord World—no, it should be said that the prosperity level of Earth 50 is far from meeting the standards for restarting a new sphere. Perhaps the conditions for restarting a new sphere are not world destruction, meeting prosperity standards, or Batman's retirement, but rather the Earth Simulator gaining complete control over that world.