The Watchtower war room hummed with low tones and the staccato clacks of boots against steel. I stood in the middle, arms folded, gaze fixed on the new table, a slick, obsidian surface embedded with glinting symbols and throbbed lines of code more otherworldly than human.
Bruce didn't even attempt to conceal his incredulity. "This doesn't appear to be any technology I've ever seen. Not from Earth, Krypton, or Apokolips."
It's not," I said, rapping on the interface. "It's mine."
Superman and Wonder Woman stood on either side of him. Flash, Green Lantern, Hawkgirl, and Martian Manhunter stood close behind, all of them looking at me as if I were going to declare myself a god once more. Zatanna and Raven had stood by me since the magic crisis, but the others still walked carefully.
I didn't blame them.
"This system's named Eidolon," I described. "It combines quantum spellcraft, hyper-dimensional code, and cosmic energy mapping. Imagine it as tactical divination, anticipatory combat simulations, shield harmonization, and strategic spell-infused tech. In short: it makes you better."
Flash raised an eyebrow. "Better how? Like 'upgrade-your-suit' better? Or 'accidentally-breach-reality' better?"
"Hopefully the first. Probably both."
Lantern scowled. "You expect us to trust it? After the last time someone offered us 'gifted enhancements'"
"Lex Luthor was that," I interrupted. "I'm not Lex."
No one said a word. Then Diana moved forward, eyes fixed. "Show us."
I nodded once and powered up the room. Holographic displays burst to life blueprints, energy signatures, and target projections. Then came the actual tech. Seven armored cases burst forth from the floor, each one designed for an individual League member.
For you," I told him, turning to Batman first. "Neural sync visor with stealth field, enhanced by shadow-threaded nanofiber. Think quicker, move stealthier, strike harder."
He opened the case. Said nothing, but his gloved hand lingered longer than needed over the equipment. Not rejection. Consideration.
"Flash." I gave him a set of chromatic bands. "Chrono-reactive bracers. It allows you to bypass microseconds. Essentially, you punch before someone even knows you've moved."
"Oh hell yes.
"Diana" I faced her. "These are Celestial Gauntlets. Adjust to your lasso, shield, and sword. Absorb divine power. Store it. Release it."
Her lips parted slightly as she slipped one on. "It vibrates like the ancient magics of Themyscira."
"They're derived from them."
John Stewart glared at his case. "You altered my ring?"
No. I gave it a twin." I opened the tin. Inside was a tiny black ring with green circuits snaking across it like vines. "It taps multiversal ley lines. Serves as a backup battery and boosts willpower harmonics."
He whistled low. "Okay. Impressed."
They tested each one, one at a time. One at a time, their skepticism grew thin.
So then I addressed the table once more. "That's the battle technology. But it's more than equipment. It's a system. Threat analysis, real-time communication, even magical contagion warnings. If something goes wrong, you'll know beforehand."
Hawkgirl crossed her arms. "Why grant us this now?"
I returned her stare. "Because the storm's coming. Cosmic war. Divine comeback. Groups of rogue gods and fallen angels already stalk the shadows. You saw what went down in the last skirmish we were one heartbeat from losing everything."
"And this technology keeps us safe?" Superman asked, tone inscrutable.
"No," I replied. "We keep us safe. But this gives us a chance to do it without losing half the team on every op."
J'onn moved forward, his voice steady. "You're preparing us for more than war. You're preparing us to encounter what you already have."
"I am."
Silence this time, but not of suspicion, but comprehension.
"Alright," Bruce finally grumbled, securing the visor onto his cowl. "Let's see what your alien wizard gadgets can do."
I didn't smile. Not yet.
But for the first time in weeks. It felt like we were finally playing like a team.