Flatten images in Powerpoint (VBA or Script Labs)?

After much searching, I couldn't find a PowerPoint-specific group. If this isn't an appropriate place to post, please gently redirect me.

I'm decent in VBA for Excel, less experienced in Powerpoint VBA. CoPilot took me on a long journey before deciding what I wanted to do was not possible in VBA, but good news, it should be possible in Script Labs. After an even longer journey, it finally decided that it is also impossible in script labs. I'd like to get a second opinion...

I have two images (already in the correct z-order) in powerpoint, and would like to 'flatten' them into one image (BMP, or JPG if necessary). The top image is created by a working VBA script, and essentially blurs just a selected section of the main image (this is to hide irrelevant information for use in job aids, like showing a login screen but blurring the actual user name of whomever was logged in to take the screenshot). Sometimes the content is actually confidential, which is why I need to flatten the image(s) instead of just grouping. 

All I need to do is flatten the two images, with the output being a format that I can then use the VBA on a second time (e.g. if I need to blur multiple zones on one image).

My attempts with VBA left me with grouped images (not flattened) or a flattened image that the VBA then couldn't use as input for another round of edits

My attempts with Script Lab were a complete fail, I don't know enough HTML/JS to troubleshoot Copilot suggestions - and despite multiple prompts and fix-it attempts, couldn't get anything working in Script Lab beyond a simple 'hello world'

At the very least, I'd love an expert opinion on whether I should continue to try VBA, Script Lab, or just give up and move on to a bottle of my preferred adult beverage and salty tears. Using o365 enterprise v2509, build 19231.20246 - local powerpoint install

Thank you!