Gathering Intel
Chapter 3: Gathering Intel
The Batcave was alive with activity. Batman worked tirelessly at the Batcomputer, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he pulled up data on Nihilith's recent activities. Shirou stood nearby, his arms crossed as he watched the screens flicker with information. The tension in the air was palpable, but both men were focused on the task at hand.
"We need to find a pattern," Batman said, his voice low and gravelly. "Nihilith doesn't act randomly. There's always a reason behind their movements."
Shirou nodded, his eyes scanning the data. "If they're using advanced technology and magic, they might need specific resources to maintain their operations. If we can identify those resources, we might be able to predict their next move."
Batman glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "You're thinking like a strategist. Good. But Nihilith is careful. They've stayed one step ahead of us for months."
As they worked, a sudden alert flashed on the screen. Batman's eyes narrowed as he read the message. "There's been a disturbance at Wayne Enterprises' R&D facility. Unauthorized access, followed by a massive energy spike. It matches Nihilith's signature."
Shirou's eyes hardened. "That's our lead. Let's move."
Batman nodded, already heading toward the Batmobile. "Stay close. We don't know what we're walking into."
---
[Wayne Enterprises R&D Facility]
The Batmobile screeched to a halt outside the Wayne Enterprises facility, its sleek black frame blending into the shadows. Shirou stepped out, his senses on high alert. The building was eerily quiet, but the faint hum of magical energy in the air told him that something was wrong.
Batman moved silently beside him, his cape billowing in the wind. "Stay sharp. Nihilith's operatives are dangerous, and they don't fight fair."
Shirou nodded, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of a projected weapon. As they entered the facility, the scene that greeted them was one of chaos. Security systems were disabled, and the walls were scorched with strange, glowing symbols. The air was thick with the scent of ozone and burnt metal.
"This isn't just a break-in," Shirou said, his voice low. "They were looking for something specific."
Batman's eyes narrowed as he examined the damage. "Agreed. But what?"
Before Shirou could respond, a faint sound caught his attention. He turned, his eyes narrowing as he focused on a nearby corridor. "Someone's here."
Batman nodded, his hand moving to his utility belt. "Let's move."
The two of them moved cautiously down the corridor, their senses on high alert. As they rounded a corner, they were met with a surprising sight—a young woman in a red and black suit, her hands glowing with energy as she faced off against a group of Nihilith's operatives.
"Get back!" she shouted, her voice firm but tinged with desperation. "I won't let you take it!"
Shirou's eyes widened as he recognized her. "Raven?"
The young woman turned, her violet eyes locking onto his. "Who are you? And how do you know my name?"
Before Shirou could respond, one of the operatives lunged at Raven, their weapon crackling with energy. Shirou moved instinctively, projecting Kanshou and Bakuya —the twin swords of Yin and Yang—and intercepting the attack with a swift, precise strike. The operative fell back, their weapon shattered.
Raven stared at him, her expression a mix of surprise and suspicion. "Who are you?"
"Shirou Emiya," he said, his voice steady. "And we're here to help."
Batman stepped forward, his presence commanding attention. "Raven, what's going on? Why are you here?"
Raven hesitated for a moment before answering. "Nihilith is after something in this facility—a prototype device capable of manipulating dimensional energy. If they get their hands on it, they could destabilize the multiverse even further."
Shirou's eyes narrowed. "We can't let that happen."
Raven nodded, her expression grim. "Then we need to stop them. But we're outnumbered, and they're not going down easily."
Shirou glanced at Batman, his resolve hardening. "We'll handle this. Raven, can you track the device?"
Raven nodded. "I can sense its energy signature. It's deeper in the facility."
"Then let's move," Batman said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
---
The trio moved quickly through the facility, their progress marked by the occasional clash with Nihilith's operatives. Shirou's mastery of Kanshou and Bakuya proved invaluable, the twin swords cutting through the enemy's defenses with precision. Raven's magic complemented his abilities, her dark energy neutralizing the operatives' attacks.
As they reached the heart of the facility, they were met with a chilling sight. Nihilith stood in the center of the room, their form cloaked in shadows and their mask shifting like smoke. In their hands was the prototype device, its surface glowing with an ominous light.
"You're too late," Nihilith said, their voice echoing unnaturally. "The device is mine, and with it, I will reshape the multiverse."
Shirou stepped forward, his eyes blazing with determination. "Not if we have anything to say about it."
Nihilith chuckled, a sound that sent a chill down Shirou's spine. "You think you can stop me? You're nothing but a pawn in a game you don't understand."
Before Shirou could respond, Nihilith raised their hand, and the room was filled with a blinding light. The air crackled with energy as the device activated, its power threatening to tear the fabric of reality apart.
Shirou gritted his teeth, his mind racing. He needed to act fast, but his magical energy was still low. As he prepared to unleash his full power, a sudden notification appeared in his mind.
---
—[System Notification: Emergency Quest]—
Quest: Stop Nihilith
Objective: Prevent Nihilith from using the dimensional energy device.
Rewards:
- Restoration of 100% of your magical energy reserves.
- Unlock a new ability: Reality Anchor (temporarily stabilize unstable realities).
- Information on returning to your original world.
Failure: The multiverse will destabilize, leading to catastrophic consequences across all realities.
Accept Quest? [Yes/No]
---
Shirou didn't hesitate. "Accept."
The notification faded, and Shirou felt a surge of energy as the quest was logged into his system. He turned to Batman and Raven, his expression resolute.
"Cover me," he said. "I'm going to stop them."
Batman nodded, his eyes narrowing. "Be careful."
Raven stepped forward, her hands glowing with energy. "I'll back you up."
Shirou took a deep breath, his mind focusing on the task at hand. He reached into his Reality Marble, summoning the full power of **Unlimited Blade Works (Rank EX)**. The air around him shimmered as hundreds of thousands of weapons materialized, their forms glowing with energy.
Nihilith's eyes widened slightly, but they didn't falter. "You think your toys can stop me? You're a fool."
Shirou's eyes hardened. "We'll see about that."
With a swift motion, he unleashed a barrage of weapons, each one aimed with precision. Nihilith raised their hand, deflecting the attacks with a shield of energy. But Shirou didn't stop. He pressed forward, his blades cutting through the shield with relentless force.
Raven joined the fray, her dark energy amplifying Shirou's attacks. Batman moved strategically, using his gadgets to disrupt Nihilith's movements. The battle was fierce, but Shirou's determination never wavered.
As the final blow landed, Nihilith's form began to dissolve, their mask cracking like glass. "This... isn't over," they said, their voice fading into nothingness.
The room fell silent, the device clattering to the ground. Shirou collapsed to his knees, his energy spent. But despite the exhaustion, he felt a sense of relief. They had stopped Nihilith—for now.