Chapter 5: The First Move

Chapter 5: The First Move

The city's heartbeat was changing, and Batman could feel it. Crime didn't disappear—it adapted. And whoever was pulling the strings was good.

Too good.

From the Batcave, Bruce analyzed every recent shift in Gotham's underworld. Bank transactions. Disappearing informants. Bribed officials. The entire system was folding into a singular force—one that didn't have a name yet.

"Who benefits the most?" he muttered.

Selina Kyle had been spotted near old Falcone assets. Strange, considering she never cared much for the mob. The mayor's recent policies had subtly favored criminal businesses—without anyone noticing.

But the real proof was what wasn't happening.

No gang wars. No street-level chaos. No challengers. As if every major figure had already accepted the new order.

Something was wrong.

And then—the Batcomputer flickered.

Interference. A scrambled feed. A cyberattack, but not one meant to destroy—one meant to send a message.

Bruce's screen cleared. A single sentence remained.

"You're already too late."

His eyes narrowed.

Whoever this was… they were bold.

And they wanted him to know it.

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Elsewhere

The moment the message was sent, he leaned back in his chair, watching the encrypted feed.

Selina smirked from across the room. "Told you he'd take the bait."

"He needed to," he replied calmly. "Now, he knows he's chasing a ghost."

[Daily Reward: An Official Metropolis Business License (Valid, Government-Approved)]

He checked the document. Flawless. Untraceable.

"Looks like it's time for expansion," he mused.

Selina arched a brow. "Where to next?"

"Metropolis."

"That's Superman's territory."

A slow smile formed. "Not for long."

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