Chapter 23: The Rescue of Batman in Progress

Chapter 23: The Rescue of Batman in Progress

The investigation concluded, and everyone returned to the Batcave.

One by one, the photos were uploaded to the computer, displaying scenes from the investigated locations.

Bruce had a habit—whenever he conducted an investigation, he would mark key locations with a unique symbol, one that only his protégés could recognize.

Red Hood Jason frowned and said, "It's unbelievable. Every location has an interlayer between the twelfth and thirteenth floors—a missing floor. You can only reach it through a special elevator button sequence, and the stairwell entrance is sealed off by a solid wall."

Pointing at the arranged photos, Jason was astonished. "It's obvious that this group has been lurking in Gotham for a long time. The earliest building in question was constructed fifty years ago. And judging by the on-site conditions, half of the strongholds have already been abandoned."

In the photos, images of individuals wearing owl masks appeared repeatedly, along with scattered feathers at the windows.

Dick added, "The stronghold in Wayne Tower shows clear signs of a fight. Based on the scene, it was a battle where the outnumbered side was overwhelmed."

In Bruce's usual seat, Allen was now sitting.

At this moment, he interlocked his fingers under his chin, deliberately putting on a deep-thinking expression, and imitated Batman's low voice as he said, "Combining all the clues, the answer is obvious."

Damian asked anxiously, "Who is it?"

Of everyone present, Damian cared the most about Bruce—after all, they were father and son.

Allen swept his gaze across the group with a solemn expression and slowly said, "Harry Potter!"

"...Who?"

Harry Potter?

The name sounded familiar, but no one could recall any relevant information.

"Harry Potter is a wizard from Hogwarts. His messenger is an owl, so he must be the culprit." Allen spoke with absolute conviction.

A wizard?

Why not just say Doctor Strange was behind it?

The five of them felt that Allen was useless in strategizing and was only good for brute force when needed.

Before they could even discuss a plan, Allen had already stood up, full of excitement. "Children, the great king is off to defeat the evil wizard Harry Potter and rescue the princess of the Bat Kingdom, Bruce!"

"..."

The five of them watched Allen hop onto an electric bike, and only one thought ran through their minds—

Get lost, you lunatic.

—

September 8th, Nighttime in Gotham, Light Rain.

Commissioner Gordon stood on the rooftop in a raincoat, activating the Bat-Signal to summon Batman.

Cold raindrops struck Gordon's solemn face.

In the past two days, the number of cases at the police department had risen sharply. The Batman, Gotham's guardian of justice, seemed to have vanished into thin air. If this continued, the city would spiral into chaos.

As the commissioner, Gordon felt immense pressure.

Unfortunately, standing in the rain, he couldn't even smoke a cigarette to ease his nerves.

Gordon glanced at the fake Batman beside him and asked expressionlessly, "Are you narrating a scene?"

"And by the way, I quit smoking years ago."

"You don't smoke?" Allen widened his eyes. "If you don't smoke, and I don't smoke, where does the tax revenue come from? Where does the military budget come from? You're not smoking a cigarette—you're firing bullets at criminals. I suggest you smoke two packs a day for world peace."

"..."

Gordon sighed. He had a feeling he knew who this was.

It had to be that lunatic, Bateman.

Though he had to admit, Allen had improved—at least he actually wore a Batman suit this time. Too bad he gave himself away the moment he spoke.

"I need Batman. The situation is serious," Gordon said gravely.

"Bro, Batman and Wonder Woman are having their wedding on Themyscira. Didn't he invite you to the feast?"

Allen added with a smirk, "Guess your friendship was just for show, huh?"

"..."

Gordon's heart sank.

If he couldn't count on Batman, and this lunatic wasn't taking things seriously, then he had no choice but to rely on himself.

"Gotham is under my watch now."

With that, Allen fired a grappling claw and disappeared into the rain-soaked cityscape.

Despite his reckless demeanor, Allen actually had a concrete plan to find Bruce.

"Time to stir things up—cough, ugh, damn it."

Swinging through the air in the pouring rain, he hadn't even finished his dramatic line before accidentally swallowing a mouthful of water.

—

Earlier That Day.

After much deliberation, Penguin and Riddler felt that Allen's proposal was worth a shot.

The first step was securing a spacious yet affordable location, followed by hiring a professional renovation team to assess whether the modifications could be implemented.

"Oswald, trial operations will include five themes, requiring at least three hundred thousand dollars—one hundred thousand for a year's rent, fifty thousand for props and costumes."

Edward, doubling as their accountant, calculated the initial expenses.

Penguin remained unfazed. "That amount is nothing."

Oswald Cobblepot had the capital to boast—his inherited family fortune placed him among Gotham's wealthiest.

Unlike an aimless rich playboy, however, Oswald was an ambitious entrepreneur.

Of course, his entrepreneurial goal was to establish an underground empire.

"Leave it to me. With your wealth and my intelligence, ruling Gotham is just a matter of time."

Edward was brimming with confidence, though a hint of melancholy crept in. Gotham had birthed yet another mind to rival his own.

Crash!

A figure crashed through the window.

Oswald and Edward, startled, reached for their weapons, ready to deal with the intruder.

"Penguin. Riddler. You have betrayed this city."

The chandelier's dim light cast shadows over the intruder's face, shrouding his expression in darkness. The familiar, menacing atmosphere spread throughout the room.

"Batman! You can't just barge in like this! We haven't done anything!"

Penguin tensed and raised his umbrella, its hidden firearm mechanism ready. He knew Batman's suit was bulletproof, but holding a weapon gave him a sliver of security.

"Batman, you're supposed to stop us after we commit crimes. This is unreasonable."

Edward reached for a drawer, preparing a hidden attack to cover Penguin's escape.

Allen stood with hands on his hips, declaring righteously, "Ever heard of preventative measures?"

"Allen?"

"It's me."

Realizing the misunderstanding, Edward wiped the sweat off his forehead and signaled Penguin to lower his weapon. "Relax, Oswald. It's the Bateman from earlier."

"Scared the hell out of me."

Oswald let out a sigh of relief and set down his umbrella. "I was wondering why Batman had been so quiet the past two days—thought he was secretly watching us."

Allen casually took a seat and said seriously, "Batman's missing. I'm looking for him."

"Really?!"

Oswald burst into laughter. "That's fantastic! No more annoying interference! Gotham is finally mine to control!"

A chill ran down his spine as he noticed Allen's piercing gaze.

"A Gotham without Batman… is it still Gotham?"

"If Gotham has no Batman, does it even deserve to exist?"

Allen's murmured words sent shivers down their spines.

What the hell is he planning?!

Is this maniac going to destroy the city?!

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