Kapitel 41: Chapter 41 Prepare to Feel Pain

The mysterious third party lurking in the shadows was none other than Anton, controlling a unique suit of armor remotely from Los Angeles—the GCPD's Mechanical Bat Suit, also known as the "Rabbit Armor."

Though it retained some bat-like features, the long ears on the helmet resembled those of a rabbit, giving it its nickname.

The suit had two massive mini-rocket launchers on its shoulders, and its design made it more like a compact mech than an exoskeleton. Visually, it was quite different from the basic Batman suit that Anton had initially acquired.

Anton knew that the more specialized suits he unlocked, the greater the differences between the standard and special suits would become.

Interestingly, the Rabbit Armor wasn't among the well-known Batman suits—it didn't belong to Bruce Wayne but rather to James Gordon, Batman's trusted ally, and the commissioner of Gotham.

This story took place in the New 52 universe, born from the "Flashpoint" event, where Flash altered the timeline, plunging the world into chaos. While Flash tried to correct things, Dr. Manhattan manipulated events in the background, leading to the creation of the New 52 universe.

After the "Endgame" event, Bruce Wayne lost his memories of being Batman and the trauma of his parents' death. He became a cheerful volunteer and lived a blissful life with his first love.

But Gotham still needed a Batman.

So James Gordon volunteered to step up, becoming the chosen one.

To fulfill the role, the GCPD crafted a Batman suit to replace Bruce Wayne's presence—the Rabbit Armor.

This suit could be piloted by a person or operate autonomously and remotely, making it a formidable asset.

Priced at 8 million Justice Points, Anton, flush with 10 million Justice Points, didn't hesitate to buy it.

At that very moment, while attending a party in Los Angeles, Anton was multitasking, remotely piloting the Rabbit Armor.

In "Batman Mode," Anton had access to all of Bruce Wayne's skills.

Multitasking wasn't a challenge for Batman.

For caution, Anton had moved to a secluded corner by a window at the party, avoiding any interruptions. The high-profile attendees didn't bother him either.

In the Empire State Building.

The Rabbit Armor moved silently through the narrow corridor, unnoticed by Carlos and the Brotherhood members engaged in their standoff.

Anton's true target, however, was none of these people.

His sights were set on Sloan, the leader of the Brotherhood.

The others were just collateral.

Sloan was elusive, and the High Table's intelligence only tracked Fox and her team. Sloan remained beyond their reach.

Still, capturing these operatives served Anton's purpose.

More importantly, Batman's appearance in public was crucial tonight.

This way, he could create a clear contrast between himself in Los Angeles and Batman in New York, dispelling any online rumors linking him to Batman.

Suddenly, gunfire erupted.

Carlos, who had defected from the Brotherhood, was now clashing with its active members.

Bullets flew in impossible arcs.

Carlos anticipated the bullets' trajectories, dodging them while returning fire.

This was thanks to a surge in adrenaline that made his heart an "engine," enabling him to develop "bullet time" and "curving bullets" abilities.

In this world, bullet-curving, bullet-time, long-range sniping, super-adrenaline bursts, and 360-degree shooting capabilities were all part of an assassin's skillset known as "gun-fu."

Both sides were incredibly skilled, knowing each other's tactics well. They cautiously fought while keeping a tactical distance.

Through the Rabbit Armor's vision, Anton observed both groups, noting their astonishingly advanced gun-fu skills.

To be able to wield a weapon with such mastery was a testament to their exceptional talents.

But in a world full of talent, assassins were no exception.

In the midst of the gunfight, one of the Brotherhood members was hit, while Carlos remained unharmed.

Fox and the others exchanged grim looks, gritting their teeth.

"Pursue him!"

"We can't let him escape!"

They resolved to end things with Carlos tonight.

If this many of them couldn't take down Carlos, not only would the Brotherhood's reputation suffer, but Carlos would become an even greater legend in the assassin world—a result Fox and her team couldn't tolerate.

Gunfire echoed through the Empire State Building.

Alarms blared throughout the building.

The police would arrive soon, but neither Carlos nor Fox's team could care less. They were both determined to finish each other off tonight.

Missing this opportunity meant losing their best shot.

From his control station in Los Angeles, Anton knew it was time for the Rabbit Armor to make its entrance.

The Rabbit Armor burst through a wall, debris scattering as it blocked Carlos's escape path.

"Who's there?" Carlos gasped, instinctively firing his gun.

Clang!

The bullets bounced off the suit's metal, producing a harsh, metallic sound.

For gun-fu experts like Carlos, firearms were their primary weapons. Without them, most of their abilities were useless.

Seeing that his bullets were ineffective, Carlos was struck with fear, his pupils narrowing.

After a few more shots that stirred up the dust and airflow, he realized that this wasn't a person—it was something armored in steel.

Carlos wasn't sure if someone was inside, but he suspected it.

"Who are you?" he demanded, nearly forgetting about the Brotherhood assassins behind him.

"If you can tell me Sloan's location, I'd be happy to answer your question," Anton's voice echoed from the Rabbit Armor's speaker.

Hearing the deep, electronic tone, Carlos's gaze sharpened. "If you're here to cause Sloan trouble, I'd be happy to help."

"Looks like you don't actually know," Anton noted, instantly recognizing that Carlos was just stalling to find a way out.

The Rabbit Armor responded with a punch.

The force was powerful, almost alarming.

Carlos dodged, but the massive figure advanced, using its size to shove him back.

Just then, the Brotherhood members arrived.

"Who's this?"

They looked at Carlos on the ground, then turned to the imposing Rabbit Armor, hesitating to attack.

"Wait… are you Batman?" Fox furrowed her brow, vaguely recognizing the shape of the Rabbit Armor.

As the figure who had suddenly defeated the Continental Hotel assassins, Batman's name resonated louder in the assassin world than any Hollywood star's, even rivaling top assassins who had been in the industry for years.

Someone bold enough to challenge the Continenta lHotel , sweeping through all its assassins, and humiliating the High Table wasn't just rare—there had been none before.

Yes, before Batman, there had been none.

The first was always the most memorable.

"I'm glad you recognize me, Fox," the electronic voice replied as the Rabbit Armor's red eyes scanned each Brotherhood member, comparing them to the information in Anton's database. "If you surrender and tell me where Sloan is, you'll spare yourself a lot of pain."

"Dream on," the Mechanic sneered, glaring coldly at the towering figure. "Don't think hiding in an iron suit makes you invincible. We're not the Continental Hotel regular lackeys!"

"Very well," the Rabbit Armor replied, clanging its fists together.

Though the mask showed no expression, the sound conveyed a sense of finality, almost as if it expressed regret.

"Then prepare to feel pain."