Bab 33: Chapter 31: What happened to the people who controlled the mythical beasts in the end? (2429 words)
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Chapter 31: What happened to the people who controlled the mythical beasts in the end? (2429 words)
Falcone witnessed the League of Assassin's failure through surveillance. He traveled to many countries during his ten years away from Gotham, and his underground instincts allowed him to sense the same surging undercurrent.
The League of Assassin was founded by Ra's al Ghul with the initial intention of creating a better world. However, over the course of 700 years, Ra's al Ghul immersed himself in the Lazarus Pit multiple times, which corroded his mind. His sense of justice gradually shifted, believing that humans were beyond redemption, and a world without them would be the ideal world.
To achieve this, he had the members of the League of Assassin infiltrate various countries, attempting to overthrow the entire world through assassinating world leaders.
Falcone traced his way to Ra's al Ghul, the legendary "Demon's Head," and only by understanding Ra's al Ghul's philosophy of breaking to rebuild did Falcone decide to subvert Gotham.
Because of this, Falcone had an in-depth understanding of the League of Assassin's power, and their shadows were behind many pivotal points in human history.
Batman's ability to defeat Ra's al Ghul changed Falcone's impression of the "vigilante in disguise."
"Not just Batman, these kids are remarkable too."
Seeing Quinn and the others making their way to the elevator, even though Falcone knew they were there to disrupt his plans, he felt gratified.
In the underground world, he played the role of a godfather, and the more exceptional young people, the more he admired them. Just like the Penguin in the beginning, he was the one who invested in the Penguin. Now, seeing Quinn walking the path he had laid out for the Penguin, Falcone couldn't help but feel a sense of cherishing talents.
"They are all rare talents, Roman."
Under the skull-shaped mask, a sneer could be heard. He never thought highly of powerful roles within the police, but at this critical moment, Black Mask didn't want to offend the man who had given him everything.
"Talents under my command are true talents, Mr. Falcone. Do you want them to pledge allegiance to you? I can make it happen."
Falcone waved his hand. "I know what's urgent and what's important. Concentrate your efforts, Roman, you are the one I value the most."
He paused.
"How is its mental state?"
Black Mask appeared at ease. "After a month of hypnosis, its consciousness fell into deep slumber. As soon as its body fully recovers, I can control it to unleash its power and reshape Gotham into the city you desire."
Falcone's eyes gleamed with excitement. He placed his hand on the cold glass, looking at the crimson figure. He could never forget the day when a deep red comet fell into the sea, and the molten lava overflowed, giving birth to an island.
On that day, Falcone witnessed a miracle, and he firmly believed that only miracles brought forth by gods could save the irredeemable Gotham.
"You are the gift bestowed upon Gotham by the gods. After today, Gotham will experience rebirth!"
"Thud, thud, thud."
An intense knocking sound interrupted Falcone's thoughts. He signaled with his eyes, and many mobsters stood guard at the door with their guns.
"Don't worry, sir, the main door is reinforced, and they don't have the authority to come in..."
"Thud, thud, thud!"
The knocking sound grew louder, to the point where no one noticed the faint "drip, drip, drip" sound from the side wall. With the frequency increasing, finally, after an explosion, Robin and Nightwing burst through the wall.
...
The transformation time of 20 seconds is not long enough, just enough for Robin and Nightwing to descend to the ground, while Quinn is being carried down by Manaphy. Manaphy can handle the weight of one person, but it can't fly very fast.
"Let's formulate a plan for what to do later."
Nightwing crouches at the bottom of the elevator shaft, looking at Quinn being floated down by Manaphy using water bubbles.
The Bat Family likes to plan before taking action, following the excellent tradition passed down by Batman. However, this time, Nightwing and Robin decide to follow Quinn's advice.
"Only you understand... uh, the characteristics of these creatures like Pokémon. I'll listen to you."
Damian never argues with professionals in unfamiliar fields. A leader doesn't need to know everything, but utilizing talents is the basis of being a qualified leader.
Quinn is pleased with their cooperation and shares some information with them.
"I'll tell you in advance, Gotham's destruction is inevitable. What we need to do is find a way to minimize the damage. Wayne Enterprises and Gotham Police Department have already done 90% of the work, so we just need to ensure the worst-case scenario doesn't happen."
"As for the plan, I am a cop."
Quinn conjures a anti-material sniper rifle out of thin air. To suppress the chaos in Gotham, Commissioner Gordon has brought out many useful items.
"Surely, priority should be given to ensuring the safety of the hostages."
...
After installing the directional explosive device on the wall, Damian and Nightwing step back to a safe distance.
"Wanna have a competition?" Damian draws out his dual blades.
"What's the wager?" Nightwing sounds relaxed; he doesn't think he'll lose.
"One point for each person knocked down. The loser repairs Batman's aircraft without any help."
"Deal!"
"Boom!"
As the wall breaks open, the two young bats rush into the crowd.
Damian skillfully uses his dual blades to sever the enemies' tendons, a technique he improved from his assassination instincts. It incapacitates the enemies quickly without causing fatal injuries.
On the other hand, Nightwing, using his staff, displays a more violent approach compared to his brother. To ensure each strike knocks out his opponents, he puts considerable force behind each blow.
Their progress is almost identical, with a gap of only about two seconds.
Today, Nightwing particularly enjoys targeting the opponents' lower body, breaking who knows how many legs. In the process, he even experiences phantom pain himself.
The Black Mask's underlings are mostly brainwashed fanatics, fierce and fearless, but their numb minds result in slow reactions.
Though Damian and Nightwing aren't at the level of dodging like the Batman, they remain untouched by the brainwashed puppets. Amidst the flying bullets, the two young bats agilely dodge, harvesting the enemies' vitality.
Falcone quietly admires Damian and Nightwing's performance until the last person falls. He looks at the gap in the wall, but the young man he's most eager to see is still nowhere to be found.
Nightwing gives the last fallen man a final hit, saying, "Ten! Four! I win, Robin."
Damian pouts cutely but quickly eyes Falcone with an unfriendly gaze.
"It's not over yet, Nightwing. This guy is worth three points."
Nightwing doesn't rebuke Damian for changing the rules; he just wields his staff in front of Black Mask.
"Roman, don't interfere with them, please. That kid has some grudge against me."
Black Mask stops, recognizing Nightwing's voice. "The first Robin? Oh, right, you have a new hero name now, Nightwing. Ha, hahaha."
The horrifying skull opens its jaw, and malevolent words spew forth from the dark and deep mouth. "Nightwing, you are just like us, a victim of Batman's insanity. Changing your name and leaving your hometown won't free you from Batman's shadow. We both know there's only one way..."
Black Mask's words are like quiet venomous snakes, each word piercing Nightwing's heart, touching on the thing he is most unwilling to face yet yearns for the most.
Independence, to break free from Batman.
"No, there are many ways. Someday, I will surpass him."
Nightwing fights the Black Mask with his staff and empty hands, and the Black Mask holds his ground without showing any signs of weakness. Nightwing is not surprised because, in hand-to-hand combat, every Gotham villain is somewhat good in these.
After all, Batman's favorite way to greet and interrogate is with his fists. Even if they can't fight, they will get hit multiple times. After all, in combat, the first thing you need to learn is how to take a hit.
The Black Mask sneers, "You can deceive others, but don't deceive yourself. How tough, hateful, and... great Batman is, we villains know better than anyone else. Even if Batman gets old, you won't surpass him. Only through death, complete annihilation, will you have a chance, Robin!"
In the midst of Black Mask's yelling, Nightwing suddenly sees a display window with a tattered cape inside. Through the reflection on the glass, he sees a red and green uniform, Robin's uniform, his uniform.
Nightwing reaches out to touch the cape, but the more he stretches, the farther he gets from it. He's shrinking, and the cape is growing larger.
Until the sound of bat wings flapping, he turns around and sees a figure standing under the searchlight. He desperately runs forward to catch up, but no matter how fast he runs, it's as if he's standing still.
Then the cape descends, covering all the light.
In reality, Nightwing's pupils dilate, and he lowers his staff, allowing Black Mask to hold a small knife against his throat.
"Nightwing, you'll forever be Batman's little sidekick, hm..."
Just like me.
Roman Sionis, the Black Mask, is someone chasing the illusion of Bruce Wayne. He wants to defeat Bruce, defeat Batman, even if it means killing his own parents. He never hesitates.
On the other side, Damian sees Nightwing in danger, but he has no intention of helping.
Falcone notices this and becomes interested. "Aren't you going to help your teammate?"
"My teammate doesn't need help. Dealing with a delusional patient doesn't require assistance. If he does, he's not worthy of being my partner." Damian coldly gazes at Falcone.
"As for you, Carmine Falcone, I have a score to settle with you."
"You didn't attack me directly, so I thought we could negotiate."
Falcone tilts his body and falls down, seeing the slowly appearing bloodstain on his left leg, he laughs heartily.
"You're venting your anger, young man. Why?"
Damian doesn't intend to hide anything. "Because you shouldn't have meddled in my family affairs. Without your influence in the underground world, the League of Assassins couldn't have rooted themselves in Gotham without Batman noticing. My grandfather would have had to spend time building strength."
Plunging the knife into the floor, Damian's eyes are icy.
"By that time, I would have grown enough to intervene in their battles. I'll replace my grandfather as a link between the League of Assassins and Batman. My mother can have her wish fulfilled, and my grandfather can enjoy his later years. As for Batman... I will take up his cape."
Now, everything has been ruined by you. No matter who wins or loses this time, Batman and Ra's al Ghul will both leave me.
Falcone, Roman, do you think I should kill you?"
Falcone listens carefully to Robin's words and firmly shakes his head, "You shouldn't kill me, and you can't kill me either."
Damian nods, "Yes, that's why I placed the knife on the floor. You owe me a life. Can you give up your plan? I promise, I can change Gotham."
Falcone continues to shake his head, "You don't understand, I never intended to survive in the first place. The reason I'm still sitting here is just to wait for someone."
Waiting for Penguin, waiting for Gordon, and also waiting for Quinn. The position in the new world is limited, and he doesn't want to take the place of a young person.
Hearing Falcone's words about being indifferent to life and death, Damian's face darkens.
On the other side, Black Mask hands the small knife to the brainwashed Nightwing. For his own sadistic pleasure, he decides to let Nightwing end his own life.
"Come on, die before Batman. That would be surpassing him, hehehe."
Black Mask bursts into laughter, while Nightwing wears a stern expression. The small knife gets closer to his neck, and just as Nightwing is about to commit suicide, a dazzling flash of electricity explodes at the back of his neck.
The electric shock jolts through his brain, awakening Nightwing's senses. Black Mask curses under his breath as he tries to force Nightwing to commit suicide, but Nightwing grabs his wrist, dislocates it, and throws him to the ground.
"Roman, I grew up and became an adult, but you still haven't learned your lesson," Nightwing casually tosses the small knife aside, "Even Scarecrow has to update his toxin formula regularly. Did you think we wouldn't be able to deal with you just because you have a mask that can influence the mind?"
The method to break brainwashing is very simple – a strong physical stimulus. Nightwing's utility belt always contains a timed electric shock device specifically prepared for Black Mask.
"Roman, I'll give you a choice. Release the mental control over the beast and find a way to pacify it. This can help reduce your sentence."
Black Mask laughs mockingly, "Nightwing, do you think I don't understand the law? I have a sentence of at least five hundred years. Do you think ten years would make a difference!"
Nightwing's heart sinks at his response. If Black Mask refuses to cooperate, there is little hope for the best outcome. It's better to avoid the worst.
He reaches for Roman's mask.
Black Mask is ruthless too. Seeing Nightwing attempting to remove his mask, he ignores the pain and forcefully breaks free, even if it means fracturing his limbs.
But obtaining this momentary freedom is enough for him to focus on awakening the dormant beast.
Nightwing is unable to stop Black Mask in time, and his eyes lose their light. Many people will die next.
Black Mask shouts the name he read from the fragments of the beast's memory.
"Awaken, Gro..."
A piercing bullet penetrates the back of Black Mask's head, causing his brain to explode. The mask, made of an unknown material, lets the bullet pass through from the center of the forehead, leaving only a bullet hole.
The headless body falls, and red and white matter spills out inside the mask, slowly flowing out from the bullet hole...
Outside the wall , the concealed Quinn expressionlessly pulls the bolt of his gun, and the golden cartridge case keeps spinning on the floor.
Ignorance is truly terrifying. Those who use Pokémon for evil deeds never have a good ending.
Moreover, Quinn is not Miss Madonna, he is a policeman, an American policeman, a Gotham policeman!
"Hostages are safe, threats eliminated."
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