章節 117: CHAPTER 115
[Tom Hendricks POV]
The room hummed with anticipation as the members gathered around their respective screens. I observed the tension in their postures and the flicker of curiosity in their eyes. It was as though an invisible current pulsed through the room, connecting each of them to the hidden possibilities that awaited.
"Welcome, everyone," I began, breaking the thick silence that hung in the air. "I'm sure you're all wondering why I called you here today." The words tumbled out, infused with a hint of mystery.
Santo Cassamento, his eyes gleaming with excitement, couldn't contain his enthusiasm. "You've piqued our curiosity, boss. That email of yours made it sound like missing this meeting would be the biggest mistake of our lives," he said, a mischievous grin playing on his lips, followed by a chorus of murmurs from the others, their hopes and expectations swirling in the air.
"Silence!" commanded Deathstroke, his voice cutting through the room like a knife. The sheer authority in his tone silenced the gathering, reminding them of the hierarchy in which they stood. The room fell still, save for Carmine Falcone, who attempted to restore a sense of calm.
"Let us not jump to conclusions, my friends," Carmine intervened, his voice smooth and commanding. "Stay composed and hear what our esteemed Ghost has to say. He wouldn't waste our time or his own on trivial matters." His words carried an air of wisdom and experience, soothing the unrest that had briefly sparked.
"Very well," I replied, acknowledging Carmine's attempt to regain order.
"A war is looming on the horizon—a battle between villains and heroes," I revealed, watching their faces freeze as the weight of the impending conflict settled upon them. Yet, some were already fixated on my mention of expanding their businesses to new cities, their minds momentarily distracted by thoughts of personal gain.
"War?" they collectively uttered, their voices laced with a mix of curiosity and concern. Deathstroke, however, remained composed, his gaze fixed on the screen as if he had already anticipated the news.
"Yes, a war," I affirmed. "I cannot provide you with all the details, but Lex Luthor and his Legion of Doom are about to plunge the heroes into a chaotic struggle. This presents us with a rare opportunity to expand our operations, to move goods discreetly while the heroes are preoccupied, and even the police are overwhelmed."
"But not all of you will be able to proceed with this expansion," I continued, my gaze sweeping across the room, assessing their reactions. "Only those who desire power, not just money, will be able to ascend with me as I climb the ladder. Those unable to keep pace with my ambitions will find their businesses ripe for the taking."
Their eyes locked with mine, and I could discern the hunger for power in some, while others remained fixated on material gain and status. Money had its allure, but power held the key to controlling one's destiny, to transcending the limitations of the ordinary citizens.
"I stand with you," one of the mob bosses declared, lighting a Cuban cigar and savoring the moment. "You have proven time and again that you deliver. How can I reject an offer from a man who has consistently exceeded expectations? It's like denying a child a new flavor of candy, even when it promises to become their favorite."
A murmur of agreement swirled through the room, voices blending in harmony. Each member recognized the unparalleled opportunity I had presented—a chance to seize more power, wealth, and control. It was a symbiotic relationship, a pact forged in ambition and shared desire.
"Very well," I concluded, my voice laced with satisfaction. "Send me your ideas for expanding your businesses and the chosen cities. I will carefully analyze each proposal and develop strategies to facilitate the movement of goods and establish our influence in these new territories."
As I wrapped up the meeting, a sly smirk played upon my lips, mirroring the greedy looks on their faces. Their imaginations ran wild, envisioning the wealth and power that awaited them. The room buzzed with a renewed sense of purpose, as if the meeting had breathed life into their ambitions.
In the following days, emails flooded my inbox, filled with detailed plans and ambitious visions. Each member sought to outshine the others, eager to prove their worth and secure their place in the expanding empire. I studied their proposals meticulously, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and began formulating the master plan that would guide our operations.
The war between villains and heroes loomed ever closer, like an approaching storm. But within this chaos, I saw opportunity—an opportunity to thrive, to reshape the criminal underworld, and to solidify our grip on power. I knew that in this ruthless world, one had to seize every advantage, leverage every moment, and stay one step ahead of the competition.
…
Now that the meeting was done and dusted, I needed to contact Batman and inform him of Legion's movement. It won't be a fair war if the Legion takes the world by surprise, most of all the Justice League.
In this messed-up world I now called home, options were limited. Ratting out the villains seems like the smoothest move compared to living under Lex Luthor's tyranny and Gorilla Grodd's insanity. I've mulled it over a thousand times, searching for the slickest way to contact the Bat. But every idea that pops up is either pulling off a heist to make him come to me or using the damn Bat signal. Walking to the Wayne residence wasn't a smart move either.
The signal ain't a bad idea, I gotta admit. But I don't wanna come off all goody-two-shoes, like I'm ready to help the heroes whenever snap their fingers, or play by their book. Screw that nonsense. I'd rather rock the villain label and have 'em all hate me than be buddy-buddy with the League.
Then it hits me like a lightning bolt. The perfect scheme to lure him out, grab his attention, give the information and make the heroes dance to my tune. I'm gonna swipe a juicy piece of tech straight from Wayne Enterprises. That's gonna be my ticket to our little tête-à-tête.
So as night falls and the city sinks into shadows, I gear up for the gig. No need for elaborated prep or intricate plans. It's all about one thing: grabbing that sweet tech and setting the stage for our encounter.
…
As I surveyed the towering edifice of Wayne Enterprises, a sly grin curled on my lips. The moon cast an ethereal glow upon the building, illuminating my path towards the heist that would catch the Dark Knight's attention. The legion of doom's impending attack weighed heavily on my mind as I wouldn't want Lex Luthor to have his way, and I knew Batman was the key to tipping the scales and making the heroes plan their move.
With calculated ease, I scaled the walls of the company, my nimble fingers finding purchase in the crevices of the building's facade. Evading security systems that would have deterred lesser criminals, I maneuvered through the shadows, my movements as fluid as a dancer.
Upon reaching the top floor, I slipped into the highly secured research and development wing. The room pulsated with technological marvels, each one a potential tool for my endeavors. My gaze fell upon a prototype device, a cutting-edge creation that would surely draw Batman's attention. With practiced dexterity, I disarmed the security measures, bypassing each obstacle as if it were a mere inconvenience.
As I cradled the stolen tech in my gloved hands, a thought crossed my mind—a tracker embedded within. Wayne Enterprises never missed an opportunity to keep tabs on their prized possessions, and Batman would undoubtedly follow its signal straight to me. The thought brought a mischievous twinkle to my eyes; I was playing a dangerous game, but then again, so was he.
Leaving a mocking calling card behind, I vanished into the night, taking refuge atop a nearby rooftop. The city sprawled before me, a labyrinth of lights and shadows. I chose a perch beside a looming gargoyle, its stone visage mirroring my own inscrutable facade.
Time stretched out, the minutes melding into eternity as I awaited the arrival of the Caped Crusader. A cool breeze brushed against my face, the night air carrying a sense of anticipation. Half an hour passed, but still I waited, knowing he would definitely make an appearance.
Then, as if summoned by the very essence of darkness itself, Batman materialized behind me. His presence was unmistakable—an embodiment of his so-called justice, of hardcore determination. A whispered chuckle escaped my lips as I turned to face him, the moonlight casting a halo around his solemn figure.
"Hey there, Batsy," I greeted him, my voice dripping with casual nonchalance. "I've been waiting for you."
============
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章節 118: CHAPTER 116
There I stood, perched on a rooftop high above the sprawling skyline of Gotham City, with the Dark Knight himself standing before me. I casually greeted him, but he responded with his typical scowl and a stony silence.
"Come on now, don't be so broody. I know you've been itching to find me, and here I am, right in front of you." I sauntered around him in playful circles, then leaned in close to his ear and whispered, "Feel free to ask those burning questions that have your gears turning."
"You intentionally stole Wayne-tech to lure me out, didn't you?" His voice rumbled low and menacing. But I wasn't one to be intimidated by such. If they labeled me a villain, then I would be the freest soul out there, second only to Lex Luthor, who had made a sport out of defying the law.
"You could say that," I replied, relishing in his impatience.
"So, what do you want? What are your motives?" he asked bluntly, his tone lacking any semblance of courtesy.
"Well, that's not a very polite way to ask for something, is it?" I shot back, savoring his annoyance.
"I don't do polite," he retorted sharply.
"I know, I was just trying to have a little fun before things got serious," I replied, feeding off his seriousness.
"it's already serious ," he snapped. "I'm not in the mood for games. Why did you attack the Young Justice and leave them gravely injured? Are you just another villain who enjoys hurting heroes for sport?"
"Wow, wow, slow down, Batsy," I said, raising a hand dismissively. "First off, they attacked me first, so let's call it self-defense. And secondly, I thought they needed a taste of reality. Not everyone they encounter will treat them like kids playing heroes, only to be beaten by them in the end." I paused for a moment, a smirk playing at the corner of my lips. "I guess you could say it was my way of saying, Welcome to the real world, kids."
"You went too far," he growled, his voice tinged with anger.
"Not far enough," I retorted, my voice dripping with nonchalance. "They're lucky I have a 'no-killing heroes' policy. But if they push their luck one more time, I can't say I'll hold back as much as I did that night. Some might just have to retire from the hero business."
Batman fell into a brief silence, seemingly processing my every word, attempting to decipher my true intentions. My masked visage concealed any telltale signs of my youth, and my voice provided no indication of my actual age. My body language exuded a confidence uncharacteristic of most criminals, a defiance that challenged even the darkest corners of his psyche.
"You're still a criminal, a villain. And I will make you pay dearly for your crimes," he declared, though it seemed he had no immediate intention of engaging in combat. Perhaps he wanted to understand me better, to delve into the mind behind the mask before taking any action.
"A criminal, I can accept," I mused, my voice carrying a touch of amusement. "But a villain? Nah, that's not really my style. I'm the kind of guy who does whatever I feel like, whenever I feel like it. You could say I'm the freest person out there, unlike those bound by duties and selfish desires, be they heroes or villains."
I strolled a few paces away, gazing out over the city below, as I continued, "And why would you call me a criminal or a villain? Is it because I stole some high-tech gadgetry before getting attacked by those kids? Please, do you have any actual evidence of me pilfering such tech?" I asked, savoring the brief silence that followed before continuing. "No, I didn't think so. And as for Green Lantern, well, he got a bit too cocky, and I simply showed him his place. As for Sinestro, he wanted me dead, and I had no choice but to end him first. Let's just say it was self defense."
"Doesn't sound like one to me, there's always a choice." Batman insisted, his voice stern. "You can't go around killing people as if their lives don't matter."
"Ah, there it is," I chuckled, impressed by his unwavering commitment to his moral code. "The hypothetical sense of justice that you heroes embody. But let me ask you this: If I hadn't ended Sinestro, you know hundreds more would have perished at his hands down the line. It was a logical decision to stop him, to save the lives of countless innocents."
"There is always a choice," Batman repeated, his voice firm. "You can't justify taking a life, if we do so then what differentiates us from the villains."
"Simple, my caped crusader friend," I replied, my tone dripping with nonchalance. "Your conscience is what sets you apart from the villains you hunt. But by limiting yourself, by holding back, you're preventing yourself from truly protecting this city, even the world."
"That's easy for you to say," he retorted, his voice tinged with frustration. "You kill without remorse, without considering the piece of your soul that erodes with each life you take."
"I don't expect you to understand," I shrugged, my voice cool and indifferent. "You've been trapped in this delusion of yours for far too long, Batman. But enough of that. Let's focus on the reason I lured you out tonight."
"As I suspected, you did all this just to have a conversation with me," Batman said, taking a cautious step forward, his dark cape billowing in the night wind.
"Normally, I couldn't care less about what heroes or villains do, as long as it doesn't senselessly claim the lives of innocent bystanders or affect me in any way," I remarked. "But I felt compelled to warn you about an imminent attack that could leave the world dumbfounded if you heroes aren't prepared."
"An attack? What kind of attack?" Batman inquired, his voice now tinged with a hint of curiosity.
"Well, more like a hostile takeover, really," I smirked. "Lex Luthor and his so-called Legion of Doom are planning to use Gorilla Grodd's psychic abilities to control anyone who stands in their way of world domination. And that includes you, the heroes."
"That's impossible," Batman retorted, a touch of skepticism in his voice. "Grodd's psychic powers can't reach such a wide range or affect multiple minds simultaneously."
"For the mad genius Lex Luthor, nothing is impossible," my tone suddenly turning into a serious one as I emphasized on it. "Assuming my information is accurate, he still needs to complete the construction of a psychic amplifier. Once it's ready, I have no doubt he'll set his plans into motion."
"Suppose I believe you," Batman mused, his voice more measured now. "How did you come by this information, and why are you telling me?"
"I won't reveal my sources," I replied, a hint of mystery in my voice. "Believe it or not, that's your choice. But consider this a non-friendly heads-up. What you do with the information is up to you. I simply thought the heroes should be prepared."
With those final words, I slowly rose into the air, my gaze fixed on Batman for a lingering moment before disappearing into the depths of the night sky, leaving Batman standing on the rooftop, his mind spinning with the weight of the information I had just shared.
As I vanished into the darkness, I couldn't help but relish in the enigma I had created. The cool night air whipped against my mask as I soared through the Gotham skyline, a grin tugging at the corners of my lips. The conversation with Batman had played out just as I had anticipated, leaving him with more questions than answers. I reveled in the uncertainty I had sown, for mystery was my playground.
…
Meanwhile, down below, Batman stood silently, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts and calculations. He knew better than anyone the importance of being prepared, of staying one step ahead of the villains that threatened his city and the world. The information Ace had shared resonated within him, despite his initial skepticism.
As Ace vanished into the night sky, leaving Batman standing alone on the rooftop, a mix of frustration and astonishment washed over him. He had underestimated the mysterious figure resourcefulness and cunning. While their conversation unfolded, Batman had attempted to place a tracker on Ace, hoping to gain some insight into his location, identity and motives. But as he reached for his utility belt to confirm the tracker's signal, all he found was the device lying discarded on the rooftop.
A surge of annoyance coursed through him. Ace had managed to outsmart his surveillance, slipping away undetected. It was a testament to his skills and elusiveness. Batman prided himself on his ability to track down criminals and gather information, yet this enigma had effortlessly slipped through his fingers.
With a brooding gaze fixed upon the empty rooftop, he couldn't help but admire Ace's audacity. He had the audacity to stand before him, taunt him, and then vanish into the darkness, leaving nothing but unanswered questions in he's wake. It was a display of confidence and nonchalance that he rarely encountered.
But admiration couldn't overshadow the urgency of the situation. Ace's warning about Lex Luthor and the Legion of Doom echoed in Batman's mind. Despite the frustration of their escape, he couldn't ignore the gravity of their message. His duty as the Dark Knight compelled him to act swiftly and decisively.
Batman clenched his fists, his mind racing through various scenarios. Lex Luthor and Gorilla Grodd, two formidable villains who had wreaked havoc before, now joined forces to execute a plan of global domination. The thought sent a chill down his spine. Their combined intellect and power posed a threat unlike any he had faced.
He swiftly tapped his gloved fingers against his utility belt, activating a hidden communicator. A voice echoed in his earpiece, Alfred's calm and loyal tone cutting through the tense atmosphere.
"Master Wayne, have you encountered any difficulties? Shall I prepare the necessary resources?"
"Alfred, we have a crisis on our hands," Batman responded, his voice tinged with urgency. "Lex Luthor and the Legion of Doom are planning an attack. Gather the League members, and start gathering any information you can find regarding their activities. We need to be prepared for whatever they have planned."
"Of course, Master Wayne," Alfred replied, his unwavering support evident in his voice."
As the line went silent, Batman closed his eyes, allowing the weight of the impending threat to settle upon his shoulders. Despite the unresolved mystery of Ace's true intentions, he couldn't afford to dwell on it. The safety of Gotham, of the world, depended on his ability to devise a strategy, to confront this new alliance of villains head-on.
============
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