Chapter 355: Wayne Manor (2)
Elliot and the Court of Owls
"Those one hundred suits of power armor were specifically produced by Tesla for the FBI and A.R.G.U.S. to counter superhumans with extraordinary abilities. It's rumored that even an ordinary person, wearing the armor, can become a super-soldier capable of fighting a hundred men."
Thomas stared intently at the leader. "I want one suit of armor."
The leader shook his head silently.
"I'm sorry, I cannot give it to you."
Thomas sneered. "So it was you after all. You have incredible nerve to try and seize goods intended for the FBI and A.R.G.U.S."
"Mr. Elliot, we're getting off track."
Thomas lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. Smoke billowed from his mouth, filling the room. After a long pause, he spoke, unhurriedly.
"I studied clinical medicine in college. Four years of that experience taught me that even the best theory is inferior to practice. The Court of Owls certainly piqued my interest, but I never heard a single word about you from my father."
"The goal of cooperation is mutual benefit. Unfortunately, there are too many fools in the world, which leads most collaborations to end in utter failure."
The leader narrowed his eyes, his tone sinking.
"Are you implying that we are fools?"
"Are you not?" Thomas spread his hands, his expression slightly innocent. "I concede you have great power; the FBI and A.R.G.U.S. might be nothing to you, but Luke Shaw is the exception."
"You stole his cargo and are attempting to use that armor for terrorist attacks. Do you really think he'll let you get away with it?"
The leader smiled strangely. "An Elliot, a member of one of Gotham's four great families, afraid of an Asian man?"
"Yes, we stole his cargo, valued at one hundred and fifty million dollars. So what?"
The leader rapped the table with his hand, his eyes brimming with powerful confidence. "This is Gotham, not Coast City. There is no fertile ground here for his Hongmen to thrive."
A trace of pity flashed in Thomas's eyes. He saw confidence, arrogance, and ambition in this man, but none of the sharp insight that perceives everything.
This was not a person worth cooperating with.
"I will return in a month, assuming you still exist."
The leader's face instantly darkened. "Invitations sent by the Owl are never retracted."
Thomas put on his mask and chuckled lightly.
"I know the rules." He paused, adding, "If you succeed, I'm willing to pay the price... a price that will satisfy all members."
With that, he rose and walked out. The leader stared coldly at him, only retracting his gaze when Thomas had left the office.
"Should you have let him go?"
A slightly challenging question came from behind him. An elusive figure appeared in the corner of the room, their black falcon mask faintly visible in the darkness.
The leader lit a cigar and took a long drag.
"We need the power of the Elliot family, and we need him. How's the armor coming along?"
The mysterious person curled their lips and let out an excited, low chuckle. "Incredibly well. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe it was a weapon created by humans. Luke Shaw truly deserves his reputation as a genius. If we could bring him into the Court..."
"Don't harbor unrealistic fantasies." The leader interrupted him before he could finish. "Put men on him. If possible, take him out."
The mysterious person raised an eyebrow.
"Have you considered the consequences of doing that?"
The leader extinguished his cigar butt, sneering. "The Court of Owls fears no one. Don't forget, we are more than just an organization."
The mysterious person fell silent. After a moment, they gave a slight nod.
"Alright, as you wish."
Arriving at Wayne Manor
Perhaps due to the environment or the climate, Gotham City's night sky is always blanketed by heavy dark clouds. Looking out, the vast Gothic architecture is juxtaposed against the night, resembling the bared fangs of a demon, subconsciously giving off a feeling of repression and dread.
At 7:30 PM, a golden Lamborghini pulled up to the gate of Wayne Manor. The door opened, and Luke, dressed in a black suit, stepped out, holding the hand of Barbara, who was as radiantly beautiful as a princess.
The girl's long hair was styled up, emphasizing her exquisite features. She wore an orange-red, low-cut gown that complemented her hair color, and a gemstone necklace that flashed with seven colors hung around her slender neck. The necklace's end pointed toward her chest, where her pale cleavage was deep, drawing the eye.
Luke pulled out a mask and said with a hint of helplessness,
"Put it on. Otherwise, those men are going to eat me alive."
"It's not like you and I are an item."
Barbara's face was slightly flushed. Wearing a dress like this for the first time was uncomfortable, but when she noticed the glances cast her way, she couldn't help but feel a little thrilled.
What girl doesn't dream of being a princess? Even if she can't be a real one, being the center of attention at a party is still nice.
Barbara took the white fox mask and put it on. The mask covered half her face, adding an invisible layer of mystery and allure.
Luke extended his arm.
"Come on, Miss Gordon. Time to make our entrance."
Barbara self-consciously slipped her hand into Luke's arm, and the two walked toward the brightly lit Wayne Manor.
Wayne Manor occupies an immense area but has surprisingly few buildings, giving it a desolate feel. However, the main building itself was exceptionally luxurious, resembling a medieval castle.
As Barbara looked around at her surroundings, she commented,
"This is the first time I've ever been inside Wayne Manor."
Luke asked casually, "Is it very famous?"
"Of course, it's famous. In Gotham, who doesn't know about Wayne Enterprises, and who doesn't know about Wayne Manor?"
"Tell me your opinion of him."
"My opinion?"
"Yes, your opinion of the Wayne family."
"Why do you ask?"
"Boredom. Curiosity."
"Alright."
The girl leaned closer to Luke. The night in April or May held a chill that made her shiver. "The Wayne family is Gotham City's oldest family, with a history of over a hundred years. It's rumored that the family actually founded the city. Their Wayne Enterprises is world-famous, involved in aviation, transportation, biotechnology, chemistry, construction, power, energy, entertainment, food, medical care, manufacturing, mining, petroleum, retail, securities, steel—everything. You could say that fifty percent of the companies in Gotham are linked to the Wayne family. They are an absolute juggernaut."
"The Wayne family's reputation isn't bad. The former patriarch, Thomas Wayne, was known as a great philanthropist. He funded the construction of many welfare facilities: orphanages, community hospitals, non-profits, and so on. His end, however, was unfortunate; he was killed by a gunshot. My father was the one in charge of the case. I heard him say that when the Waynes died, their son, Bruce Wayne, was right there."
Barbara looked regretful. "Many people believe that Bruce Wayne became such a playboy because of that shooting."
"Speaking of which, you two are quite similar."
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