Chapter 359: Wayne Manor (6)
A New Suit for Barbara
Alfred had great faith in his young master, but having witnessed the performance of the power armor, he couldn't help but worry. His master was a formidable fighter, but he was alone, outnumbered, and facing enemies in such powerful armor. Should anything unexpected happen...
He had watched Bruce Wayne grow up, and their bond transcended blood ties; it was not unlike a father-son relationship, but stronger.
"Mr. Shaw, could you please..."
"I'm sorry, Wayne Butler!" Luke interrupted him. "I have something else I need to handle, and no time to deal with what's going on outside." He paused, and seeing the disappointment in Alfred's eyes, he added, "However, my date can help."
Barbara blinked. "Me?"
"Yes." Luke nodded, using the AI to remotely strip the three assailants of their power armor. The plates detached from their bodies, folding up and down to form black briefcases.
"Since things have come to this, there's no need to hide anything. The armor is indeed a Tesla product, stolen for unknown reasons. I assumed those people would sell it on the black market; I never thought they would wear it to commit crimes here at Wayne Manor."
Luke shook his head, seemingly sighing at the audacity.
"The two of you wait here briefly. We'll be back soon and give you an answer then."
With that, he picked up the briefcases and walked with Barbara into a nearby storage room. Closing the door, he instructed her directly,
"Take off the dress, quickly."
"Take off my clothes!" The girl instinctively covered her chest, then realized something and asked in surprise, "Wait... you want me to wear the power armor?"
"Who else? I don't trust those two out there."
Luke explained while operating the AI, "This batch of armor was developed specifically for military use against superhumans. Its basic performance is extremely strong; even an ordinary person can turn into a superhuman wearing it. It's a good thing those criminals didn't crack the core program, or we'd really be in trouble."
"I will unlock the armor's full capabilities and upload a tracking program. Barbara, I need you to help me take down the criminals who infiltrated Wayne Manor and collect all their armor. Remember, it absolutely cannot fall into the hands of outsiders."
The girl nodded rapidly, excitement mixed with a bit of hesitation flashing in her eyes.
"Helping is no problem, but... I've never worn one before!"
"It's fine, Ava will assist you."
As the full program launched, the briefcases burst with blue light. The plates extended outward, quickly forming a human-shaped armor suit glowing with a deep blue aura.
"Hurry up, we don't have much time."
Barbara didn't hesitate. She stripped off the gown and high heels, standing in her underwear and walking toward the armor. The armor sealed around her, the plates automatically adjusting size to fit her body perfectly.
An indescribable sense of excitement spread through her heart. In that moment, Barbara felt like the heroine of a sci-fi movie.
A gentle, synthesized electronic voice spoke in her ear, "Hello, Miss Gordon. Welcome to the Tesla Military Armor."
Barbara suppressed her fiercely beating heart and whispered, "You're... an AI?"
"I am the smart butler, Ava, and I am pleased to be of service. I will now instruct you on the armor's controls and essential points. Please listen carefully."
Barbara Joins the Fight
After dealing with Barbara's suit-up, Luke returned to the main hall.
"Mr. Dent, Wayne Butler, I need to leave now. My companion will stay. You can trust her."
With that, Luke strode out, giving them no chance to stop him. Frustrated, the two men could only look at Barbara, who was now clad in the power armor. Observing her slightly awkward, wobbly gait, they were momentarily speechless.
Wayne Manor was surrounded by the Court of Owls' men. Every exit was guarded. They were clearly determined to create a major headline.
After exiting the mansion, Luke did not immediately leave. He found a hidden spot and activated his communicator.
"Ava, locate the leader of these people."
"One moment, Master. Drones are inbound. Forty seconds remaining."
Meanwhile, under the skeptical eyes of Alfred and Harvey Dent, Barbara began her first journey as a superhero. Operating the power armor wasn't overly difficult; it didn't rely on physical strength but rather on coordination and balance. Barbara had ample talent in both areas, and with Ava's help, she quickly learned to run.
The situation outside the mansion was dire. The security personnel were almost completely wiped out, with only three survivors huddled behind a flower bed, trembling.
The sound of combat came from the distant garden. Batman was battling four assailants. He wore similar protective gear and wielded significant power in his punches and kicks. Thanks to his superb skill and experience, he held his own in a one-versus-four situation. Unfortunately, his attacks were not lethal to the criminals wearing the power armor.
The five-person fight caused massive destruction to the garden. Expensive potted flowers were knocked over, scattering soil and shards everywhere.
"Miss Gordon, the weak spot of the Tesla Military Armor is the energy battery pack on the back. Stimulating the battery with a strong current will temporarily shut down the suit."
"Got it, Ava!"
Barbara took a deep breath, white electric arcs sparking from her hands, and she charged toward the garden. Seeing her arrive, the four criminals were delighted. One even shouted,
"Ignorance! Hurry, take out Batman! Don't let him escape."
Barbara gave a slight nod and rushed straight toward Batman. Just as she was about to reach him, she twisted her body. To Bruce's astonishment and the others' shock, she delivered a heavy punch to the back of one assailant.
Boom!
White current flowed from her fist, hitting the energy battery pack through the seams. The two currents reacted, creating a strong electrical pulse. Large sheets of blue electricity flowed out of the armor, making the criminal inside howl in pain.
Barbara pressed her advantage. Before the others could react, she used the same method to neutralize a second assailant.
Though puzzled, Bruce did not hold back. He executed an over-the-shoulder throw on the third criminal, slamming him onto the ground. Clenching his fists, he rapidly struck the man's head, punch after punch, stopping only when the criminal ceased resisting.
In the blink of an eye, three of the four criminals were neutralized. The remaining one, seeing the situation turn, immediately turned and ran.
Barbara charged after him, and Bruce silently followed suit.
The Talon's Fate
Shortly after the two left, an unremarkable man in his fifties entered the garden. He wore a black suit, gold-rimmed glasses, and had impeccably styled hair, looking like an elderly aristocratic gentleman.
He walked up to the fallen criminal and gently pressed the man's chest.
Puff!
An invisible force pierced through the armor like a steel knife into the heart. The unconscious criminal's eyes widened in horror, and he died then and there, filled with reluctance.
The old man exerted strength in his arms, hoisted the criminal onto his shoulder, and turned to walk out of the manor. When he reached the perimeter wall, he lightly leapt, clearing it like a monkey. Considering the criminal in the power armor weighed over one hundred kilograms, it was incredible that the old man could execute such a nimble maneuver while carrying such a heavy load.
The old man crossed the road to the opposite hill, where the mysterious veiled lady was waiting. She glanced at the criminal and frowned.
"He's dead?"
"You know I don't like leaving witnesses."
The lady shook her head helplessly. "My father has a partnership with the Court of Owls. You killed their man... never mind. They're old relics anyway; they should have died a long time ago."
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