Chapter 522: Bruce and Talia
The Escalating Threat to Tesla
After waiting a full twenty minutes, the central computer still hadn't received the location signal from the police armor.
This meant the security system had been completely cracked by someone.
How could the opponent break through the core program, personally written by Luke, in such a short time?
Barry Allen spoke up, "The last group that stole powered armor was Gotham's Court of Owls. Could it be them again this time?"
"No. The Court of Owls has disappeared."
Linda seemed to realize something. "This time, it's someone more dangerous."
"Their target is Tesla. Just wait, a huge problem is coming soon."
The train robbery couldn't be kept secret and quickly became breaking news across major media outlets. This incident occurred barely five days after the terrorist attack, a perfect storm of bad luck.
In Gotham City, as night fell, a light beam appeared above the city. The beam illuminated the clouds, casting the reflection of a bat.
Jim Gordon paced back and forth on the rooftop, his brow furrowed with urgency.
The night wind whistled. A dark figure silently appeared behind him.
"No news yet?"
Jim sighed. "You finally arrived. Why did it take you so long this time?"
"I was running tests on something."
Bruce presented a device similar to a drive shaft.
"What is this?"
"The receiver beneath the core panel. The material is very special; only Tesla has the capability to produce it."
Jim frowned. "You suspect Tesla is the hidden supplier."
Bruce didn't answer. His gaze fixed on the City Hall building in the distance. Traces of battle could vaguely be seen on the damaged building. Days ago, it was attacked by unknown armed individuals wearing powered armor, who madly charged the building, indirectly causing dozens of deaths.
This incident was extremely severe. It not only cast a shadow over Gotham City but also sounded an alarm for the booming Tesla company.
The performance of powered armor was undeniable. Police could wear it to combat organized crime, but once it fell into the hands of criminals, the consequences were incalculable.
It was like Pandora's Box; once opened, the trouble would be endless.
Jim hesitated.
"Given Tesla's current situation, they shouldn't be doing something like this. Could there be some kind of conspiracy?"
When he finished speaking, there was no response. Jim turned his head, and Batman had already vanished, leaving only a file folder on the ground.
"Always like this. Never even says goodbye."
Jim shook his head, picked up the file folder, and after reading the contents, his face immediately changed.
"Could it really be him?"
A Deadly Exchange
Under the cover of night, a dark shadow sped over Gotham City, traversing the dense buildings until it reached an amusement park in the suburbs.
Though it was late, the amusement park was brightly lit.
Tick-tock music played as a carousel began to turn, round and round.
Bruce stood in front of the carousel, waiting quietly. After some time, footsteps sounded. Talia al Ghul, clad in a black catsuit, approached. She was playing with a dagger in her hand, her eyes shining with deep anticipation.
"I thought you weren't going to come."
Bruce didn't turn around. He asked in a guttural voice,
"The terrorists who attacked City Hall—were they your people?"
"Yes."
Talia didn't hesitate, giving Bruce the answer he wanted.
"Why? Why did you do it?"
Talia spread her hands.
"We are Assassins. We work for money, we don't ask for reasons."
"Whose money?"
Talia smiled, walked in front of Bruce, and wrapped her arms around his neck. The buttons on her chest automatically snapped open, revealing a very full cleavage.
At that moment, Talia was as alluring as the goddess Venus. She lightly exhaled and whispered in Bruce's ear,
"Please me, and I'll give you the answer."
Bruce: "..."
The scene that followed cannot be described in words. In short, after unflagging effort, the somewhat weak-kneed Bruce finally obtained the intelligence he sought.
Talia, wrapped in a sheet, leaned on the sofa, radiating a lazy aura. Seeing Bruce about to leave, she couldn't help but ask,
"Are you going to seek revenge?"
"They must pay the price."
Talia shook her head. "You had better abandon that idea. The Court of Owls Council only acted to avenge the members of the Court of Owls who died in the underground labyrinth. It was routine business; there will be no follow-up action."
"What if I insist on revenge?"
Talia sighed.
"The Court of Owls Council and the League of Assassins have cooperated for nearly a century. They are a very important partner. If you try to move against them, my father will surely intervene."
"Bruce, I am saving you."
Bruce remained silent, seemingly weighing the pros and cons.
Talia walked up and hugged him tightly. "The Court of Owls Council's headquarters is in Europe, and their members span every social class—politicians, soldiers, police, tycoons. They have people everywhere. Problems like this cannot be solved by force alone."
Bruce asked in a low voice,
"Who provided those powered armors?"
"I knew you would ask that question."
With that, she returned to the sofa and poured two glasses of red wine. "However, I cannot tell you."
"Why?"
"I'm doing this for your own good, Bruce. You are Gotham City's hero. Protecting this city is enough; don't concern yourself with outside matters."
Talia held out a glass of wine.
"Let's end it here. Stop investigating."
Bruce took the wine glass and quickly drank the contents.
"I'll ask one last question: who are your collaborators in the United States?"
Talia was helpless. His gaze made it impossible for her to refuse. She dipped her finger in the wine and wrote a name on the table.
"Thank you."
Having obtained the answer he wanted, Bruce turned and left without hesitation.
The Interrogation
Two nights later, in a private villa in Washington D.C.
A ghost-like figure silently appeared in the backyard. After knocking out four security guards, Bruce, now in his Assassin gear, reached the villa's second floor and found Andrew Vines having sex with his lover.
Andrew Vines, 49, graduated from West Point, participated in several wars, served as an Arizona Congressman after retiring, and currently works as a Senior CIA Consultant.
For certain reasons, he had become the liaison between the U.S. high-command and the League of Assassins, handling many matters that could not be publicly disclosed.
Bruce knocked out the woman on the bed, then dragged up the terrified Andrew.
"Who are you? What do you want?"
The answer was a series of heavy punches.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Iron fists repeatedly struck areas prone to extreme pain: the stomach, the bridge of the nose, and the side of the chest. After the brutal beating, Andrew collapsed to the floor, convulsing, his face twisted in extreme agony.
Bruce grabbed his throat and brought him close, staring fiercely into his eyes.
"I ask, you answer."
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/MistaQuartz
On Patreon, you can explore Extra Chapters in advance!