Axel laughed as he rubbed Batman's cowl, teasing him mercilessly. Bruce struggled to break free from Axel's grip, pulling a broadcasting pad from his waist and pressing it against Axel.
A shriek of sound erupted, like Cthulhu wailing, slamming into Axel's ears and instantly drawing blood. Even Omniman would have his eardrums shattered by that intensity, let alone Axel, though his willpower far surpassed ordinary limits. He endured the pain and continued listening to everything around him through bone conduction, his superhuman hearing processing every detail.
Wiping the blood from his ears, Axel patted Batman on the shoulder.
"This gave me a little surprise, but it's still far from enough. You'll need to do more, Buddy. Honestly, to really understand me, you'd have to move back into Downton Manor, live with me day and night, and help Alfred with some chores. Only then might you discover my true weaknesses—hidden in the smallest details. Besides, being close makes it easier to study me."
As he spoke, Axel grabbed Bruce's shoulder, preparing to toss him aside. But Bruce dislodged a piece of his armor and fired a stun gun at Axel, over a hundred thousand volts.
"Waaah-oh-oh!" Axel exclaimed, trembling as the current coursed through him. He continued holding Bruce and examined his shoulder armor.
"Clever upgrade. Detachable layers, integrated devices, and even a stun mechanism. Shedding skin to escape predators—classic. You've even managed to integrate an ultrasonic impact device. Impressive work, Buddy."
Axel embraced Bruce warmly, calibrated just enough to stun him without serious injury. Bruce, his willpower exceptional, endured the pain. Straining, he gasped,
"I don't like this city either, and I despise many of its people. But there are still innocents here. Stop this, Axel. This world is bigger than us. You can't fight it alone. Why not enjoy life like a normal villain?"
"Because we're destined to be extraordinary, Batman. Haven't you realized? You just debuted today—you need time and experience to see the city and the world."
Axel released Bruce, then pointed at a helicopter approaching above.
"Forget philosophy for now. Look at that helicopter. Reporters are covering us… congratulations, Buddy, you've officially debuted!"
Axel wrapped an arm around Bruce and flashed a peace sign at the helicopter. The live broadcast captured every moment, projecting it into countless homes. Alfred at Downton Manor slammed his hand on his forehead, speechless.
Fueled by the moment, Bruce exhaled and punched Axel squarely in the face. A dense mist surged from his fist, rushing into Axel's mouth. Axel inhaled deeply, eyes widening.
"Whoa! If your last gas was mild, this is DP-level potency! I haven't tried it before, but this is strong enough!"
Even Axel, enhanced countless times, staggered from the potency. Bruce's careful preparation was evident. He grabbed a handful of shimmering metal beads and hurled them at Axel while retreating. Axel shook his head, then appeared behind him instantly.
"Buddy, I recognize those. Luther Group products, right?"
"I didn't have time to prepare more weapons, so I borrowed some ideas from my predecessors!" Bruce activated a switch, unleashing nano-particles that infiltrated Axel's body, carrying a powerful electric current.
Axel again placed an arm around Bruce's shoulder.
"No, you didn't do all this just for that. You listened to me, Buddy. I can feel the suppressed rage in your heart. You've always wanted to burn this city, restrained only by your attachment to the past and family. Eventually, the city's cries will give you pleasure, my brother. We're on the same path. Alfred would rejoice seeing you back at Downton Manor, and I'll be waiting—for my nano-suit birthday present."
Axel leaned close to Bruce's ear, whispering,
"Remember, Buddy, the first day I arrived in Gotham was my birthday."
"Enough!" Bruce roared, gritting his teeth.
He added quickly, "Even if I harbor the hatred you speak of, it's only for Gotham's darkness. But the Sky Rail is one of the few lights here. Why target it?"
Bruce grabbed Axel's collar, straining to lift him. Axel remained unmoved. Bruce exhaled and lowered his voice.
"I tolerated your chaos with the police and Falcone's territory. Gotham's darkness is ancient ice. Even with you, the city wouldn't worsen—until you target its few remaining lights. The Sky Rail costs less than a dollar to ride, essential for eighty percent of Gotham's residents. Axel, I don't know if this is a plan or madness, but destroying it harms the innocent."
Axel interrupted, leaning close.
"Have you wondered why most cities build subways underground? Gotham's rails stand above the streets not for extravagance, but because no one could build underground here. The darkness of Gotham is hidden beneath it, Batman. And I, Buddy, will start by developing the subway and eliminating those shadows. Nothing in Gotham will outshine me."