Gotham's night remained deep and bitterly cold. Countless killings, screams, and bloodshed rippled through the city. Brilliant neon lights formed a fragile shell, dressing up civilization's facade, while cold searchlights swayed across the sky.
Separated by only a river, brightly lit skyscrapers and the crowded, chaotic Slums faced each other from afar. When the lingering, soul-soaking drizzle fell, every outline seemed to dissolve and collapse.
Within the city wrapped in dense threads of rain, a brilliant beam suddenly lit up. The iconic bat symbol became the only thing that did not waver in the storm.
The dark figure standing atop Gotham's highest point leaped down. His terrifying silhouette was reflected in the mirror-like water of a puddle on the street.
"Woo-woo-woo—"
Piercing sirens rang out from the end of the street. The police car lights looked unusually lurid in the darkness. Gordon led several officers rushing forward, drew the pistol at his waist, and aimed it two-handed at the masked man inside the bank.
"Black Mask! Drop your gun and put your hands up!"
The robber called Black Mask wore a black jacket and a black skull-shaped mask covering his entire face. Holding a pistol, he and several gang members were shouting at the bank clerks crouched on the floor with their hands over their heads.
"Chief, there are at least twenty of them. Besides the bank staff, the hostages include two ladies and three gentlemen who came here to withdraw money, and even a five-year-old little girl. This is going to be very difficult."
Gordon turned and gave the officer delivering the report a grave look, then asked, "Are the snipers in position?"
"They've been in position for a while, but this location is extremely unfavorable for our snipers. We haven't found a good firing position yet."
"Black Mask