Bat Family

In Gotham, inside a mansion, more than a dozen men and women dressed in formal attire and wearing white masks had gathered. Before them stood an electronic screen displaying the place where Jude and the other two were locked in fierce battle with the Talons.

"As you can see, the three Talons still failed."

The grisly scene, littered with dozens of corpses, did not stir the slightest emotion in these people. As members of the Court of Owls, as rulers of Gotham's dark order, their hearts had long since turned to stone.

An elderly man in a wheelchair slowly said, "Retrieve the Talons. Leave everything else alone."

A man asked, "Should we freeze them, sir?"

"No. Destroy them!"

"Wouldn't it be a waste to destroy them just like that? They still have some use."

"Failures are unworthy of bearing the name Talon. Besides, we have plenty more."

"Understood. Then should we continue pursuing those three?"

"Continue, but focus most of our efforts on Batman. Those people in Arkham are going to war with him. This is a good opportunity to wipe out the Bat Family."

On the outskirts of Gotham, inside Bruce Wayne's country villa.

"Emergency! Two-Face, Clayface, Mad Hatter, Killer Croc, and the others have all appeared together." Batgirl spoke anxiously through the holographic projection.

Bruce's brow furrowed tightly, while Damian slammed his fist against the table. "Those bastards sure know how to pick their timing."

"Stop complaining. Batgirl, gather the family. I'll be there shortly."

After shutting off the holographic projection, Bruce said, "Hide here for now. The Court of Owls shouldn't be able to find you yet. I'll be back soon."

Jude could not help complaining, "Soon? Are you sure? They aren't acting alone this time. They're clearly joining forces to cause trouble."

"Hmph. That's why I summoned the Bat Family. We'll use this chance to catch them all in one sweep."

"Ambitious, but I'm not optimistic."

Damian pulled his hood back on, strode over to Jude, and arrogantly crooked a finger at him. "You're coming with us."

"Why? I just went through a major battle. I need to rest."

"Stop making excuses. If you hadn't broken into Arkham, Riddler would never have been released. He wouldn't have been able to destroy the entire command center either, letting all the villains escape. It's time you made up for what you did."

Jude spread his hands. "That does seem to make some sense. But I have a condition."

"Say it."

"I need Bruce to spar with me and help improve my fighting skills. Also, it would be best if you could provide some rare materials. I've got plenty of fun things in my head waiting to be made."

As he headed for the door, Bruce said, "I may not have time to spar, but if you need anything, contact Lucius afterward. He'll provide it."

"Excellent. Batman really is generous."

Jude got up and followed him out. When he saw the two women also intending to leave, he immediately shook his head. "Ivy's head still isn't clear. Going would be useless. Firefly, stay and take care of her. I have a feeling this place isn't safe."

Outside, a helicopter slowly rose into the air, carrying Jude and the other two into the distance.

"Say, are we going to the Batcave?"

"No. You need to wear a blindfold."

Jude chuckled. "Is that really necessary? At least for now, we're partners. Besides, the Batcave is beneath Wayne Manor, isn't it? I know plenty of things."

Damian helplessly lowered the blindfold.

"Kid, we'll be flying for a while. Tell me what's going on."

Damian snapped, "I told you, stop calling me kid. Call me Robin or use my name."

"Got it, kid."

Creak, creak. The sound of fists clenching rang out, but considering they were in a helicopter, it quickly faded away.

"Ever since you broke into Arkham, Gotham has descended into chaos. Those villains have been striking everywhere—robbing, killing, seizing territory. We've been busy dealing with that for the past two weeks. Otherwise, we would have come for you long ago, even with Penguin protecting you."

Jude shrugged helplessly. "Tell me about your results. Who have you caught?"

"Plenty. Kite Man, Electro, Clock King, Zasz, Professor Pyg, Doctor Phosphorus, Hush, Calendar Man, and so on. In short, most of them have already been captured."

"Hmm... I'd like to praise you, but why are they all second-rate villains? You haven't caught any of the famous ones?"

"Asshole. Do you think it's that easy? You can try it yourself this time."

The helicopter landed at Wayne Manor, where Alfred the butler was already waiting. He was quite surprised to see a stranger like Jude, but since he had been brought by the young master, he said nothing.

Given how much Jude knew about him, Bruce simply stopped hiding anything and led him directly to the Batcave, a cavern hidden beneath Wayne Manor and the Bat Family's headquarters.

"Damn, no wonder you're always on the world's rich list. This place must have cost a fortune to build." Jude marveled as he walked.

The unfamiliar voice immediately drew the attention of everyone present.

"What a lively bunch. Let's see who's here. Batgirl, we just met. That adult man in the red-and-green uniform—if I'm not mistaken, you must be Red Robin. And that black Batman-like suit, no need to ask, you're Nightwing."

"Is that all of you? Where are the Birds of Prey? I mean Oracle, Black Canary, Katana, Huntress, and the others?"

Jude rattled off the Bat Family members one by one, and Nightwing could not help frowning.

"Bruce, who is this guy?"

"Jude Herbert. He's also responsible for this unrest, but he's willing to help now. You can get acquainted."

"I don't think that's necessary for the moment."

"Enough nonsense. Tell me what's going on with those people."

Batgirl pointed at the electronic screen. "Just half an hour ago, Two-Face and Mad Hatter led people into Gotham Bank. After robbing it, they didn't flee. Instead, they took control of over a hundred hostages and specifically demanded that you go."

"Then there's Ventriloquist. He and Scarecrow took control of the Green Tree Hotel with their men and are currently facing off against the police."

"And Clayface and Killer Croc attacked Ruili Cosmetics Company, kidnapping hundreds of employees. Commissioner Gordon has already led people over there."

Bruce stared gravely at the large screen. Something about today's events was strange. Over the past half month, those villains had all been acting alone. A large-scale collective move like this had never happened before. Was there some conspiracy behind it?

Red Robin said, "Bruce, I know what you're thinking. I can say with absolute certainty that this bunch planned it in advance, but now isn't the time to think about that. Saving people comes first."

Bruce nodded. "You're right. Saving people comes first. Robin and I... no, Mr. Herbert and I will go to Ruili Cosmetics Company. Nightwing and Damian will go to Gotham Bank. Red Robin and Batgirl will go to the Green Tree Hotel. Alfred, stay behind. Notify us immediately if anything happens."

"Yes, sir."

"Then, move out!"

Red Hood was at the back.