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Chapter 80: Crane is Released from Prison
2022-10-19 Author: Great Demon Spirit
"I am everywhere!" Batman's declaration was forceful and echoed long over Gotham City.
Gotham City was Batman's city; many people believed this in their hearts. The citizens of Gotham thought it, many gangs thought it, and even Batman himself thought it. He acted accordingly, protecting this city in his own way.
In the sky, Batman had already spread his cape, gliding between tall buildings like a flying bat, leaving an eerie bat silhouette on the ground.
"Hey, you're everywhere? I'm sorry, Bruce, you're amazing, but you're not as amazing as you think... at least not in front of this city..." Tony, at some point, took out another cigarette. He lit it in the cold wind, a spark flickering and shining brightly in the dark city.
In this city, some things were hidden far deeper than ordinary people knew. For example, the mysterious Court of Owls.
What Tony most desired when he came to Gotham City was Dionysium, a miraculous substance comparable to Wolverine's healing factor. If conditions allowed, many people could have it implanted in their bodies, gaining astonishing regenerative abilities and extended lifespans.
Metal crafted with Dionysium, just like the unique self-restoring Adamantium inside Wolverine's body, would also possess the ability to self-repair.
But this miraculous substance was possessed not only by the League of Shadows but also by the local Court of Owls.
The Court of Owls was an organization formed by nearly all of Gotham City's ancient noble families, aiming to secretly observe and control the entire Gotham City. Indeed, they had been doing so for hundreds of years. Hundreds of years ago, for instance, the Wayne Family took root in Gotham City, and many of Bruce's ancestors were secretly assassinated by the Court of Owls, yet Bruce knew nothing about it. Even in the murder of his parents when he was young, the Court of Owls' shadowy influence was vague and elusive throughout the process.
"Originally, I wouldn't need to bother looking for the League of Shadows; just killing a Talon would be enough... But even you, Bruce, knew nothing about the Court of Owls, let alone an outsider like me. Finding them would be a miracle..." Tony gazed at the sky.
Until the Court of Owls actively launched an assassination attempt on Bruce, he had no idea such a mad organization was lurking in the city.
Owls, after all, were the natural enemy of bats...
Tony slowly snuffed out the cigarette in his hand, unable to help but frown. He had been smoking a bit too frequently these past few days, which wasn't good.
"In any case, first get Scarecrow out. He has clues to the League of Shadows; I need to find their stronghold in the Middle East."
...
In the following days, Tony used his money and influence to arrange a detailed plan for the "rat" Anderson. Anderson, leveraging a powerful name, enthusiastically sought out the heads of various departments. From the prison warden to judges, Anderson visited them all, claiming to be a representative from Stark Industries.
Those who held these top positions, to say the least, possessed first-rate emotional intelligence; otherwise, they would have long since been killed by stray bullets from who-knows-where—this was the truly criminal Gotham City! Anderson had status and backing, and he didn't hesitate to generously wave wads of cash around, throwing large sums of money that delighted the various powerful figures and made them beam.
"What? You want Crane? That psychiatrist, the one Batman just arrested? No problem, it's a small matter. His crimes aren't major. Since you're willing to pay for his bail, everything's negotiable..."
This was why, even though Gotham City was so complex and fraught with peril, many people still flocked to it. In this city, as long as you had enough backing to ensure your safety and weren't stingy with your wealth, you could get what you wanted.
Pay the money, get the job done—it was that simple and direct! Their reputation for being 'simple and honest folk' certainly wasn't just made up!
Pepper Potts specifically called to inquire about this matter. After all, Anderson was acting under Tony's instructions, using the Stark name to conduct business, which would be hard to keep hidden from the entire Stark organization.
Tony laughed and reassured Pepper that he would never do anything to harm Stark Industries; after all, he was one of the company's shareholders. On the contrary, he could use certain methods to bring Stark's business to Gotham City.
"The New City District is fine; generally, it's stable and prosperous. But the vast Old City and The Narrows are very volatile, with various gangs running rampant. We can sell some phased-out weapons to civilians, giving them a chance to protect themselves."
The two talked for a while, exchanged opinions, and then hung up the phone.
Stark Industries was originally a top global arms dealer, engaging in all sorts of business. Obadiah, for the sake of profit, even dared to secretly sell weapons of mass destruction to Middle Eastern terrorists behind Tony's back, then encouraged Tony to sell even stronger weapons to the Military fighting in the Middle East, making a fortune from war. What was it, then, for Tony to sell some outdated firearms to civilians? Although this small "business" was a joke compared to Stark Industries' usual operations, at least it was a good start. Tony was working to increase the company's profits.
Pepper, having risen to a senior position at Stark Industries, naturally understood that the company was far from as glamorous as it appeared on the surface. Tony was too lazy to deal with company matters, but Pepper, as Tony's secretary, handled many thorny issues and had a deep understanding of the industry, even more knowledge of its dark side than Tony did.
When sunlight once again shone into Arkham Asylum, Scarecrow Crane walked out of the asylum once more.
Today was a rare clear day, and the dazzling sunlight made Crane uncomfortable, causing him to shield his eyes. He disliked walking in the sunlight, as it meant exposing himself to others in the open.
Crane's timid nature was no secret, and he had never hidden it, at least not in front of people like Batman and Tony, who could crush him with ease.
"I didn't expect you'd actually get me out... The League of Shadows will likely target you," Crane said, his eyes, however, constantly darting around, instinctively fixated on the dark corners.
"Then let them come. I haven't interfered with their plan to destroy Gotham City; I'm merely abducting you, whom they have no use for. If they want to get involved even in this, I wouldn't mind going directly to their doorstep and slaughtering them," Tony said.
"What information do you want from me?"
"Simply put, I want to know the exact location of the League of Shadows' headquarters. I plan to pay them a visit when I have time," Tony said nonchalantly.
His calm words, however, were like a clap of thunder on a clear day, making Crane tremble and look at the young man before him in astonishment.
(end of chapter)
2022-10-19 Author: Great Demon Spirit
"I am everywhere!" Batman's declaration was forceful and echoed long over Gotham City.
Gotham City was Batman's city; many people believed this in their hearts. The citizens of Gotham thought it, many gangs thought it, and even Batman himself thought it. He acted accordingly, protecting this city in his own way.
In the sky, Batman had already spread his cape, gliding between tall buildings like a flying bat, leaving an eerie bat silhouette on the ground.
"Hey, you're everywhere? I'm sorry, Bruce, you're amazing, but you're not as amazing as you think... at least not in front of this city..." Tony, at some point, took out another cigarette. He lit it in the cold wind, a spark flickering and shining brightly in the dark city.
In this city, some things were hidden far deeper than ordinary people knew. For example, the mysterious Court of Owls.
What Tony most desired when he came to Gotham City was Dionysium, a miraculous substance comparable to Wolverine's healing factor. If conditions allowed, many people could have it implanted in their bodies, gaining astonishing regenerative abilities and extended lifespans.
Metal crafted with Dionysium, just like the unique self-restoring Adamantium inside Wolverine's body, would also possess the ability to self-repair.
But this miraculous substance was possessed not only by the League of Shadows but also by the local Court of Owls.
The Court of Owls was an organization formed by nearly all of Gotham City's ancient noble families, aiming to secretly observe and control the entire Gotham City. Indeed, they had been doing so for hundreds of years. Hundreds of years ago, for instance, the Wayne Family took root in Gotham City, and many of Bruce's ancestors were secretly assassinated by the Court of Owls, yet Bruce knew nothing about it. Even in the murder of his parents when he was young, the Court of Owls' shadowy influence was vague and elusive throughout the process.
"Originally, I wouldn't need to bother looking for the League of Shadows; just killing a Talon would be enough... But even you, Bruce, knew nothing about the Court of Owls, let alone an outsider like me. Finding them would be a miracle..." Tony gazed at the sky.
Until the Court of Owls actively launched an assassination attempt on Bruce, he had no idea such a mad organization was lurking in the city.
Owls, after all, were the natural enemy of bats...
Tony slowly snuffed out the cigarette in his hand, unable to help but frown. He had been smoking a bit too frequently these past few days, which wasn't good.
"In any case, first get Scarecrow out. He has clues to the League of Shadows; I need to find their stronghold in the Middle East."
...
In the following days, Tony used his money and influence to arrange a detailed plan for the "rat" Anderson. Anderson, leveraging a powerful name, enthusiastically sought out the heads of various departments. From the prison warden to judges, Anderson visited them all, claiming to be a representative from Stark Industries.
Those who held these top positions, to say the least, possessed first-rate emotional intelligence; otherwise, they would have long since been killed by stray bullets from who-knows-where—this was the truly criminal Gotham City! Anderson had status and backing, and he didn't hesitate to generously wave wads of cash around, throwing large sums of money that delighted the various powerful figures and made them beam.
"What? You want Crane? That psychiatrist, the one Batman just arrested? No problem, it's a small matter. His crimes aren't major. Since you're willing to pay for his bail, everything's negotiable..."
This was why, even though Gotham City was so complex and fraught with peril, many people still flocked to it. In this city, as long as you had enough backing to ensure your safety and weren't stingy with your wealth, you could get what you wanted.
Pay the money, get the job done—it was that simple and direct! Their reputation for being 'simple and honest folk' certainly wasn't just made up!
Pepper Potts specifically called to inquire about this matter. After all, Anderson was acting under Tony's instructions, using the Stark name to conduct business, which would be hard to keep hidden from the entire Stark organization.
Tony laughed and reassured Pepper that he would never do anything to harm Stark Industries; after all, he was one of the company's shareholders. On the contrary, he could use certain methods to bring Stark's business to Gotham City.
"The New City District is fine; generally, it's stable and prosperous. But the vast Old City and The Narrows are very volatile, with various gangs running rampant. We can sell some phased-out weapons to civilians, giving them a chance to protect themselves."
The two talked for a while, exchanged opinions, and then hung up the phone.
Stark Industries was originally a top global arms dealer, engaging in all sorts of business. Obadiah, for the sake of profit, even dared to secretly sell weapons of mass destruction to Middle Eastern terrorists behind Tony's back, then encouraged Tony to sell even stronger weapons to the Military fighting in the Middle East, making a fortune from war. What was it, then, for Tony to sell some outdated firearms to civilians? Although this small "business" was a joke compared to Stark Industries' usual operations, at least it was a good start. Tony was working to increase the company's profits.
Pepper, having risen to a senior position at Stark Industries, naturally understood that the company was far from as glamorous as it appeared on the surface. Tony was too lazy to deal with company matters, but Pepper, as Tony's secretary, handled many thorny issues and had a deep understanding of the industry, even more knowledge of its dark side than Tony did.
When sunlight once again shone into Arkham Asylum, Scarecrow Crane walked out of the asylum once more.
Today was a rare clear day, and the dazzling sunlight made Crane uncomfortable, causing him to shield his eyes. He disliked walking in the sunlight, as it meant exposing himself to others in the open.
Crane's timid nature was no secret, and he had never hidden it, at least not in front of people like Batman and Tony, who could crush him with ease.
"I didn't expect you'd actually get me out... The League of Shadows will likely target you," Crane said, his eyes, however, constantly darting around, instinctively fixated on the dark corners.
"Then let them come. I haven't interfered with their plan to destroy Gotham City; I'm merely abducting you, whom they have no use for. If they want to get involved even in this, I wouldn't mind going directly to their doorstep and slaughtering them," Tony said.
"What information do you want from me?"
"Simply put, I want to know the exact location of the League of Shadows' headquarters. I plan to pay them a visit when I have time," Tony said nonchalantly.
His calm words, however, were like a clap of thunder on a clear day, making Crane tremble and look at the young man before him in astonishment.
(end of chapter)
