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Chapter 89: Anti-Tony Armor (4)
by Great Demon Spirit
With his hands in his pockets, Bruce stood silently by the window, looking down at the captivating night view. He was tall, and his powerful muscles strained against his shirt, making him look like an unyielding lighthouse—walking in darkness, yet radiating light for others.
This city was called Gotham City, the city where he was born and raised. He guarded it as the Dark Knight, allowing more people to sleep soundly at night. But soon, he would have to personally remove his mask and face the citizens as Bruce Wayne.
This round, the Joker had won. But that didn't mean he would admit defeat; Batman would continue to hunt them down. The Joker, and the rock-steady yet secretly scheming Tony, would all have to pay the price for their actions.
Only Harvey Dent could save Gotham City. Harvey Dent was the only legitimate light, the one who would use the proper channels to get Gotham City back on track.
Light footsteps sounded behind Bruce. The steps were incredibly soft, as if fearing to disturb Bruce.
“Harvey Dent told me that Batman is going to take off his mask at the press conference.”
The woman who spoke had a face like a hibiscus flower and eyebrows like long willow leaves. Her deep, otherworldly eyes were captivating, and her snow-white skin had a pale, sickly quality that somehow made her even more alluring.
Rachel’s beautiful eyes were wide open, not blinking for a moment. "You think that by compromising, you can stop the Joker from killing people?"
"Perhaps not, but I already have enough blood on my hands. I've also discovered that I have to become someone like him to stop him. Besides, I will restore this city to normal. This is the last thing I can do for Gotham City… Rachel, you once told me that when I could take off the mask for good, we could be together." Bruce walked over slowly and gently cupped Rachel’s face, but she pushed his hands away.
"You shouldn't make me your only hope for returning to a normal life. People will hate you, but that's what it means to be Batman," Rachel said.
Bruce didn't respond, continuing to gaze at the scenery outside the window. The city's dazzling nightlife brought him a small measure of reassurance.
...
Countless media reporters swarmed, carrying all sorts of camera equipment into the Gotham City Police Department's press conference venue. Today, Officer Harvey Dent was set to announce a bombshell to the terrified public.
Batman had compromised. He had surrendered to the Joker and would remove his mask at the press conference, revealing his identity to the world.
Many people were in a frenzy. The onlooking citizens wore complex expressions, a mixture of relief and a hint of pain. The Dark Knight had finally given in. They were safe, but they had also lost.
Agent Coulson and May, wearing sunglasses, discreetly blended into the noisy crowd. No one knew how many other agents and personnel from other departments had infiltrated the clamoring masses.
"Should we stop Batman from revealing himself?" May asked in a low voice.
"We can't stop him, and we don't need to. You've read Bruce Wayne's file; he's a very stubborn man. Even if he takes off his mask, very few people could touch him. He's the largest shareholder of Wayne Enterprises." Agent Coulson observed his surroundings, his gaze sweeping intentionally over Bruce, who stood to the side, seemingly just watching the excitement unfold.
The Knight of Justice Harvey Dent finally made his entrance. He walked up to the podium, picked up the microphone, and officially announced the news about Batman to the public.
Countless people watched the press conference, both live and on their TVs and computers. Although The Authorities had tried desperately to suppress the news about Gotham City, it had ultimately spread through the advanced network. Many were following the developing situation, and they were genuinely curious: who was the Dark Knight, Batman? What kind of face was behind the mask?
"Before we begin, I just want to ask everyone one question—do we really have to compromise with the Joker?" Harvey Dent stared at everyone present, his gaze as sharp as a blade.
"Instead of protecting the safety of citizens, you're defending someone who abuses vigilantism?" a reporter interrupted.
"That's right, you're not wrong. In some ways, what he does is indeed wrong. But I just want to say that the night is always darkest before the dawn… And I promise you, the dawn is coming. One day, Batman will pay the price for breaking the law, but that should be to us, not to a madman. And so now, we are going to take Batman into custody."
"What? That guy is here?" A commotion erupted in the crowd, and people began to murmur amongst themselves.
As Harvey Dent spoke, he looked over the crowd with a calm expression and suddenly threw his arms open wide.
"I am Batman!"
An uproar swept through the crowd! Reporters frantically shoved microphones toward Harvey Dent, asking questions. The police officers responsible for maintaining order were also stunned, staring blankly at Officer Harvey Dent's composed face, their own expressions full of confusion.
Bruce was also frozen in place. He had already taken a step forward; in just one more second, he would have revealed the truth that he was Batman.
But all of this was stopped by the Knight of Justice.
Harvey Dent held his arms open, shouting, "I am Batman! What are you all staring at? Hurry up and arrest me! I am Batman!" He roared with all his might, stunning everyone into silence.
Two police officers walked up mechanically and, amidst the clamor, placed handcuffs on Harvey Dent.
Standing below the stage, Agent Coulson suddenly broke into an enigmatic smile. As expected of Harvey Dent, the man known as "Gotham City's conscience." He was worthy of the title "Knight of Justice." This city truly had many remarkable people… Likewise, Harvey Dent's move would personally raise the curtain on a much larger drama…
Harvey Dent is Batman! The Knight of Justice equals the Dark Knight!
This news spread like wildfire in all directions. Everyone was discussing it, their faces a mix of shock and understanding. No wonder Officer Harvey Dent never compromised in the face of evil, even when repeatedly facing mortal danger. If Harvey Dent was indeed Batman, it all made sense.
And those with ulterior motives began to plot their next moves.
"Hee hee hee, Harvey Dent is Batman? What a hypocrite. Batman is truly a hypocrite. He should have stood up himself, not let some innocent little police officer take the fall for him…" The Joker stood in a dim room, manically applying makeup to his already grotesque face.
"I will personally tear off your hypocritical mask. You think you're protecting this city, you think you're practicing some righteous philosophy. Mwahahaha, you're not that noble, and you're certainly not that strong, tsk tsk tsk… Soon, I will rip off your ridiculous mask, throw it in front of you, and stomp on it a few times! And that guy Tony, hmm, hmm, hmm, let me think, what should I do next…"
The Joker frantically licked his lips, occasionally running a hand through his hair and muttering to himself.
(end of chapter)
by Great Demon Spirit
With his hands in his pockets, Bruce stood silently by the window, looking down at the captivating night view. He was tall, and his powerful muscles strained against his shirt, making him look like an unyielding lighthouse—walking in darkness, yet radiating light for others.
This city was called Gotham City, the city where he was born and raised. He guarded it as the Dark Knight, allowing more people to sleep soundly at night. But soon, he would have to personally remove his mask and face the citizens as Bruce Wayne.
This round, the Joker had won. But that didn't mean he would admit defeat; Batman would continue to hunt them down. The Joker, and the rock-steady yet secretly scheming Tony, would all have to pay the price for their actions.
Only Harvey Dent could save Gotham City. Harvey Dent was the only legitimate light, the one who would use the proper channels to get Gotham City back on track.
Light footsteps sounded behind Bruce. The steps were incredibly soft, as if fearing to disturb Bruce.
“Harvey Dent told me that Batman is going to take off his mask at the press conference.”
The woman who spoke had a face like a hibiscus flower and eyebrows like long willow leaves. Her deep, otherworldly eyes were captivating, and her snow-white skin had a pale, sickly quality that somehow made her even more alluring.
Rachel’s beautiful eyes were wide open, not blinking for a moment. "You think that by compromising, you can stop the Joker from killing people?"
"Perhaps not, but I already have enough blood on my hands. I've also discovered that I have to become someone like him to stop him. Besides, I will restore this city to normal. This is the last thing I can do for Gotham City… Rachel, you once told me that when I could take off the mask for good, we could be together." Bruce walked over slowly and gently cupped Rachel’s face, but she pushed his hands away.
"You shouldn't make me your only hope for returning to a normal life. People will hate you, but that's what it means to be Batman," Rachel said.
Bruce didn't respond, continuing to gaze at the scenery outside the window. The city's dazzling nightlife brought him a small measure of reassurance.
...
Countless media reporters swarmed, carrying all sorts of camera equipment into the Gotham City Police Department's press conference venue. Today, Officer Harvey Dent was set to announce a bombshell to the terrified public.
Batman had compromised. He had surrendered to the Joker and would remove his mask at the press conference, revealing his identity to the world.
Many people were in a frenzy. The onlooking citizens wore complex expressions, a mixture of relief and a hint of pain. The Dark Knight had finally given in. They were safe, but they had also lost.
Agent Coulson and May, wearing sunglasses, discreetly blended into the noisy crowd. No one knew how many other agents and personnel from other departments had infiltrated the clamoring masses.
"Should we stop Batman from revealing himself?" May asked in a low voice.
"We can't stop him, and we don't need to. You've read Bruce Wayne's file; he's a very stubborn man. Even if he takes off his mask, very few people could touch him. He's the largest shareholder of Wayne Enterprises." Agent Coulson observed his surroundings, his gaze sweeping intentionally over Bruce, who stood to the side, seemingly just watching the excitement unfold.
The Knight of Justice Harvey Dent finally made his entrance. He walked up to the podium, picked up the microphone, and officially announced the news about Batman to the public.
Countless people watched the press conference, both live and on their TVs and computers. Although The Authorities had tried desperately to suppress the news about Gotham City, it had ultimately spread through the advanced network. Many were following the developing situation, and they were genuinely curious: who was the Dark Knight, Batman? What kind of face was behind the mask?
"Before we begin, I just want to ask everyone one question—do we really have to compromise with the Joker?" Harvey Dent stared at everyone present, his gaze as sharp as a blade.
"Instead of protecting the safety of citizens, you're defending someone who abuses vigilantism?" a reporter interrupted.
"That's right, you're not wrong. In some ways, what he does is indeed wrong. But I just want to say that the night is always darkest before the dawn… And I promise you, the dawn is coming. One day, Batman will pay the price for breaking the law, but that should be to us, not to a madman. And so now, we are going to take Batman into custody."
"What? That guy is here?" A commotion erupted in the crowd, and people began to murmur amongst themselves.
As Harvey Dent spoke, he looked over the crowd with a calm expression and suddenly threw his arms open wide.
"I am Batman!"
An uproar swept through the crowd! Reporters frantically shoved microphones toward Harvey Dent, asking questions. The police officers responsible for maintaining order were also stunned, staring blankly at Officer Harvey Dent's composed face, their own expressions full of confusion.
Bruce was also frozen in place. He had already taken a step forward; in just one more second, he would have revealed the truth that he was Batman.
But all of this was stopped by the Knight of Justice.
Harvey Dent held his arms open, shouting, "I am Batman! What are you all staring at? Hurry up and arrest me! I am Batman!" He roared with all his might, stunning everyone into silence.
Two police officers walked up mechanically and, amidst the clamor, placed handcuffs on Harvey Dent.
Standing below the stage, Agent Coulson suddenly broke into an enigmatic smile. As expected of Harvey Dent, the man known as "Gotham City's conscience." He was worthy of the title "Knight of Justice." This city truly had many remarkable people… Likewise, Harvey Dent's move would personally raise the curtain on a much larger drama…
Harvey Dent is Batman! The Knight of Justice equals the Dark Knight!
This news spread like wildfire in all directions. Everyone was discussing it, their faces a mix of shock and understanding. No wonder Officer Harvey Dent never compromised in the face of evil, even when repeatedly facing mortal danger. If Harvey Dent was indeed Batman, it all made sense.
And those with ulterior motives began to plot their next moves.
"Hee hee hee, Harvey Dent is Batman? What a hypocrite. Batman is truly a hypocrite. He should have stood up himself, not let some innocent little police officer take the fall for him…" The Joker stood in a dim room, manically applying makeup to his already grotesque face.
"I will personally tear off your hypocritical mask. You think you're protecting this city, you think you're practicing some righteous philosophy. Mwahahaha, you're not that noble, and you're certainly not that strong, tsk tsk tsk… Soon, I will rip off your ridiculous mask, throw it in front of you, and stomp on it a few times! And that guy Tony, hmm, hmm, hmm, let me think, what should I do next…"
The Joker frantically licked his lips, occasionally running a hand through his hair and muttering to himself.
(end of chapter)
