Ch: 49 [Fireworks]

Ch: 49 [Fireworks]

[Industrial district] [Black Mask's warehouse]

The Black Mask's warehouse stood large in the industrial zone, an unwelcoming fortress in the darkness. The vast structure was shrouded in an unsettling blackness as the night descended upon the region. Graffiti on the exterior walls represented the domains of several criminal gangs in a quiet yet ominous show of strength.

Tension and the stench of illicit activity were palpable in the air. Some gang members carried goods into trucks while wearing frightening masks that reflected their affiliation with the Black Mask. Other gang members monitored the perimeter with alert and focused motions.

Several trucks pulled into the compound, their engines roaring to life as they came to a halt. Each vehicle bore the insignia of the Black Mask, a clear symbol of the authority this master criminal possessed. Gang members swarmed around the trucks, unloading cargo with practiced efficiency.

There was a wild symphony of illegal activities going on inside the warehouse. Crates filled with illegal products were piled high, and above the clamour of machinery, commands could be heard yelled. It served as a centre of activity and a beehive of shady transactions that supported the underground economy.

Batman's sharp eyes peered over the warehouse as he hovered over it, marking the locations of the thugs inside and outside the building with precise precision. The mayhem and illicit deals taking place below the warehouse were clear indicators that it was a centre for criminal activity.

His visor showed a grid diagram of the interior of the warehouse, complete with an unsettling stock of weapons. A picture of impending mayhem was painted by crates heaped with C4 explosives, RPG launchers, grenades, and an array of assorted deadly weapons that were being offloaded. The enormous amount of weaponry suggested that a major war might be brewing in the shadows.

'Motherfuckers! That's enough explosives to level down Gotham to ashes,' Bruce thought, concern etched across his face.

As he was about to make his move...

Two armored trucks rumbled into the compound.

'Armored trucks! Dang!' His visor zoomed in on the vehicles, analyzing their contents and the unusual sight of GCPD officers in one of them. 'Ah! The classic moles,' Moles within the police force, aiding the criminal operations of the Black Mask, was not so shocking discovery. He expected as much, considering the enormous operation going on in the city under the noses of the GCPD.

More red flags were raised by the cash-filled containers. The presence of illicit weapons and large sums of money suggested a sinister scheme that went beyond regular criminal activity. It was clear that the Black Mask was planning a disastrous scheme, and the corrupt cops' involvement implied a network of betrayal that reached well into Gotham's legal system.

"Jarvis, enhance hearing," Bruce ordered the AI. "I want to hear their conversation."

[Affirmative]> Jarvis replied.

The enhanced audio picked up the chatter of gang members loading the trucks and the corrupt GCPD officers conversing among themselves, unaware of the masked vigilante lurking in the shadows.

"So, you added the bonus?" One officer asked.

Another cop responded, "$2 million, plus five kilos of coke... That fatso said that it is a reward for our loyal services."

"Haha... Good... We deserve more, after risking our lives... Especially when we are cleaning shit in the Narrows and Crime Alley..." The other cop chuckled, "...Compared to these dumbasses here, who are just loading boxes and counting money."

"Yeah... These guys are nothing but brainless muscleheads... Money, drugs, women, food, alcohol... What else do they want?"

Batman listened attentively as the corrupt officers continued their exchange, oblivious to his presence.

"Anyway, I am gonna leave the city and probably settle down in Miami with the cash... What about you?" The cop asked his accomplice.

"Hmmm... I am thinking about laying low for a while in Hawaii. Got a cousin there who owns a fancy bar... Might give him a hand and enjoy the sun and girls till things settle down..."

"Do it. Be my guest. Shoot me," Batman smirked, staring at the terrified criminal. "If you are lucky, which I think you are not, the bullet will pierce through my armor, which again is impossible considering the material of my armor, otherwise... splat!" He taunted him with a dramatic sound effect, causing Black Mask's face to pale even further.

"...Y-you are crazy!" Black Mask dropped the gun in panic.

"What?! That's new. People usually call me a genius... Crazy is new to me," He snickered.

"...Fuck!" Black Mask cursed loudly, struggling to break free from Batman's grip. "What the fuck do you want?" He gave up on breaking free, realizing how futile his attempt was.

Batman selected a missile from his weapon selection and aimed his fist down at the warehouse, "I want you to look down and tell me what you see."

Black Mask reluctantly looked down, "W-What do you want to hear? ...My warehouse! Happy now, asshole?!" He shouted angrily, glaring at him with hatred.

He launched the missile at the warehouse.

BOOM!

An explosion tore through the warehouse, engulfing it in flames. Black Mask's eyes widened in terror when he realized the implication of the missile Batman launched. The explosion was followed by multiple more chain explosions, thanks to the explosives and other weapons stored in the warehouse. The deafening sounds echoed throughout the industrial zone, sending shockwaves rippling through the area.

Under the night sky, the blazing inferno illuminated Batman's armored form, revealing his menacing appearance. His glowing blue eyes stared at Black Mask with cold indifference.

"What warehouse?" He looked down, "I don't see any warehouse."

Black Mask trembled in horror. The destruction unfolding beneath him left him speechless and petrified. The once bustling warehouse was reduced to smoldering ruins as fire consumed the debris. His years of planning and scheming were destroyed in a single moment. All the hard work gone, vanished into thin air.

"...N-no... no...no..." He muttered incoherently, watching his plans crumbling apart.

"What no? I mean, yeah, there isn't a warehouse anymore... Also, your men are dead. All of them blown to pieces..." Batman said nonchalantly. "But, hey! Look at the bright side... You are still alive!" He laughed maniacally, causing Black Mask to shudder in fright. "Now enough with the boring chat. I know this is just one of the six warehouses, so... Let's fly for a bit and enjoy some fireworks, shall we?"

Without waiting for a response, Batman activated his thrusters. Black Mask screamed in terror as they shot forward through the night sky, leaving behind a trail of smoke.

"...Nooooooo!!!"

----['favourite' the chapter if you liked it.]----

If you want to support me or read advance chapters, check out my Patr éon.

Support Link: https://www.patr /XcaliburXc

As of now, Pat reon is 17 chapters ahead[Read the entire Arc-1]

[Exclusive r18 contents] [No double billing]

Next Chapter: One Bullet