Chapter 57: Ch.56 Preemptive Strike

Chapter 57: Ch.56 Preemptive Strike

Seeing Barry's reaction, Su Ming knew that the small flashlight was not something Barry brought with him. However, for now, it wasn't a priority. Despite Barry's worried look, Su Ming put the small flashlight away. The previous conversation between the two wasn't really about Barry being persuaded but rather Su Ming giving him an excuse, a way out.

Barry saw the way out and chose not to delve deeper. After all, he had taken such exits many times before.

He understood that the world was in crisis and that unity and fighting together, like the Justice League, was necessary. He had initially joined the Justice League just to make friends.

Su Ming decided to handle those Owls thoroughly. While he might not be able to eradicate them completely, he would deal a heavy blow, forcing them underground like a bunch of groundhogs hiding in their burrows.

Ignoring the rest of their organization, the 'Strigidae' Priests must be completely eliminated as they are the communication link to Barbatos.

He already had a plan and knew where they were.

After this, he and Barry didn't chat idly. Most of the important topics were already covered, and there wasn't much more to say. Meanwhile, Cindy and Bryce kept arguing, seemingly debating some trivial matters.

For instance, Cindy mocked Bryce for her failures in their previous encounters, while Bryce insisted that it was actually a draw since Cindy was also injured. Then Cindy retorted that her mission was completed and that Bryce had failed to protect the assassination target, which counted as a loss.

After listening for a few moments, Su Ming knew it was time.

"Ahem, ladies, should we get down to business?"

"Hmph!" x2

Bryce and Cindy both stood up, knowing that this was not the time for idle chit-chat, but their stances were completely opposed.

"I understand. I'll take care of Falcone. I'll make sure he and his daughter are sent to prison," Batwoman said, pulling up her cape to cover her face as she looked at the unconscious pair on the ground. She decided to send them directly to Blackgate Penitentiary.

"Why not just kill them? I can give you a discount," Cindy sneered provocatively. She hated the hypocrisy of the Bat-family.

"We cannot decide someone else's life or death," Bryce immediately warned, her voice sharp as she clenched her gloved fists.

Su Ming stepped between them, raising his hands in a cross gesture in front of his chest: "Stop, both of you. The real victims here are Gordon and the GCPD. They should decide what happens to them, but they must pay. And if Falcone escapes, capturing him again will cost extra."

Cindy took a deep breath and calmed down, nudging the unconscious Sofia with her foot.

"Fine, you heard what Su said. Better pay up quickly."

Gordon's expression was serious, but his handshake was firm. He knew they had saved Barbara and found him in time.

Su Ming didn't mind his bold words. Gordon wanting to arrest Cindy was just a show of resolve, an empty gesture. The GCPD had always been virtually useless, and this time they had taken heavy losses.

"There's just a misunderstanding. We mercenaries are business people. If the city government is willing to pay, we can help out now and then. As long as the money is right, anything can be negotiated." Su Ming laughed, patting Gordon's arm. "You can discuss it with Bryce. Maybe set up a protection fee fund or something. Mercenaries don't have enemies, only business."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Gordon's face was calm, pretending not to understand, but he felt a jolt inside.

"We all know Bryce's identity. No need to be so scared. Is the Bat making you afraid too?" Su Ming whispered in his ear, nodded, and then walked away.

Gordon was left standing there, deep in thought.

Catching up with Cindy, they took the two reporters and Barbara back to the car. Su Ming then returned to the junkyard, taking a long time before coming back again. He was soaked with rain and covered in mud, but he was holding something bloody in his hand.

It was the hood of the Talon they had fought earlier.

The hood was a bit torn from the explosion, and the bloodstains, though black, were still visible. But a little dirt didn't matter. Su Ming needed it to disguise himself as a Talon assassin. As Slade's memories continued to return, his thinking also broadened. To perfect his backup plan, he needed this.

The side door of the broadcast van could be opened, and he and Cindy sat there shoulder to shoulder, looking out at the rainy junkyard, which looked just like when they had arrived.

He was scrubbing the bloodstains off the hood in the rain. Just hours ago, he would never have imagined himself becoming an expert in covering up evidence.

"That guy in red, can you really deal with him the way you said?" Cindy asked softly, her gaze fixed on the dark shadows of the junkyard.

"Not necessarily. Dealing with speedsters isn't just about explosions. It requires a huge amount of calculation: speed, movement trajectory, his psychology." He unfolded the hood and examined it. The headgear was mostly intact, although the round glasses were cracked. It looked like he'd have to find a place to repair them. "Another Deathstroke in another world used this strategy to defeat Barry's nephew. I was just scaring him earlier. He doesn't know that you should avoid fighting speedsters unless you have to. If you must, you have to find their psychological weaknesses, not just brute force."

"I see. So, it still depends on tactics." Cindy nodded, looking at the dirty water on the ground. "But it seems like you two get along well."

Su Ming rolled up the Owl's hood and stuffed it into his bag. "Maybe. Because he's someone who always has a good heart."

"But you just lied to him." Cindy took off her helmet, rubbed her hair, and looked at the distant rain. "I've noticed what makes you different from me."

"Yes, though I don't know why, my eyes can see a faint shadow. Normally, we shouldn't be able to see a speedster's movements." Su Ming replied calmly, without a trace of guilt. "But he doesn't need to know that. I'll keep it as a trump card."

The heavy rain poured down, hiding their expressions in the darkness.