Chapter 364: The Ungrateful Daughter!
Cobb's Break
"I'm going to kill you!"
A furious roar exploded in the stone chamber. William Cobb's eyes were bloodshot, and his face was distorted beyond recognition. The mysterious man's words had caused his blood to boil, and his head felt like it would burst. His churning thoughts brought forth many deeply buried memories: he recalled who he was, his former wife and children, and the endless humiliation he had suffered at the base.
Rage poured out, and the bloodshot William Cobb resembled a maddened beast.
"Die!" Cobb roared, gripping his short sword and plunging it toward the mysterious man's heart. Suddenly, a massive force struck him from the side. His body was sent flying, smashing hard into the wall.
Luke snorted, his eyes filled with murderous intent.
"You dare to kill without my command?"
"Remember, you are only a dog. You live because I let you, and you die when I say so."
The icy voice cut through William Cobb's heart like a knife. He instantly snapped back to his senses, trembling as he crawled to Luke.
"I was wrong, Master. I won't dare again."
"Get out of my sight."
William Cobb immediately stood up, cautiously taking a position by the door.
This scene both shocked and terrified the mysterious man, whose heart was pounding furiously. Who was this guy? How could he make the enraged William Cobb submit?
"Who... who are you?"
Luke turned his head and said expressionlessly, "When the time is right, I will tell you."
"Considering you've been relatively honest, I'll give you two options: One, remove your mask, become my subordinate, and serve me from now on; Two, continue with the previous session—I ask, you answer."
The mysterious man lowered his head, his gaze flickering with hesitation. Luke didn't pressure him further, giving him ample time to think.
After a brief silence, the mysterious man removed his Falcon Mask, revealing a face of a man about thirty years old.
"Cohen Delk greets his Master."
The pale, sweat-soaked face was deeply bowed, hiding a subtle mix of humiliation and hatred.
Luke ignored the man's inner turmoil, looking him up and down with a smile.
"So, the General Manager of the Delk Group. Interesting. You're worth at least tens of millions. Why give up being a wealthy man to run errands for the Court of Owls?"
Delk whispered, "The Delk family has been a member of the Court of Owls for generations."
"So, there are quite a few established Gotham families like yours in the Court of Owls?"
Delk slowly nodded. "According to the information I possess, Cliff of the Rozier family and Amir of the Balon family are likely also Court of Owls members. If you require it, Master, you can capture them. I believe they will yield a lot of information."
Luke smirked—a truly merciless wolf. He had barely surrendered before eagerly selling out his comrades. However, these were exactly the kind of people Luke liked; he had no psychological burden killing them.
To demonstrate his sincerity and save his own life, Delk spilled everything he knew, both sensitive and trivial. He detailed the night's operation: the Court of Owls, seeking to rebuild Gotham, had decided to launch a Night of Vengeance. They were targeting the Mayor, District Attorney, Police Commissioner, and precinct captains for annihilation. Hearing this news, Luke frowned slightly and sent a text message to Barbara.
After the conversation, Luke left the cave with William Cobb, leaving the unconscious Delk behind in the forest. Luke was confident Delk was smart enough to handle the aftermath.
The Commissioner's Nightmare
Tonight was destined to be a sleepless night for Gotham. Just like in the nursery rhyme, when the Owl showed its Talons, all of Gotham trembled.
Criminals in Tesla power armor, led by the Talons, launched surprise attacks against Gotham's top officials. Their gear far surpassed that of security guards, and even well-equipped armed forces were no match.
Fierce battles erupted at City Hall, the District Attorney's Office, and the Police Department.
Had it not been for Barbara's timely warning, as well as the quick response from Harvey Dent and the Wayne Enterprises contingency measures, Gotham's leadership might have been wiped out in a single stroke. Of course, the most crucial factor was Batman, who defended City Hall and single-handedly held off four Talons.
Outside the Gotham City Police Department, as more armed police arrived, the Talons, sensing the shift in the tide, ordered a retreat. The group of assailants broke through the police car barricade and vanished into the night like winged apes.
Jim Gordon gritted his teeth in frustration, but there was nothing he could do. The armor worn by the criminals was bulletproof; common weapons were useless against it, save for sniper rifles. And the strength and speed they displayed were completely at a superhuman level—any ordinary officer sent against them would be committing suicide.
The Police Department suffered heavy losses, with over a dozen wounded, though thankfully no fatalities. It was a minor miracle amidst the misfortune.
Looking at the smoking wreckage of the police station, Jim Gordon sighed deeply. Gotham, having just regained a semblance of calm, was likely to descend back into chaos because of this.
Beside him, Barbara scoffed, "Why the sigh? Didn't we win?"
Jim Gordon shook his head, looking at the suddenly appearing "hero." The figure was wearing power armor and intentionally suppressing her voice, but somehow, he felt an uncanny familiarity.
How strange!
Barbara stuck out her tongue. Her father's gaze unnerved her, and she decided it was best to leave.
"If everything is fine, I'm going now!"
"Stop right there!" Jim instinctively barked, just as he had countless times at home. In that instant, a flash of realization hit him. He understood everything—why the voice sounded so familiar, why the movements were so recognizable.
That's his damn daughter!
"You... you brat!"
"You... you..." Jim Gordon's eyes were wide, and his face turned green.
Barbara shrieked and sprinted away.
"You stop... damn it... stop!" Jim Gordon chased her frantically. Alas, as an ordinary man, there was no way he could catch up to Barbara in power armor. Within seconds, he was left far behind.
Several police officers ran up, curious. "Commissioner, do you know that person?"
Jim Gordon's face was terrible. He didn't speak, turning and walking away.
The officers exchanged confused glances. What was wrong with the Commissioner? Why was he so angry all of a sudden?
Back at the station, Jim Gordon tried calling his daughter's phone, but it went straight to an inaccessible tone, making him smash the phone onto the floor. He then contacted his wife, Sarah, instructing her that if she saw Barbara, she must lock her in the house and absolutely forbid her from going out.
Just then, his assistant walked in.
"Commissioner, District Attorney Dent is here. He wants to see you."
Jim Gordon straightened his clothes and said, "Show him in."
A moment later, Harvey Dent, his shoulder bandaged, walked into the office.
"I need you to investigate someone for me."
"Who?"
Harvey Dent took out a photo and placed it on the desk. "The girl in this photo. She attended the Wayne Manor party tonight as Luke Shaw's date. We're sure to dig up clues about the power armor from her."
Jim Gordon glanced at the photo. He felt a huge lump in his chest and couldn't stop coughing.
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/MistaQuartz
On Patreon, you can explore Extra Chapters in advance!