The main screen displayed a minute-by-minute breakdown of the operation.
*23:00 - Depart Wayne Manor in Batmobile*
*23:47 - Arrive at East End insertion point*
*23:52 - Scale building to rooftop position*
*00:00 - Begin operation, neutralize rooftop guard*
*00:03 - Entry through skylight*
*00:05-00:15 - Engage hostile forces, secure primary target*
*00:18 - Plant evidence, contact GCPD anonymously*
*00:20 - Exit via predetermined route*
*00:47 - Return to Wayne Manor*
Total operation time: one hour and forty-seven minutes. Less than two hours to dismantle a criminal organization that had operated with impunity for five years.
"You will be operating at significant risk," NEXUS reminded him. "Even with peak human capabilities and superior equipment, variables exist that cannot be fully controlled. Guard rotations may change. Unexpected reinforcements may arrive. Equipment may malfunction."
"I know the risks."
"And you accept them?"
"I do."
Bruce spent the next hour running through combat drills, keeping his body sharp. Push-ups, strikes against the heavy bag, grappling practice with the training dummies. His peak human physique responded perfectly, muscles firing with mechanical precision.
By ten PM, he was ready for sleep. Tomorrow would be the longest day of his life, culminating in the most dangerous thing he'd ever attempted.
He went upstairs, showered, and lay in bed. His mind should have been racing, anxiety and anticipation making sleep impossible.
Instead, he felt calm. Centered. His enhanced Spirit stat and years of meditation practice allowed him to quiet his thoughts and drift into deep, restorative sleep.
Tomorrow, everything changed.
Tomorrow, Batman was born.
---
Friday arrived with overcast skies and cold wind. Appropriate weather for what was coming.
Bruce went through school in a state of focused detachment. He was present enough to avoid raising suspicion, but his real consciousness was already moving through the operation, visualizing each step, preparing for variables.
During lunch, Selina caught him staring into space again.
"Earth to Bruce. Come in, Bruce."
He blinked and refocused. "Sorry. What?"
"I was asking if you wanted to study for the History exam together this weekend. But clearly your brain is on another planet."
"This weekend might not work. I've got some things I need to handle."
"Right. The mysterious 'things' you're always working on." Selina's tone was more frustrated than amused now. "You know what, forget it. Whatever's going on with you, deal with it. But don't expect people to just wait around while you figure your life out."
She stood up and left the cafeteria. Several people at the table looked at Bruce with varying expressions of sympathy and curiosity.
"Trouble in paradise?" one of the guys asked.
"We're not together," Bruce said automatically.
"Could've fooled me. She's been staring at you like a lovesick puppy for months."
Bruce processed that information. He'd noticed Selina's interest, had even encouraged it to some degree. But he'd been so focused on Batman that he hadn't properly considered the human cost of his obsession.
'Another thing to fix,' he thought. 'After tonight. After I've proven I can actually do this.'
The rest of the day blurred past. Classes ended. Bruce drove home. He ate an early dinner with Alfred, making small talk about graduation plans and summer possibilities.
"I may be traveling quite a bit," Bruce said. "Personal research. Visiting some companies Wayne Enterprises has partnerships with. That sort of thing."
"I see. Will you be wanting me to accompany you on these trips?"
"No, this is something I need to do alone. But I'll stay in touch."
Alfred's expression suggested he saw through the excuse but chose not to push. "Very well, Master Bruce. Just remember that you always have a home here. And someone who cares about your wellbeing."
"I know, Alfred. Thank you. Also I haven't forgotten my promise. Give me some more time."
"Understood, Master Bruce."
After dinner, Bruce retreated to his room and tried to rest. He set an alarm for 10 PM, giving himself an hour to prepare before departure.
Sleep came surprisingly easily. His body understood it needed rest for the exertion ahead.
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