Destroy Wayne Manor

Duca's defense crumbled instantly.

"I've checked your information, and you're just a cop with a bit of muscle," Duca retorted coldly, "Now, get lost and don't disrupt my conversation with Bruce."

"I wasn't interrupting," Jack shrugged, "But you're right, go ahead. I'm just here for the show."

Selina, standing on the side, struggled to maintain a neutral expression. If it weren't for the fear of drawing attention and the fact that she was holding onto Jack's arm, she might have made a run for it. The situation seemed too thrilling for a fledgling black cat.

"So, you're Ra's al Ghul," Bruce, accustomed to Jack's conversational style, addressed Duca directly, "I saved you."

"That's where you went wrong; you were too kind," Duca looked at Bruce coldly, "You shouldn't have saved me, but you did, so here I am."

"What do you want?"

"Destroy Gotham."

"Why?"

"The league of Assassins has been working to cleanse the world of the most extreme darkness and filth for thousands of years. We destroyed Rome, unleashed the plague, burned down London...and now, it's Gotham's turn."

"Gotham isn't beyond redemption."

"I don't see any hope for saving Gotham."

"We, Jack, Alfred, Fox...we are the hope."

"Your idea is incredibly naive. Do you think punishing gangsters is a small task? Have you achieved the goal of rescuing this fallen city? Or do you believe that donning a peculiar costume can turn you into a superhero and save the world?"

"Eliminating the threat of the gangs is just the first step in our plan," Bruce said earnestly, "We have many follow-up steps..."

"It appears you have some elaborate plans. It's not child's play; however, the Shadow Warrior Alliance won't wait for you. The arrow is on the string and has to be fired," Duca shook his head, "Gotham City is utterly hopeless. My people have infiltrated various organizations in Gotham City. I am certain of it!"

"Only in darkness can you see the hidden light," Bruce countered, "You're mistaken. Don't look to the heights; the decay at the top doesn't signify rot at the roots."

"Whatever you say," Duca retorted, a hint of irritation in his tone. "The blunder of that fool prematurely revealing our plans tipped you off about the poisonous gas."

"So?" Bruce's response was curt, his gaze unwavering.

"So, without certainty of whether you've concocted a solution, we devised a backup plan. Though I highly doubt you've managed to produce enough antidotes," Duca asserted confidently, "The poison gas will saturate Gotham City entirely. Every dignitary present tonight will be ensnared within these walls!"

"I must thank you for presenting such a golden opportunity. Without it, orchestrating the simultaneous demise of Gotham's elite would have been a far more daunting task, even for us," Duca remarked, patting Bruce on the shoulder.

"Are you trying to intimidate me?" Bruce's stare turned piercing.

"This isn't a threat, it's a reality," Duca countered calmly. "Look around you, at these banquet attendees. They're the cream of Gotham's crop, unarmed and defenseless. And as for the powerful ones among them, imagine if I promised their safety in exchange for your demise. Would they hesitate?"

"I still urge you to reconsider," Bruce's tone remained icy.

"Fear not, old friend. I did attempt to sway you, but considering you saved my life, I'll refrain from any direct harm," Duca softened momentarily, adjusting Bruce's collar. "Though, I'm not above employing other means against you..."

"What's your take on this?" Jack's voice cut through the tension, shattering the moment.

"Me?" Selina blinked, momentarily dazed by the abrupt shift in focus.

"Yes, what do you make of Mr. Lei Xiaogu's grand scheme?" Jack inquired earnestly.

"...It's... not terrible?" Selina hesitated before offering her assessment.

"Not terrible? In my humble opinion, it's nothing short of fanciful," Jack retorted with a seriousness that belied his usual demeanor.

"I had intended to bide my time, but you've left me little choice," Duca addressed Bruce, his tone cool yet resolute.

"Fear not, one gets accustomed to it," Bruce remarked, acknowledging Jack's unconventional approach before redirecting the conversation. "But I do believe he's onto something."

"What are you insinuating?" Duca's brow furrowed, his confidence wavering.

In his mind, his plan was foolproof!

"I have only one thing to say regarding your current predicament: do you think what you think you think?" Jack's cryptic question lingered in the air.

"..." Duca pondered Jack's words for a moment before comprehension dawned.

"After we intercepted the fear gas days ago, we swiftly developed an antidote and commenced mass production," Bruce elucidated. "Furthermore, utilizing Wayne Group's routine tram track inspections and maintenance, we've strategically placed the antidote throughout the city. At the first sign of the poison gas, we'll distribute the antidote and neutralize the threat."

"Within a few days?" Duca emphasized, his tone dripping with skepticism. "Within a few days, you think you can pull it off?"

Bruce, undeterred by Duca's doubt, recounted how he had swiftly executed Jack's suggestion. With a substantial investment, he had secured a contractor in China whose efficiency was remarkable. The products were swiftly manufactured and delivered by air in just a matter of days, showcasing Bruce's financial prowess.

Duca's face darkened, his sneer betraying his inner frustration. "Money can only get you so far," he retorted. "We've always had a backup plan."

Bruce nodded in agreement, acknowledging the existence of their contingency strategy. "Indeed," he replied, casting a meaningful glance at Jack. "We're prepared for any eventuality."

Jack, playing his part, feigned fear. "I'm terrified," he admitted, adding to the tension in the room.

Moments later, chaos erupted as Duca's men brandished firearms, intimidating the guests at the birthday party. The room fell into a tense silence as the attendees cowered under the threat.

But just as Duca reveled in his moment of power, Jack sprung into action, orchestrating a swift takedown. In a matter of moments, the Shadow Warrior Alliance members were subdued, with Duca remaining conscious, albeit restrained.

Bruce seized the opportunity to address his former mentor. "This is the last time I call you master," he declared coolly. "We will show you how Gotham has transformed under our rule."

Duca's response was unexpected—laughter. His hysterical outburst filled the hall, sending shivers down the spines of Gotham's elite.

Confounded, Bruce frowned. "What's so funny?" he demanded.

Duca's laughter subsided, replaced by a chilling revelation. "You think you've won, but I have one final surprise," he declared. "Micro explosives have been planted throughout Wayne Manor. Even if you defeat us, you won't survive to see the aftermath."

With a bitter taste in his mouth, Bruce realized that the game was far from over.

....

Free members can get a combo of 6+ advanced chapters from my books FOR FREE.

Join my P*atreon for early access to 60+ chapters ahead of the public release. 

Link : pa*treon.com/thebookaddict (Remove the *)