Chapter 213: Too Many Coincidences
Batman understood perfectly well the three scientists' willingness to assist.
He'd fabricated new tentacle appendages and armor for Otto. Enabled Connors mastering Lizard transformation. Provided Hulk substantial emotional validation.
From research facilities to basic necessities to psychological needs—Batman had continuously influenced North Brother Island's three scientists through subtle conditioning.
Batman required allies. Currently, the three scientists barely qualified as logistical support. But if circumstances degraded beyond Batman's tactical solutions, he'd request their assistance without hesitation.
However, now wasn't the moment requiring their monstrous manifestations.
Oscorp's three personnel missing, one critically injured near death. Four gamma creatures potentially violent at any moment.
Currently, Batman needed North Brother Island scientists' intellects more than their physical capabilities.
Facing three scientists' concerned expressions, Batman's face remained impassive. But he nodded slightly:
"You're already assisting me."
Statement concluded, leaving somewhat bewildered scientists behind, Batman's cape flared dramatically—obscuring illumination. Next instant, he'd vanished completely.
Now he traveled from North Brother Island to Hoffman Island—specifically, Bat-Island.
Batman immediately adjusted construction priority schedules, designating secure containment area as primary construction zone.
The four gamma creatures extracted from New Mexico facility—Batman refused surrendering them to any external custody, including SHIELD.
Wyoming's Cube prison remained suspiciously compromised. That SHIELD internal facility requiring codename designation for communication—highly suspected Hydra infiltration. Batman couldn't trust SHIELD containing these four creatures adequately.
Possibly today's SHIELD delivery meant tomorrow's Hydra acquisition.
Additionally, Batman strongly suspected three of Oscorp's four personnel had undergone varying transformation degrees. Beyond Professor Miles Warren hospitalized at Metro-General, others remained completely missing.
If necessary, Batman would even commit Harry Osborn to secure containment—enabling father-son reunion.
"Hopefully that day never arrives." Rationality executed cold calculations. But emotional consideration prompted Batman's internal acknowledgment.
Bat-Island construction under Oracle AI subroutine control proceeded efficiently.
But before New Mexico departure, Batman could periodically visit Bat-Island, optimizing construction based on site conditions directly.
Now, following four gamma creatures' arrival plus Oscorp Tower's three missing personnel, Batman lacked available time.
Batman's responsibilities escalated continuously. Bat-Island's existence must conserve massive time expenditure—not waste it.
Previously purchased server infrastructure supporting Oracle AI no longer satisfied Batman's operational requirements. Time summoning the old butler.
Batman mentally noted Alfred AI construction priority, piloting Batmobile back to Batcave.
After confirming four gamma creatures displayed zero awakening indicators, Batman departed again.
Tasks required sequential execution. Currently, Batman faced multiple critical obligations simultaneously.
Primary objective: locate Daredevil in Hell's Kitchen, extracting intelligence regarding the alternate "Batman."
Batman departed New York. Immediately afterward, Oscorp Tower incident—three missing, one critically injured. Subsequently, New York acquired another "Batman."
This sequence proved excessively coincidental. Batman needed bold hypothesis formation with careful verification—ignoring zero leads or possibilities.
He suspected new "Batman's" manifestation connected to Oscorp Tower incident. Daredevil, present during events, might provide critical intelligence.
Regarding new "Batman's" identity—Batman currently lacked leads. But he definitively knew Daredevil was attorney Matt Murdock.
Hell's Kitchen district. Unremarkable building interior, specific room. Door plaque reading "Nelson & Murdock Law Offices."
Attorney Matt Murdock, wearing dark red sunglasses, sat behind office desk. One hand held newspaper, opposite hand's fingertips rapidly tracing newspaper ink patterns.
Complete blindness barely impeded his "reading" capability. Occasionally lifting teacup for sips.
His partner Foggy Nelson reclined on office lounge chair, similarly holding newspaper aloft.
Breeze drifted through. Foggy yawned lazily, subsequently covering face with newspaper. Mere seconds later—asleep.
Attorney Matt Murdock sat motionless, seemingly petrified statue.
Suddenly, specific moment—Matt's right hand moved with extreme velocity and surgical precision, capturing projectile mid-flight.
Matt's fingertips traced projectile contours. Sharp bat-symbol immediately materialized within mental visualization.
His face oriented toward window, expression impassive while "observing" momentarily before lowering newspaper, approaching Foggy Nelson.
Listening intently to partner's respiration and cardiac rhythm, Matt immediately comprehended Foggy's condition—merely sleeping under potent hypnotic gas influence, zero life-threatening danger.
Without delay, Matt rapidly changed into dark red night suit, holstering both billy clubs against thighs before vaulting through window—scaling to rooftop swiftly.
Daredevil's first statement upon reaching Batman:
"You discovered my identity? When?"
"Oscorp Tower." Batman's voice resonated low tones.
They'd met previously—multiple occasions. Strictly speaking, Batman had even collaborated once with Daredevil's attorney persona.
"What do you want?"
Daredevil asked rhetorically. He could deduce Batman's purpose instinctively—obviously regarding Rikers Island's alternate "Batman" incident.
Predictably, Batman responded as Daredevil anticipated:
"I require information about that individual."
"I'll share everything I know. But you must promise one condition." Daredevil stated. "Don't surrender him to police custody. Kingpin very likely purchased NYPD cooperation."
Batman observed Daredevil silently. Peter Parker's physiological acuity detected faint blood scent accompanying Daredevil's every exhalation.
Daredevil obviously sustained severe injuries during Rikers Island mob assault. Currently maintaining uninjured facade.