Chapter 359
A person's fighting style often reveals their personality.
Even when Dr. Banner transformed into the raging Hulk, you could glimpse the shadows of his childhood and the emotions he suppressed deep inside.
Batman had even designed a form of "combat language" during his time in Gotham—a method of conveying information through fighting movements alone, without speaking a word.
His brief confrontation with Blade three days ago had already shown Batman exactly what kind of person he was dealing with: a solitary vampire hunter, a Daywalker, pragmatic and formidable, a warrior who'd witnessed countless betrayals yet still held firm to his path.
The mutual restraint three days ago, the satisfying brawl followed by lying together in muddy rainwater while the downpour soaked them both—that experience had been enough for Blade to drop all his defenses and trust Batman.
Blade didn't carry the social concerns of ordinary people. Of course, his own formidable strength also gave him the confidence to operate this way.
"Blade..." Batman began.
"Let's make proper introductions. My name is Eric Brooks," Blade interrupted. "You can call me Eric, though I prefer Blade."
Batman nodded.
"Three days ago you told me about the vampire situation. I've conducted extensive investigation based on the information you provided and reached a conclusion."
Blade cradled the longsword in his arms, watching Batman.
"New York very likely has a vampire presence as well. I need you to verify this, but don't harm ordinary people," Batman said.
"I've been investigating the same thing these past three days. Your assessment matches mine," Blade replied. "Don't worry. My blade is only for vampires."
"I have another question." Batman got straight to the point. "Is there anything that can substitute for human blood as sustenance for vampires?"
Blade looked at Batman. "Why ask that suddenly? Have you already made contact with vampires?"
Batman shook his head slightly, not revealing Professor Morbius's existence on North Brother Island. "I've noticed you carefully avoid touching your blade, and you don't keep garlic or crucifixes on your person. You must be a vampire yourself."
"If you're willing to hear my explanation, I'll gladly tell you why," Blade said, still cradling the longsword rather than gripping it ready for combat. "If you don't have the patience for explanations, we can fight again instead."
"Go ahead," Batman said.
"I'm half-human, half-vampire..." Blade summarized his situation in a few brief sentences. "My mother was bitten by a vampire during childbirth and died after I was born, giving me mixed human and vampire heritage."
"In the early years I still needed to feed on blood, but eventually I overcame that deficiency. However, I'm still vulnerable to silver weapons like any vampire, and garlic and crucifixes cause me pain."
Batman didn't attack Blade. Instead, he continued the conversation. "What about sunlight?"
"I need to avoid direct sunlight to my eyes, so wearing sunglasses became a habit," Blade said.
"I appreciate your honesty about all this," Batman said.
Blade flashed his white teeth in another broad smile. "You were willing to trust me and arm me as a warrior again. Of course I'll trust you in return."
Without pausing, Blade headed toward the shipyard's exit. "I still need to investigate those vampires lurking in New York. Contact me if you need anything, brother."
Batman watched Blade's silhouette gradually disappear into the shipyard ruins without speaking.
"You treat me like a person, so there's no reason for me to act like a monster." Those words from Blade still echoed in Batman's mind.
Standing there for a long moment, Batman smiled faintly. He appreciated this straightforward camaraderie between warriors, unmarred by conspiracies or hidden agendas.
But unfortunately, to return to Gotham, to protect Aunt May, to fight all crime—Batman had no choice but to transform his entire existence into a web of intricate, interlocking plans.
On Bat Island, Lizard Professor yawned while Devil Dinosaur's massive form lay curled nearby, snoring like thunder.
Since the island's construction was completely mechanized with no human workers, operations had continued around the clock since resuming.
To the outside world, this island was a hellish place where hundreds had died. No one would risk approaching. Combined with the presence of Lizard Professor and Devil Dinosaur, even if someone did venture close, they'd be detected immediately.
Currently, the above-ground Parker Manor portion remained at the foundation stage, but the underground Batcave had completed over half its designated sections.
When Batman set foot on Bat Island, Lizard Professor's first words were: "I think we've broken our promise, Batman."
According to their agreement, Batman should have returned Devil Dinosaur to the little girl Lunella several days ago. But nearly a week had passed, and Devil Dinosaur remained on Bat Island.
"Don't worry," Batman said. "Lunella's a good girl."
"Why do you say that?" Lizard Professor asked curiously.
Batman opened the armor plating on his Arkham suit's right forearm, pulling up a communication page on the portable screen.
Lizard Professor's massive head immediately leaned closer.
On the communications interface, the little girl Lunella had sent a message four or five days earlier: "Batman, some guy named Garrett is looking everywhere for you. Make sure to protect yourself. We can talk about the dinosaur later."
Lizard Professor's mouth quirked sideways. Though Lunella herself was only seven or eight years old, she spoke with the tone of an adult. "Definitely a good kid."
Batman nodded, casually closing the armor plating over the screen again.
Lizard Professor's sharp eyes had caught sight of numerous other messages Lunella had sent:
"Give me back the full-wave projector!"
"Damn it!"
"What kind of deal did you make with Lunella?!"
"How much do you want for it?! I can buy the full-wave projector from you!"
Lizard Professor could figure out with his dorsal spikes alone that these had to be from Reed Richards, using Lunella's communication channel with Batman.
"What's your next move?" Lizard Professor ignored Reed Richards just as Batman did, changing the subject.
"Return Devil Dinosaur to Lunella. I'll build her a large private zoo for cover," Batman said, "if she needs one."
"Good idea, but I think Reed should foot the bill." Just mentioning that man made Lizard Professor grit his teeth. "If not for him, we'd have far fewer messes to clean up."
"That was unavoidable," Batman said, offering Lizard Professor what comfort he could.