Chapter 374: The History of the Court of Owls!
The Origin of Gotham's Secret Masters
Among the major cities in the DC world, Gotham City is one of the oldest, with a history spanning hundreds of years.
Centuries of change have left behind many unknown secrets, the deepest of which is the underground kingdom created by the Norsemen.
In Gotham City's early history, the Norsemen were the true pioneers of the city. They crossed the Atlantic, arriving on this precious land, and used various illicit means to acquire large amounts of diamonds, jewelry, gold, and silver from the indigenous people.
To avoid retaliation, the Norsemen carved out a vast underground labyrinth using the natural caves beneath what would become Gotham. They hid their stolen treasures in this maze and swore blood oaths to guard them for generations, never to betray the secret. A portion of them founded a settlement above the labyrinth, which was the precursor to "Gotham Town."
This is why Gotham City has so many Gothic architectural features. "Goth" refers to barbarians, and Gothic art generally referred to "barbaric art," despised by early European orthodoxy but favored by the Norsemen with Viking blood.
As time passed, Gotham Town grew, but the Norsemen's influence gradually diminished. To maintain their power and protect their interests, these wealthy "creators" banded together, forming the secretive Court of Owls. Using the Court's power, they became the underground kings of Gotham City.
This is the history of the Court, the history most people do not know.
In the deepest part of the underground labyrinth, Sir Black Hawk, wearing a red suit, stood on a high platform. Below him were rows of soldiers in black power armor. These were different from the thugs previously hired; they were devout fanatics trained at great cost by the Court of Owls, absolutely loyal and completely indoctrinated.
As the power was switched on, the black armor emitted a sapphire-blue glow. Energy radiated outward, forming invisible force fields. The air rippled as if it were boiling water. The powerful energy fluctuations filled the Court members on the platform with both awe and delight.
The previous failed operation had created an unprecedented crisis for the Court. The surviving Gotham high-ranking officials had united like never before, using all their resources to search for the Court's location. A series of retaliatory measures left the members deeply embarrassed, and some even considered retreating.
Sir Black Hawk knew that time was crucial. Under the extreme external pressure, if anyone was captured or defected, the situation would instantly collapse. He was ready to counterattack. If the first attempt failed, they would try again.
This time, they would not fail. They would surely destroy their rivals, restore their glory, and reclaim everything they had lost.
The Owls are the true Kings of Gotham! It had always been so, and it would remain so.
The Full Power of the Armor
In the Gordon family study, as Luke's words sank in, the deathly pale look on Jim Gordon's face finally shifted.
"I don't understand what you mean. Even if they breached the defense system, what difference does that make? Could there be further changes?"
"To be precise, yes."
Luke nodded, his expression serious. "The MAX K-I military power armor is extremely powerful and has terrifying destructive capability. To limit it, the Department of Defense required me to place certain constraints on the armor. That constraint was the defense system. Only those recognized by the defense system were authorized to use the armor's full capabilities."
"The power armor you saw that night was a mere half-measure. Many features, including the energy field, AI intelligence, 3D imaging, and danger perception, were not activated. Now, it's different. The defense system has been breached, which means two things: One, the core program has been modified, and I no longer have direct control. Two, all functions are active, and combat power has doubled."
"How powerful is the armor at full power? Barbara already demonstrated it for you. Commissioner Gordon, I hope you are prepared. Next time, you won't be facing an invincible metal shell, but a terrifying weapon that can take a life with a single movement."
With that, Luke rose from the chair.
"I've told you what you need to know. I'm taking Barbara with me tonight. I hope you won't try to stop me."
"Wait a moment." Jim Gordon said firmly. "Are you telling me the truth?"
"Of course not. I run the criminal underworld. Why would I tell a police officer the truth?"
Luke smiled faintly, his eyes full of meaning, like a gloating fox watching a wolf and a leopard fight.
Jim Gordon's body went stiff. He didn't know whether to believe or doubt. Years of case experience told him that a major issue was hidden in this, but his instinct was pulling him in the opposite direction. What if the man wasn't lying?
Thinking of the dreadful potential consequences, Jim couldn't sit still any longer. He quickly called Harvey Dent, who was in charge of the Court of Owls investigation, telling him to be extra careful and not overlook any clues.
In the living room, seeing Luke walk out unharmed, Barbara sighed in relief and quickly asked,
"Dad didn't give you any trouble, did he?"
"No, we had a very pleasant talk. Not only did he not give me any trouble, but he also allowed me to take you out." Luke reached out and pulled the girl into his arms.
"Tell me, where do you want to go tonight?"
Barbara looked at him suspiciously. "He really didn't give you trouble?"
Luke laughed heartily. After saying goodbye to Sarah, he and Barbara swept out the door.
Batman Takes Action
As the Porsche's roar faded into the distance, Sarah's expression at the front door grew strange. She quickly rushed to the study and whispered,
"Barbara is gone."
Jim replied, "I know."
"She left with Luke Shaw."
"I heard you. You don't need to repeat it."
Sarah was thoroughly confused. "You've always opposed them dating, even calling Luke a good-for-nothing, a bastard who should be shot. Why the change of heart? You just watched your daughter get taken away late at night."
Jim Gordon irritably ran his hands through his hair. After a moment's thought, he pulled a bank card from his drawer.
"I'll be working overtime these next couple of days; I won't be home at night. You've been complaining about having no one to look after the baby. Now's your chance. Since no one will be home, take the baby and go stay in Midtown for a few days. I'll come pick you up when my work is done."
Sarah was also a cop, and she immediately sensed something was wrong.
"Jim, what's going on? You've never been like this before."
"Don't ask questions. I'm going to get the car. We're leaving tonight."
He put on his jacket and headed out the door without waiting for her reply.
The sun had set, and the night was deepening. Tonight, Gotham was as overcast as ever.
On a tower in the city center, Bruce, in his Batsuit, stood atop the spire. His deep-set eyes seemed to pierce the surrounding Gothic architecture, searching for the evil hidden underground.
A moment later, three fast-moving dark shapes appeared in the distance.
A sapphire-blue light surrounded the figures, hinting at the armor concealed beneath the glow. They were incredibly fast, leaping across rooftops like apes, shattering tiles and leaving indentations wherever they landed.
"They've finally shown themselves."
Bruce leaped off the spire. His cape spread out, and he glided through the night sky like a bat, heading straight toward the direction the dark figures were running.
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