Forged in Chaos: A Transmigrator’s Tale in the DC Universe

**Chapter 8: The Storm Breaks**

Cipher had declared war, and Gotham was the battlefield. The moment Ethan and Batman had severed his surveillance network, the city had erupted in chaos. Gangs scrambled for power, criminals moved unchecked, and the Gotham Police Department was overwhelmed. It was exactly what Cipher wanted—disorder, confusion, and fear.

But Ethan wasn't about to let that happen.

"Reports of violent clashes between rival gangs are spreading through the Narrows, East End, and Burnley," Alfred's voice came through the Batcave's comm system. "Police response is… limited."

Batman studied the screens. "It's worse than I expected. Cipher isn't just taking advantage of the situation—he's orchestrating it."

Ethan gritted his teeth. "Then we hit back. Hard."

"Not yet." Batman's voice was steady, calculating. "If we move too soon, we play into his hands. We need to understand his next move."

Ethan exhaled sharply. He wasn't used to waiting. But he trusted Bruce's instincts. "Fine. Then where do we start?"

"We find Cipher's next target before he makes his move."

With Gotham in turmoil, information was their greatest weapon. Batman had a lead—an informant with ties to one of Cipher's known associates. The only problem? He was holed up in one of the most dangerous places in Gotham—Blackgate Prison.

Ethan and Batman infiltrated the prison under cover of darkness, moving through the riot-ridden halls. Cipher had already spread his influence here. Guards lay unconscious, and inmates roamed freely, dividing into factions.

"This is what happens when Cipher has time to work," Batman said as they maneuvered past a group of looters.

Ethan flexed his fingers. "Then let's make sure his time is up."

Their informant, Victor Reyes, was a mid-level arms dealer with a habit of selling to the highest bidder. When they found him, he was surrounded by a gang of prisoners looking to cash in on Cipher's new world order.

"Reyes!" Ethan barked as he grabbed the man by his collar. "You know who we are. You know why we're here. Talk."

Reyes swallowed hard. "Cipher's next move… it's not about taking territory. It's about taking resources. Wayne Enterprises."

Batman's eyes narrowed. "What is he after?"

Reyes shook his head. "Not what. Who. He wants Lucius Fox."

Cipher knew Lucius was the key to Gotham's future-tech. If he got his hands on him, he could twist WayneTech's innovations into tools of war. Ethan and Batman had no choice but to act immediately.

Racing across the city, they arrived at Wayne Tower just as Cipher's forces descended. Armed mercenaries and high-tech drones swarmed the building, cutting off all escape routes.

Ethan didn't hesitate. He fused a smoke grenade with a concussive charge, creating an improvised shockwave device. He hurled it into the middle of the enemy ranks, sending bodies flying.

Batman moved like a shadow, taking down foes with brutal efficiency. But Cipher had planned for them. A new wave of drones activated, programmed to track and neutralize them specifically.

"These things are learning," Ethan muttered as he dodged a burst of energy fire. "Fantastic."

"Then we adapt faster," Batman replied.

Ethan fought his way to Lucius's secured lab, finding the man barricaded inside. "We're getting you out of here."

"Not before you hear this," Lucius said, showing them a decrypted file. "Cipher isn't working alone. He's answering to someone higher up. Someone with unlimited resources."

Before Ethan could respond, the monitors flickered, and Cipher's masked face appeared.

"You're too late," Cipher said. "This game was over before you even realized you were playing."

Then the building shook with an explosion.

Cipher wasn't here to capture Lucius.

He was here to bury him.

Flames erupted, and the structure groaned under the pressure. Ethan fused a nearby metal rod with an extinguisher, creating a pressurized foam lance that fought back the blaze.

Batman secured Lucius and led him toward the exit, but Cipher's forces weren't done yet. More drones, more mercenaries. A final push to ensure Wayne Tower fell.

Ethan met them head-on, fists crackling with energy as he fused an electro-knuckle with reinforced plating. Every punch sent enemies sprawling, but it wasn't enough. There were too many.

Then the Batmobile crashed through the building's front, automated turrets firing.

"Get in!" Batman ordered.

Ethan and Lucius jumped in as the Batmobile peeled out, escaping just as Wayne Tower's upper floors collapsed.

Cipher had won this round.

But the war was far from over.

Back in the Batcave, Ethan watched as emergency reports flooded in. Wayne Tower was in ruins, but they had saved Lucius. A small victory in a losing battle.

Batman studied the decrypted files. "Cipher's backer… We need to find out who they are. Because if they have the resources to support him, they have the power to destroy Gotham."

Ethan tightened his fists. "Then we bring the fight to them. No more waiting. No more reacting. Next time, Cipher doesn't get to walk away."

Because now, it was personal.

And Ethan Cross wasn't going to stop until he won.