LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 9: **Chapter 9: Into the Lion’s Den**
**Chapter 9: Into the Lion's Den**
The aftermath of Wayne Tower's destruction left Gotham in shock. News reports spun wild theories about the attack, some blaming the Joker, others suggesting a terrorist plot. But Ethan, Batman, and Lucius Fox knew the truth—Cipher and his mysterious benefactor were tightening their grip on the city.
There was no time to waste.
"Cipher's next move won't be defensive," Batman said, scanning the Batcomputer's monitors. "He's a strategist. He'll go after key players while the city reels from the attack."
Ethan leaned over the display. "Then let's stop playing defense and take the fight to him."
Batman nodded. "Lucius, track any unusual financial movements. Someone is funding Cipher's operation, and that money has to lead somewhere."
Lucius adjusted his glasses. "Already on it. If they think they can hide in the dark, they've forgotten who they're dealing with."
Ethan smirked. "Then let's turn on the lights."
Lucius traced a massive transfer of funds to an offshore account linked to a company called Apex Solutions. On paper, it was a technology firm, but behind closed doors, it was a front for illegal arms deals and data theft.
And its main headquarters? A heavily guarded facility in Blüdhaven.
"That's where we go next," Ethan said, fastening his reinforced gauntlets. "We find out who's behind Apex Solutions, and we take them down."
"Blüdhaven isn't Gotham," Batman warned. "It's controlled by different players. We'll need to be careful."
Ethan grinned. "Careful isn't my strong suit."
They moved at night. Batman and Ethan infiltrated Apex Solutions under the cover of darkness, avoiding security patrols and automated defenses. The facility was massive, a fortress designed to keep out even the most determined intruders.
Ethan fused a drone jammer with his utility belt, creating a field that disrupted the building's surveillance for a short window. "That gives us ten minutes before they realize we're here."
"Then let's make them count," Batman said.
They split up—Batman moving to extract data from the main servers while Ethan scouted ahead. What he found made his blood run cold.
In a hidden lab, rows of containment pods lined the walls, each holding a restrained subject. Some were human. Others… were something else entirely.
Experiments.
Ethan clenched his fists. "What the hell is this?"
Before he could investigate further, a slow clap echoed through the chamber.
"Impressive," a voice said. "But predictable."
Ethan turned sharply, coming face-to-face with Cipher himself.
Dressed in sleek combat armor and flanked by armed guards, Cipher tilted his head. "You've been a thorn in my side, Ethan Cross. But now, you're exactly where I want you."
The room's exits sealed shut.
Cipher's guards attacked. Ethan fused a combat knife with an energy baton, creating a makeshift plasma blade. He moved like a hurricane, cutting through the first wave of enemies with brutal efficiency.
But Cipher wasn't just another crime boss—he was prepared.
A hidden turret activated, forcing Ethan to dive for cover. Cipher moved in, striking with precision and speed. Every move was calculated, forcing Ethan onto the defensive.
Batman's voice came through the comm. "Ethan, I've got the data. What's your status?"
"Bit busy right now!" Ethan grunted, dodging a strike and countering with a fused shock gauntlet punch that sent Cipher staggering.
But Cipher only laughed. "Good. Let's see what else you can do."
The real fight had just begun.