Chapter 198: Biology Attack

"Don't let someone change who you are to be come what they need."

- Unknown

...

"Robin! Batgirl! Respond quickly!"

Suddenly, Batman contacted both Robin and Batgirl.

"Batman! You finally responded. Why didn't you answer our calls earlier?"

Robin asked upon hearing Batman's voice.

"Do you know that Gotham is now plagued with humanoid bats? What's going on? Is it related to the Black Mask?"

"Somebody has spread a large amount of Man-Bat serum in the East District... No, it should be called the Man-Bat virus."

Batman replied.

"I detected high levels of Man-Bat virus elements in the air of the East District. They have spread through the air to every corner of the East District and continue to spread further."

"Do you understand what you're saying? Are you sure you're not joking with us?"

Batgirl urgently asked from the other line.

"If the Man-Bat virus can spread through the air and cause mutations just by breathing it... it means the entire East District..."

"Yes, according to my estimates, at least ninety percent of the people living in the East District have already been changed into humanoid bats!"

At this point, Batman urgently ordered, "Report your current location and physical condition!"

The Man-Bat Virus had spread from the East District, and it was currently impossible to determine how far it had spread.

It's hard to imagine what would happen if Robin and Batgirl realized they weren't wearing masks and were already in a place where the Man-Bat Virus was spreading.

What was even more terrifying was that as the Man-Bat virus spread, the number of mutated people would continue to increase until everyone in Gotham turned into a humanoid bat.

The only good thing about this terrible situation was that the Man-Bat virus could only spread through the air and not through physical contact.

It's not possible for the virus to spread through bites or scratches.

"For now, we feel fine, and there are no signs of DNA abnormalities in our bodies."

Robin and Batgirl understood the severity of the situation and immediately put on their masks, then proceeded to report their experiences.

Fortunately, at this moment, their physical conditions were still normal, showing no signs of mutation.

Hearing their responses, Batman felt a sense of relief deep down, but he didn't show it in his voice.

Without any expression on his face, there was also no emotional change in his tone.

"I'm not sure who is spreading the Man-Bat virus, but one thing is for sure is definitely not the Black Mask. I suspect someone is manipulating Roman Sionis, and he might not even be aware of it."

Batman started analyzing the case.

"Who could be spreading the virus, and what is their purpose? Could it be Kirk Langstrom? But isn't he in Arkham Asylum?"

Batgirl asked.

"Although there is no evidence, I don't think Dr. Langstrom would do something like this."

Robin shared his thoughts.

"The most important question is, who has access to a sample or formula of the Bat serum?"

"That's your next task."

Batman continued.

"Starting now, you don't need to deal with endless Man-Bats. You just need to complete the tasks I've given you. Find out how the Man-Bat leaked!"

"Robin, go to Arkham Asylum and ask Kirk Langstrom if he has seen anyone suspicious lately. Batgirl, check with Francine Langstrom if there are any hidden Man-Bat serum samples."

After being given orders, Robin and Batgirl didn't say anything against them; they agreed immediately.

"But what about all these Man-Bat freaks in Gotham? And the virus is spreading continuously? Can you handle it on your own? Batman, are you sure you don't need help?"

Robin asked with concern.

"About the Man-Bat virus, the Phantom Thief and I will handle it. You just need to focus on your tasks and do them quickly! We must resolve this crisis and expose the mastermind behind it as soon as possible!"

Before Robin could say anything else, Batman abruptly ended the communication and left only a busy signal.

Robin was bewildered for a moment before hurriedly asking, "Excuse me? Who did he just say will resolve it?"

"Phantom Thief. Do you need me to book an emergency ear appointment at Gotham Central Hospital, Robin?"

Batgirl teased.

"I'm not deaf; I heard you, but Phantom Thief... Batman and Phantom Thief will handle the Man-Bat virus? How is that possible?"

Robin exclaimed in disbelief.

"Batgirl, do you think it's possible that the Batman we just spoke to was actually Phantom Thief in disguise?"

Robin asked seriously after pondering for a moment.

"Are you saying that the Phantom Thief knocked out Batman and took his helmet, then contacted us through the communicator? Or are you saying that the Phantom Thief hacked into Batman's communication system?"

Batgirl replied.

"..."

After a moment of silence, Robin answered, "After what happened with Phantom Thief's livestream earlier, I guess it's not entirely impossible."

"..."

Batgirl fell into silence.

"Well, anyway, it's necessary to expose the mastermind behind this. Let's focus on completing our own tasks for now."

Robin said.

"Yes, you're right."

They reached an agreement, and then both ended the communication and set off, heading to Arkham Asylum and Francine Langstrom's address, respectively.

"First, there was a riot at Blackgate Penitentiary, and now the Man-Bat virus is plaguing the city. This is turning out to be quite a long night."

Robin sighed and grumbled as he hurried down the road.

...

Gotham, East End

In this vast city area, there wasn't a single living person to be seen.

There are countless humanoid bats flying freely in the air while covering the sky like a dark cloud.

"It seems like this is where the Man-Bat virus was initially released."

In a deep alleyway, Batman and the Phantom Thief were staring at a shattered glass jar in front of them.

Underneath the countless shards of glass, there was a pool of sticky green liquid, and several bodies wearing gas masks lay nearby.

"Clearly, the people behind them only told them that the virus they were releasing was dangerous but didn't reveal how dangerous it truly was."

At this moment, the Phantom Thief put on a face mask, walked over to look at the bodies on the ground, and shook his head slightly.

"As expected, there are no clues here. The mastermind behind the Man-Bat virus leak is clever; it won't be easy to catch."

After searching for a moment, the Phantom Thief slowly spoke, then turned to Batman.

"Now, can we consider my plan?"

...

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