DC Chapter 17: The Hunt Begins

The night was heavy, a blanket of oppressive darkness covering Gotham. The city was tense, alive with whispers of terror as something unnatural stalked its streets. Batman was not the only creature of the night anymore.

Inside Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, the scene was one of chaos. Shattered glass, overturned lab equipment, and pools of spilled chemicals littered the floor. The once pristine laboratory now resembled a war zone. Batman moved silently among the debris, his cape made from memory cloth shifting softly as it brushed the ground. His suit, a combination of Nomex survival gear and lightweight Kevlar plating, hugged his body, it's now more durable, and enhance for mobility. His cowl's has now protective lenses with scanners which glowed faintly, scanning the room for any trace of clues.

He crouched by a set of massive footprints, far too large to be human. The mist he sprayed earlier illuminated the air, showing chemical traces and disturbances invisible to the naked eye. Batman's sharp eyes traced the clues, piecing together what had happened.

"Doesn't seem to be human," he muttered under his breath. His gloved hand reached for a tuft of coarse, black hair stuck in a crack in the wall. Holding it up to the light, his suspicions deepened. The hair was unlike anything he had encountered before, and he knew it wasn't from any ordinary creature.

As he scanned the room, his attention was drawn to a recorder, half-buried under broken glass. He reached for it, playing the recording. The sound of a lab tech screaming filled the room, followed by crashing noises and a deep, guttural growl that sent shivers up his spine. Batman's jaw tightened. He couldn't place what this creature was, but it was nothing he had encountered in his short time patrolling Gotham. Whatever it was, it wasn't human.

Just then, the faint rumble of approaching vehicles made him pause. He turned, his eyes narrowing behind his cowl. The GCPD was here and they weren't coming quietly.

Outside Phoenix Pharmaceuticals, Detective Harvey Bullock stomped around like a bear, his trench coat flapping as he barked orders into his radio. His unshaven face was set in a permanent scowl, his eyes bloodshot from too much coffee and not enough sleep. He yanked the radio to his mouth again. "Alright, listen up you clowns! I want all units surrounding this damn building! And get the choppers in the air, now!" His squad of officers, heavily armed and armored, nodded grimly as they took their positions. They piled out of the Lenco BearCat, a massive armored SWAT vehicle rumbling as it parked by the curb. Tactical officers checked their gear, the sounds of weapons being loaded and safeties clicked off echoed through the street. The mood was tense.

Bullock grumbled as he lit a cigarette, glaring at the building in front of him. "Tonight's the night, Bats. I'm taking you down."

The roar of helicopter blades cut through the air as two GCPD choppers circled above, their searchlights sweeping across the building. Flashing blue and red lights from the surrounding squad cars painted the scene in a chaotic glow, creating long shadows that danced across the broken windows.

Inside the lab, Batman's earpiece which enhanced his hearing picked up the shouts and footsteps outside. His new equipment scanners, lenses installed in his cowl confirmed it. There were at least twenty SWAT officers moving into position, with more tactical units on the way. They thought they had him surrounded.

"They don't realize they're chasing the wrong target," Batman thought since they have mistaken him from the one stealing the chemicals. He glanced at the shattered window, watching as the SWAT teams took cover behind their vehicles, rifles trained on every possible exit. Bullock's voice echoed from below, barking insults at his own team.

Batman stood, his cape billowing behind him as he reached into his utility belt and pulled out a small, sleek device. He pressed a button, activating a low-frequency pulse. A distant, faint screech followed. From the depths of Gotham's underground caves all the way to the skyline, a swarm of bats emerged, pouring down like shadows with wings. The bats screeched and swarmed through the air, diving toward the officers below.

"What the hell!?" Bullock swatted at the air as bats swarmed around him, their wings beating chaotically. "Get these damn things off me!"

The SWAT officers panicked, trying to fend off the mass of screeching bats. Rifles were knocked from their hands as the bats dove at them, disorienting the entire squad.

Batman moved swiftly, leaping from the broken window, landing silently in the alley behind the building. His dark silhouette melted into the shadows as the bats continued their assault on the police. One officer spotted him and shouted, "There! It's the Bat!" Before the officer could even aim, Batman was on him. He grabbed the officer's rifle, twisting it out of his hands and slamming the butt of the weapon into the man's chest, knocking him to the ground. Another officer charged, but Batman ducked under his baton strike, delivering a powerful elbow to the man's jaw, sending him crashing to the pavement.

Two more SWAT members advanced, but Batman moved like a shadow, his motions swift and precise. He disarmed one, twisting the man's arm behind his back and using him as a shield against the other's gunfire, ensuring only the bulletproof vest was struck and keeping the officer unharmed. A swift kick to the knee brought the man down. With one final motion, Batman deployed a smoke pellet, engulfing the area in thick, black fog. The police were blinded, coughing, and shouting in confusion.

Batman could hear the officers scrambling, but they were no match for his unapparelled martial skill and tactics. Moving silently, he disarmed another officer, knocking him unconscious with a single punch to the temple. His cape fluttered as he dodged between the disoriented SWAT members, disabling them one by one. An officer lunged at him from behind, but Batman sensed the movement before it even happened. He spun, catching the man by the wrist and twisting, forcing him to drop his weapon. A swift kick to the ribs, and the officer was down, groaning in pain.

More SWAT officers appeared, their rifles trained on the smoke cloud, but Batman was already moving. Using his grappling hook, he shot upward, scaling the building in seconds. He perched on the rooftop, looking down at the chaos below. The bats were still swarming, and the police were struggling to regain control of the situation.

Batman tapped a button on his gauntlet, and the roar of an engine echoed through the streets. The Batmobile, a sleek black Tumbler, barreled down the road, tearing through the barricade with ease. It skidded to a halt directly beneath Batman. Timing his jump perfectly, Batman leapt from the rooftop, landing in the cockpit just as it slid open. The canopy closed around him as the Tumbler roared to life. He hit the gas, and the Batmobile shot forward, speeding through the narrow streets of Gotham with its jet powered engine leaving the police car behind in dust.

"All units, we've lost visual!" one of the officers shouted over the radio as the Batmobile disappeared into the shadows.

Behind him, the Gotham City Police Department was in chaos. Sirens blared, spotlights swept the rooftops, and choppers hovered overhead. In the midst of it all, Commissioner Gordon burst onto the scene, rushing toward the barricade where Bullock stood barking orders. Gordon's face was grim, his coat flapping in the wind as he reached Bullock.

"We've got the wrong guy," Gordon called out, his voice cutting through the noise. "There's another creature out there, something that looks like a man like bat creature. It's been stealing chemicals from labs all over the city."

Bullock spun around, disbelief etched across his face. "What do you mean, the wrong guy? We've got the Bat right here!"

Gordon shook his head. "No, we didn't. We're chasing the wrong target. There's something else, something that's been hitting chemical labs. We need to redirect our focus."

Bullock's eyes narrowed. He wasn't one to let things go so easily. "I don't care if we've got the wrong guy. We're bringing in the Bat tonight, one way or another!" He motioned to his officers. "Chase him down!"

Gordon stepped in front of him, his voice firm. "Call off the hunt, Bullock. You know we can't pin this on Batman. The mayor won't like this, and we need to be focusing on the real threat."

Bullock scowled, but after a long moment, he waved his hand toward the officers. "Alright, you heard him! Stand down!" He muttered something under his breath, clearly unhappy with the decision.

As the police began to retreat, their vehicles packed up, and the helicopters disappeared into the night sky, Gordon looked up at the darkened rooftops. He knew Batman was still out there, watching, listening. But tonight, his focus was elsewhere. Somewhere out there, another creature lurked, a far bigger threat than they had anticipated. The faint sound of wings fluttered in the distance, carried by the wind, served as a chilling reminder that Gotham's nights were growing darker.

Gordon pulled his coat tighter around himself, his thoughts swirling. "We've got a bigger problem on our hands," he muttered, before turning to leave.

The next day, the sun hung high in the Gotham sky as Viktor Frost sat in the back of his 1998 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur, a sleek luxury sedan. Dressed in a tailored black suit, he focused intently on the prototype smartphone in his hand, contemplating the impact of his upcoming product launch.

On the driver's side, two of Viktor's mechanized bodyguards, disguised in synthetic rubber skin, operated the vehicle smoothly. Their eyes glowed faintly hidden by sunglasses, a sign of the advanced technology controlled by JARVIS, Viktor's ever-reliable AI assistant.

"Sir," one of the Neurobots said in a voice perfectly modulated to sound human, "the launch of the smartphone is projected to increase your fame exponentially. This device will revolutionize communication and connectivity and their ability to easily share hot topics and pictures."

Viktor nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Exactly. With this device, I'll spread my influence faster than ever. I need to increase my powers and fast… if the surviving Kryptonians decide to attack or worse if Darkseid comes knocking looking for the Anti-Life Equation… With my current abilities, I'll be outmatched."

"Your powers are already formidable, sir," JARVIS replied, controlling the other Neurobot while maintaining a steady gaze on the road ahead. Viktor nodded, but deep down, he knew it wasn't enough. Emma Frost's abilities, Victor Creed's healing factor, and Black Widow's espionage skills provided a strong foundation, but when faced with real power, he was just another scrap that could easily be destroyed by those super beings with a mere wave of their hands.

Viktor sighed, looking out the tinted window at the Gotham skyline. "True, but when you're in a universe like this, it's never enough. I need to be prepared for anything."

Suddenly, the serene atmosphere shattered as a coordinated attack erupted in broad daylight. Highly trained man, clad in tactical gear, swarmed the vehicle, brandishing firearms and launching a barrage of gunfire. The bullets ricocheted harmlessly off the Rolls-Royce's bulletproof exterior upgraded by Viktor thanks to Tinkerer's ability, but the surprise of the ambush sent adrenaline coursing through Viktor's veins.

"JARVIS, engage defense protocols!" Viktor commanded, his heart racing.

"Understood," JARVIS responded, activating the Neurobots. The two bodyguards sprang into action with superhuman speed and strength, their synthetic skins blending seamlessly with the crowd of humans.

As the man approached, the Neurobots leaped from the vehicle, their movements fluid and precise. They wielded handguns, firing with deadly accuracy and taking down the assailants one by one. The sound of gunfire echoed through the streets. If Batman or supervillains who specialize in shooting skills were present, they would be surprised by the efficiency of the Neurobots.

Viktor remained still, observing the scene unfold from the safety of the car. He tapped into his telepathic abilities, scanning the minds of the attackers. He caught glimpses of their thoughts, learning they were hired by Tony "The Hammer" Caprice, a mid-level mobster with connections to higher-ups in Gotham's underworld.

"Caprice… You're making a mistake," Viktor muttered under his breath, fury bubbling within him.

The Neurobots continued their relentless assault, seamlessly maneuvering between the remaining attackers. One Neurobot disarmed a thug, spinning him around and knocking him out cold with a swift jab, while the other fired precision shots, incapacitating those who dared to approach Viktor.

As the last of the thugs fell, the sound of sirens filled the air. The GCPD chopper appeared overhead, its spotlight illuminating the scene. Officers rushed in, quickly apprehending the subdued criminals.

"Good thing your safe sir," one officer remarked, eyeing the fallen thugs.

Viktor smirked, a hint of satisfaction crossing his face. "You should thank my body Guards here," he replied, gesturing to the Neurobots in human disguised.

As the police officers cordoned off the area and secured the evidence, the scene began to calm. Vicki Vale, the ambitious reporter, swooped in with her camera crew in tow. She approached Viktor, her expression a mix of intrigue and professionalism.

"Mr. Frost! Can you tell us what happened here?" Vicki asked, her microphone poised, eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Viktor maintained his calm demeanor even after the chaos that had unfolded. His voice, smooth yet chilling, broke the tension. "Ah, nice to meet you again Miss Vale," he began, his words deliberate, each one holding a subtle menace. "I've just been attacked by a gaggle of miscreants, but let me assure you, this is no mere random attack."

He leaned in slightly, closing the distance between them, his eyes narrowing as the camera crew captured every movement. His demeanor shifted into something darker, more sinister. The shadows seemed to cling to him, enhancing his imposing figure. "I don't know who they are," he continued, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous tone, "nor do I particularly care. What I do know is that they made a fatal mistake." He paused, his eyes gleaming with cold intent. "I will find you and come for you."

Vicki, sensing the gravity of Viktor's words, hesitated for a moment, but her journalistic instincts took over. "Mr. Frost, this sounds... personal. Are you suggesting there's a mastermind behind this attack? Someone specific?"

Viktor's eyes darkened, his lips curling slightly. "Someone specific? Oh, no doubt, Miss Vale. These weren't random thugs. Someone thought they could orchestrate this, thought they could send a message. But let me be clear, I'm the one sending the message now."

Her curiosity deepened, her tone shifting to match the seriousness of his response. "Do you have any idea who might be behind it? The people of Gotham are going to want answers. Is this a threat we should be concerned about?"

Viktor leaned in closer, his voice lowering but never losing its menace. "Concerned? Perhaps. But not for me, Miss Vale. Whoever orchestrated this will learn very soon that they've picked the wrong target. I don't play by their rules, and I don't forgive mistakes." He let the silence stretch, savoring the tension before turning away, his presence commanding the scene.

Vicki held her breath for a second, clearly taken aback, before regaining her composure. "I see," she murmured, her tone a mix of intrigue and caution. "It seems Gotham may be in for a storm." Vicki swallowed hard, captivated and a bit unsettled. "What's your next move, Mr. Frost?"

"Ah, my next move," he mused, allowing a wicked smile to curl at his lips. "Let's just say, I'll be paying a visit to a certain someone who thought they could toy with me." With that, he turned, allowing the weight of his presence to linger in the air as he walked away, leaving her speechless and captivated by the enigma that was Viktor Frost.

After the police took over the scene, Viktor paused time, making a high-profile exit. He didn't head straight to Frost Industries; instead, he sought out the man who had ordered the attack, Tony "The Hammer" Caprice. He wasn't about to let this affront go unpunished.

"JARVIS, block out any cameras that might capture us. Set them on a loop, and take the best route so we stay unseen," Viktor commanded, his tone calm but firm.

"Yes, sir," JARVIS replied smoothly. "Manipulating camera feeds and setting course now."

Viktor arrived at Caprice's lavish estate, a sprawling mansion adorned with opulence, nestled in one of Gotham's wealthiest neighborhoods. The sun was setting, casting an ominous glow over the property. He stepped out of his 1998 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur, its presence commanding respect and attention. The two NeuroBots, disguised in synthetic rubber skin, took positions at his side, their expressions hidden behind sleek sunglasses.

Viktor strode confidently toward the front door, with a though his skin morph to his diamond form that is shimmering under the fading light. With a swift motion, he kicked the door open with his full strength, sending the huge gate flying towards the house.

"Tony!" he called out, his voice echoing through the marble halls, smooth yet laced with an underlying threat. "We need to have a chat."

"Sir, someone's broken into the compound. We'll handle this. We suggest you head to the panic room for your safety," a guard's voice crackled over the intercom.

Inside, chaos erupted. Caprice's family, startled by the intrusion, scrambled in confusion. The heavy thuds of hurried footsteps echoed through the lavish mansion as armed guards, alerted by the commotion, rushed toward the source of the disturbance.

"Go, go! Get to the panic room!" Tony Caprice urged his family, his voice laced with urgency. "I'll deal with this." He watched as his wife and children rushed toward safety, the heavy door of the panic room closing behind them with a metallic clang.

Steeling himself, Tony stepped out of the house, emerging onto the grounds where the night air hung thick with tension. His heart raced as he approached the intruder. His breath caught in his throat, eyes widening in shock as he took in the sight before him… Viktor, standing tall, his entire body gleaming like diamond under the dim light.

"Viktor, is that you?" Caprice demanded, trying to project authority despite the tremor in his voice. Deep down, he was acutely aware that his order had led to this very moment, but he never expected Viktor to confront him so brazenly.

"Here to settle debts, Tony. And I always repay those who wrong me tenfold," Viktor replied coldly, his diamond form glinting ominously in the light, a chilling specter of power.

The guards sprang into action, weapons drawn, their faces shock at the sight of the shimmering figure. As highly trained bodyguards they we're prepared and highly trained, but nothing could prepare them for the surreal presence before them. Viktor stood unwavering, an imposing statue made out of diamond.

"Open fire!" one of the guards shouted, raising his High-Caliber Rifle. A barrage of gunfire erupted, bullets cutting through the night. But as the rounds made contact, they ricocheted harmlessly off Viktor's diamond form, producing a sharp, ringing sound like metal striking bulletproof glass. Tiny cracks spiderwebbed across his surface with successive hits, glittering ominously, but the sight only lasted a moment.

The cracks shimmered and fused, healing with an almost mesmerizing fluidity. Viktor stood there, untouched and unphased, his body restoring itself to its original, impenetrable form. The only evidence of the futile attack was a slight scuff on his suit, a trivial flaw compared to the indestructibility of his diamond exterior.

"Fuck! What the hell is he?!" one of the guards screamed, lunging forward in a desperate attempt to get closer. But Viktor moved with an effortless grace, sidestepping the frantic charge. The guard stumbled, crashing into the grand stone fountain behind them, sending a spray of water into the air.

"Pathetic," Viktor scoffed, his voice dripping with contempt. He didn't even bother to raise a hand. The NeuroBots flanking him took care of that.

"JARVIS take care of them, but leave Tony." At Viktor's commands, the NeuroBots sprang into action with lethal precision. Their movements were a blur as one of them extended its metallic fingers, revealing hidden unmarked firearms. A quick burst of gunfire sent two guards crumpling to the ground before they even had a chance to react.

"Fire!" Caprice's voice cracked with rising panic as his men fell one after the other. The remaining guards fired wildly, but their bullets might as well have been pebbles against the NeuroBots' titanium armor. The robotic soldiers moved with mechanical precision, evading every incoming shot, their feet never touching the ground for long. Propelled by small rockets, they ascended into the air, launching miniature missiles that rained down on the disoriented guards. The explosions lit up the mansion's well-manicured lawn, sending debris scattering across the pristine grounds.

Caprice staggered backward, his eyes wide as he watched his guards fall, one by one, unable to comprehend how the situation had spiraled so far out of control. The mansion, once a symbol of his power, now stood in ruins around him, its courtyard turned into a war zone.

Viktor watched with a cold satisfaction as chaos unfolded around him. Caprice's bravado was fading, and he could see the fear creeping into the mobster's eyes. "What the hell where you thinking Tony, attacking me in broad day light!."

As one of the NeuroBots landed gracefully beside Viktor, it deployed a thick smoke screen, cloaking the area in a disorienting fog. The remaining guards, now panicked, fired blindly into the cloud, their shots missing wildly. Viktor, unaffected by the chaos around him, took slow, deliberate steps toward Tony Caprice. His voice, low and menacing, cut through the noise.

"You're a fool to think you could attack me and get away with it."

Caprice's heart pounded in his chest. He had watched in disbelief as his guards were taken out with terrifying efficiency. First, the man made of diamond, he indestructible, like something out of a nightmare and now these... robots. Machines with guns for hands and rockets for legs, executing his men like they were nothing. "What the hell have I gotten into?" he thought, Tony's mind racing. "I shouldn't have taken that job."

Panic seized him. Without thinking, he turned and bolted for the panic room, desperate to reach his family. His feet fumbled beneath him, tripping over the loose gravel as he staggered toward safety. Behind him, Viktor's heavy diamond footsteps echoed ominously, growing louder with each step. The NeuroBots, under JARVIS's control, methodically dispatched the last of the guards, making sure no one was left standing.

"Tony, Tony..." Viktor's voice echoed in the night, calm but laced with a deadly undercurrent. "Why did you have to poke the hornet's nest?" His fingers scraped along the mansion's stone walls as he walked, the harsh sound sending shivers down Caprice's spine.

Caprice glanced over his shoulder, his eyes wide with terror as he saw Viktor's slow, unrelenting advance. The scraping sound behind him was unbearable, like the grim reaper sharpening his scythe. Desperation clawed at him. He stumbled again, nearly falling to the ground.

"Please!" Caprice screamed, his voice cracking. "Don't! I made a mistake! I-I'll tell you everything!"

Viktor's cold laugh stopped him in his tracks. "It's too late, Tony," Viktor said, his voice as sharp as the diamond edges of his body. "I already know everything."

Viktor had already read his mind. The owner of The Siren Bar had ordered the hit, though their reasons didn't concern Viktor. That would be dealt with soon enough. But for now, he had business with the man who stood trembling before him.

Caprice tried to speak, his words caught in his throat. Viktor leaned in close, his diamond form radiating a cold, merciless aura. "And I've come to repay you." In that moment, Caprice knew there would be no mercy, no bargaining. Only consequences.

With that, he unleashed a wave of mental energy, diving into Caprice's mind and projecting vivid illusions of torment and despair. Caprice's eyes widened, terror flooding his senses as he was forced to relive his worst fears, unable to break free from Viktor's hold.

"Please! I didn't mean to, I.. I, was just following orders." Caprice stammered, "They just threatened me and my family," the facade of authority crumbling.

Viktor released him after reading his mind, confirming that what he had said was the truth. Stepping back, Viktor's cold voice rang out. "Remember this moment, Tony. The Diamond Devil is always watching, and I'm not as easy to dismiss after being provoked, as you thought."

Viktor paused, standing amidst the wreckage of the Caprice mansion. The NeuroBots hovered silently at his side, awaiting their next command. He glanced back toward the entrance of the mansion, where Tony Caprice's lay crumpled on the ground, alive but his mind shattered forever to frightened.

A cold, calculated smile spread across Viktor's diamond face.

"Hang his body in front of the house for display," Viktor ordered, his voice low and chilling. "But make sure he lives."

The NeuroBots whirred into action with mechanical precision, and Viktor turned, his footsteps echoing as he calmly walked through the ruined corridors of the mansion.

His diamond form shimmered in the dim light as he walked through the broken hallways. The tips of his fingers scraped across the walls, producing a harsh, metallic screech that echoed eerily through the corridors. His voice was low, menacing, barely above a whisper, yet it seemed to reverberate against the cold, stone walls.

"Now where are the rest of the family?" he called, his tone almost playful. "Come out, come out, wherever you are..."

The corridor opened up into a larger room. The flicker of a single chandelier swinging from the ceiling barely illuminated the lavish décor of the mansion's interior. Expensive paintings lined the walls, and ornate vases were shattered across the floor. Blood splatters marked the chaos that had taken place.

Then, Viktor's eyes narrowed as he spotted it: a fortified door at the end of the hallway, clearly designed to withstand a full-scale assault. A panic room.

He smiled, a slow, predatory grin stretching across his diamond face.

"Found you," he muttered to himself. His fingers clenched into a fist, then slowly unfurled, his nails turning into sharp diamond claws. He walked toward the door with purpose, each step deliberate, his claws dragging along the metal with a screeching sound that filled the silence like nails on a chalkboard.

Without hesitation, Viktor thrust his claws into the reinforced metal. The diamond tips bit into the steel, and with a steady, almost lazy motion, he began to rip the door apart. The groaning of bending metal echoed down the hall as the fortified door peeled open under the force of his strength.

Inside, the room was cramped but untouched by the destruction outside. Expensive leather couches and an emergency communication terminal were set up against the wall, meant to keep the Caprice family safe. But safety, tonight, was an illusion.

Huddled inside, gripping a shotgun, was Tony Caprice's wife, her eyes wide with terror. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she stared at the monstrosity tearing down the door. The moment the opening was large enough, she didn't hesitate and fired.

The shotgun blast echoed, and the buckshot impacted Viktor's diamond body with a dull thud. In her desperation, she hoped the bullets would at least slow him down, but it was futile. Not even a shotgun blast at point-blank range could damage Viktor's diamond form. Any cracks or damage he might have sustained would easily heal, thanks to Sabretooth's incredible healing factor coursing through Viktor's veins, allowing him to remain in his diamond form without any weakness.

Viktor grinned at her through the hole in the door, his diamond body shining ominously in the dim light. He didn't flinch. He didn't even blink. "A shotgun?" he mused, his voice cold and mocking. "Do you really think that's going to help?"

The woman's hands trembled as she reloaded. "You... you monster!" she screamed, her voice breaking as tears streamed down her face.

Viktor chuckled darkly. "Monster? The same could be said to you and your husband, shameless criminals who prey on the weak. Now you have attacked someone you shouldn't have, an attack in broad daylight, right in front of the world. And now, you cower, hiding in this room, as if it's going to save you." He let out a low, mocking laugh, the sound echoing ominously in the dimly lit space. "You truly believe that your feeble attempts at intimidation can shield you from the consequences of your actions?" His voice dripped with a chilling calmness, sending a shiver down her spine as he took a step closer, the weight of his presence palpable.

He stepped through the jagged opening in the door, his clawed hand scraping the walls as he moved toward her with slow, deliberate steps. The walls, once pristine, now bore deep gashes, adding to the terror of the moment.

"You've made a mess of things, you know?" he said, inching closer. "We would have never cross paths... but no you just have to target me."

Her hands fumbled with the shotgun, unable to reload it in time. She let out a sob, "Please let go of my children," backing into the corner of the panic room, her eyes darting towards her children who are crying and the devil in diamond form in front of her.

She started to pray like a devout follower of God, praying for an escape that wasn't there. The heavy breathing of her children, hidden behind a cabinet, filled the room. They hadn't seen him yet, but they knew something terrible had arrived.

Viktor didn't care for the children, no, they were innocent, with a wave of his hands he removes any form of trauma they had experience and made them sleep for this ordeal, unaware of their parents' decisions. As for the wife seeing how she is, she looks very pathetic, Viktor lost the drive to massacre.

"Be glad I needed a messenger for Gotham's underworld clowns, that they shouldn't mess with me." He whispered, leaning in close. His voice was like ice, sending a shiver down her spine. "You will live to tell the tale."

She trembled, dropping the shotgun as it clattered to the floor. "Please," she whimpered. "I'll do anything you want. Just... don't hurt them. Please."

Giving one last look at his masterpiece. The hang body of Tony, tied in a cross. With that done he ordered JARVIS to clean up the place to leave no trace of them being here. As for the broken mansion and garden he no longer cares, he left them as is together with the rest of the dead body guards. As he turned to leave, the chaos behind him began to settle. The family living, but broken they stood frozen, grappling with the reality of what had just transpired.

Viktor made his way out of the mansion, the NeuroBots following closely, their demeanor still concealed beneath their synthetic skin. As he entered his Luxury Sedan, completely intact an almost a stark contrast to the chaos he had left behind.

With a smirk, he instructed the NeuroBots, "We already made a statement, let us leave."

The car pulled away from the Caprice estate, its engine purring smoothly as they left the pandemonium behind. Viktor felt a rush of exhilaration; he had sent a message that would resonate throughout Gotham. He was no mere newcomer, his not a nobody they can push, he was a force to be reckoned with, and those who dared to cross him would pay dearly. The shadows of the city were growing darker, and he was ready to confront whatever came next.