DC Chapter 18: The Hunt Begins, Part 2.

The next day, after settling accounts at Frost Industries regarding launching new phones and fortifying his companies, defenses with additional NeuroBots in synthetic skin. His now inside the dimly lit halls of Phoenix Lab.

The smell of ammonia and other harsh chemicals hung in the air, mingling with the flickering fluorescent lights that buzzed above. If it wasn't for him controlling his senses using his telepathic powers, he might have pass out with how sensitive his sense of smell have gotten, thanks to Sabretooths powers.

The shadows stretched long and ominous, the perfect backdrop for a confrontation that would shake Gotham's underworld. Viktor Frost, clad in his black and white armor, moved silently through the dark corridors, his four mechanical spider-legs clicking softly behind him as they extended from his back. His armor, jagged and sleek, gave off an almost predatory aura. The glowing crimson Arc Reactor in the center of his chest pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat, illuminating the spider emblem engraved on his chest.

Inside his mind, Viktor couldn't help but muse, "So, I'm now confronting the lizard version of DC. In this case, Man-Bat, Gotham's answer to The Lizard." He smirked behind his mask. Gotham never failed to surprise him.

As he approached a large storage area, he heard a shuffling sound from within the shadows. His lenses zoomed in, catching sight of a hunched figure. "Dr. Robert Kirkland Langstrom," Viktor's voice echoed through the lab, calm and composed, "I know you're the bat creature. I know you've been stealing the chemicals."

From the shadows, a guttural growl escaped. Then, slowly, Dr. Langstrom stepped into the light, his pale, sweat-soaked face trembling as he clenched a vial in his hand. His lab coat was torn and stained, his eyes wild with desperation. "Ah Spider-man, an unexpected guest, but yes. You're quite correct," he rasped, his voice hoarse. "I discovered a formula... A new species... neither man nor bat."

He paused, trembling as if fighting an internal war. "Once I started taking it, I couldn't stop. I wanted to... I 'desperately' wanted to," his voice cracked as if another, more primal force lurked beneath his words. "But it took over. Francine... Dr. March... they tried to protect me, but it was too late."

Viktor listened intently, his mechanical spider legs curling in anticipation. Langstrom continued, voice deepening, almost sounding like two people speaking at once. "The beast... it knows what it needs to complete the transformation... It knows the chemicals necessary to bring about a new evolution. It plans to turn everyone in Gotham into creatures like me."

A sudden shift in the air sent Viktor's senses into overdrive. Langstrom's body began to twist and contort violently, bones cracking, skin stretching. His mouth opened in a howl, but what emerged was a sound far more animalistic. His transformation was grotesque, as bat-like wings sprouted from his back, his body elongating, hands turning into razor-sharp talons. His eyes, glowing a sickly yellow, locked onto Viktor.

"And it only needs one last component to complete the process... and it's in 'me', Spider-Man." Langstrom's voice doubled, his words now dripping with malice as the transformation completed.

Without warning, the newly formed Man-Bat let out a deafening screech, flapping his massive wings. The gust from the wings sent chemicals flying across the room in Viktor's direction. Reacting in an instant, Viktor flipped backwards, the thrusters on his boots and palms activating with a soft whirr, effortlessly dodging the incoming vials.

+ 10 points from Man-Bat.

+ 1 Item Loader: An item when use will guarantee to give you a Legendary rank item and up.

Seeing this it seems that he can only get the items and fame points after seeing them in their transformed form which is probably why he wasn't able to get anything from Selina Kyle, because she is not in her Cat Woman costume.

He look back at the fully transformed Langstrom and said, "I guess we're unable to skip the long monologue part, huh?" Viktor muttered to himself, the transformation was really intriguing, it must be why most villains watch those heroes transformed slowly as they were entertaining or at least in his curious eyes.

Now front to front with Man-Bat, his eyes narrow beneath his mask. Just then, he heard footsteps. A woman with blonde hair and thick glasses in lab coat, it was Francine who burst into the room. Her eyes widened in horror at the sight of her husband. "Kirk!" she gasped, covering her mouth, struggling to comprehend the creature before her.

For a brief moment, Langstrom's yellow eyes flickered with recognition. His monstrous form hesitated, a glimpse of the man still trapped within. But the shame overwhelmed him. With a roar of anguish, he turned, crashing through the massive windows of Phoenix Lab, his wings carrying him into the night sky.

Viktor, without missing a beat, activated the thrusters on his armor. "No you don't," he muttered, taking off into the air in pursuit of Man-Bat. The roar of the thrusters echoed through the empty lab as Viktor shot out into the night.

---

Above Gotham, two figures soared between the skyscrapers, the neon lights and shadowy alleys casting a vibrant backdrop to their high-stakes clash. Man-Bat screeched as he banked hard to the left, darting between buildings with unnatural speed. Viktor, powered by his thrusters, stayed hot on his tail, his mechanical spider legs extending and twitching, ready to strike.

Suddenly, Man-Bat flipped in mid-air, his massive wings crashing into Viktor's path. Viktor dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the creature's sharp claws. "You're not as slow as you look," he quipped, firing a web from his wrist that latched onto Man-Bat's wing. The creature twisted and screeched, yanking Viktor along as he struggled to shake free.

From below, a GCPD chopper cut through the air, its spotlight locking onto the fight. Inside, Bullock leaned over, mouth agape. "What in blazes is that?!"

Gordon, sitting beside him, narrowed his eyes. "That's the one we're after. I keep telling you it's not Batman."

The aerial battle intensified. Man-Bat flapped his wings violently, attempting to break free. Viktor activated his shockwave gauntlets, unleashing a powerful vibrational shock that rippled through the air, aimed directly at Man-Bat's sensitive ears. The blast sent the creature reeling, disoriented by the sudden force.

"Let's bring you back down to Earth, doc," Viktor declared, firing a series of mini-missiles from his shoulder-mounted arsenal. They zoomed through the air, striking near Man-Bat, creating a chaotic explosion that further disrupted the creature's flight path.

With Man-Bat off balance, Viktor seized the moment. He fired another web, wrapping it around the creature's torso and pulling himself closer. As he did, he unleashed a repulsor blast straight at Man-Bat's wing. The energy beam struck true, sending the creature spiraling down towards a nearby rooftop.

"Got you now," Viktor said, following the creature's descent. He activated his thrusters, rocketing towards Man-Bat. Just before impact, he shot spiderwebs, snagging the creature in mid-fall and redirecting their trajectory.

As the GCPD chopper approached, the police stared at their radar, confusion evident on their faces. "Where is Spider-Man?" Bullock exclaimed, frustration mounting.

Viktor knew he had to act fast. He swiftly cocooned the unconscious Man-Bat in webbing, securing him tightly. With a full blast of his thrusters, he lifted off, the mini-missiles and repulsor technology enhancing his speed as he soared into the night sky, carrying the incapacitated creature.

"Spider-Man's too fast! We lost him!" Bullock shouted into his radio, exasperated as the black-and-white figure vanished from sight.

The GCPD chopper circled the area, searching in vain. Viktor smirked beneath his mask. "Better luck next time, Bullock." he muttered as he activated his stealth mode, while covering Man-Bat in stealth as well. They blended seamlessly into the darkness.

Back in the chopper, Gordon shook his head. "Call off the hunt. We've got the wrong target." Bullock grumbled, clearly frustrated, but he waved his hand for the officers to stand down. As the sound of wings and rockets faded into the distance, Gordon couldn't shake the feeling that something much larger loomed on the horizon, a shadow cast by the very darkness they sought to illuminate.

News and pictures of the Man-Bat quickly spread across Gotham, the grim visage of the monstrous creature becoming the city's latest topic of concern. Every major news channel broadcasted the event, from the high-speed chase above the rooftops to the eventual takedown of the beast as it plummets into the darkness and Spider-man and the bat like creature disappears. The people of Gotham, usually accustomed to strange sightings, were abuzz with questions about this new threat.

"Reports confirm that the monstrous bat creature, now being called Man-Bat, was responsible for the recent theft of chemicals," the anchor stated. "This clears the earlier speculation that Batman was involved. What's certain now is that Gotham's longstanding hero, Spider-Man, has save Gotham and had subdued the monstrous creature terrorizing Gotham."

In his private lab, Viktor Frost watched the broadcast, seated before a large holographic display. The blue glow of the monitor highlighted the sharp lines of his Spider-Man armor. His helmet rested on a nearby table, exposing Viktor's cool, calculating eyes as they shifted toward the unconscious figure strapped to a metal examination table. Dr. Kirk Langstrom… or rather, the creature known as Man-Bat lay motionless. His grotesque form was a macabre marvel, reminiscent of the monsters Viktor had seen in films from his past life, such as Dracula in Van Helsing.

"JARVIS," Viktor's voice broke the silence.

"Yes, sir?" the AI responded, its smooth, British accent filling the lab.

"Is it ready?" Viktor stood, walking toward the table, his spider legs retracting silently into his back.

"I have analyzed the chemical compounds used for Langstrom's transformation and synthesized a cure," JARVIS explained. A mechanical arm extended from the ceiling, holding a syringe filled with a pale green fluid. "It should reverse all effects."

Viktor took the syringe, his armored gauntlet glowing faintly from the internal systems. With measured precision, he administered the cure into Langstrom's arm. As the antidote coursed through Langstrom's veins, Viktor considered manipulating his mind. A single adjustment, just enough to guarantee he won't be another super villain again. But that would cost him fame points, something he couldn't afford to waste on such an easy victory.

"This will do for now," he thought, dismissing the idea. Viktor preferred to earn more points even if it will cost an innocent life or two, although he won't go out his way and be a maniacal murderer he would atleast play this theatrical route of being a Super hero that people are so in love with. Watching closely, he saw Langstrom's body convulse, muscles contracting and bone structure shifting, as the horrific mutations caused by the Man-Bat serum slowly reversed.

Langstrom groaned even under the effects of the anesthetics, his grotesque features gradually receding to reveal the pale, human form of a scientist. Sweat matted his hair to his forehead, and his breathing was shallow but steady. The transformation was finally complete.

"Vitals normal, sir. The process was a success," JARVIS confirmed.

Viktor allowed himself a small smile. "Good, keep the records and try to see if you could perfect the formula, I'll check it later. For now let's get him back to his wife before anyone in Gotham starts asking too many questions."

Sometime later in Phoenix Laboratories stood on the outskirts of Gotham, one of the few pharmaceutical companies that dealt with cutting-edge research, often on the borderline of legality. Viktor, in his black-and-white Spider-Man armor, landed silently atop the building. The night sky stretched endlessly above, filled with a thick layer of smog that turned the moon into a dim glow. Langstrom, unconscious and wrapped securely in a dark cloak, hung suspended from Viktor's mechanical spider legs as he descended from the rooftop.

Waiting in the soft glow of the lab's external lights was Francine Langstrom, Kirk's wife. She was a slender woman with deep worry etched into her face, her brown hair tied into a loose bun, wearing a simple white lab coat over a floral dress. Her eyes widened when she saw Viktor approach, her breath catching in her throat as her gaze shifted to the lifeless form of her husband.

"Is he... is he all right?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper, fear and hope warring within her.

Viktor gently laid Langstrom down, retracting his spider legs. His armored form towered over them both, the red streaks of his suit catching the lab lights, while the black portions seemed to drink in the surrounding darkness. "He's all right," Viktor replied, his voice calm but firm, softened slightly by the modulation of his helmet. "The chemicals that caused the transformation have been flushed from his body. You won't have to worry about him turning into the Man-Bat again."

Francine's eyes welled up with tears as she knelt beside her husband, clutching his hand. "Thank you," she said, her voice shaky, gratitude and relief flooding her expression.

Viktor folded his arms, the metallic plates of his suit making a soft, mechanical hum. "You'll want to get him some professional help," he advised, his tone matter-of-fact. "Not just for the physical recovery. He'll need a therapist. Gotham's not the place for that. This city breeds madness, I suggest you find help somewhere else. Make sure it's someone who won't twist him further into madness."

Francine nodded, her tears falling freely now. "I will. I'll take him far away from here."

Viktor tilted his head, glancing over Langstrom one last time. "Make sure you do," he said quietly, his voice taking on a more somber note. "You don't want him to end up worse than he was."

After a final glance at the Langstrom couple, Viktor turned away. His armor whirred as the thrusters on his back and sole activated and with a burst of propulsion, he shot back into the air, leaving Francine behind.

Viktor soared high above Phoenix Labs, landing gracefully atop the towering glass building. Below, Gotham sprawled in chaotic beauty, its flickering lights resembling stars scattered across the Earth, casting jagged shadows over the streets and alleyways.

At the edge of the rooftop stood Batman, a silent sentinel cloaked in shadow. His cape shifted with the breeze, and his imposing silhouette cut sharply against the backdrop of the night sky. When Viktor approached, Batman turned slightly, his piercing gaze locking onto the Spider.

Viktor straightened as his mechanical spider legs folded neatly against his back. His deliberate steps echoed across the rooftop, a testament to his indifference toward stealth. Clad in his sleek black-and-white Spider-Man armor, the cooling thrusters on his armor emitted a faint hiss, blending into the ambient noise of the city below. The chill of the Gotham night mixed with the distant wail of sirens rising from the restless streets.

Batman remained unmoving, his presence an unspoken challenge. The faint moonlight reflected off his cowl, emphasizing his commanding aura. His thoughts turned to Spider-Man's recent actions of killing members of the League of Assassins, although he understood the reason as he himself did the same for his martial master Ras Al Gul, he also understood how easily such actions could spiral into something far darker. For now, he would watch. If Spider-Man ever crossed the line, threatening innocents, he would stop him.

Despite being Gotham's newest vigilante, Batman's reputation had already begun to grow in just two months. Viktor, on the other hand, had operated for two years, carving out his place in Gotham as both a figure of fear and admiration. While Batman fought to protect the city, he recognized the depth of Spider-Man's influence on Gotham's criminal underworld and its citizens.

For a moment, neither spoke. The weight of Gotham's chaos hung heavy in the air, a silent acknowledgment of the shared burden they carried.

"Langstrom's cured," Viktor said, finally breaking the silence. He didn't bother turning to face Batman, keeping his eyes on the horizon. "Dropped him off at Phoenix Labs with Francine. He won't be turning into that freakish Man-Bat anytime soon."

Batman remained still, his intense gaze fixed on Viktor. His voice, when he spoke, was low and gravelly. "The GCPD reported the creature's theft at the lab. It was assumed to be a one-time occurrence, but Langstrom's mind was unstable. His research was dangerous."

Viktor chuckled softly under his breath, turning slightly to face Batman. "Research gone wrong? In Gotham? Shocking." The faint hint of sarcasm in his voice was unmistakable. "Do you know how many people had entered in an accident or worse died in their research."

Batman narrowed his eyes behind the cowl. Viktor could feel the tension radiating off him, the calculated sharpness of someone who was constantly evaluating everything around him. Viktor knew exactly what Batman was thinking, he had seen that look before. The Dark Knight was trying to piece things together, and he had a hunch about who Spider-Man really was. But a hunch wasn't enough.

"You had your hands full tonight," Viktor said, with a slight grin beneath his mask. "Tangoing with the GCPD? SWAT teams out looking for Gotham's Bat monster menace'?" Viktor's voice turned mocking, just enough to needle Batman's pride. "Tell me, do you get tired of dodging them, why not just tell them the truth, or is it part of the thrill?"

Batman's expression didn't change. His calm demeanor never wavered, but Viktor knew he had struck a nerve.

"While you were busy being hunted by the cops," Viktor continued, leaning back slightly, arms folding across his chest, "I was cleaning up the real mess. But don't worry, I saved some credit for you. They can blame Man-Bat for the theft now. You're in the clear."

Batman's jaw tightened, though he still kept his cool. Spider-mans mocking voice has it's point, he wasn't able to save nor stop Langstrom, because he was busy dodging and dealing with the GCPD, but he still voices out his concern. "This isn't about credit."

"Of course not," Viktor said smoothly. "It's about bringing balance and change to Gotham."

For a moment, neither spoke. The wind tugged at Batman's cape, the hum of Gotham's streets carrying faintly up to the rooftop.

"What's your angle, Spider-Man?" Batman asked finally, his voice cutting through the night. "You've been here longer than I have, yet you stay in the shadows, working the edges of this city. You could've ended Langstrom. So why bring him back?"

Viktor turned fully to face him, his mask concealing his expression, though the amusement in his voice was clear. "I don't play for sympathy, Batman. Langstrom made his choices, and now he has to live with them. I gave him a second chance to set things right, but I'm not here to waste time trying to fix Gotham's endless chaos. His wife, though? She didn't choose any of this. She's innocent, and I won't let her suffer for his mistakes."

He stepped closer, his mechanical spider legs twitching slightly as they adjusted behind him, making harsh mechanical noise. "Besides, it's better for business if people see me doing the occasional good deed. It keeps people talking."

Batman's eyes were unreadable beneath the cowl, but Viktor knew he was watching every move, calculating, trying to read him. "And if Langstrom becomes a threat again?"

Viktor smiled beneath his mask, a slow, predatory grin. "Then I'll deal with him. Just like I'll deal with anyone who steps out of line." He let his words hang in the air for a moment, then leaned in slightly. "That includes you, Bruce."

Batman's eyes narrowed beneath his cowl, but he didn't respond. Viktor's playful tone always carried an edge of danger, and Batman was well aware of it.

Viktor turned slightly, gazing out at the cityscape. His tone shifted, becoming more serious, as if a weight of inevitability settled in. "Gotham's changing, Bats and the world is changing with it. Soon it won't be just a huge bat monsters terrorizing the streets that we'll have to worry about." His voice grew darker, more foreboding. "The age of gods and demons is coming, and when it does, all of this will look like child's play."

Batman's jaw tightened. He had his own suspicions, his own thoughts about the strange happenings in Gotham and beyond, but hearing it from Viktor only confirmed them.

"You better be ready," Viktor added, his tone almost like a warning, before launching off the rooftop firing a web at a nearby building, he swung effortlessly into the night, his figure disappearing into the darkened skyline of Gotham.

Batman remained on the rooftop, watching as Viktor disappeared, the weight of his words lingering in the cold night air. The age of gods and demons… The world was changing, and both of them knew it.

~The End. JK.