Three months had passed since Marcus's comprehensive assessment of Bruce and Selina's abilities, and the results had exceeded everyone's expectations.
The evaluation had revealed that both students had progressed far beyond what any of them had initially anticipated. Their mastery of Zenurik school techniques, combined with their advanced equipment and tactical training, had transformed them into genuinely formidable protectors of Gotham City.
More importantly, the assessment had given both vigilantes the confidence they needed to operate more independently and take on greater challenges.
"The crime statistics for this quarter are quite remarkable," Alfred reported as he reviewed the latest data from his comprehensive monitoring systems. "Serious violent crimes are down thirty-seven percent in the areas where Master Bruce and Miss Selina have been most active."
Marcus nodded with satisfaction as he examined the detailed reports spread across the table in Wayne Manor's study.
The numbers told an impressive story of systematic change rather than just random crime prevention. Bruce and Selina weren't simply stopping individual criminal acts anymore—they were beginning to create genuine deterrent effects throughout Gotham.
"What's even more interesting," Alfred continued, "is that we're seeing behavioral changes among the criminal organizations themselves. Several of the smaller gangs have actually relocated their operations outside of Gotham entirely."
This represented exactly the kind of systemic impact that Marcus had hoped his students would eventually achieve. Rather than just reacting to crimes after they occurred, Bruce and Selina were beginning to influence the criminal landscape proactively.
"And Gordon?" Marcus asked with curiosity about the official law enforcement response.
"Gordon has noticed the patterns, certainly," Alfred replied with a slight smile. "He's made several public statements about the positive trend in crime reduction, though he's careful not to attribute it directly to vigilante activities."
Gordon was walking a careful political line, Marcus realized. The commissioner needed to maintain official disapproval of vigilante justice while secretly appreciating the results that Bruce and Selina were achieving.
"He's also been upgrading police equipment and training," Alfred added. "I believe our activities have motivated him to push for improvements in the department's capabilities."
This was an unexpected but welcome development. If Bruce and Selina's success was inspiring legitimate law enforcement to become more effective, the overall impact on Gotham's security would be even greater.
Through the study's large windows, Marcus could see Bruce and Selina practicing their advanced combat techniques in the garden. Their movements had become incredibly fluid and coordinated, representing months of dedicated training and real-world experience.
"They've grown considerably," Marcus observed with genuine pride.
"Indeed they have," Alfred agreed warmly. "Master Bruce has developed remarkable strategic thinking abilities, and Miss Selina has become exceptionally skilled at reading people and situations."
Marcus had noticed these developments as well. Bruce was beginning to display the analytical mindset that would eventually make him one of the world's greatest detectives, while Selina's natural intuition was being refined into sophisticated tactical awareness.
"What about the enhanced individuals?" Marcus asked, referring to the more dangerous criminals like Bane who had briefly appeared in Gotham.
"Interestingly, we haven't encountered any since that incident with Bane three months ago," Alfred reported. "Either they've moved on to other cities, or they're being more careful about operating in Gotham."
This suggested that Bruce and Selina's reputation was beginning to precede them. Enhanced criminals might be avoiding Gotham specifically because they knew it was protected by capable opponents.
"The Arkham Asylum situation has also stabilized," Alfred continued his briefing. "Dr. Strange appears to have suspended his experimental activities, at least temporarily."
Marcus found this particularly encouraging. If Strange was scaling back his enhancement research, it meant fewer artificially created threats would emerge from that facility.
"However," Alfred's tone became more cautious, "we have been detecting some unusual energy signatures in various locations around the city. Nothing immediately threatening, but worth monitoring."
Marcus raised an eyebrow with interest. Energy signatures could indicate the presence of other enhanced individuals, advanced technology, or supernatural phenomena.
"What kind of energy patterns?" Marcus asked with growing curiosity.
"The readings are inconsistent," Alfred admitted. "Sometimes they appear to be technological in nature, other times they seem almost... mystical. I've been trying to correlate them with any known phenomena, but so far they remain unidentified."
This was potentially significant. Gotham's criminal landscape was clearly evolving in response to Bruce and Selina's presence, but new and unknown factors might also be emerging.
"Keep monitoring those signatures," Marcus instructed. "And make sure Bruce and Selina are aware of the possibility that new types of threats might be developing."
"Already done," Alfred confirmed. "They've been briefed on the energy readings and know to report anything unusual they encounter during their patrols."
Marcus felt satisfied with how thoroughly Alfred was handling the intelligence and logistics aspects of their operation. The butler's transformation into a tactical coordinator had been just as impressive as his students' development as crime fighters.
"What about Wayne Enterprises?" Marcus asked, shifting to another important aspect of Bruce's long-term development.
"Master Bruce has been gradually taking on more responsibilities within the company," Alfred reported with obvious pride. "He's been attending board meetings and learning about the various divisions and projects."
This was crucial for Bruce's future effectiveness. Understanding Wayne Enterprises' capabilities and resources would eventually be essential for his larger mission.
"The board members seem impressed with his intelligence and dedication," Alfred continued. "Though I suspect some of them are still surprised by how seriously he's taking his role."
Marcus chuckled at the image of corporate executives being caught off guard by Bruce's competence and work ethic.
"He'll need that foundation," Marcus observed. "Running Wayne Enterprises effectively will be just as important as his nighttime activities."
Outside in the garden, Bruce and Selina concluded their training session and began walking toward the manor. Their easy coordination and obvious mutual trust spoke to how much their partnership had strengthened over the months.
"They're ready for the next phase," Marcus said with conviction.
"The next phase?" Alfred asked with curiosity and mild concern.
Marcus smiled as he watched his students approach the manor's entrance.
"It's time for them to start thinking beyond just Gotham," Marcus explained. "They've proven they can protect this city effectively. Soon they'll need to consider how their mission might expand to address larger threats and challenges."
Alfred nodded with understanding, though Marcus could see the protective instincts that made the butler want to keep Bruce and Selina safely focused on local problems.
"Don't worry," Marcus assured him. "That expansion won't happen overnight. But they need to start preparing for the possibility that their responsibilities might eventually extend beyond Gotham's borders."
As Bruce and Selina entered the manor, their faces showing the satisfaction of another productive training session, Marcus felt confident that his time in Gotham had been well spent.
The city was changing, his students were thriving, and the foundation had been laid for even greater achievements in the future.
"Welcome back," Marcus called out as they entered the study. "Alfred has some interesting developments to discuss with you."
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