Even with the White Knight's incredibly durable shell, being hit repeatedly by heavy machine gun fire still imparted kinetic energy, significantly reducing its aerial maneuverability.
The White Knight flew rapidly through the air, swaying from side to side as it approached one of the helicopters.
Its right arm's High-Voltage Electric Sword was simultaneously infused with high-voltage electricity and Wind Release, while the pneumatic devices on its feet quickly sprayed high-pressure gas backward. Under Qingshui's control, it surged towards the helicopter.
"Wind Breathing, First Form: Dust Whirlwind Cutter!"
A green blade of wind instantly pierced the sky, rushing straight into the cockpit.
Members of the Tiger Security Team on the helicopter fired their guns at Qingshui, but the bullets only left a few scattered sparks on the white steel surface.
The High-Voltage Electric Sword swept through, and several Tiger Security Team members, along with the pilot, were decapitated. Not a single drop of blood splattered; instead, a foul stench emanated from the high-temperature scorching.
*Boom!*
After learning via radio that all their comrades on the attacked helicopter had died, the operators on another helicopter decisively fired a missile at it.
Sparks exploded in the air. Before the Tiger Security Team members could even breathe a sigh of relief, Qingshui emerged from the explosion, protected by the Mechanism Shield Seal.
"What's going on! The iron rotor is malfunctioning!"
Qingshui hovered in mid-air, looking at the wobbling helicopters through the blue-glowing eye-slits of the White Knight.
He had only entered that helicopter to find cover and create hand signs.
Wind Release: Sand Dust Whirlwind.
The airflow in the sky was disturbed. Qingshui was the only one who could still fly; not a single helicopter remained balanced in the air, all losing control due to the turbulent currents.
And then...
They crashed!
Several helicopters hit the ground, erupting in flames, leaving only plumes of thick smoke rising into the sky.
...
In the distance, Gotham City's tallest building, Miracle Tower.
"Truly astonishing... Clearwater, you've hidden your true depth too well. Back at Arkham Asylum, I actually thought you were just an insignificant pawn."
Dr. Hugo Strange wiped his glasses, then put them back on, looking at the imposing white steel figure on the monitor.
"But it doesn't matter anymore. The release of Joker and the others has already shifted Gotham's dynamics. Whether it's you, or Batman, or Robin, you've all been directly or indirectly affected. Project Ten, you're too late to stop me."
Hugo Strange looked at the countdown on the screen in front of him.
His goal was never just to eliminate Gotham's crime.
Gotham had already become one with darkness and sin; how could it possibly be eliminated?
Only that foolish Mayor Sharp would believe it, which is why Sharp received Dr. Hugo's full support and became mayor, allowing him to push forward his next plan—
Project Ten: to completely destroy Gotham, the city of sin, and then rebuild it from the ruins.
This was the only way to save Gotham!
"Three... two... one!"
Project Ten, activated!
The top of Miracle Tower began to rise, revealing a missile launcher.
He planned to use these high-tech missiles to comprehensively scour everything outside Miracle Tower, and then rebuild Gotham as the sole survivor!
In this plan, whether it was Mayor Sharp, Batman, Puppeteer, all the criminals in Arkham, or everyone in Gotham—they were all his pawns!
"Whoosh!"
"Whoosh!"
"Whoosh!"
Countless missiles, trailing exhaust plumes, launched into the sky.
Not far away, a Batmobile was speeding rapidly towards the base of Miracle Tower.
Batman had now obtained the final ingredient for the antidote from Ninja Master.
Ra's al Ghul had resurrected multiple times through the Lazarus Pit. All his injuries would be healed by the Lazarus Pit, and his body would coincidentally produce the bio-enzymes Batman needed during this process.
It was also through his contact with Talia and Ra's al Ghul that Batman successfully learned the truth about everything.
Behind Hugo, Ra's al Ghul had always been providing support, which was why he had the power to elevate Mayor Sharp.
Ra's al Ghul's goal, like Hugo's, was to destroy Gotham!
This was also a test Ra's al Ghul posed to Hugo.
If he successfully destroyed Gotham and defeated Batman in this challenge, Ra's al Ghul would hand over the position of Ninja Master to Hugo, making him the next leader of the League of Assassins—Ra's al Ghul, after centuries of repeated resurrections, was nearing his limit.
Batman had once been his chosen successor, but they parted ways due to differing ideologies. After Batman, Ra's al Ghul chose a man named Oliver Queen. Although Oliver's aptitude was inferior to Bruce's, Ra's al Ghul was quite satisfied. However, given that this guy ultimately became Green Arrow, the outcome was self-evident.
This time, Ra's al Ghul chose Hugo. Though not possessing the formidable martial prowess of the previous two, his intellect was impressive. He was skilled in psychology, understood human nature, and was barely acceptable. But Ra's al Ghul demanded that he defeat Batman to prove his greater worth.
"Master Bruce, according to computer estimates, if Hugo intends to bomb Gotham comprehensively, there will be thirteen more waves of these missiles. After thirteen waves, Gotham will cease to exist."
Alfred's voice sounded in the earpiece.
"I know."
"Batman," he said in a low voice, pressing the accelerator.
In the sky, Qingshui, hidden within the White Knight, also frowned, watching the missiles launched towards his district. He opened his arms and formed hand seals.
"Wind Release: Great Net!"
Air currents surged, and strong winds whipped up, sending sand and stones flying.
Countless air converged in front of Qingshui, forming a massive, intricate net of wind blades.
"Lightning Release: Net Spider!"
Streaks of lightning merged into the wind blade net, flashing with dazzling electric light in mid-air, and then...
*Boom!*
Missiles collided with the large net of wind and lightning, releasing a spectacular fireworks display in the sky.
"Hmm?"
At the top of Miracle Tower, Hugo Strange took off his glasses, staring dumbfounded at the scene outside the window.
"This... No, there are still thirteen waves of missiles. You can't possibly destroy all thirteen waves, can you?!"
Destroying most of Gotham would still be a success!
The second wave of missiles flew out again!
Damn it!
Qingshui couldn't help but curse under his breath.
Why are they heading for my territory again?!
"I don't know if he can destroy all thirteen waves of missiles, but I do know you won't have another chance to launch any more!"
A low voice sounded as Batman's figure appeared behind Hugo Strange at some unknown point, both watching the second wave of fireworks outside the window.
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