Gotham's chaos last night finally gave way to The Dead Souls Gang's complete victory, and Falcone's grip on the city crumbled in the wake of the power struggle.
For the first time, the names Axel Voss and Wraith brought a semblance of peace back to Gotham.
When the heavy rain that had blanketed the city lifted, it seemed that the lingering evil had vanished along with it. Nathan Kane's plan to deploy troops into Gotham was halted before it began, blocked both from above and below by the end of the gang war and the Wayne Group's convening of a board meeting.
Without the gang war as an excuse, Kane had no justification to station troops. And although Bruce did not summon the meeting for him personally, Kane knew the Wayne Group's attention would focus squarely on him. Some people really do overestimate themselves.
By 10:20 AM, Axel had already organized The Dead Souls Gang's divisions of power. At the same time, Bruce stepped off his plane wearily. After handing a blue flower to Lucius Fox for analysis, Bruce called the Wayne Group's board meeting on schedule.
Gotham itself had grown accustomed to death. Even though tens of thousands had died the night before, citizens returned quickly to their routines: some went to work, others indulged in vices, a few stole, and many simply moved on. Those who had fled the city returned voluntarily before noon, understanding that the previous night's bloodshed marked a complete transfer of power in Gotham's underworld.
Watching the endless stream of cars pouring into the city, a homeless man fishing under a bridge spat dismissively. Beside him, a scantily clad woman fishing sneered.
"Yesterday they fled in a hurry, today they rush back. Gotham's charm is unmatched. Those destined for this city, no matter how far they roam, will always come back eventually."
She lazily twisted her body to lie down, holding the fishing rod between her thighs—not fishing for fish, but for people. Within two minutes, the homeless man eagerly joined her.
Meanwhile, a passenger plane from London touched down on schedule at Archie Goodwin International Airport. Diana Prince followed the flow of disembarking passengers to the pickup area, immediately spotting an elderly Black man holding a fluorescent "Diana Prince" sign.
Frowning, she recognized him.
"Professor Fox?!" she exclaimed, approaching him elegantly.
"You are Lucius Fox, Nobel laureate in Physics twenty-two years ago, a former Gotham University professor with seven degrees," she said. "But why are you picking me up? Is the Wayne Group really that extravagant?"
Lucius smiled and shrugged. "Not at all. I volunteered. Not every historian is willing to face a potentially deadly situation. A superhuman like Wraith appears in the world—unkillable and growing stronger by the day. Many would turn away. But a young woman like you, willing to rush here non-stop, deserves a personal welcome. Diana, the Wayne Group will ensure your protection."
He bowed slightly, gesturing for her to follow.
Once inside the car, Diana asked softly, "Besides me, has anyone else responded to the Wayne Group's invitation?"
"We sent 147 invitations," Lucius replied while driving, "and only twenty-two have confirmed. You are the earliest. Dr. Kent Nelson from Massachusetts will arrive after you."
"Oh, I've heard of him. An authority on Sumerian civilization and Mesopotamian mythology," Diana said, narrowing her eyes in admiration.
Lucius smiled. "And you, Miss Diana, are the authority on Aegean civilization and Greek mythology."
He handed her a tablet from the passenger seat. Diana opened it, watching carefully.
"Last night was Wraith's most consequential night," Lucius continued. "Falcone's lifetime of power transferred to Wraith in just two days. Before your plane landed, Wraith, in front of circling police helicopters, decapitated the Gotham Police Chief. If you want to leave immediately, I will support your decision unconditionally."
Diana opened the video Axel had released that morning, frowning slightly. Wraith's power was undeniable.
"I do not retreat," she murmured. "And my interest in Wraith extends beyond mere observation. Knowledge grows most enticing when it is dangerous, does it not?"
"Then I will do everything possible to ensure your safety," Lucius said. "The Wayne Group is developing technology to counter Wraith. Other invited scholars will arrive in the coming days. You will stay in the hotel closest to the Gotham City Police Department. Once all scholars are present, the symposium will begin. You will have full access to Gotham University's texts and mythological archives. Whatever you need, the Wayne Group will provide."
"That is most generous," Diana said, bowing elegantly before returning her attention to the video.
She watched Selina embrace Axel, then follow him, cheering alongside Gotham's gangs. The sight of Axel, celebrated and feared, made Diana rub her brow thoughtfully. A man who had just tasted such power would be difficult to redirect.
She understood then that the thrill of being cheered and commanding fear surpassed any reward a woman could offer. The sudden experience of true power—the ability to shape the fates of tens of thousands—was intoxicating.
Looking at Axel, crowned king of his domain that morning, Diana made a decision. To straighten this twisted tree bent over only two days, she would first have to change its soil.
If Axel had just claimed his throne, she would bring a shield and a sword strong enough to shatter his kingdom utterly.
The Wraith's major event was approaching its core. Mortal struggles were fragile against the extraordinary.