Axel, oblivious to the fact that a powerful magic user was observing him, woke as usual, emerging from the middle of a restless sleep.
He casually moved Selina's leg aside, took a shower, dressed, then returned and patted her on the hip.
"Stay home today, don't go anywhere. Since Diana's been so straightforward with me, if I do anything big again, she'll show up. And it might not just be her."
With that, Axel left the bedroom, heading to the dining room where Alfred had prepared breakfast. After eating, he departed with the kind of confident swagger that seemed to radiate sunlight.
Watching him leave, Alfred pursed his lips.
"Just like going to work… feels almost like a family," he murmured, shaking his head. "I just wonder how many families he'll disrupt today, full of that energy."
As he wheeled Axel's dishes away, Selina, still in pajamas, shuffled over, yawning.
"Alfred," she asked groggily, "has Axel eaten?"
"Yes, Madam. The Master had a hearty breakfast and seems in high spirits," Alfred replied casually.
Selina sighed, sitting down at the table.
"Don't call me Madam. You should know our relationship. I lost everyone overnight and rely on him for some solace. Axel seems carefree, but he's lost his past, never mentions it—his forbidden zone. I'm just a companion, a warm presence. And like me, he isn't used to a mansion, otherwise why the hurry to leave?"
Alfred observed her quietly, pondering the melancholy in her tone. "Perhaps she's just on edge," he thought. If Axel and Selina continued living here, he would need to adjust meals, arrange therapy and massages. Nostalgia washed over him; life felt like Thomas's era again. Though Axel and Selina were more unruly than Thomas and Martha, both had accepted him as family. A pity Bruce couldn't partake in this household harmony.
Meanwhile, Axel rode his bicycle toward the Iceberg Lounge. Dozens of henchmen rushed to greet him.
"Boss!"
"Good morning, Boss!"
"It's rare Gotham's not raining today, Boss!"
"Must be God's doing—Boss is in a good mood!"
Axel patted the handlebars.
"You bastards only came because the guy who parked my car yesterday got a reward. This bike's yours—whoever wants it, take it."
He tossed the bicycle into the crowd and walked through. The henchmen exchanged glances, debating who should ride it. One eventually claimed it, pedaling away excitedly. Another checked his phone.
"Holy crap! I put a picture of this bike on Paipai.com. Its value is several times higher than yesterday's car!"
The others groaned in regret.
Axel entered his office, where Oswald and Victor awaited.
"Boss, regarding the Sky Rail," Oswald began, "we've prepared a plan. There are 8,720 main support piles in Gotham. We don't need all of them. Nineteen strategically destroyed will trigger a chain reaction, toppling the structure. Alternatively, four key piles at precise locations can do the same, but that's risky—especially with that goddess last night. I've sent both plans to your phone. You choose."
Victor leaned in. "Boss, after last night… ugh, uncomfortable to recall. I sent teams tracking Diana. She flew to New York overnight, back this morning. Likely gathering allies or preparing special gear. We can only threaten her, not stop her. Once she's unaffected by our threats, it's on you, Boss."
Axel raised an eyebrow.
"You sure you can threaten her?"
Victor grinned. "Absolutely. After last night, I can trigger one violent explosion per 500 square meters in Gotham. Big Jimmy delivered 80% of the materials by 2 AM, and the three nukes are hidden at the port. Gotham can perish at any time. With this card, why not threaten her?"
Axel gave a thumbs-up.
"Impressive. But keep the bombs hidden for now. Blowing up the Sky Rail is small potatoes—I can handle it myself. Thanks to Diana, I feel like I could lift the whole thing by myself. Let me have some fun first."
Pulling a pistol from his arms, Axel tucked it at his side. Victor rolled his eyes.
"Axel, if you're so strong, why the gun?"
"Guns scare people more than fists, especially those I don't know," Axel replied.
He left, heading toward the first marked support pile in the Diamond District—the city's wealthiest area. Crowds immediately noticed him.
Diana tightened her lasso. Bruce donned his battle suit. Chief Gordon, grim, led his team from the station.
"Latest report: Wraith is heading alone to the Diamond District! The area houses Gotham's elite. Even future political leaders live here. We have to try to stop him!"
Gordon's speech fell flat; morale was low against an enemy who seemed untouchable.
Meanwhile, Dr. Kent Nelson, far away in London, stood in front of a famous bar, hesitating, unsure if he should enter.