manynovel Chapter 132 Intelligence Network
Chapter 132 Intelligence Network
Gotham's East Side is always shrouded in gloom at night, but tonight the air is thick with an unusual tension. Chen Haotian stands before the floor-to-ceiling windows of his newly purchased penthouse, looking down at the dimly lit streets below. Since reaching a cooperation agreement with the Penguins, they have laid a tight net in this area.
"The last stronghold in Falcone has been cleared." Nick Fury emerged from the shadows, a magical glint in his single eye. "The Penguins are taking over the remaining territory."
Tony sat on the sofa beside him, his fingers rapidly swiping across the holographic projection: "I just hacked into the Gotham Police Department's system and modified all the surveillance permissions for the East Sector. This place is ours now."
Chen Haotian turned around, a satisfied smile playing on his lips: "Very good. It's time to establish our secret base."
Their chosen base was an abandoned factory near the East Wharf. From the outside, it appeared dilapidated, littered with rust and broken glass, but beneath lay a completely different world. Through the combined technological advancements of Tony and the magical transformations of Nick Fury, this underground space had become a high-tech fortress.
"The defense system is fully deployed," Tony said, pointing to the hologram on the control panel. "It includes energy shields, automated defense weapons, and spatial jamming devices. Even Batman won't be able to infiltrate undetected."
Nick Fury added, "I also set up a magical barrier that can interfere with electronic devices and biological senses. Double insurance."
Chen Haotian carefully inspected every area of the base. It included living quarters, laboratories, training grounds, and a command center. At the deepest part, there was a special room housing their inter-universe teleportation device.
"How's the situation with the Penguins?" Chen Haotian asked.
"Cotterell is very cooperative," Nick Fury said. "He's reaped the benefits, and now two-thirds of the business in the East End goes through him. But..."
"But what?"
"He seems increasingly curious about our background. Yesterday he sent someone to investigate our connections in New York."
Tony chuckled. "Let him investigate. Stark Industries' cover is flawless."
Chen Haotian nodded: "Continue to monitor him. Cobbler is a smart man; he knows what to ask and what not to ask. As long as we can bring him benefits, he will cooperate obediently."
Over the next few days, they began systematically integrating resources in the East District. Through the Penguin's network, they gained control of most of the area's smuggling routes, underground casinos, and illegal transactions. More importantly, they established an intelligence network covering the entire Gotham City.
"Interesting." One evening, Chen Haotian suddenly said while reviewing intelligence, "Bruce Wayne has been appearing frequently in the East District lately."
Tony leaned closer to look at the screen: "Is he investigating us?"
"Not entirely." Chen Haotian pointed to several marked points on the map. "He seems to be looking for something. Or rather... someone."
Nick Fury narrowed his one eye slightly: "Should I follow him?"
"Not for now." Chen Haotian pondered for a moment. "Our primary task right now is to consolidate control over the Eastern District. We'll deal with Wayne's problem once the base is fully operational."
Construction of the base is progressing rapidly. With the fusion of technologies from both the Marvel and DC universes, this underground fortress possesses a level of technology far exceeding that of our time. Tony has successfully integrated the Arc Reactor with the Kryptonian energy component, providing the base with a stable and powerful energy supply. Nick Fury's magical abilities have been significantly enhanced in the DC universe; the protective barrier he has erected is impenetrable even to the most advanced detection equipment.
"The test results are in." One afternoon, Tony excitedly walked into the command center. "The new energy core is working stably in both universes. We've finally solved the energy overflow problem."
Chen Haotian took the report and read it carefully: "Very good. In this way, we can establish a stable teleportation channel between Gotham and New York."
"However, there's still one problem," Tony said. "Large-scale energy transfers will still cause spacetime fluctuations. I suggest limiting the frequency and scale of transfers until this problem is completely resolved."
Chen Haotian agreed to the suggestion. They decided to conduct inter-cosmic teleportations only twice a week to ensure they wouldn't attract unnecessary attention.
With his control of the East District consolidated, Chen Haotian began to turn his attention to other forces in Gotham. Through intelligence provided by the Penguin, they gradually figured out the operating models of the Falcone and Maroney families, and even began to infiltrate their organizations.
"Cotterell wants to see you," Nick Fury reported to Chen Haotian one evening. "He said he has important news."
Chen Haotian received the Penguin in the base's reception room. Cobblestone seemed more confident than before, but also a little nervous.
"I've received word that Falcone and Maroni are preparing to join forces against us," the Penguin said bluntly. "They plan to launch an attack next week."
Chen Haotian smiled slightly: "We already know this news."
The penguin was taken aback: "What are you doing...?"
"We have our own channels." Chen Haotian handed Penguin a glass of whiskey. "But I still want to thank you for your loyalty. Don't worry, we're all prepared."
The penguin took the glass, his hand trembling slightly. "What are you planning to do?"
"You'll find out then," Chen Haotian said mysteriously. "But I can guarantee that this will be your best chance to completely control Gotham's underworld."
After seeing the Penguin off, Chen Haotian immediately summoned Tony and Nick Fury.
"It's time to show our strength," Chen Haotian said. "Let the other factions in Gotham know that the East District has a new master."
Tony rubbed his hands together, "I can't wait. My new armor needs real-world testing."
Nick Fury was more cautious: "We need to consider Batman's reaction. Such a big move can't possibly go unnoticed by him."
"Then let him see." A sly glint flashed in Chen Haotian's eyes. "Sometimes, showing off your muscles is more intimidating to your opponent than hiding your strength."
Over the next few days, they meticulously prepared a plan to counter the attack. Tony upgraded the Iron Man armor, adding a magical enhancement system; Nick Fury further strengthened the base's defenses; and Chen Haotian, utilizing his knowledge of the DC storyline, accurately predicted every move his opponents made.
When Falcone and Marone's allied forces flooded the East Side on Friday night, they found themselves in an elaborate trap. Tony's armor drew dazzling arcs through the night sky, precisely destroying enemy vehicles; Nick Fury's magic created numerous illusions, throwing the invaders into disarray; and Chen Haotian, stationed in the command center, used the Penguin's minions to divide and encircle the enemy.
The battle lasted less than two hours. By the time the sirens of the Gotham Police Department could be heard in the distance, the intruders were already routed. The Penguin's men quickly cleaned up the battlefield, leaving no evidence behind.
"Well done." Afterwards, Penguin excitedly told Chen Haotian, "This is the most perfect operation I've ever seen. Now all of Gotham knows that the East District is ours."
Chen Haotian smiled faintly: "Remember, Cobbert, this is just the beginning."
Back at base, Tony said as he removed his armor, "Batman showed up tonight, but observed from a distance for a while before leaving."
"He was assessing our strength," Nick Fury said. "I sensed his presence, but I didn't interfere."
Chen Haotian nodded: "Very good. Let him know that we are not his enemies, but we are not to be trifled with either. Now, the East District is completely under our control, it's time to move on to the next step of the plan."
He walked to the central control panel of the base and brought up a holographic map of Gotham City. A red marker flashed in the East District, symbolizing their first solid foothold in the city.