The battle was over.

  But the war had just begun.

  ---

  Arcadia Academy Surveilnce Hall

  A massive chamber lit by cold blue crystals.

  Dozens of screens flickered across the walls—

  Each showing different angles of the arena.

  And at the center sat the Council.

  Five figures.

  Faces hidden by masks.

  Only their eyes visible.

  “So... the bat has cws,” one of them said.

  “To defeat Drake Valtor in a clean duel… impressive.”

  Another voice spoke, softer—

  But sharper.

  “He’s from Division D. This shouldn’t be possible.”

  “He’s not from anywhere,” the third figure murmured.

  “Not truly.”

  Silence.

  And then the fourth figure leaned forward.

  “Activate Protocol Zero-One.”

  “I want every detail on this ‘Batman’... now.”

  ---

  Meanwhile at Batman’s Dorm Room

  His body was still aching.

  Muscles bruised.

  Ribs throbbing.

  But his mind?

  Clearer than ever.

  They're watching.

  I felt it the moment I walked out.

  This was never just a match.

  He poured cold water over his face.

  ---

  Fshback of Gotham rushed into him.

  He remembered a simir night.

  One where he was bleeding in an alley.

  Alone.

  But then Alfred’s voice rang in his mind—

  “You don’t win by being the strongest, Master... but by outsting those who think they are.”

  He opened his eyes.

  “I’m not just here to survive anymore,” he whispered.

  “I’m here to tear this pce apart.”

  ---

  At the Cafeteria of Division D.

  The moment he walked in, everything stopped.

  Spoons froze.

  Chatter died.

  Students stared.

  And then—

  They began cpping.

  Not in unison.

  Not rehearsed.

  But real.

  Raw.

  The kind of appuse that came from respect.

  Even Cire stood from her seat, eyes wide.

  “You... you actually did it?”

  Batman walked past her.

  Sat down like it was any other day.

  “I said I would, didn’t I?”

  ---

  Recovery Ward of Division A

  Drake Valtor y on a stretcher.

  Wires and healing runes connected to his chest.

  Still smiling.

  “He’s strong...”

  “But they’re not ready for what comes next.”

  He turned to the nurse.

  “Tell the Council…”

  “They should be afraid.”

  ---

  Back in Gotham

  Arkham Asylum (??? Timeline)

  A mysterious cloaked figure walked through the halls.

  Cells shook as he passed.

  He stopped at one with a bel scratched out.

  Inside—

  A pair of glowing green eyes blinked open.

  “It’s time,” the cloaked man whispered.

  “Your Dark Knight has fallen... but he still walks. In another world.”

  The prisoner grinned.

  “Perfect.”

  “Let the game begin.” ---