Chapter 10: Little Ringo and the New Suit
107.
From that day on, we threw ourselves into Bruce's plan. The Batcave gradually took shape, with every corner exuding a sense of futuristic technology.
Bruce designed his Batsuit while studying the city's criminal networks (thanks to Wayne Enterprises and Lucius), and his attention to detail was almost unbending, with even the length and material of the cape undergoing countless tests and adjustments.
Barbara and I weren't idle either. Barbara was in charge of technical support. She had a formidable talent for programming, and after learning about the alien technology at the manor, her computer skills had improved dramatically.
Now the system she and we jointly developed has gradually covered the entire manor and the Batcave, becoming our most solid intelligence network.
I was responsible for training and actual combat exercises. Bruce was very demanding of me and insisted I memorize all the techniques of all factions. He believed that my reflexes were naturally faster than others, but they hadn't been fully developed yet, and that I needed to improve my decision-making skills.
108.
"Peregrine, you're not fast enough." Bruce often reminded me during training, "If you want to survive in actual combat, you must be faster and more accurate."
I gritted my teeth, knowing he was right. During the time my mom and I were traveling, she had kept all danger out. It was just that others had seen more of me. Batman's standards were beyond the reach of ordinary people. I had to work harder.
Barbara always encouraged me in her own way, "Don't let Bruce's little dark room get you down. You're a peregrine falcon, born to fly the fastest."
Ah Fu also silently supported us from behind. He was not only the manor's steward, but also our logistical support. Whether it was meals after training or equipment maintenance, he always managed everything in an orderly manner.
"Master Bruce, Miss Leona, Miss Barbara," Alfu smiled slightly and appeared at the door of the training room with a tray of snacks. "Before you save Gotham, please consider filling your stomach."
I took the snacks from Ah Fu with a big smile, and my heart was filled with warmth. Ah Fu always showed care in his own way when we were most tired.
"Thank you, Afu. You know, without you, this team might fall apart." I said while biting the snack, my tone full of gratitude.
Bruce also nodded slightly, "Afu, you will always be the backbone of this team."
Ah Fu smiled, his tone carrying his usual British humor, "Master, if I can get you three to remember to eat and sleep on time, then my mission is half accomplished."
Her and Ah Fu's support gives me the motivation to keep going after every training session. The chemistry between the four of us is growing stronger, and this team is becoming increasingly invincible.
109.
Gotham's nights are still full of dangers, but we know that our battle has just begun.
Bruce finally completed his bat suit one night, and the suit hung in the Batcave like a silent oath.
"From this day forward, Gotham will no longer be a haven for criminals." Bruce's voice was low and firm.
Barbara and I stood behind him, looking at the suit with mixed emotions. We knew it wasn't just a suit, it was a symbol, a symbol that would change the fate of Gotham City.
"It's time to let Gotham know that their nightmare has begun." Bruce turned and looked at us with a sharp gaze.
I nodded, my eyes determined, "Whatever you become, Bruce, we will stand by you."
Barbara also smiled confidently and said, "Let us work together to uncover the darkness of this city."
Ah Fu, standing by, coughed lightly and added with a smile, "Of course, don't forget, you also have a butler on standby at all times."
"Of course." I smiled and winked, preparing to put on the Peregrine suit I designed with Batman.
My battle suit is mainly black, with red lines like flowing energy veins, extending from the shoulders to the arms and legs. It is hidden most of the time, but when I mobilize its energy, it presents a dynamic feeling like a river.
The Domino mask covers the upper half of the face, with red optical lenses for the eyes that automatically adjust vision in darkness. Two slender, streamlined "wingtips" adorn the top of the mask, hinting at the "Peregrine" codename while minimizing overt attention. The mask also features a built-in breathing regulator and communication system, making it convenient for use at high altitudes or in extreme environments.
The suit is made of a composite material fused with the same combat fibers as Bruce's, making it adaptable and capable of adjusting its tightness and level of protection based on combat needs. It's also covered with a nano-invisible coating that temporarily absorbs light, creating a stealth effect, and features the invisibility rune (which Batman also possesses).
The cloak is made of lightweight material with a black and red gradient, and has a built-in gliding device that allows it to glide long distances at high altitudes.
The chest features a simplified bat emblem in the shape of two red wings spread out. The breastplate is made of a high-strength alloy, providing both protection and energy storage.
The gloves are primarily black, with red energy triggers on the fingertips that can release short-range shockwaves or electric shocks. The arm guards also contain multi-functional tools like invisible darts, a rope launcher, and Master's newly developed mini-array projection device, which can be used to temporarily disrupt enemy movements (Batman has used it and praised it).
The belt is a classic Batman design, but with an oriental red pattern. The equipment grid on the belt can automatically adjust to suit different props. It also contains a small space array that can store more tools and weapons, and even an emergency medical kit (which Batman also has).
The legs of the suit are sleek, with red lines around the knees and calves, as if simulating the dynamic stance of a peregrine falcon in its swooping position. The feet are designed to be lightweight yet powerful, with micro-suckers on the soles of the boots, allowing them to walk on walls and ceilings (Batman still has them).
The suit's built-in energy core, powered by specially supplied technology, offers no shortage of energy and can activate a temporary protective force field to ward off attack (something Batman also possesses). In battle, the suit's red lines illuminate as the energy is activated, creating a fiery glow that's incredibly intimidating.
110.
When I put on this Peregrine Falcon suit and came in front of Barbara, I couldn't help posing.
"How is it?" I said in a bubbly voice, tilting my head at a 45-degree angle to support my forehead. "Is this outfit of mine cool?"
Barbara stared at me up and down, and the corners of her mouth began to twitch, obviously trying not to laugh.
"Of course." She managed to squeeze out a sentence, but her voice was obviously trembling.
"What's with that?" I put my hands on my hips and looked at her disapprovingly. "Isn't it amazing enough for me? This is definitely the coolest suit in all of Gotham!"
"Indeed..." Barbara couldn't help laughing, "But your posing is so funny. It completely destroys the deterrent effect of the suit."
I curled my lips and adjusted my stance. "Okay, how about this? Cold, sharp, and noble—doesn't that give me the aura of a big sister?"
Barbara managed to be serious for a second, but the next second she couldn't help laughing and fell on the table, "Sorry... I really tried..."
I rolled my eyes helplessly, envying my nonexistent side bangs. "Forget it, a tech geek like you doesn't understand fashion."
111.
At this moment, Bruce walked in wearing his battle suit, glanced at me, and raised an eyebrow slightly. "Leona, what kind of show are you putting on?"
"I'm called by my code name at work, but now please call me Peregrine Falcon." I crossed my arms, slightly raised my head, and my expression was noble and cold. The white film on the domino mask narrowed into a line. "And are you here to laugh at me too?"
"Okay, Peregrine." Bruce shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "And—no, I just think that you look better in this suit than I thought."
"Did you hear that?" I immediately turned to Barbara, raising my chin proudly. "Bruce said I'm a good fit! What else do you have to say?"
"Okay, okay, you're the coolest." Barbara smiled and raised her hands in surrender. "But it would be better if you could do less weird poses."
Bruce looked at the two of us laughing and joking, and sighed helplessly, "You better hurry up. I hope to see your true strength in training tomorrow night, not these fancy moves."
I nodded and gave Bruce a reassuring gesture. "Don't worry, Batman. Wearing the suit, I feel like my combat power has increased by at least 200%! Especially in terms of being cool."
Barbara added quietly, "Maybe it can be a bit funny sometimes."
I pretended not to hear and strode towards the training room, eager to prove myself in front of Bruce.
112.
Gotham remains uneasy at night, with evil lurking in every shadow.
"Peregrine, target location updated. Witnesses reported an armed robbery near Crime Alley." Oracle's voice came from the headset, calm and precise.
"Roger that." I responded as I quickly leaped onto a tall building with my grappling gun.
"Penny One, how many targets are there?" Batman's low voice sounded, and he had already reached the roof on the other side ahead of me.
"At least four people, suspected to be armed with automatic rifles." Ah Fu's voice rang out over the communication channel, his tone remaining calm. "We suggest attacking from both sides to reduce the risk of a frontal firefight."
Batman and I exchanged a glance, and he nodded slightly. I immediately adjusted my direction and sneaked down from the left.
We landed almost at the same time.
Batman moved swiftly, his black cape like a passing shadow, and with one punch he knocked the armed robber to the ground. Then I quickly attacked from behind, using the electric shock trigger inside my arm guard to subdue the other criminal.
"There are two more people on the left!" Oracle quickly reminded me. I rolled to the right to avoid the bullets, then hooked the opponent's weapon with the grappling gun and pulled the gun to the ground.
"What a bunch of idiots." I muttered softly and quickly punched the robber, knocking him to the ground.
Batman had finished his part. He stood over the unconscious criminal, his eyes scanning the surroundings. After confirming that there were no more threats, he whispered, "Well done, Peregrine."
"You too, Batman." I responded lightly, dusting off my suit.
"A new target has been detected." The Oracle's voice sounded again. "Unusual activity has been detected outside the Iceberg Restaurant in Gotham Bay. It could be a deal run by Penguin."
"Let's go." Batman said, raised his grappling gun, and disappeared into the night.
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