American comics: Praising the sun, starting from Gotham!

Xiu En reached into his trench coat pocket, rummaged around for a while, and pulled out a large, dusty badminton shuttlecock.

Even Batman couldn't quite keep his composure when he pulled it out.

Why would you put an owl in your pocket? Aren't you tired of carrying such a big bird?

You've been carrying it with you all this time?

That was the owl that had previously been knocked unconscious by his aura. It still had its eyes closed and its head drooping limply to one side, looking just like a frozen chicken for sale in the market.

Xiu En lifted the bird by its two legs with one hand and held it up to his claws, even gently shaking it twice like a pendulum.

"Look closely, mortal."

The halo around Xiu En flickered at the opportune moment, and the golden light shone through the owl's messy feathers, giving the bird of prey a sacred golden edge.

Without batting an eye, he fabricated a story: "This is the cub of my mount. Its name is Gugu; it is the watcher of the night and the guide of the light. The fact that it chose to sleep in my pocket—isn't that enough proof of my identity?"

The sharp claws, bound to the chair, stared at the owl.

In the brutal training and brainwashing of the Owl Court, the owl is the embodiment of the court and absolute authority.

And now, this authority is meekly cowering in the hands of this radiant being, without any intention of resistance.

The claws' grayish-white pupils contracted violently.

"Striges..."

The claws' voice trembled, and the facial muscles that had been tense from the tooth extraction relaxed, replaced by a sense of humility.

He lowered his head with difficulty, as if performing some ancient ritual of allegiance.

"Forgive me, Messenger, for I failed to recognize the guidance of the sacred beast."

Bruce, who was standing in front of the console, stopped typing and turned around to look at the scene.

Even the worldly-wise Batman is forced to confront this incredibly surreal reality.

His expensive interrogation equipment.

A precise psychological profile.

A well-prepared strategy for inflicting pain and stress.

None of them were as effective as a fainting owl picked up from the roadside!

"Young Master."

Afu stood in the shadows, wiping the surgical forceps in his hands as he spoke calmly.

"It seems we can save that dose of sodium thiopental. Also, I must remind Mr. Hugh that wild birds of prey often carry a variety of parasites, so please don't put them directly into your pocket next time."

Xiu En ignored Afu's hygiene advice and casually stuffed the owl back into his pocket.

The roughness of the movement made Claw's eyelids twitch. Then, he leaned closer to Claw again, lowered his voice, and asked in that manipulative tone typical of a charlatan:

"Since you know you're wrong, then atone for your sins. Tell me, where are those old bastards you sent out hiding? Where's the entrance?"

Claws didn't hesitate at all, as if confessing to a priest:

"The Thirteenth Avenue underground sewers, beneath the foundation of the old Wayne Tower, that's where the entrance to the Whispering Hall is, right there."

He was panting, his ashen face showing a mixture of the pain of betraying his vow and the relief of being redeemed.

"That's the nearest nest."

Bruce's satellite map instantly pinpointed the area he was referring to.

"Thirteenth Avenue, the ruins of the old Wayne Tower."

Bruce's voice was cold and hard.

"That place was abandoned twelve years ago due to foundation subsidence. Was it because the ground underneath was dug out?"

Bruce pressed the last Enter key, turned around, walked to the weapon rack, grabbed the all-purpose belt, and fastened it around his waist.

"Location has been confirmed."

Bruce's voice deepened as he spoke with his back to Shum.

"I'm very familiar with the security system here. You stay here, and Afu will arrange a room for you. Also, stay away from my computer."

Xiu En felt that the Owl Dungeon would definitely add a lot to his lifespan, and he wouldn't let this opportunity pass him by.

He took two steps to stand in front of Bruce, and the golden aura around him expanded slightly due to his emotional fluctuations, almost blinding Batman.

"If you think you can monopolize this huge instance, you're sorely mistaken, Boss."

Shum stared at Bruce with the look one would give a ruthless boss who would withhold bonuses.

"There's a bunch of shady rats out there, which is my revenue stream. You want me to watch you grind monsters while I'm cheering you on from behind? No way!"

Bruce frowned, about to refuse with words like "too dangerous" or "too professional," but Hugh had already turned and walked toward Claw, who was still tied to the chair.

"Besides, do you even have a guide? Do you know which brick in that maze will shoot a poison arrow if you step on it, or which slab will flip and send you into a vat of sulfuric acid?"

Xiu En pointed to the prisoner.

"But I have it."

Shuen flicked the hard shoulder armor of the claws with his fingers, making a crisp sound.

"Hey, you there, if I let you go right now, are you going to pounce on me and bite my throat, or obediently lead us to raid those old bastards' house?"

Sharp claws.

This killer machine, which was just a number a few minutes ago, now seemed to have heard a divine oracle.

His pale face twitched as he strained to straighten his back, trying to adopt a posture ready to charge even though he was bound.

"It is my honor to clear the way for you, my lord messenger."

His voice was firm, every word a vow.

"I will clear all obstacles for you, even former comrades."

Xiu En nodded in satisfaction, and the system that had been playing dead in his mind finally decided to pop up and make its presence known.

[Ding! High-quality faith source detected.]

[Congratulations, host, on successfully turning "Owl Court Claws (Elite)" against you, gaining one fanatic.]

[Reward: Merit Points (minor), Lifespan +5 days.]

"That's right."

With the confirmation of the system's believers, Xiu'en's smile grew even brighter as he looked at Afu.

"Butler, could you please unlock this thing?"

"Oh, by the way, do you have a name? Or is it common to use code names in your line of work?"

Claw paused, something stirring deep within his dark memories. He hesitated for a moment before uttering a vague word in a low voice: "Alvin, I remember... someone called me that a long time ago."

"Okay, Alvin."

Xiu En made the final decision.

"From this day forward, you are the first security captain of the Sun God Cult. Also, a part-time tour guide."

Bruce took a deep breath, feeling a throbbing sensation in his temples.

But reason told him that with Claws leading the way, the success rate of this raid would increase dramatically.

"Afu, untie the restraints."

Bruce coldly gave the order.

"But if he makes even the slightest change in direction..."

"I'll burn him to ashes."

Xiu En spoke first, a golden halo appearing from his fingertip and waving it in front of Alvin.

"Don't worry, our rules are very strict. Traitors don't die with their bodies intact, right?"

Alvin stared at the light, his fervor intensifying. He completely ignored Bruce's threat and nodded emphatically to Shum: "Radiance is truth."

Five minutes later.

The roar of the massive turbine engine echoed throughout the underground cavern.

Because there were a few more people, Batman drove a special Batmobile. The black Batmobile, like a wild beast awakened, shot out of the waterfall's concealed exit, spewing blue flames.

Shuen sat in the passenger seat, adjusting his seatbelt with a look of disgust, while Alvin in the back seat sat upright, clutching the owl Goo-goo tightly in his hands.

"This car's suspension is too stiff, thumbs down."

Xiu En complained.

"When you confiscate the court's assets, remember to get me a car with a massage chair."

Bruce floored the accelerator, using the acceleration to shut Hugh in his mouth.