Forged in Chaos: A Transmigrator’s Tale in the DC Universe

**Chapter 15: Shadows in Gotham**

The Batcave hummed with energy as the team poured over the data. Ethan stood beside Batman, watching as streams of code and sensor readings flooded the Batcomputer's screen. Despite Arkham's collapse, Cipher had managed to escape, and now they had to track him down before he could regroup.

"His energy signature is fluctuating," Batgirl noted, pointing to the shifting patterns on the display. "He's teleporting short distances, but it's erratic."

Batman's eyes narrowed. "He's injured."

Ethan clenched his fists. "Then we have to move before he stabilizes."

Nightwing crossed his arms. "That's assuming we can keep up. Cipher's fast, and even with his teleportation unstable, he could still be anywhere in Gotham."

Ethan glanced at Batman. "If I enhance your tracking systems, will it help?"

Batman nodded. "It's worth a shot."

Ethan scanned the Batcave, looking for something he could fuse to amplify the tracker's reach. His eyes landed on a small EMP drone resting on a nearby table. He grabbed it and held it over the Batcomputer's sensor array, focusing his ability. The fusion process took hold, melding the two technologies together.

A low hum reverberated through the cave as the system powered up. The screen flickered before stabilizing, and suddenly, Cipher's energy readings became clearer.

"There!" Batgirl pointed at a blinking red dot moving rapidly through Gotham's industrial district.

Batman didn't hesitate. "Gear up. We move now."

Gotham Industrial District

The night air was thick with smog as Ethan and the team arrived at the old warehouses lining the river docks. The streets were empty, save for the occasional flickering streetlight casting long shadows against the cracked pavement.

"Cipher's inside," Batman whispered, motioning toward a dilapidated warehouse. "We move quietly."

Ethan nodded, his senses sharpening. The building was old, but something felt…off. As they crept closer, he placed a hand on the wall and activated his fusion ability. The molecular structure shifted slightly, allowing him to 'read' the materials inside.

"There are tripwires," he murmured. "And…something else."

Batman exchanged a glance with Nightwing before signaling for Batgirl to scan the area. Her visor glowed as she analyzed the interior.

"There's a power source in the back room," she confirmed. "And security drones."

Ethan smirked. "Let me handle the drones."

He reached for his belt, pulling out a handful of smoke pellets. With a flick of his wrist, he fused them with small magnetic charges he'd scavenged from the Batcave. The result was a silent EMP dispersal bomb.

With a nod from Batman, Ethan rolled the device under the door. A moment later, the air shimmered as a silent pulse disabled the security drones inside.

"Move," Batman ordered.

They slipped through the entrance, moving like shadows. The interior was dark, the scent of oil and rust heavy in the air. The team split up, searching the warehouse in pairs. Ethan stayed close to Batgirl, his eyes scanning for any sign of Cipher.

Then, a low chuckle echoed from the darkness.

"I must say, Mr. Cross, you are quite the surprise."

Ethan turned sharply, his muscles tensing. Cipher stepped out of the shadows, his form barely illuminated by the dim light overhead. His body was wrapped in a reinforced suit, wires and mechanical nodes fused into his flesh.

"You should have stayed out of this," Cipher mused. "You have no idea what you're interfering with."

Ethan's jaw tightened. "You kidnapped me. Experimented on me. You really think I'd just let that slide?"

Cipher smirked. "Fair point."

In the blink of an eye, Cipher raised his hand. A surge of energy crackled through his palm, forming into a concentrated blast. Ethan barely dodged as the energy wave scorched the air beside him.

"Take him down!" Batman's voice rang out as he lunged from the shadows, striking Cipher across the chest with a reinforced gauntlet. The impact sent Cipher stumbling, but he recovered almost instantly.

Ethan didn't hesitate. He grabbed a metal rod from the ground and fused it with a Batarang, creating an electrified staff. He swung hard, connecting with Cipher's side. Sparks flew as the impact sent a jolt of energy coursing through Cipher's body.

Cipher growled, his eyes glowing with unnatural light. "You think that will stop me?"

Before Ethan could react, Cipher teleported behind him, driving a fist into his back. Pain exploded through Ethan's body as he crashed into a stack of crates. His rapid healing kicked in instantly, but Cipher was already advancing.

Then, a sudden explosion rocked the warehouse.

Nightwing had detonated a charge, sending debris raining down. Cipher teleported at the last second, narrowly avoiding being crushed.

Ethan pushed himself up, his mind racing. They couldn't keep playing defense. He had to end this.

He reached for a broken drone nearby, fusing it with his electrified staff. The weapon pulsed with unstable energy, humming with power. Cipher's eyes narrowed as he took a step back.

"You don't even know what you're capable of," Cipher muttered.

Ethan smirked. "Guess we'll find out."

He charged, the battle far from over.