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

Chapter 3: The Forge and the Fire 4,642 word count

The ride in the Batmobile was tense, the silence between Ethan and Batman thick enough to cut with a knife. The hum of the engine was the only sound as they sped through Gotham's darkened streets. Ethan watched the city blur past, mind racing with possibilities. Was Batman taking him to the Batcave? A GCPD black site? Somewhere worse?

Ethan flexed his fingers, feeling the latent energy of his fusion ability tingling at his fingertips. He wasn't defenseless—but if Batman wanted him restrained, he doubted even his powers would help. He needed to be smart.

Finally, Batman spoke. "We're here."

Ethan turned his head—and his breath caught. Ahead of them, hidden beneath an abandoned Wayne Industries facility, was the entrance to the legendary Batcave.

The car descended into the underground lair, passing rows of technology Ethan could barely comprehend. Massive computers hummed with data, screens flickering with surveillance feeds from all over Gotham. A gigantic T-Rex statue loomed over a display of old costumes. Ethan recognized the Batmobile collection, different models of the iconic vehicle parked in neat rows. It was surreal.

The car stopped, and Batman exited without a word. Ethan hesitated, then followed, feeling like he was stepping onto sacred ground. The weight of the moment wasn't lost on him—Batman didn't just bring people here. He was being tested.

"You said your ability lets you fuse things together," Batman said, leading him toward a workbench stacked with various gadgets. "Show me."

Ethan glanced at the tools, then back at Batman. "Any limits?"

Batman's stare was unreadable. "Impress me."

Ethan inhaled, steeling himself. He picked up a broken Batarang, its edges dulled and one side chipped. Next, he grabbed a damaged grappling hook, its wire frayed and unreliable. Closing his eyes, he let the energy within him surge. The objects pulsed in his grip, their molecular structure shifting as they began to merge.

Sparks danced between his fingers, the fusion happening at an atomic level. Within moments, the two items became one—a newly reforged Batarang with a built-in grappling function, the wire seamlessly retracting into its reinforced frame.

Ethan opened his eyes and held it up. "What do you think?"

Batman took the hybrid weapon, turning it over in his gloved hands. "Efficient," he said after a moment. "Innovative. But can you control it under stress?"

Ethan's stomach clenched. He had a feeling he knew what was coming next.

A deep voice echoed from the cave's shadows. "Then let's put it to the test."

Ethan turned as another figure stepped forward. Red helmet, black tactical gear, a holster bristling with weapons.

Red Hood.

Jason Todd crossed his arms, smirking beneath his helmet. "Hope you're ready, newbie."

Before Ethan could react, Jason moved. A flash of steel—a throwing knife flying straight at Ethan's face. His body responded before his mind did. He grabbed a nearby metal gauntlet and a broken smoke bomb, fusing them together mid-motion. The moment the knife was inches from his face, he activated the new device—releasing a cloud of thick smoke that swallowed the entire area in darkness.

Jason coughed, but Ethan's enhanced reflexes kicked in. He grabbed a discarded escrima stick from the training area, fusing it with a reinforced baton, creating a new electrified staff. With a sharp swing, he struck where he knew Jason was standing.

Jason blocked it at the last second, but the impact sent a jolt up his arm. He let out a grunt of approval. "Not bad, kid."

The fight continued. Jason was relentless, his attacks precise and brutal. Ethan was fast, but he was still adapting to his strength. He dodged a roundhouse kick but caught a hard punch to the ribs. His healing factor kicked in instantly, numbing the pain, but it was clear—Red Hood was not going easy on him.

"Enough," Batman's voice cut through the fight. Jason stepped back, cracking his knuckles. "I like him," he said. "He's got potential."

Batman turned to Ethan. "Your powers are dangerous. But they can be controlled. If you stay in Gotham, you'll need guidance. Training."

Ethan met Batman's gaze. "And if I don't?"

"Then Gotham will chew you up and spit you out. Or worse—someone like the Joker will get to you first."

The thought sent a chill down Ethan's spine. He exhaled, considering his options. He could run. He could hide. Or...

"Fine," he said. "Train me."

Batman nodded, turning toward the Batcomputer. Jason clapped Ethan on the shoulder. "Welcome to Gotham, kid. Hope you survive it."

Ethan smirked. "Me too."

To be continued…