A person's fighting style often reveals their true character.
Even the berserker rage of Dr. Banner when he transforms into the Hulk offers a glimpse into the shadows of his childhood and the repressed emotions buried deep within his heart.
Batman had even designed a "combat language" back in Gotham based on this principle, allowing him to convey messages through his movements during a fight without ever having to speak.
The clash with Blade three days ago had already shown Batman exactly what kind of man he was: a lonely vampire hunter, a Daywalker, and a pragmatic, formidable warrior who had seen more than his share of betrayal yet remained steadfast on his path.
Three days prior, the two had held back and enjoyed a clean, hard-fought duel before lying together in the mud, soaked to the bone by the pouring rain. That experience alone was enough for Blade to drop his guard and trust Batman completely. He didn't have the social hang-ups of an ordinary person; of course, his own immense strength provided the confidence to be so open.
"Blade..." Batman began.
"Let's introduce ourselves properly. My name is Eric Brooks," Blade interrupted. "You can call me Eric, though I prefer Blade."
Batman nodded.
"Three days ago, you told me some things about vampires. I conducted a series of investigations based on the information you provided and reached a conclusion."
Blade cradled his longsword in his arms, watching Batman intently.
"It is highly likely that vampires exist in New York as well. I need you to verify this, but do not harm civilians," Batman said.
"I've been looking into it myself over the last three days. You and I have reached the same conclusion," Blade replied. "Don't worry, my edge is reserved only for those vampires."
"I have another question," Batman said, getting straight to the point. "Is there anything that can substitute for human blood to sustain a vampire?"
Blade looked at Batman. "Why the sudden interest? Have you already made contact with a vampire?"
Batman shook his head slightly, keeping the existence of Professor Morbius on North Brother Island a secret.
"I noticed you've gone to great lengths to avoid touching your own blade, and you don't keep garlic or crosses on your person. You are likely a vampire yourself."
"If you're willing to listen to my story, I'll be happy to tell you why," Blade said, still cradling his sword rather than reaching for the hilt. "If you don't have the patience, then we can just have another round."
"Tell me," Batman said.
"I am half-human, half-vampire..." Blade briefly summarized his situation. "My mother was bitten by a vampire during labor and died shortly after I was born. I inherited a dhampir physiology. For the first few years, I needed blood, but I gradually overcame that craving. However, like a vampire, I can still be killed by silver weapons, and garlic and crosses still cause me pain."
Batman did not move against him. Instead, he followed up with another question: "What about sunlight?"
"I have to avoid direct sunlight in my eyes, so wearing sunglasses became a habit," Blade explained.
"I'm glad you're being honest about all this," Batman said.
Blade grinned again, revealing a flash of white teeth. "You're willing to trust me and arm me as a warrior again; of course, I'll trust you in return."
As he spoke, Blade didn't linger. He turned and walked toward the exit of the abandoned shipyard.
"I still have to track down those vampires lurking in New York. If you need anything, look me up, brother."
Batman watched Blade's silhouette gradually vanish into the ruins of the shipyard, remaining silent.
"You treat me like a man, so I don't need to treat myself like a monster." Those words from Blade still rang in Batman's ears.
Standing there for a long time, Batman smiled. He appreciated this straightforward camaraderie between warriors, devoid of any schemes or trickery.
But unfortunately, to return to Gotham, to protect Aunt May, and to combat crime in all its forms, Batman had to turn his entire life into a series of intricate, complex plans.
On Bat-Island, the Lizard was yawning while Devil Dinosaur's massive body was curled up nearby, his snoring echoing like rolling thunder.
Since the island's construction was fully automated with no human workers, the pace had been frantic, day and night, since work resumed. To the outside world, this island was a hellish place where hundreds had died; no one was foolish enough to approach. Combined with the presence of the Lizard and Devil Dinosaur, even if someone did get close, they would be spotted instantly.
Currently, the surface-level Parker Manor was still in the foundation stage, but the underground Batcave was already more than half-way finished.
When Batman stepped onto the island, the Lizard's first words were: "It seems we've broken our word, Batman."
By their agreement, Batman should have handed Devil Dinosaur over to the young girl, Lunella, days ago. It had now been nearly a week, and Devil Dinosaur was still on the island.
"Don't worry," Batman said. "Lunella is a good girl."
"Why do you say that?" the Lizard asked curiously.
Batman opened the armor plating on the right forearm of his Arkham Batsuit and pulled up a communication screen. The Lizard's massive head leaned in immediately.
On the screen, Lunella had sent a message four or five days ago:
"Batman, a guy named Garrett is looking for you like crazy. Stay safe. We'll deal with the dinosaur thing later."
The Lizard twitched his mouth. Even though Lunella was only seven or eight years old, she spoke with the tone of an adult. "She is a good kid."
Batman nodded, sliding the armor back over the screen.
The Lizard's sharp eyes had caught a glimpse of several other messages besides that one:
"Give me back the Omni-Wave Projector!"
"Dammit!"
"What kind of deal did you make with Lunella?!"
"How much money do you want?! I can buy the Omni-Wave Projector from you!"
The Lizard could figure out who sent those with the spikes on his back—it was definitely that guy Reed Richards, using Lunella's communication channel.
"What do you plan to do next?" the Lizard asked, shifting the subject as he shared Batman's lack of interest in Reed Richards.
"Hand Devil Dinosaur over to Lunella. I'll build a large private zoo for her as cover," Batman said. "If she needs it."
"Good idea, but I think Reed should foot the bill." The Lizard gritted his teeth at the mention of the man again. "If it weren't for him, we'd have a lot fewer messes to clean up."
"It's unavoidable," Batman said, offering the Lizard a bit of comfort.
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