Chapter 18 – The Power Vacuum
Nathaniel Crane was gone. The Court of Owls was exposed.
But Gotham?
Gotham was never that simple.
Ibrahim stood outside the courthouse, the city's skyline looming behind him. The air was electric, filled with the murmurs of journalists, citizens, and onlookers who had witnessed history. The downfall of one of Gotham's greatest conspiracies.
But even as he watched the police vans roll away, transporting Crane to Blackgate, his system sent another cold reminder.
[New Threat Detected: Gotham Power Shift in Progress.]
The Court of Owls had fallen—at least, in the public eye. But the true battle was only beginning.
Ibrahim turned as a figure approached.
Commissioner Renee Montoya.
Her usual hardened expression was unreadable, her arms crossed as she stared at him.
"You did it," she said. "You actually did it."
He exhaled. "It's not over."
"No," she agreed. "But this was the first real hit Gotham's underworld has taken in decades." She hesitated. "You should be careful. You made enemies today."
Ibrahim didn't need a warning. He could already feel the weight of unseen eyes watching him.
"Any movement from the underground?" he asked.
Montoya's jaw clenched. "That's the problem. It's too quiet. The Court didn't operate alone. They had allies. Businessmen. Corrupt officials. Other factions." She shook her head. "Someone's going to step in and fill the void."
[Gotham Crime Network Update: Multiple Factions Moving.]
Ibrahim's system confirmed it. He glanced at Montoya. "Who's making moves?"
She hesitated. "The usual suspects—Black Mask, Falcone's remnants. But there's someone new, too. Someone we don't have a file on."
Ibrahim frowned. "New players already?"
Montoya nodded. "Like I said—you made enemies today. And someone out there just saw an opportunity."
Before he could respond, a distant boom echoed through the city.
Ibrahim's head snapped toward the skyline. A thick column of black smoke began to rise from the Narrows.
Montoya cursed under her breath. "That was a hit."
Ibrahim's system flashed a new alert.
[Confirmed: Power Struggle in Progress – Unknown Faction Engaged.]
He took a steadying breath.
The war for Gotham had just begun.
And he was already in the middle of it.
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