"Gotham," Slade rumbled, the city's oppressive atmosphere seemingly weighing down even his enhanced senses. "Feels like the world forgot the sun here."
Oliver, his senses on high alert as they navigated the grimy alleys, nodded grimly. "It has its own way of doing things. Keep your guard up."
Michael, following Felicity's digital breadcrumbs, consulted his tablet. "The lead points to a warehouse district in the Old Docks. Apparently, the Serpent Coil has a… storage facility there."
"Serpent Coil?" Slade's brow furrowed. "Sounds charming."
As they moved deeper into the city's underbelly, the feeling of being watched intensified. "Someone's tracking us," Michael murmured, his hand instinctively moving towards his concealed energy emitters.
"Could be anyone in this city," Oliver replied, his hand resting on his bow. "Paranoia is practically the local pastime."
Suddenly, a figure descended from the darkness above, landing silently before them. The imposing silhouette, the bat emblem a stark symbol against the gloom, left no room for doubt. "You're a long way from Starling," Batman's voice was a low, menacing growl. "And you're treading on dangerous ground."
Oliver stepped forward, his stance defensive. "We're investigating a group called the Serpent Coil. They have ties to a threat we dealt with back home."
Batman's gaze narrowed, his white eyes piercing. "The Serpent Coil is my concern." He shifted his attention to Slade. "Wilson. I know your reputation."
Slade met his gaze unflinchingly. "Reputations can be… misleading."
Finally, Batman's gaze settled on Michael, his expression unreadable. "And you. The source of the energy signature that lit up half my sensors. Explain yourself."