The transformation began with the eyes. Professor Lizard's cold, golden vertical pupils blinked once, and with that flicker, they reverted to the round shape of a human's.
Then, like a reptile shedding its skin, Professor Lizard's scales peeled away in large patches. His sharp fangs and claws slowly retracted.
Under Batman's relentless guidance, which lasted over ten minutes without pause, Professor Lizard transformed back into the scientist, Curt Connors.
This was the most Batman had ever spoken at once since crossing into this world—whether as Peter Parker or as Batman.
"Ladies and gentlemen…"
The restraints on the metal chair had been mostly torn apart by the massive lizard form. Now, restored to human shape, the warm-blooded scientist Curt Connors stepped down from the chair unhindered.
"I think I've grasped a sliver of what triggers my transformation into the Lizard—and how to revert to human form."
"Next time, I can try to control my mutated body to assist with your examinations."
Professor Connors: The Hulk, now reverted to Dr. Bruce Banner, stepped forward to steady Connors.
"Congratulations."
The Hulk and Professor Lizard had never seen eye to eye, but in their human forms, they shared a bond born of mutual struggle.
Connors rested his intact left arm on Banner's shoulder, and the two scientists supported each other as they approached Batman.
Batman stood motionless, his face as expressionless as ever. But neither Banner nor Connors minded, nor did Dr. Otto Octavius, who joined them after collecting and slicing samples from the Lizard's severed tail.
For over ten minutes, Batman had tirelessly guided Professor Lizard back to his humanity. The three scientists had witnessed his actions with their own eyes.
Whatever they might think later, for now, the three scientists tentatively acknowledged Batman's identity. They understood what kind of soul lay hidden beneath his cold, inhuman exterior.
"I'll come by every morning to work with you on the research until we find a way to restore Professor Connors," Batman said.
He turned to leave, but Dr. Banner stepped forward, blocking his path. The frailest scientist in human form posed a pointed question:
"What if we never find a solution? Like the Hulk inside me?"
"I treated the Hulk like a disease. To cure it, I made myself an expert in gamma radiation, physics, mathematics, biology, medicine, engineering—a whole array of fields."
"But I never cured the Hulk."
It was widely known that the renowned Dr. Banner held seven doctoral degrees. Few, however, knew that in his quest to rid himself of the Hulk, he had become an expert in numerous other fields as well.
Yet the Hulk persisted. One of the world's sharpest minds had failed to eliminate this "disease."
Connors' expression shifted. He had never considered this possibility—or rather, he instinctively avoided it.
Batman looked down at Banner, who was noticeably shorter than him. His face remained impassive, his voice low and steady:
"That's why I need you, Dr. Banner."
"Cure him—or help him become like you, someone who can control that power."
Brooklyn, Parker Industries
With Harry Osborn's acquisition of an entire industrial park now integrated into Parker Industries, Batman had downgraded the cape from his Arkham suit, resulting in memory fibers with a fully operational production line.
Orders poured in steadily, including from the Osborn Corporation and Stark Industries.
Even Pym Technologies, the target of Batman's "David Plan" led by Ant-Man Hank Pym, had placed orders.
Batman stayed out of the operations, delegating nearly all business matters to his assistant, now appointed CEO, Alice. This young woman with a clean family background and a driven spirit had not disappointed him.
Initially, she required frequent guidance from Batman on how to proceed. But through constant interaction with client companies, practice, and her own dedicated learning, she had grown capable of handling most of the workload on his behalf.
The small portion of tasks Alice couldn't manage still required Batman to step in as Peter Parker—such as the visit from Silver Sable.
Batman had yet to establish a dedicated office building for Parker Industries. His office remained the same chairman's office from the old Parker Industries.
Once the soundproof door closed, the room held only Batman and Silver Sable, seated across from each other at the desk.
"So… where should I start?" Silver Sable began.
She gazed at the man across from her, dressed in a lightweight trench coat, his hair meticulously combed back. Despite the stubble, Peter Parker's youthful inexperience was hard to conceal.
"He's already told me about you, Miss Sable," Batman said, adopting Peter Parker's youthful voice. Combined with his deliberately mature appearance, it gave off the odd impression of a kid playing dress-up in an adult's clothes.
"A young, wealthy, and beautiful woman looking to transform her security company into an international rescue organization."
From his accent to his mouth movements and even his subconscious gestures, Batman perfectly separated Peter Parker from himself. Even someone like Silver Sable, who had encountered Batman multiple times, didn't suspect they were the same person.
"He's already provided me with some design schematics. I made adjustments based on practical needs, and we can produce seventeen types of rescue equipment and gear."
Batman pulled out a stack of pre-prepared blueprints and slid them across the desk to Silver Sable.
"Oh, great," she replied.
Unsure of what to say, Silver Sable picked up the blueprints and began examining them closely.
She had met Batman several times and even collaborated with him once, so they were somewhat familiar. But Peter Parker? This was her first time meeting him. A student being used and a female CEO looking to pivot her business—they had little in common to discuss.
"The equipment and gear in the blueprints—I've already ordered the production tools. The first batch of prototypes should be ready by mid-September, and we can adjust production based on your specific needs afterward…"
As Peter Parker, Batman launched into talk of business, commerce, and efficiency, overwhelming Silver Sable until her head spun.
After hastily discussing some details, Silver Sable didn't linger at Parker Industries. She left as if fleeing.
Her reaction was exactly as Batman had anticipated.
He didn't stay long at Parker Industries either. He called Alice in, instructing her to immediately start scouting properties or buildings in Manhattan to prepare for establishing Parker Industries' corporate headquarters.
By now, it was afternoon. Without pause, Batman drove straight to the Forest Hills neighborhood in Queens—May Parker's home.
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