Chapter 61: Post-Arrangements

Adam Wayne stood a safe distance from the frozen epicenter, his breathing steady but his mind racing. Just ten meters ahead lay the edge of the ice field—crystalline and deadly. He shuddered at the thought of what might have happened if he hadn’t retreated in time. The aftermath of Frozen Man’s final act was catastrophic: nearly a hundred of his battle armors and two modified transport vehicles were now entombed in solid ice. The losses were staggering.

“That lunatic…” Adam muttered, glaring at the frozen ruins. “They’re all the same. Joker, Frozen Man—none of them value human life.”

He spat on the ground in frustration. For all his planning and firepower, Frozen Man had still managed to deal him a heavy blow.

Then, breaking through his thoughts, the familiar voice of the system chimed in his mind:

“The host has interacted with a plot character. Extracting cryogenic weapon technology and advanced human cryopreservation techniques.”

The notification eased his frustration somewhat. At least he had salvaged something from this disaster.

“Skynet,” Adam ordered, straightening up. “Send in the remaining armors to clean up the scene. Erase any evidence that could compromise us.”

With that, Adam turned and walked away from the frozen wasteland. Soon, he reached the barricade where Commissioner Gordon was anxiously waiting.

“Adam!” Gordon called out, hurrying to meet him. “Is it over? Did you neutralize the threat?”

Adam gave him a tired nod. “Yes, it’s handled. The biological hazard has been eliminated.”

Gordon’s shoulders sagged in relief, but Adam’s somber tone kept him on edge.

“But…” Adam began, deliberately pausing for effect. Gordon leaned closer, his expression tense.

“Stop dragging this out, kid. Just tell me what happened!”

Adam sighed dramatically. “The biohazard was neutralized, but there was… some collateral damage.”

“How bad?” Gordon asked, bracing himself.

“Several buildings were destroyed, and there’s residual contamination in the area. The entire block will need to be cordoned off for an extended period. The residents will need to be evacuated and compensated.”

Gordon groaned, rubbing his temples. “This is going to be a nightmare. You know how Gotham politics work—funding for something like this is going to be nonexistent.”

Adam smirked. “Relax, Commissioner. The Wayne Group will handle the compensation.”

“Of course you will,” Gordon muttered, shaking his head. “You always do. The city would fall apart without you and Bruce.”

Adam chuckled, but his tone turned serious. “Just make sure the area is properly isolated. No looters, no squatters, and definitely no homeless people sneaking in. It’s dangerous, Gordon. Very dangerous.”

“I get it,” Gordon assured him. “I’ll handle the perimeter.”

“Good,” Adam said. “I’ll have Skynet set up an automated defense line as a backup. Anyone unauthorized who tries to enter will be neutralized—non-lethally, of course.”

Gordon raised an eyebrow but didn’t argue. He knew better than to question the Wayne family’s methods, especially when their technology consistently outperformed the GCPD’s resources.

After saying his goodbyes to Gordon, Adam returned to his lab. He had new technology to analyze, and the prospect of studying it was enough to lift his mood.

Back in the lab, Adam reviewed the extracted data from Frozen Man’s equipment.

“Advanced Human Cryopreservation and Rapid Freezing Technology.”

Adam muttered the name of the technology under his breath. Cryonics was not a new concept, but the version developed by Frozen Man was far more advanced than anything on the market.

The applications were clear. Cryonics could be used for long-term space travel, allowing individuals to survive interstellar journeys that might take decades or even centuries. Alternatively, it could serve as a last resort for those suffering from incurable diseases, freezing them until medical technology advanced enough to treat them.

But Adam wasn’t interested in cryonics for humanitarian purposes. The practical applications as a weapon were far more intriguing.

He replayed footage of Frozen Man’s cryogenic spray in action. It wasn’t just cold—it was fast. The mist could flash-freeze objects and people in seconds, bypassing the normal limitations of heat transfer.

“Skynet,” Adam said, stroking his chin thoughtfully. “Make a note. Frozen Man’s rapid freezing technology is an exceptional weapon. Adapt it for integration into the armor systems. We’ll call it the ‘Cryo Array.’”

“Noted, Master,” Skynet replied.

Adam smirked. “Imagine how effective this will be against fire-based enemies. Even those with regenerative abilities would struggle against it.”

He leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling as ideas swirled in his mind. The possibilities were endless. And for all the destruction Frozen Man had caused, he had left behind a legacy of innovation—one that Adam would ensure was put to better use.

“Now,” Adam muttered, a wicked grin spreading across his face. “Let’s weaponize this art.”