Chapter 168: Artificial Sun
Beneath the endless crimson sunset, Batman didn't immediately haul the Batplane prototype containers to Bat Island for modification.
After confirming construction proceeded exactly as planned, Batman bent his knees and launched upward over one hundred meters, spreading his cape against the sunset and gliding toward North Brother Island with the sound of rushing wind.
In the island's laboratory, Doctor Octavius stood before his completed tokamak fusion device. He wore a deep brown coat concealing the armor Batman had personally crafted.
Otto addressed Batman standing beside him:
"Intelligence is not privilege but gift—meant to benefit humanity. That is my lifelong dream."
Batman remained silent, offering only a slight nod.
In Octavius's scientific domain—particularly nuclear fusion—even Doctor Banner could only assist. He worked alongside Professor Connors in supporting roles.
"I've corrected the previous formula errors. Essentially rebuilt fusion energy from scratch using harmonic atomic frequency to generate exponentially increasing power output."
"Like the sun itself—capable of providing renewable energy for Earth indefinitely."
As Otto spoke, his coat's back bulged slightly. Four tentacles emerged through pre-cut openings, adjusting control panel settings with precision.
"Today, you will witness the birth of this fusion-based energy technology."
Otto looked at Batman, at Connors, at Banner:
"I'm honored to share this moment with you, my friends."
Since Professor Connors had successfully integrated with his transformed state—becoming the true Lizard Professor—he'd shifted research focus toward limb regeneration and prosthetic development, leading that project.
With Connors's full assistance, Otto could concentrate entirely on fusion technology. Combined with Banner's expertise—though not fusion-specific, his knowledge remained profound—Otto's progress had been remarkable.
With Peter Parker's financial backing eliminating money concerns, with Batman's laboratory and protective armor providing security, Otto could finally demonstrate his true capabilities.
Today was that demonstration.
Tentacles rose slowly. Three controlled the tokamak device. One gripped an artificially synthesized radioactive isotope sample created on the island.
Stored in a transparent vacuum sphere, Otto's tentacle positioned it at the tokamak's center. The doctor donned protective goggles against potential eye damage.
The device's superconducting coils generated intense magnetic fields, forcing charged particles to rotate along field lines, preventing the fuel from contacting the container and causing cooling or destruction.
Externally, this manifested when Otto released the tentacle's grip—the sphere hovered mid-air, wobbling slightly before stabilizing as Otto adjusted the tokamak.
The laboratory fell silent. Batman had removed his Arkham armor—even he was simply a scientist now. Scientific discipline kept him as quiet as Connors and Banner, waiting patiently.
As eight golden beams from the tokamak's outer array simultaneously struck the deuterium container, the element instantly heated to extreme temperatures, becoming plasma.
Within one second, the golden plasma expanded into a fist-sized fusion sphere. Under the device's beam guidance, the fusion reaction released neutrons striking the lithium blanket inside the device, generating new tritium.
At this stage, the golden fusion sphere had expanded to half a meter in diameter. The tokamak ceased projecting beams, instead stabilizing the fusion reactor in position.
It rotated suspended in mid-air like a miniature sun, radiating light and heat.
Otto's tentacles replaced his hands, reaching through the tokamak to virtually caress the fireball. Golden light reflected in his dark glasses. His expression hovered between tears and laughter.
"The sun's power... in my palm..."
His life's ambition realized, Otto's breathing grew ragged.
The light was too beautiful. He experienced dreamlike disorientation, staring without blinking as if fearing it might vanish the moment he closed his eyes.
Time passed.
The sun had set. Night blanketed New York.
But a new sun rose on North Brother Island, witnessed by three scientists and Batman.
It remained extraordinarily stable. Otto's repeated testing confirmed no risk of losing control. The only remaining challenge was converting this virtually limitless solar energy into usable power.
At this stage, Batman quietly relaxed. His contingency plans for fusion reactor failure hadn't been necessary.
Since arriving in this world, Batman had prepared countless unused plans. But he never felt frustrated—because unused plans meant positive outcomes. Exactly what Batman hoped for.
Otto staggered slightly, using tentacles to steady himself rather than collapsing ungracefully.
He turned toward Batman, toward Connors and Banner, his face showing profound relief:
"I succeeded. With your help."
Banner smiled humbly, genuinely happy for Otto. Connors stared at this miraculous achievement, fists clenched.
Not from jealousy—but determination. If Otto had realized his dream by creating stable fusion, Connors would achieve his own vision of a world without physical disability.
"Unfortunate Peter couldn't witness this. I wish he could see how beautiful it is."
Otto rejoined the others, gazing alongside them at the sun he could never tire of watching.
Batman looked at the doctor. He said nothing.
But internally, Batman had already responded:
'He will see it, Doctor. Whether as me or as Peter.'