Forged in Chaos: A Transmigrator’s Tale in the DC Universe

**Chapter 16: The Edge of the Abyss**

Ethan's pulse pounded in his ears as the battle inside the warehouse reached a fever pitch. The air crackled with energy, the metallic scent of burnt circuits and shattered debris thick in the air. Cipher's form flickered as he teleported in and out of visibility, launching precise, deadly strikes. The Bat-team moved like a well-oiled machine, each member playing their role to perfection, but even their coordinated efforts were barely enough to keep up.

Ethan's muscles screamed in protest as he rolled to avoid another energy blast. His fusion ability had given him an edge so far, but he was quickly reaching his limit. His hands fumbled over a battered drone lying on the ground, its power core still glowing faintly. With gritted teeth, he activated his ability, fusing the remains of the drone with a Batarang still clutched in his other hand. A pulse of energy surged through his body as the objects combined, forming an electrified throwing blade humming with unstable power.

"Batman, on my mark!" Ethan shouted.

Batman, who had been locked in combat with Cipher, nodded imperceptibly. Without hesitation, Ethan hurled the modified weapon. Cipher turned at the last second, his enhanced reflexes kicking in, but Batman was already moving. A well-placed strike from his reinforced gauntlet sent Cipher staggering into the weapon's path.

The electrified Batarang found its mark, embedding itself into Cipher's shoulder. Sparks erupted as the energy discharged, momentarily disrupting Cipher's teleportation ability. A strangled growl of frustration escaped his lips as he stumbled backward, his form flickering erratically.

"Now!" Nightwing surged forward, his escrima sticks flashing as he landed a rapid series of blows to Cipher's weakened frame.

Ethan felt his breath hitch. Was this it? Was Cipher finally going to fall?

But then, Cipher's eyes glowed with a renewed intensity. A pulse of dark energy exploded from his core, sending Batman, Nightwing, and Batgirl flying backward. Ethan barely managed to brace himself as the force sent him skidding across the floor.

Cipher straightened, rolling his injured shoulder as the embedded Batarang melted away from the sheer heat of his energy output. His smirk returned, laced with amusement and something far more dangerous.

"You're learning," Cipher mused. "But you're still not strong enough."

Ethan's jaw clenched. His mind raced through options. He needed to fuse something more powerful, something that could neutralize Cipher for good. But what?

His gaze darted to Batman's utility belt. There had to be something—

"Ethan!" Batman's voice cut through his thoughts. "We need to force him into a confined space. His teleportation is weakened, but we need to limit his escape routes."

Ethan nodded, scanning their surroundings. The warehouse was littered with wreckage, towering metal beams, and scattered remnants of broken machinery. An idea sparked.

"I have a plan," Ethan murmured, already moving. "But we need to push him toward the center of the room."

Nightwing recovered first, wiping a trickle of blood from his brow. "Hope it's a good one."

Batgirl was already on the move, circling around Cipher's flank. "We don't have time to second-guess it. Let's go."

Ethan's heart pounded. This was it. All or nothing.

And he was ready to go beyond his limits.