That evening, Batman crouched on the fire escape outside Dr. Arkham's university office window, waiting for her to return from her evening lecture. The photographs and test results were secured in a waterproof case, along with small samples of the materials that had proven effective against vampires.
Dr. Arkham entered her office at precisely 8:30 PM, as punctual as always. Batman waited until she'd settled at her desk before tapping softly on the window glass. She looked up, startled but not surprised—their previous meeting had established this as his preferred method of contact.
"Batman," she said, opening the window to admit him. "I wasn't expecting to hear from you so soon. Has there been another incident?"
"Several. And I've obtained some materials that confirm your theories about supernatural warfare." Batman entered her office and placed the case on her desk, opening it to reveal photographs of the artifacts alongside documented test results. "I need your expertise to understand how to properly deploy these weapons against vampire-level threats."
Dr. Arkham's expression shifted from curiosity to amazement as she studied the photographs. "These look like authentic medieval artifacts. 15th century Romanian craftsmanship, possibly from the Carpathian Mountains. Where did you—"
"They were recovered during my investigation. The important question is whether they can be replicated and weaponized for field use."
She examined the test results with excitement. "Your analysis is remarkable. The blessed silver is breaking down supernatural tissue at the molecular level, and the holy water is literally burning away whatever unnatural processes animate vampiric entities." She looked up from the documents. "Batman, these results prove that conventional religious deterrents are really effective against vampires."
"Can the materials be reproduced? Modified for tactical deployment?"
"The silver can be alloyed with modern metals to create ammunition and blade edges. The holy water can be concentrated and deployed through spray mechanisms for area denial. The wooden stakes..." She studied the photographs more carefully. "These are hawthorn wood, grown in consecrated ground and carved according to very specific religious protocols. They can be replicated, but you'd need access to religious craftsmen who understand the traditional blessing procedures."
"What about their master? Count Dracula specifically?"
"If we're dealing with the actual Count Dracula from historical accounts, you're facing something with over five centuries of combat experience. He's not just a monster—he's a supernatural general who has commanded armies of the undead across multiple continents." Her expression grew troubled. "He won't make the same mistakes as his subordinates. He'll test your capabilities, probe your defenses, and attack your weaknesses rather than engaging in direct confrontation. I dont know if these listed weaknesses even work against him."
Batman gathered the photographs and test results. "Dr. Arkham, these creatures are targeting people with knowledge of supernatural threats. You need to take precautions—vary your routines, avoid predictable locations, consider temporary relocation until this threat is neutralized."
"I understand the risks, Batman. But I have additional research materials at the university that might be crucial to understanding Dracula's historical patterns—"
Batman moved toward the window. "I need contacts for religious craftsmen who can consecrate additional weapons. People who understand the traditional blessing procedures."
"I have connections with several monasteries and religious scholars. But they'll want to understand what they're creating weapons to fight."
"Then I'll provide them with credible evidence of the supernatural threat." Batman secured his equipment.
As he prepared to leave, Dr. Arkham added: "Batman, remember that vampires adapt their tactics based on their opponents' capabilities. Once they realize you have effective weapons, they'll change their approach. Don't assume that surprise will work twice."
Batman nodded and disappeared into the growing darkness, carrying the knowledge he needed to turn Thomas Wayne's research materials into tools of supernatural warfare.
---
Back at Wayne Manor, Bruce found Alfred organizing the remaining artifacts. Each item had been catalogued, tested, and prepared for rapid deployment. The hidden chamber now looked less like a researcher's study and more like an armory prepared for supernatural combat.
"How did Dr. Arkham respond to the materials, Master Bruce?"
"She confirmed their authenticity and effectiveness. More importantly, she provided some contacts for creating additional consecrated weapons." Bruce began loading blessed silver ammunition into modified firearms. "Alfred, I want you to begin reaching out to some religious craftsmen using father's contact information. We'll need a steady supply of consecrated materials if this conflict escalates."
"Very good, sir. I found several contact cards in your father's files—clergy from different denominations who apparently provided 'specialized services' over the years."
"Specialized services?"
"Blessing weapons, silver, preparing holy water according to specific traditional requirements." Alfred handed him a business card from a monastery in upstate New York. "Your father maintained relationships with people who understood that sometimes faith must be armed with more than good intentions."
Bruce strapped on equipment that combined cutting-edge technology with weapons blessed according to medieval religious traditions. Silver-core ammunition for his firearms, holy water in spray dispensers for area denial, wooden stakes carved from hawthorn wood, and a silver-edged grappling gun that Alfred had made using procedures from Thomas's research notes.
"Dr. Arkham warned that vampires will adapt their tactics once they realize I have effective weapons," Bruce said, checking his equipment one final time. "We need to be prepared for more brutal assault."
Alfred handed him a communication device modified with silver components. "Master Bruce, your father's research suggests that using these consecrated weapons may have psychological effects over time. Promise me you'll monitor yourself for any unusual changes in temperament or judgment."
"I promise, Alfred. But right now, the immediate threat takes priority over potential side effects."
Another police scanner alert crackled through the comm system: "Multiple officers down at the Bowery shipping district. Suspects are displaying inhuman strength and speed. Requesting immediate backup and... God help us, bring the heavy weapons. Standard ammunition isn't stopping them."
Bruce activated his grappling gun and prepared to depart for what might be the most dangerous patrol of his career. Armed with weapons created from his family's unknowing supernatural entanglements, he was ready to test whether ancient faith could triumph over ancient evil.
"Alfred, contact Commissioner Gordon. Tell him to pull all units back going there. I will provide backup."
Batman disappeared into the growing darkness, carrying weapons whose effectiveness would be measured in lives saved or lost.
The war for Gotham's streets was about to escalate beyond anything Batman had faced before, and the question wasn't whether the blessed silver and holy water would work—it was whether Bruce Wayne would still recognize himself after using weapons forged from his family's darkest secrets.