For Arthur, he still retained rationality and societal, emotional, and moral considerations but he had enough. Without this opportunity, he might have transformed into a Joker, breaking all constraints, including rationality, to seek true happiness and liberation.
Undoubtedly, Arthur was a pitiful person with aspirations and fantasies like any normal individual. He dreamed of having a supportive girlfriend, a responsible father, and becoming a hero praised by people.
His life seemed predetermined, a one-way road to madness and chaos. Without this opportunity, Arthur would have become a Joker, as he had no other choice.
"This time, will this game give me other choices?"
Embraced by the golden light, Arthur's legs trembled uncontrollably. He was filled with anticipation, nervousness, and even some fear.
In an instant, he was completely engulfed by the golden light. Simultaneously, the screen displayed the name of this mysterious grand prize: [Congratulations to player Arthur for obtaining the Dream Star.]
"Dream Star?" Bruce frowned, finding it difficult to analyze the specific function of this reward based on its name.
Peter, as an experienced player, had seen many mysterious rewards. He scratched his head, "Perhaps it's a kind of inheritance reward? Many golden rewards are related to inheriting the power and beliefs of a powerful being from another world."
Listening to this, Gordon's imagination ran wild, "Imagine if Arthur inherits the legacy power of a parallel Batman, would he become the second Batman?"
Bruce twitched his mouth twice, imagining Arthur in a Batman suit. The scene was indeed peculiar.
He said meaningfully, "If that's the case, I would prefer him to inherit the legacy of Spider-Man."
Batman is the Dark Knight, surrounded by boundless darkness, guarding light and justice. In some ways, the darkness he suppressed in his heart might be even deeper than the madness of the Joker.
In any case, Bruce understood that the fusion of Batman and the Joker would undoubtedly create a monster rather than a superhero.
He stared at Arthur, completely immersed in the golden light. At this point, all he could do was hope that the rewards of the Quiz game would help Arthur break free from the Joker's dilemma.
The golden light condensed from the outside, enveloping Arthur like a cocoon. Arthur now seemed to wander in a dreamlike ocean, surrounded by colorful bubbles, each representing a beautiful fantasy.
A voice told him, "Search carefully. All your confusion, pain, and entanglements can find answers here."
So, Arthur flew into the largest, most dazzling bubble. As the light slowly faded, he found himself back in Gotham, back home.
However, his home was no longer the cramped and rundown apartment; it was a luxuriously decorated mansion. Spacious and bright bedroom, large French windows, warm sunlight accompanied by a fresh breeze, and his smooth hair.
Bathing in the warm sunlight, he turned to see a family portrait on the bedside table. He widened his eyes.
The photo featured the Wayne family, smiling happily towards the camera, holding hands with a young man, also smiling. This young man was the son of Thomas Wayne and also him—Arthur Wayne.
Did I really become Thomas Wayne's son?
Arthur looked at the photo in bewilderment. At this moment, someone opened the door – the Wayne family's butler Alfred. Facing Arthur, he wore a smile without any guard or disdain, inviting Arthur to the dining room.
Is this the dream I wanted?
Deciding to experience it, Arthur knew he couldn't be completely unenviable of Bruce Wayne's family background, but he also understood that this wasn't his life.
In the bright dining room, the Wayne couple was already seated at the table. Thomas Wayne, wearing glasses, read the newspaper, while the mother smiled, asking him how his date went last night.
Arthur casually brushes it off, then notices another family member at the table – Bruce Wayne.
Bruce, still solemn, greets Arthur as his brother. This amuses Arthur in this dreamlike scenario.
Despite the future mix-up where he almost became Batman's brother, the secret son of Gotham's billionaire, it was later proven to be a sad misunderstanding.
In this wonderful dream, everything feels so real that Arthur can't help but want to laugh.
However, he restrains himself, realizing that his uncontrollable laughter tendencies seem to have healed, along with his mind becoming clearer.
He can finally live as a normal person – laughing when he wants and not laughing when he doesn't.
In the upscale Wayne household, mealtime is observed with silence, and discussions start only after everyone has finished eating.
Thomas mentions his upcoming candidacy and earnestly tells Arthur that he must take up the responsibility of the family business after he enters politics.
Arthur refuses, insisting on pursuing his dream of becoming a successful comedian.
He realizes he's already successful with the Wayne family's support – what dream can't be achieved with that?
In his 'memory,' he has progressed from being Murray's assistant to now being a well-known comedian in Gotham and beyond.
Of course, Arthur's success is not just due to his creative comedic ideas but also the unwavering support from Murray and the show's team. It helps when you own the entire TV station, as he bought it.
Thomas doesn't insist and, with a smile, mentions he watched last night's show and found it excellent. He jokingly asks if he could be a guest on the program.