Gotham.
The gloomy streets were still shrouded in sparse rain.
Eric walked along the street with an umbrella.
The tiles, reflecting the dim light, had rainwater flowing together.
As he stepped on it, the splashing water stained his shoes and then quickly disappeared.
Eric took a few steps forward and saw a few children sitting on the steps of a rundown shop not far ahead.
They seemed to be homeless children, their clothes tattered and draped in plastic sheets, huddled together to avoid the rain.
But it didn't seem very effective, as their bodies were already soaked.
Despite their dire situation, the children were talking about the urban legend spreading through the streets—the Batman.
The first boy with brown hair spoke first, "You know, yesterday, I was down by the docks. It was just me at that time, and the sky was as gloomy as it is now. Suddenly, a thug attacked me, and he pulled a knife on me. Guys, I was ready to be done for, but then... Batman appeared!"
The brown-haired boy's tone was excited, "He appeared out of nowhere! Although I had never seen him before, I immediately felt like I knew him. He was like a shadow, emerging from the ground. Batman was like a living shadow. Whenever the bad guy's hand touched him, his shadow would melt and then reappear elsewhere."
"Although the thug threw a bomb that nearly deafened me in the end, he vanished."
The brown-haired boy spoke regretfully.
A red-haired girl opposed his story, "He's not a living shadow. Listen, I have a better story."
"Yesterday too, I was almost caught by a cop on Rogers Street. A bad guy with a jetpack landed from the sky, holding a box. He looked panicked and grabbed a passerby."
"Then... Batman appeared. He looked like a real bat with a pair of huge wings. He fought with the jetpack guy in the air, and there was a lot of blood. In the end, Batman defeated the flying guy."
The red-haired girl concluded, "But the guy with the jetpack escaped. He shot at Batman but missed and got punched into the river by Batman, who then flew away."
The third, smaller boy disagreed with his friends' views on Batman, "I don't think Batman is a flying bat. You two must be exaggerating."
"How do you know?"
"Because I saw him first."
The smaller boy said, "Yesterday, I was on the viewing deck of Wayne Tower. Suddenly, a guy burst through the door, saying it was a robbery. I was terrified. The deck was full of people, and everyone was scared. The robber placed a box on the ground and told everyone to throw their money in."
"Then a helicopter appeared, and out jumped a robot. You won't believe it, but Batman is a robot!"
"Put the gun down!"
The boy mimicked Batman's gravelly voice, "That's how he talked, like a robot. The bad guy shot at Batman, but his robot defenses weren't fazed by bullets. Then Batman's arm shot out flames like a robot, melting the bad guy's gun."
"Batman isn't a shadow or a big bat. He's a robot!"
The three children were heatedly discussing their vision of Batman when Eric walked over.
He had overheard their conversation.
Since he wasn't particularly interested in Batman, he felt no reaction.
"Hey, mister!"
Seeing Eric approach, the brown-haired boy stood up and walked towards him.
"Mister, do you need a map of Gotham City?"
The boy pulled out a dry, warm map from his pocket, "Only fifty cents for a map that will help you find any place quickly."
Eric stopped and looked at the eager boy, "Why do you assume I'm an outsider?"
"Because you're not wearing a mask, sir."
The boy explained, "This area is near the chemical plant. After the rain, the air smells terrible, so locals always wear masks when they go out."
Eric nodded, took out a dollar from his pocket, and handed it to the boy, "I won't buy your map. Just tell me how to get to the Iceberg Lounge."
"Just two streets away. Walk straight down this street and then turn left."
The boy pointed out the direction, "And sir, my friends and I also have some 'Gotham Travel Tips' we can share for free."
"Oh?"
Eric was intrigued, "Let's hear them."
The brown-haired boy cleared his throat, "If you're short on money, don't go out at night; don't badmouth Bruce Wayne online; and avoid Arkham Asylum."
The red-haired, blue-eyed girl added, "And don't go to the Iceberg Lounge for dinner."
"Cough, cough."
The brown-haired boy quickly stopped the girl, "Holly, this gentleman is heading to the Iceberg Lounge."
He quickly apologized to Eric, "Sorry, sir, Holly didn't know your business."
The brown-haired boy was a bit anxious, thinking Eric was connected to Penguin's Iceberg Lounge and worried about offending him.
"She has a point."
Eric nodded, "I've heard it's not the best place to dine, but..."
After pausing for a moment, he turned and left, "You should also add the most important tip—call the GCPD (Gotham City Police Department) if you encounter any emergencies."
But just as he reached the alley exit, Eric was blocked by a group of hostile men.
Several burly men wearing baseball caps and with fierce looks in their eyes stopped Eric.
"Hey, pal, you should know whose turf you're on and the rules here. Now hand over your money and leave, maybe you'll still make it to your dinner."
"To be honest…"
Eric shrugged, "I'm not familiar with the rules here. Maybe you can enlighten me, so I won't miss my dinner."
"F**k!"
The gang members took Eric's words as provocation. Their leader swung a knife at Eric.
Eric easily caught the knife, then grabbed the man's throat.
"Ah!"
The thug made a pained noise as Eric clenched his neck.
With just a light movement of his arm, Eric threw the thug against the wall.
With a thud, the thug's back hit the wall, and he immediately passed out.
The children selling city maps in the alley were stunned by the scene.
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