Chereads / Cosmic Janitor / Chapter 9 - Skill Issues

Chapter 9 - Skill Issues

(Katsuo POV)

As I listened to Lisa's briefing for my next mission, I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the peculiar details. "Terraria in DC?" I repeated, trying to wrap my head around the concept. "That's... an interesting combination."

Lisa nodded, her expression serious. "Yeah, it's a customized world designed to accommodate a reincarnate. Supposedly, the previous reincarnate died."

"Skill issue," I quipped, earning a chuckle from Lisa. "But seriously, what's the deal with this world?"

She leaned in, lowering her voice slightly. "Here's the kicker: the supposed god that reincarnated the soul poured all his powers into making this world. That's why it's still alive and kicking."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, why go to all that trouble?"

"It's a gamble," Lisa explained. "The more power your supposed champion has, the more powerful the god becomes. It's a bid for divinity."

Lisa continued her explanation, laying out the details of the customized world I'd be diving into. "So, here's the situation," she said, holding a holographic tablet that projected a 3D map of the world. "The previous reincarnate managed to kill several major bosses from the Terraria universe. They took down the King Slime, Eye of Cthulhu, and the Eater of Worlds, which had transformed Madagascar into a corrupted land. They also killed the Queen Bee, and a meteor has fallen, bringing with it all sorts of new challenges."

I nodded, absorbing the information. "Sounds like they've made some progress. What else?"

"They also found the 'dungeon,' talked with the Clothier, and successfully killed Skeletron," she continued. "So, the world is in a bit of a mixed state. They've cleared a lot of the early threats, but there's still plenty to deal with."

"Interesting," I mused. "So, what happened to the reincarnate? How did they die?"

Lisa sighed, her expression turning somber. "They underestimated the Wall of Flesh. It's a tough boss, especially in a world where the stakes are so high. They weren't prepared, and it cost them their life."

"Skill issue, indeed," I said with a wry smile. "Alright, so what's the plan? Do I pick up where they left off, or do I have a specific objective?"

"Your main objective is to stabilize the world and prevent it from descending into chaos," she replied. "The god who created this world is still banking on it to gain divinity, so there's a lot riding on your success. You'll need to defeat the remaining bosses, deal with any new threats that arise, and ultimately bring balance to the world."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the mission settle on my shoulders. "Got it. Sounds like a lot of fun. I'll make sure to do a better job than, my predecessor."

Lisa smirked. "I have no doubt you will. Just remember, this world is a unique blend of Terraria and DC, so expect some unusual combinations. The enemies and challenges won't always be what you expect."

"Noted," I said, mentally preparing myself for the unexpected. "Anything else I should know before I head in?"

She glanced at her tablet one last time. "The god who created this world really put everything into it. There might be hidden elements or powers you can tap into if you explore thoroughly. And remember, the previous reincarnate left behind some useful gear and bases. Make sure to take advantage of those."

I nodded, feeling a mixture of excitement and anticipation. "Alright, I'll be sure to keep an eye out. Thanks, Lisa."

She gave me a reassuring pat on the back. "Good luck, Katsuo. You'll need it."

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Before heading into the portal, I made a detour to the armory. The shelves were lined with an impressive array of weapons and armor, each with its own unique enhancements and abilities. My eyes were immediately drawn to a display featuring an iconic crimson armor—Madara Uchiha's battle attire from the Naruto series.

The armor gleamed under the lights, a testament to its formidable power. It wasn't just a replica; this set was enchanted with a "speed boost" and "power boost," making it an ideal choice for my upcoming mission. The price tag read 400,000 points, which would significantly cut into my current total, but it was worth it.

"Alright, let's do this," I muttered to myself as I accessed the interface to purchase the armor. The points were deducted, and I could feel the weight of the decision lift as the armor was teleported into my possession.

Slipping into the armor, I felt an immediate surge of energy. The speed boost made my movements feel fluid and effortless, while the power boost amplified my strength, making me feel nearly invincible. I took a moment to adjust to the new sensations, appreciating the craftsmanship and the enhancements.

With the Madara armor securely in place, I made my way back to the portal room. The portal shimmered, and I took a deep breath before stepping through, ready to tackle the challenges that awaited in the unique fusion world of Terraria and DC.

The world around me shifted and transformed, and I found myself standing in the midst of a vibrant, yet chaotic landscape. The remnants of Terraria's whimsical biomes clashed with the gritty, urban sprawl of DC, creating a bizarre yet fascinating environment.

"Alright, time to get to work," I said, drawing my Adamantine Tachi and feeling the enchanted armor's power coursing through me. I began my journey, determined to succeed where the previous reincarnate had failed and to bring balance to this world.

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{A few months ago}

(Batman POV)

In the dimly lit confines of the Batcave, I convened a meeting with my closest allies. The air was thick with tension, the low hum of the Batcomputer serving as a constant reminder of the gravity of our situation. Seated around the table were Nightwing, Batgirl, and Robin, their faces etched with concern and determination.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice," I began, my voice grave. "We're facing an unprecedented threat. Reports of otherworldly creatures and a blood moon have been confirmed. This isn't just another rogue experiment or a meta-human anomaly. It's something far more sinister."

Nightwing leaned forward, his expression serious. "I've seen the reports. These creatures—zombies, giant eyes, and other monstrosities—they're not from any dimension we've encountered."

"Exactly," I nodded. "These entities are flooding into Gotham, and the usual tactics aren't enough. We need to adapt and prepare for an extended conflict."

Batgirl pulled up a holographic map on the Batcomputer, highlighting the most affected areas. "We've identified several hotspots where the creatures are concentrated. It seems like they're emerging from specific points, possibly portals or rifts."

Robin frowned, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "So, what's our plan? We can't just keep fighting them off indefinitely."

I took a deep breath, laying out the strategy I'd been formulating. "We'll need to fortify key areas and set up defensive perimeters to contain the threats. Our primary goal is to protect civilians and prevent the spread of these creatures. We also need to investigate these rifts and find a way to close them."

"And what about this 'reincarnate' we've heard about?" Nightwing asked. "The one who's supposedly fighting these things too?"

I nodded, recalling the intel. "Yes, there's someone out there—another player in this game, if you will. From what we know, he's equipped with extraordinary skills and weaponry, possibly from another world as well. We'll need to make contact with him, figure out his intentions, and see if we can coordinate efforts."

Batgirl adjusted her glasses, her fingers flying over the keyboard. "I'll start tracking his movements. If he's fighting these creatures, he won't be hard to find."

"Good," I said, a hint of relief in my voice. "We'll need all the help we can get. This isn't just about Gotham anymore—it's about stopping a tide of darkness that could engulf everything. Stay vigilant, and be ready for anything."

As the meeting concluded, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The challenges ahead were immense, but we had faced insurmountable odds before. With my allies at my side and a new, mysterious warrior on the horizon, I knew we stood a fighting chance against the encroaching darkness.

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{Post Skeletron}

(Third-person POV)

In a fortified base located at the heart of the strange, fused world of Terraria and DC, the Justice League gathered alongside the reincarnate, Katsuo's predecessor, who had played a pivotal role in their latest victory.

The remains of Skeletron, the dungeon guardian, lay scattered nearby, a testament to their combined might. Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, and other key members took their seats around a large, round table in the central command room, their expressions a mixture of relief and anticipation.

Katsuo's predecessor, a seasoned warrior with a rugged appearance, stood beside Batman, who began the meeting with his usual commanding presence. "We've successfully defeated Skeletron," Batman started, his voice echoing through the room. "But our victory has triggered the transition to hardmode, and with it, a new wave of threats that we need to prepare for."

Superman nodded, his face etched with concern. "Hardmode brings significantly stronger enemies and tougher challenges. We've already seen how dangerous this world can be. We need to understand what we're up against."

Katsuo's predecessor, who had taken the lead in many battles, stepped forward. "When I first arrived, I focused on taking down the major bosses to stabilize the world. But with the transition to hardmode, we're looking at a complete upheaval of the current environment. The corruption will spread more aggressively, new and more powerful monsters will appear, and existing creatures will become even deadlier."

Wonder Woman leaned in, her eyes sharp. "What kind of new threats are we talking about?"

The predecessor pulled up a holographic display, showing images of various hardmode bosses and enemies. "We'll face creatures like the Wall of Flesh, which is essential to defeat to fully transition into hardmode. After that, expect encounters with powerful entities like the Destroyer, the Twins, and Skeletron Prime. Each of these bosses has minions and can significantly alter the environment and the balance of power."

Flash whistled lowly. "Sounds like a party. So, how do we tackle this?"

Batman interjected, "We need to fortify our bases and gather resources. Our primary goal should be to secure key areas and prevent the spread of corruption and hallowed ground. We'll need to work closely with the locals and utilize any remaining equipment and bases left by our predecessor."

The predecessor nodded in agreement. "We'll also need to craft new, stronger weapons and armor. I've started collecting materials, but with the transition to hardmode, we'll have access to new ores like cobalt, mythril, and adamantite. These will be crucial for our survival."

Superman looked around the room, his expression resolute. "We've faced overwhelming odds before. This is just another challenge we have to overcome. We'll need to combine our strengths and skills to navigate this new phase."

Wonder Woman added, "Unity will be our greatest weapon. We'll need to train and adapt to the new threats quickly."

As the meeting continued, strategies were discussed, roles were assigned, and plans were set into motion. The Justice League and Katsuo's predecessor were determined to face the challenges of hardmode head-on, knowing that the fate of this strange, hybrid world—and perhaps their own—depended on their success.

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{Hard-Mode Pre Mechanical Bosses)

(Third-person POV)

In the present, the Justice League, now seasoned in the strange mechanics of their new world, stood victorious over the remains of the Wall of Flesh.

The grotesque entity had been their greatest challenge yet, and its defeat marked the full transition into hardmode. However, the victory came at a heavy cost. Katsuo's predecessor, the reincarnate who had led them through so many battles, lay lifeless alongside John Constantine, whose mastery of the occult had been pivotal in their fight.

Batman surveyed the scene, his expression grim. "We've won, but at a great cost. We need to regroup and address the new threats that have emerged."

Superman, hovering nearby, nodded solemnly. "The Hallow is spreading rapidly. Initial reports indicate it's appearing in a densely populated city in Asia. We need to contain it before it causes widespread destruction."

Wonder Woman, her lasso of truth still glowing from the battle, stepped forward. "We must honor their sacrifice by ensuring their deaths were not in vain. Let's move quickly."

The team transported themselves to the afflicted city in Asia, a sprawling metropolis now overrun with vibrant but dangerous crystalline growths.

The Hallow, with its deceptively beautiful landscape, was spreading like wildfire, transforming buildings, streets, and people alike.

The arrival of the Justice League caused an immediate stir among the city's inhabitants. Batman quickly took charge, directing civilians to safe zones while the rest of the team focused on containing the spread.

Wonder Woman wielded her sword with precision, cutting through the crystalline monsters that had begun to emerge. "We need to find the source of the Hallow and destroy it," she called out.

Superman used his heat vision to create barriers, slowing the spread and protecting the civilians fleeing the area. "I'll scan the area for the densest concentration of Hallow. That should lead us to the source."

As Superman flew overhead, his enhanced vision scanning the city, Batman coordinated efforts on the ground. "Flash, we need you to evacuate as many people as possible. Use your speed to get them to safety."

"On it, Bats!" Flash replied, becoming a blur of motion as he darted through the streets, rescuing civilians and moving them to safety.

Meanwhile, Aquaman and Cyborg worked together to create a perimeter. Aquaman summoned water from nearby sources to flood areas of Hallow, while Cyborg used his advanced technology to create energy barriers.

"Found it!" Superman shouted from above, pointing to a large, crystalline structure pulsating with energy at the city's heart. "That's the source of the Hallow. We need to destroy it."

Batman, Wonder Woman, and Superman converged on the source, fighting through waves of crystalline creatures. With coordinated precision, they unleashed a combined assault. Wonder Woman's lasso wrapped around the structure, pulling it taut, while Superman's heat vision focused on a critical point. Batman planted explosive charges at the base.

"Now!" Batman commanded.

The combined might of their efforts culminated in a massive explosion, shattering the crystalline structure and causing a ripple effect that halted the spread of the Hallow.

As the dust settled, the Justice League regrouped, weary but resolute. The city began to revert to its normal state, the crystalline growths dissipating.

"We've contained it for now," Batman said, his voice heavy with the weight of their recent losses. "But we need to be vigilant. The challenges of hardmode are only beginning."

Wonder Woman placed a hand on his shoulder. "We will face them together, and we will prevail. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten."

Superman looked around at the recovering city. "We need to stay united. This world is different, but we've shown we can adapt. We'll honor their memory by ensuring no more lives are lost."

With a renewed sense of purpose, the Justice League turned their attention to the future, ready to face the ongoing challenges of hardmode with unwavering determination.