Gotham - March 5, 2007
It had been two days since I visited the bookstore and acquired those skill books. I had already gone through all of them and learned their contents. Some of the skills were surprisingly useful:
"Parkour 101"
Skill Gained: Parkour Movement (Passive)
Effect:
Enhances agility and balance when performing jumps, rolls, and climbs.Reduces fall damage by 10%.Increases movement speed by 5% in urban or obstacle-filled environments.
"Lock and Key: A Burglar's Guide"
Skill Gained: Lockpicking (Active)
Effect:
Allows you to pick basic locks using tools.Success rate: 50% + (DEX × 2)%.
"First Aid for Adventurers"
Skill Gained: Basic First Aid (Active)
Effect:
Heals minor wounds and stabilizes critical injuries.
"Fix It Yourself"
Skill Gained: Basic Repairs (Passive)
Effect:
Enables basic repairs of household items, gadgets, and appliances.Reduces the cost of repairs by 50% when using tools.Grants a small chance to improve durability when fixing items.
"The Traveler's Survival Guide"
Skill Gained: Survival Basics (Passive)
Effect:
Improves resourcefulness in outdoor settings.Increases success rates of finding food, water, or shelter by 10%.Reduces stamina loss during prolonged physical activity.
Then there were some I recognized from my college studies.
"Programming for Beginners"
Skill Gained: Basic Coding (passive)
Effect:
Grants the ability to write and debug simple programs in common programming languages.Increases efficiency when interacting with tech-based systems.Unlocks potential for automation in everyday tasks.
But then, there were a few that truly surprised me. In my previous life, I had studied the occult for fun, not because I believed in it but for inspiration to write fictional books. Back then, magic was just a concept, a fantasy. But now, in the DC universe, magic, demons, gods, and all sorts of supernatural phenomena are real.
When I saw this occult book, I knew it was a skill book and eagerly grabbed it:
"Symbols of the Arcane"
Skill Gained: Runic Knowledge (Passive)
Effect:
Grants the ability to recognize and interpret basic magical runes and symbols.Increases success rate for crafting or empowering enchanted objects by 10%.Unlocks potential to create minor protective wards.
I also picked up another book nearby, which was related to the occult:
"1000 Magic Tricks for You to Learn"
Skill Gained: Magic Tricks (Active)
Effect:
Grants proficiency in performing various stage magic tricks, such as card manipulation, coin vanishes, rope tricks, and basic illusions.Increases charisma when performing magic tricks for an audience by 10%.Unlocks the ability to improvise minor magical-looking effects using a mundane tool
It was pretty cool trying out magic tricks, even though I wasn't very good at them yet. My skill was only at level 3, but I knew I'd get better with practice.
However, the thing that truly had my attention was the rune magic I had just learned. I was eager to test it out, so I decided to give it a shot.
I grabbed a mug and carefully carved a Kenaz rune onto its base. This rune had several meanings, but I was focused on the one associated with fire. I poured some coffee into the mug and channeled a small amount of mana into the rune. It glowed a faint red, and almost instantly, my coffee started steaming.
At first, I was thrilled—it worked! But two minutes later, the mug became so hot that it burned my hand.
{Due to a special action, you have learned a new skill:
Crafting (Level 1): A skill to create and improve objects. Humanity has advanced its civilization through invention and innovation. Crafted objects become better as mastery levels rise.
Registered blueprint: Superheated Mug.}
Seeing this notification, I quickly spilled the coffee and decided to adjust my approach. I added another rune to the mug, the Nauthiz rune, which had a meaning associated with restriction. From what I could tell, the runes seemed to work based on my intent, as long as I used the right ones. By adding the second rune, I imagined it restricting where the heat could go.
I tried again, carefully channeling mana into the runes. This time, the mug heated the coffee without burning me.
{Skill: Crafting has leveled up 2x.}
Success! Not only did I manage to control the heat, but my crafting skills improved as well. This small experiment felt like a big step forward in understanding rune magic.
After several hours of experimenting, I discovered there was a limit to how many runes I could inscribe on an object. For something fragile like glass, I could only place up to five runes. However, for sturdier materials, the limit increased to seven runes.
With this knowledge, I decided to get creative. I took a bat and carved the runes ᚢᛁᛚᛃ onto it, which translated to "strength, ice, flow, and prosperity." When I infused it with mana, the bat took on a frosty aura, and I inadvertently froze part of my deck.
Despite the mishap, I had successfully created an ice bat and leveled up my crafting skill to Level 10. Feeling curious, I used my Observe skill on the bat to see its details.
{Ice Bat (Rare)}
Description: A bat crafted by David, enhanced with magical runes.
The results were better than I expected. Not only did the runes work as intended, but I also gained valuable insight into crafting and running applications. This ice bat wasn't just a test—it was proof that rune magic could create powerful tools.
Placing the ice bat into the inventory space provided by my powers, I decided to step outside for some fresh air. The gloomy streets of Gotham stretched before me, dimly lit by flickering streetlights and the occasional glow of neon signs.
I wandered aimlessly, letting my feet guide me as I absorbed the sights and sounds of the city. The air was heavy, carrying with it the faint scent of rain and the distant hum of traffic. Gotham's infamous atmosphere was as oppressive as it was fascinating—a mix of urban decay and hidden allure.
Even in its gloominess, there was something captivating about this city. The towering skyscrapers stood like silent sentinels, their silhouettes cutting sharply against the cloudy night sky. Shadows seemed to dance in every corner, and the faint murmur of conversations from passing strangers added life to the eerie quiet.
For now, I was just another face in the crowd, blending into the city's chaos. But deep down, I knew it wouldn't stay that way for long.
Hearing a scream pierce the night, my instincts kicked in, and I almost sprinted toward the sound. But I stopped myself immediately. This was Gotham, and I was Black. In every horror movie I'd ever seen, running toward the source of trouble never ended well. Knowing my luck, I'd end up face-to-face with some lunatic—or worse, the Joker.
I tried to shake it off and turned to walk away, but then the scream echoed again, sharper this time, like pure fear slicing through the darkness. My gut told me to keep moving, to mind my business, but the sound came again, more desperate.
"Dammit," I muttered, clenching my fists. I hated this part of me—the part that couldn't just ignore someone in trouble.
Cursing under my breath, I turned and ran in the direction of the scream, ready for whatever madness Gotham had in store.
"David, you absolute idiot," I muttered to myself as I ran toward the noise, my inner voice scolding me every step of the way. "Why the hell are you trying to help someone in Gotham? This is literally the city where good intentions get you killed."
I kept cursing myself until I skidded to a stop, hiding behind the edge of a crumbling wall. And, of course, because the universe had a twisted sense of humor, guess who was standing there, holding a hostage at gunpoint and laughing like a maniac?
The Joker.
And there, just a few feet away, was a dark, brooding figure in a bat costume, glaring at him with unflinching intensity.
"Great," I whispered. "Just great. Should've minded my own damn business."
Before I could decide whether to turn tail and bolt, a glowing screen popped up in front of me:
Quest Received: "The Joker's Game"
Objective: Assist Batman in rescuing hostages held by the Joker in an abandoned amusement park.
Quest Details:
Location: Gotham City's Abandoned Amusement ParkDifficulty: Very HardTime Limit: 1 hour
Rewards:
EXP: 2,500Items: WayneTech Grappling Hook: A high-tech device for rapid traversal.Blueprint: EMP Batarang: A schematic to craft a gadget capable of disabling electronics.Smoke Pellets: Small devices that create a smokescreen for escape or distraction.Joker gas cure instruction. Skill Unlock: Advanced Stealth (Passive, Lv. 1)Effect: Increases stealth success rate by 20% and reduces movement noise. Reputation Bonus: Improved standing with Batman and the Justice League.
Completion Outcomes:
Success: Hostages are rescued. Batman acknowledges your skills and offers further collaboration. Failure: Joker escapes, and the hostages are endangered d.Batman expresses disappointment but encourages you to try again.
I stared at the screen, my heart pounding. "Why couldn't it have been something simple, like finding a lost cat?" I muttered. But before I could think of a way out, Joker's voice rang out, chilling and sing-songy.
"What's the matter, Batsy? Running out of time? Tick-tock!"
I clenched my fists, already regretting every decision that had led me to this moment. "Guess I'm in it now," I whispered, bracing myself.
Activating my Qigong skill, I took a deep breath, feeling the flow of energy circulate through my body. A faint mist-like aura formed a thin layer over my skin, amplifying my focus and fortitude.
I opened my inventory and pulled out my trusty ice bat, its runes glimmering faintly in the dim light. On my other hand, I formed a small, crackling Mana Bullet, its glow pulsating gently as I concentrated on maintaining its shape.
Activating my Longsight skills, the world around me sharpened into crystal-clear detail. The Joker's every movement, every exaggerated twitch of his body, was now in perfect focus. His finger twitched near the trigger of the pistol he held.
I took a steady breath, calming my nerves. This wasn't just some random thug—it was the Joker. One misstep and someone would die, maybe even me.
Aligning the trajectory of the Mana Bullet with the barrel of the gun in Joker's hand, I steadied my aim. My heartbeat slowed as I exhaled, my finger tightening slightly in preparation to release the shot. It had to be precise—no room for error.
"Here goes nothing," I muttered, and I let the Mana Bullet fly.
Even before the Mana Bullet reached its target, I channeled energy into my legs and activated my Sprint skill. The burst of speed was exhilarating, and I closed the distance between us in the blink of an eye.
The moment the bullet connected with the Joker's gun, the weapon was sent flying from his hand, leaving him stunned for a split second.
Without missing a beat, I pumped even more energy into my bat, causing the runes etched into it to glow an icy blue. The bat emanated a cold mist, signaling the power surging through it.
"AAARK!"
That was the only sound the Joker managed to make before my bat connected with his shin. The bone-crunching impact reverberated through the air, and his legs gave out beneath him.
A few seconds later, the amusement park echoed with his agonized screams:
"ARRHHHH! ARRGHHH! FUUUUUCK! IT BURNS! IT HURTS! AARRRKKKK!"
He writhed on the ground, clutching his shattered leg, his maniacal laughter replaced by pitiful groans of pain. I stood over him, my bat still glowing, ready to strike again if necessary.
"Not so funny now, huh?" I muttered, gripping my weapon tightly and keeping my guard up. This wasn't over yet—not until the hostages were safe.
I hit the Joker again, this time without using mana, delivering a solid strike to his head. The blow knocked him out cold, and judging by the force of the hit, he'd probably feel it for the next three weeks—assuming he didn't end up in Arkham before then.
Turning to the brooding guy in what looked like bat-themed pajamas, I finally noticed why he hadn't acted or moved this whole time.
There was a bomb strapped to his chest.
"Do you need help with that?" I asked, trying to sound calm despite the growing pit in my stomach.
He stayed silent for a moment, his sharp gaze fixed on me. Finally, he spoke, his voice deep and steady.
"Do you have any experience disarming a bomb?"
"No," I replied, deadpan. "But can't you disarm it?"
"I can't. It's rigged with motion sensors. If I move even an inch from this position, it'll detonate," he explained.
"So... what's the plan then?"
"You'll disarm it."
I blinked, staring at him like he'd just told me to juggle live grenades.
"Me? Did you fall asleep when I just said I have no experience disarming bombs?"
"I'll talk you through it. Step by step," he said, his tone calm but unyielding.
"You're awfully confident for a guy who's about to blow up and is trusting a random person to save him," I muttered, shaking my head.
But as much as I wanted to argue, I knew I didn't have a choice. The alternative was letting Gotham lose its Dark Knight—and I wasn't about to let that happen.
"Alright, Batman," I sighed, stepping closer to him. "Walk me through it. And for both our sakes, don't screw this up."
But first I need to move that lady away from here.
The lady who had fainted from shock lay slumped on the ground, too vulnerable to leave in the open. I quickly carried her behind the alley I had been spying from and gently set her down.
On the ground, I sketched three runes: ᚦᛚᛉ. "Please work, please work," I muttered under my breath. Pouring half of my mana into the runes, water surged from the etching and formed a shimmering, dome-like barrier around her. Safe for now.
With no time to waste, I sprinted back to Batman.
"I'm back," I said, drawing in a steadying breath. As I extended my hand, I traced the same runes in the air. A green glow enveloped me momentarily before fading away.
"Magic," Batman remarked.
"Runes, actually—old Viking magic. Very useful," I explained, carving the same protective runes into the air around him. "Just in case I screw this up."
His lips twitched, just shy of a smirk. "David, right? Nice to meet you."
"Yeah. And you're Batman—not exactly subtle."
His eyes narrowed slightly but his tone remained calm. "From my second left belt pouch, you'll find the tools you need to remove the bomb."
I hesitated. "You're really trusting a random guy with a bomb?"
"You saved the hostage and held your ground. That's enough for me."
I crouched down, pulling out the tools. "Alright, what do I do first?"
"Locate the control unit. It's on the right side of the bomb. Look for a clear panel with four screws."
My fingers hovered over the device, steady but cautious. "Found it. These screws look delicate—any pressure could set this off."
"Exactly. Use the magnetized screwdriver in the kit. Turn clockwise—no sudden movements."
Following his instructions, I removed the screws one by one. The panel came off, revealing a circuit board with red, blue, green, and yellow wires. A blinking black chip caught my eye.
"That chip," Batman said, his voice low and urgent. "That's the motion sensor. If I move, it detonates. Freeze it with the cryo-spray—short bursts, no more than two seconds each."
I grabbed the spray, angling it carefully. My breath hitched as I pressed the nozzle, releasing quick bursts. The blinking slowed, then stopped altogether.
"Sensor's frozen. What now?"
"Good. Now, find the power source. Look for a black wire leading to a battery pack."
"Got it," I said, spotting the wire.
"Cut it. Be precise."
With steady hands, I snipped the black wire. The bomb's timer flickered but kept counting down.
"Power's disconnected, but the timer's still active," I said.
"That's the secondary system. Cut the green wire next. It's tied to the timer's main circuit. Slowly."
I carefully severed the green wire. The timer slowed significantly, but it didn't stop.
"Timer's still ticking," I said, my voice tight.
"This is the final step. The yellow wire is connected to the explosive core. Check for traps—extra connections or soldering points."
Leaning in closer, I spotted a thin copper thread running from the yellow wire to the circuit board.
"There's an extra connection," I said. "What do I do?"
"That's a booby trap. Use the angled cutters. Cut the copper thread first, then the yellow wire. Stay steady."
Sweat beaded on my forehead as I worked. Gritting my teeth, I severed the copper thread, then the yellow wire. The timer stopped at 00:02.
Exhaling in relief, I carefully removed the bomb from Batman's chest.
But it wasn't over yet. With the last bit of mana I had, I drew a series of runes on the bomb. Channeling every ounce of energy left in me, I hurled it high into the sky.
The resulting explosion was silent, yet blindingly bright, like a miniature sun erupting in the night. No air was disturbed, no shockwave followed—it was as if the runes had absorbed all the force, leaving only light.
Batman stood, his gaze steady on me.
"Impressive," he said.
"Yeah," I replied, swaying slightly. "Next time, how about you handle the bomb?"
He smirked faintly. "I'll consider it."
Turning to the man of doom and gloom, I found nothing but the empty space where he had stood. "Dammit, he really disappeared, huh?" I muttered under my breath. "How rude. No wonder Gordon doesn't like him."
Shaking my head, I dragged the Joker by his foot, making sure to keep him out of sight. Now that I was closer, I could see the severe frostbite on his hands and face—wouldn't be surprised if he'd lose them. At least the bastard was out cold for now.
Approaching the fainted woman, I lowered myself to her side. The barrier of water I had created earlier dissipated with a quiet shimmer. I checked on her—still breathing, still unconscious, but safe for the moment. There was no time to waste.
As I looked around, I spotted a dirty electric wire sprawled across the ground. The scene wasn't getting any cleaner, but I figured that'd be Gotham for you. I pulled out my phone and quickly called the cops, directing them to Joker's location while giving them a heads-up about the situation.
"Joker's down. I'm taking the girl to Mather Hospital." I hung up before they could ask anything else—no time to waste.
Carefully hoisting the woman over my shoulder, I began to make my way toward the hospital, the Joker's frostbitten body still dragging behind me. Gotham was always full of chaos, but tonight I'd managed to keep a little bit of it under control. For now, anyway.