Chapter 3: The Bat and the Beast
Joshua remained seated on the rooftop, his claws idly tapping against the bundle of cash in his lap. He didn't turn his head, didn't flinch.
The shadow stopped moving.
Then, a deep, gravelly voice cut through the night.
"You've been busy."
Joshua finally looked up.
Perched on the edge of the rooftop, half-shrouded in darkness, was the Batman. The cape billowed slightly in the wind, the city's dim glow casting shadows over his sharp, unyielding features.
Joshua had seen the Bat in action before—on screens, in stories, from the frightened whispers of criminals. But now, face to face? He was impressive.
Most people would be shaking. Most people would try to run.
Joshua was not most people.
He leaned back against the rooftop ledge, still in his Gabumon X form, his fur barely moving in the cold night air. His golden eyes met Batman's without hesitation.
"Figured you'd show up sooner or later." His voice was casual, steady. Not cocky, not afraid—just calm.
Batman narrowed his eyes.
Good. He was analyzing. Trying to figure me out.
"Who are you?"
Joshua let the question hang for a second before answering.
"A guy cleaning up the streets," he said, tossing the wad of cash between his hands. "The way I see it, Gotham's got plenty of scumbags who don't deserve what they have. I'm just redistributing their wealth."
Batman didn't move.
"You're stealing."
Joshua smirked. "I'm taking from drug dealers and criminals. I doubt you're shedding tears over them."
A tense silence followed. Batman was studying him, measuring his words, his stance, his breathing. Joshua didn't mind.
Then, Batman's gaze flickered—just for a second—to Joshua's claws.
He noticed.
Joshua flexed his fingers. "I know what you're thinking. 'What are you? Some kind of meta?'" He exhaled. "Let's just say… I've got abilities. And I plan to use them."
Batman didn't react. "And what's your plan?"
Joshua shrugged. "Make money. Get stronger. Build something better than what Gotham's got now." His eyes darkened. "I don't kill. But I don't play nice either."
A gust of wind passed between them.
Batman's posture remained unreadable. "You're stepping into dangerous territory. You keep this up, and the wrong people will come after you."
Joshua let out a low chuckle. "You mean the crime bosses? The corrupt cops? Or… something bigger?"
Batman didn't answer.
Joshua stood up slowly, rolling his shoulders. "I get it. You don't trust me." His voice remained calm, steady. "That's fine. But I'm not your enemy."
Batman's silence stretched longer this time. Then, finally, he spoke.
"Stay out of my way."
Joshua smirked. "I was about to say the same to you."
With that, Batman turned, vanishing into the shadows.
Joshua exhaled, his smirk fading slightly as he looked over the city.
This was just the beginning.
And Batman?
He'd be watching.
---
End of Chapter 3
Chapter 4: Strength in Evolution
Joshua crouched on the rooftop, watching the streets below. Gotham's filth was always moving—dealers peddling their poison, gangsters shaking down small businesses, and corrupt cops turning a blind eye.
He had been working hard, tearing through the underground like a ghost, but now… he needed to check something.
The system.
It had been quiet, only offering support as he adapted to his Digimon forms. But now, after all the fights, all the takedowns, he had to see how far he had come.
Joshua found a secluded spot, settling down before calling up the interface in his mind.
[System Accessed]
[Checking Digimon Evolution Progress…]
---
Gabumon X - Evolution Status
Joshua focused on his Gabumon X form first, the one he had used the most so far.
[Gabumon X - Rookie Level]
Strength: B-
Speed: B+
Durability: C+
Combat Efficiency: A-
Skills Unlocked:
Sharp Claw Strike: A precise slash attack that can cut through weaker metals.
Blue Blaster: A condensed flame blast with a freezing effect. Stronger than a normal Gabumon's attack.
Enhanced Reflexes: Due to X-Antibody adaptation, reaction time is faster than normal.
Predator's Instinct: Improved night vision, scent tracking, and situational awareness.
Evolution Progress: 65% toward Champion level (Garurumon X).
Joshua exhaled slowly. He was over halfway to evolving. Gabumon X had been his best choice for stealth, speed, and close-quarters combat. But to push it to the next level, he needed bigger fights—more challenging opponents.
He would have to hunt stronger prey.
---
Agumon - Evolution Status
Next, he checked Agumon.
[Agumon - Rookie Level]
Strength: A
Speed: C+
Durability: B
Combat Efficiency: B+
Skills Unlocked:
Baby Flame (Pepper Breath): A burst of fire capable of melting steel if charged.
Claw Smash: A raw power strike that can break concrete.
Fire Resistance: Increased tolerance to heat and flame-based attacks.
Battle Instinct: Enhanced adaptability in melee combat.
Evolution Progress: 48% toward Champion level (Greymon).
Joshua frowned slightly. Agumon's progress was slower than Gabumon X's, which made sense. He hadn't used Agumon as much.
Agumon was power-focused—meant for raw strength and direct destruction. But in Gotham, subtlety mattered. He needed to be smarter about when and where he used this form.
Still, nearly halfway to Greymon. Not bad.
---
V-mon - Evolution Status
Joshua finally checked his third form—one he hadn't used yet.
[V-mon - Rookie Level]
Strength: B
Speed: B
Durability: B
Combat Efficiency: B
Skills Unlocked:
Vee Punch: A power-enhanced straight punch that can dent metal.
Hopping Dodge: Quick, unpredictable movements to evade attacks.
Hard Head: Can headbutt through reinforced surfaces.
Combat Adaptation: V-mon learns mid-fight, improving his efficiency the longer a battle lasts.
Evolution Progress: 0% toward Champion level (Veedramon).
Joshua sighed. Still at zero. He hadn't transformed into V-mon even once yet.
But looking at the skills, V-mon had a mix of both Agumon's strength and Gabumon X's speed. His potential as a fighter was high, especially with his combat adaptation ability.
He needed to start using it soon.
---
System Summary
Joshua leaned back, processing everything.
Gabumon X was close to evolving but needed stronger opponents.
Agumon was halfway there but was too destructive for regular use.
V-mon was untouched but had serious potential.
He needed to balance them.
If he wanted to reach Champion level quickly, he'd have to push his limits. Bigger fights, stronger enemies.
Luckily, Gotham never ran out of threats.
Joshua stood up, his eyes scanning the city. He had a plan. Hit the biggest gang hubs. Take on the enforcers. Make noise.
And when Batman came back?
He'd be even stronger.
---
End of Chapter 4