Chapter-12 Are you the one named Stephen? (Rewritten)

"If there's a chance for Batman to take another shot, it will definitely become a classic," Stephen smiled and said, then got up and walked to his usual backpack to put the camera inside.

As the closed door opened, Harley Quinn paused briefly when she heard this, then turned around and asked softly, "Are you leaving?"

"The Gotham ruled by Bane is too dull. There's no neurotic villain causing trouble. Without Batman to play cat and mouse, such a peaceful life is truly boring and a waste of time. What do you think would be fun for the next destination? Metropolis, where an alien lives and loves the Earth? The meta-humans that I believe shouldn't have appeared on Earth yet? Central City? I wonder if it's amusing or bitter since The Flash hasn't been electrocuted yet, right? Or should we go to Star City and look for the Hood, or rather, Green Arrow?"

"If we can meet the outcasts and misfits squad of second and third-line heroes and villains, traveling through time shouldn't be too boring," Stephen muttered to himself, lost in thought by the front door.

Although Harley Quinn couldn't hear clearly or understand, she could tell that Stephen was already bored with Gotham. "Will you take me with you?" Harley Quinn couldn't help but ask.

Stephen raised his head and looked over. "Why would I take you?"

"I can be your companion. Don't you need someone to hold you every night and fall asleep?" Harley Quinn said eagerly.

"If I get tired, I'll find someone new," Stephen tilted his head to the side and turned away, seemingly looking for something to take with him.

Harley Quinn looked crestfallen. As a kidnap victim, she should be happy about Stephen's departure and regaining her freedom. She should be glad to defeat Bane, save Gotham, and restore order. Yet, all she felt was the sadness of being abandoned, just like when her father suddenly left and deserted her and her mother when their family was harmonious and warm.

Studying Stephen's psychology? Harley Quinn had long forgotten about it. Unknowingly, she had developed a sense of family-like warmth and dependency on Stephen through their time together. Now, she wondered if she would be abandoned once again in the end. (Wow, an early case of Stockholm syndrome, guys!)

"Will you come back, though?" Harley Quinn asked expectantly.

"Perhaps, when Gotham becomes more exciting and interesting, maybe I'll come back in search of fun," Stephen put his backpack on and said to Harley Quinn. "I'm heading out."

"So, you will come back, right?"

"Not necessarily," Stephen slung his bag onto his back and pushed open the door.

Though he hadn't decided on the next destination yet, it didn't stop him from acquiring a new vehicle. How about the Batmobile? It can run and fly, with a cool style and complete gadget functions. It should be enough to have fun on his own.

Don't know where the Batmobile is? No worries, he knows someone who knows. Stephen plans to go straight to City Hall to find Bane. Is it enough to exchange information for one with Oracle? You might ask, didn't I promise Oracle that I would kill Bane? But there's no conflict between the two. When he decides to do it, he'll bring Oracle along and go directly to confront Bane, saving time and effort. He'll ask her to bring the Batmobile along and then kill Bane afterward. Killing two birds with one stone. Sounds good, right?

But what about Oracle? Will she be frightened? Will Bane be angry? Will the daughter of the master ninja who truly wants to destroy Gotham feel down?

What does that have to do with me?

After stepping outside, Stephen walked in the direction of Gotham City Hall.

What do you say? Speaking of the master ninja, will that person be there? Stephen had just walked onto the street when he saw a woman in front of him swiftly darting into an alley, performing acrobatics with excellent agility.

This woman is not ordinary, her name... no, it should be said her pseudonym is Miranda Tate. Gotham's new philanthropist, one of the board members of the Wayne Consortium, Batman's trusted ally, and the object of Bruce Wayne's affection. Why am I interested in her? Because she's connected to figures like Bane, Batman, and the master ninja. So, I want to understand. Her real name is Talia al Ghul, the daughter of the master ninja also known as Ra's al Ghul, and the true orchestrator behind the incidents in Gotham.

Speaking of Batman being clever? Well, he was deceived by her. Is there anything wrong with deceiving for money? After gaining his trust, she acquired her master's shares in Wayne Group and nearly bankrupted Bruce upon his return.

She nearly ruined his chance to pretend that his superpower was being rich, and also gave him a hard time going in circles! And even after betraying Batman, she gave birth to his son, Damian Wayne, who also became the fifth-generation Robin.

She is both cruel and ambitious, the perfect combination to thrive in this city. Stephen wants to give her a thumbs up for that.

Watching her perform acrobatics in the alley, he couldn't help but appreciate it. So Stephen chased her directly into the alley.

Upon entering the alley, he realized it was a dead end. Empty, except for a slightly ajar door on the left side, which seemed to be the back entrance of a store.

With a smirk on his face, Stephen opened the door and walked in.

Snapped!

The door closed, and darkness enveloped the room.

Invisible eyes, and silence filled the space.

Suddenly, a strong gust of wind almost grazed Stephen's throat, and something sharp sliced through the air.

Ability copied.

Stephen immediately mastered the world's superb fighting skills: unarmed combat, knife techniques, swordplay, archery, and more, along with heightened perception developed through extensive training.

Hearing the sound, Stephen tilted his head slightly, feeling a chilling breath brush across his cheek. With a swift motion, he caught something in midair—a dagger— and hurled it towards the dark area on the left.

Unlimited replication, tenfold.

The unique technique was executed with practiced ease, and his eyes seemed to gleam in the darkness.

Snapped!

The dagger was embedded into the wall.

Failed?

Stephen noticed a nearby switch and flicked it on, filling the room with light.

It appeared to be an abandoned warehouse. In Stephen's line of sight, a woman leaned against the wall, clearly in shock. She wore a blue dress, with the sleeve of her left shoulder drooping, revealing her left breast. She seemed poised to flee, but a shallow bloodstain marked her shoulder—the dagger had struck her!

The sudden illumination made her tilt her head slightly, and then Stephen heard her ask in surprise, "Are you the one called Stephen? Bat... Didn't Batgirl come to find you? Why are you here?"

Real Author: Marvel King

Translator: Zatch[King]Rex