[Due to reaching a milestone in your Mind Attribute, you unlocked the following perks: (Energy Adaptability) (Energetic Psychokinesis)]
[Energy Adaptability: the ability to consciously alter your energy to any form you wish. As long as it exists around you, you can reformat your power source to that different energy source to adapt in battle and overcome perceived energy-based weakness]
[Energetic Telekinesis: the ability to manipulate and otherwise interact with matter using energy, enabling you to achieve feats such as levitation, telekinesis, and homing effects]
[Your perk (Empathy) has evolved to (Energetic Telepathy)
[Energetic Telepathy: the ability to scan, project and interpret thoughts using your energy, enabling you to achieve feats such as remote telepathy, mind reading, and telepathic combat]
[Your perks (Energetic Telepathy) and (Energetic Telekinesis) have merged to form a new one (Ergo-Pisonics)]
[Ergo-Pisonics: the ability to utilize pure or otherwise types of energy to grant yourself mental and psychic powers, enabling you to achieve feats such as Telekinesis and Telepathy (the application, power, and scale of the perk is heavily reliant on the user's Spirit Attribute]
'Hmm...? No more merging...?' I paused as I read through the remaining Spirit upgrades, raising an eyebrow. Don't get me wrong, they were incredible, but I expected them to combine into one perk, considering what happened with the other attributes.
[The Spirit attribute works differently from the other two. Its related perks have not reached the required level to merge]
'Huh... makes sense... I think...?' I scratched my head, unsure what to think of the system's words, but I suppose it doesn't really matter since the two new perks I received were plenty impressive.
"Now I have a shit ton of things I need to try..." I remarked to no one in particular, smiling as I pondered the upgrades from my three attributes and the quest reward.
'And I still have three more to look forward to...' I mused as I turned to the last remaining notifications.
[+1 level the Mad Scientist archetype]
[You have unlocked the Mad Scientist archetype power: Living Catalyst]
[Living Catalyst (locked): the power to cause, reverse, speed up, slow down, or otherwise alter chemical reactions, including the speed of oxidization from a slow rust to a burst of flame, akin to a living chemical catalyst]
[The Living Catalyst power is currently unusable due to the host's low-level Chemistry skill]
"Looks like I got another incredible power..." I muttered, shrugging my shoulders. Too bad it was unusable, as I've neglected my Chemistry skill since I received it, what with how busy I've been.
I suppose I already had a shit ton of powers and abilities to master, so maybe putting this one on hold wasn't all bad. 'Now to choose the next archetype class...' I sighed at the prospect of getting another skill I'd likely neglect and possibly another power that won't work.
After some thought, I settled with the Surgeon class since I'd need it to fix Richard's arm. I might be capable of creating a new, functional limb for my teacher, but I lacked the knowledge to "install" it.
[You have gained a new class: Surgeon]
[You have gained the skill: Medicine]
[Medicine: After a tough fight, it pays to know some first aid; This skill covers the ability to heal injuries and diagnose and cure diseases through modern medicine]
[+3 stat points]
[You have gained the power: X-ray Vision]
[X-ray Vision: the power to see x-rays, electromagnetic waves of high energy and very short wavelength, which is able to pass through many materials opaque to light, mainly used for medical purposes]
[+23 accumulated class levels to the Surgeon class]
[Surgeon (level 24)]
[+69 stat points]
[Stat points: 99]
[+1 level to the Mad Scientist archetype]
[The Mad Scientist level 7]
[You have gained the power: Instant Surgery]
[Instant Surgery: the power to perform surgery in a matter of seconds, without any aid from others whatsoever, depending on your Medicine skill score and Mind Attribute]
"Called it..." I remarked, shrugging as I read through Instant Surgery's descriptions, as I would not be able to use it until I raise my Medicine skill to a decent level.
Still, it was quite a convenient power to have. I fully intended to grind it out as soon as possible, as I didn't want a repeat of Mark's situation and the helplessness I felt at the time.
'Might as well put those stat points to good use...' I mused, sighing as I shook away the depressing line of thought and invested 33 points into each of my respective attributes.
In the end, my status screen looked like this:
Name: Grayson Whitlock
Race: Human
Gender: Male
Age: 17
Archetype: (The Mad Scientist level 7)
Class: [Thief (level MAX)] [Fighter (level MAX)] [Acrobat (Level MAX)] [Programmer (Level MAX) [Gunman (level MAX)] [Mechanic (level MAX)] [Duelist (level MAX)] [Artist (level MAX)] [Scholar (level MAX)] [Linguist (level MAX)] [Chemist (level MAX)] [Surgeon (level 24)]
...
Stats:
Body: 283
Mind: 283
Spirit: 283
Stat Points: 0
.....
Skills:
[Brawling (level 57)] [Crime (level 58)] [Acrobatics (level 41)] [Computers (level 59)] [Gun Mastery (level 35)] [Mechanics (54)] [Medieval Weapons Mastery (25)] [Art (5)] [Knowledge (18)] [Language (12)] [Chemistry (10)] [Medicine (1)]
....
Perks:
[Dormant Metahuman] [Silent Step] [Energy Detector] [Augmented Reality Vision] [Energy Conductor] [Metallurgic Intuition] [Ricochet Intuition] [World Wide Access] [Energy Conversion] [Menacing Presence] [Emp Surge] [Supernatural Body] [Supernatural Mind] [Energy Adaptability] [Ergo-Pisonics]
...
Archetype powers:
[Network Crash] [Code Manipulation] [Personal Computer] [Machinery Scan] [Machine Control] [Machine Morphing] [Chemical Analysis] [Metabolism Manipulation)] [Living Catalyst (locked)] [X-ray Vision] [Instant Surgery]
...
'Not bad...' I mused, nodding in satisfaction. "Now for the fun part..." I mused, grinning as I retrieved The Leviathan Axe and twirled it in my hand.
"Time to take you out for a spin..."
...
The Coventry
Inside an empty warehouse
"This sure brings me back..." I muttered to no one in particular, chuckling as I closed my eyes in concentration and extended my hand forward, to which the empty soda can in front of me levitated off the ground and settled on a cinder block.
It was something I did a lot as a child, after watching superhero movies, especially. Except I'd only make myself look like an idiot back then, what with my clenched butt cheeks and constipated face.
I smiled, shaking my head as I retrieved the Leviathan Axe and threw it at the can, watching as the weapon's sharp edge cleaved it in half, toppling the brick wall behind it and embedding itself in the ground.
I willed the axe back into my hand, and it flew right back, sending out blue, chilly air as it spun into my extended palm, to which I grinned, resisting the urge to fist pump the air.
The Leviathan axe allowed me to summon blizzards, shoot freezing rays out of its edge, and even more. But out of all the potential uses for the axe, I loved the recall mechanic more than anything else.
The fact that it was soul-bound meant none could use it besides me, which was pretty badass if you ask me. So yeah, I was pretty happy about the newest addition to my arsenal.
Picking up on the sound of crisp footsteps behind me, I maintained my smile as I turned around. "And here I thought you'd keep watching me for another thirty minutes..." I said, raising an eyebrow as I looked Selina in the eye.
She arrived shortly after me and had been watching me for more than 30 minutes, and I honestly couldn't care less. I was powerful enough that even if everyone knew about my abilities, there was little anyone could do about it.
I was not on Superman's level yet, but I wasn't that far off, and that's just my physical strength. I had other tricks I could rely on, not to mention my lack of fatal weaknesses, so Selina's snooping didn't bother me.
"I would, but it's getting too chilly for me..." Selina said without a shred of same, her eyes turning to the axe in my hand. "I like the new toy, by the way..." She went on, her expression lighting up in curiosity.
"You have to hook me up with whoever's making you this stuff..." Selina Jokingly concluded as she approached me, letting out a chuckle as she stood before me.
"I'll think about it once you start paying back the many favors you owe me..." I replied, rolling my eyes as I turned away from the brunette and levitated the cinder block, shooting it into the sky.
"Speaking of which..." Selina said after a brief pause as she watched me throw the axe at the block, to which it hit, freezing and splitting it right in half. "Thank you for what you did in the hospital... I know you didn't want to get involved," Selina went on, causing me to sigh.
"I don't know what you're talking about..." I blankly said as I retrieved the axe and turned to her, shrugging my shoulders and faking ignorance, much to Selina's amusement.
"Either way, take this..." The brunette said as she reached into her purse and took out a black card. She extended her hand and gestured for me to take it.
"What's this...?" I asked as I took the card and held it in my hand to inspect it. I instantly recognized it as a sort of data storage device that would fit into the alien laptop I stole from The Intergang.
...
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"From Batman..." Selina replied, to which I raised an eyebrow in confusion at her words. "He gave it to Nightwing, incentive in case you didn't want to help Barbara..." she added with a shrug.
"Nightwing wanted you to have it as thanks, regardless..." She concluded as she gestured to the card, earning a nod as I carelessly stored it in my inventory.
"Where was Batman anyway...?" I asked as I turned to Selina after putting away the card. "Why didn't he go after The Joker?" I asked, scrunching my eyebrows.
"Batman was... preocupied..." Selina blankly replied, drawing a tired sigh as she put on a troubled expression, and something told me there was more to it than the caped crusader simply being busy.
"Busy with what...? Two of his sidekicks almost died, and The Joker was on a killing spree...?" I asked, my frown deepening as I gave Selina an unconvinced look, to which her expression grew more troubled.
I sighed as I waited several seconds for a reply and received none from the brunette. "You know what? Never mind..." I went on, shaking my head as I shrugged.
I felt tempted to use my new-gained telepathy to read Selina's mind, but I quickly dismissed the idea. I might be a hypocrite, but I had lines I would prefer not to cross.
"As long he's not breathing down my neck, then I don't really care what Gotham's broody protector is up to..." I continued with a chuckle, waving my hand to the side, which got a smile, albeit a bitter one, from Selina.
"Now, if you'll excuse me... I still have a new toy to try out..." I said as I turned away from Selina and retrieved my axe. "You're welcome to stay, but it'll only get chillier, and I'll ignore you..." I concluded as I raised the weapon above my head, summoning a gust of freezing wind.
"Well, you know what they say about cats and curiosity..." Selina said, chuckling as she stepped back, climbing into an empty container and sitting down.
"The cat puns are getting older than Batman's disappearing act..." I said, rolling my eyes as I continued experimenting with the Leviathan's axe without bothering to look at Selina.
"You should quit while you're ahead..."
...
"It's incredible how simply going over 250 seems to change so much..." I muttered to myself as I looked down at the small mound of dust, which used to be a small pebble in my hand.
It was a qualitative leap that improved my physique to an incredible degree.
Whereas I was slightly slower than a speeding bullet, I was now at least 1.5 times faster, not to mention the massive boost in physical strength, which enabled me to grind a small pebble into dust.
I could already break pricks and pend steel before the physique upgrade, but crushing an actual rock to dust was way beyond the limits of my capabilities.
Even my healing factor had doubled in strength. I subconsciously knew that I could regrow my finger and heal the scar on my chest should I wish to, which, again, wasn't possible before the upgrades.
I had no intention of doing either. Not before fixing Richard's arm anyway, but you get the idea.
My durability was the only aspect of my physique that didn't evolve or grow more powerful, but it was already impressive to begin with, which made sense.
I continued experimenting with my new abilities, even with Selina hanging around. Still, The cold seemed to affect her and watching me throw and call back my axe to get a feel for the weapon couldn't have been fun.
She eventually left after getting a phone call. I didn't care either way and proceeded to experiment with my new perks and powers after I became more familiar with my new weapon.
I'd still need some more time to get used to the sudden spike in strength, but my brain got a massive boost, so it won't be long until I get a grip on my new power.
Speaking of which, the boost to my mind also made it easier to control my energy, and I could now channel energy, manifest, and concentrate energy much more effectively.
It was even possible for me to form more sophisticated energy constructs like guns with some difficulty and crude ones like knives and simple tools effortlessly.
"Hmm..." I grunted as I checked the time. I originally wanted to look for Enchantress after briefly trying out my new powers, but I might as well familiarize myself with them before going.
"There's always tomorrow, I suppose..."
...
Gotham
The Batcave
"You should be happy to hear that The Joker is under police custody, master Bruce..." Alfred said as he slowly approached the bat computer, holding a tray full of food and refreshments.
"I know..." Bruce replied without bothering to turn around and face the butler as the latter stopped behind him and got a full view of the super-computer's monitor.
"That should be the work of the new vigilante everyone is talking about..." Alfred said, raising an eyebrow as he noticed the footage of The Joker's hand exploding playing on the monitor.
"The people of Gotham, more so the police force, have decided to call them Guardian Angel..." The butler continued, gleefully smiling as he watched Joker's pathetic figure before he lost consciousness.
"I find the name Wraith more fitting..." Bruce said, letting out a knowing smile before he shook his head and dismissed the footage to resume working on his project.
"I see..." Alfred remarked, pausing to think for a second. "I suppose it makes sense that the young man would not wish to involve himself with that grinning lunatic publicly..." he went, nodding his head in approval as he sent Bruce a blank look.
"Sound judgment, don't you think, Master Bruce...?" The butler said, his blank expression cracking and leaking bemusement as he stared daggers into his master's back.
To no one's surprise, he received no reply.
"Still, I find it rather satisfying how he dealt with that mirthful waste of air..." Alfred said as he began setting the plates and glasses on the table next to the computer.
"And the surprising competency of the police force as they handled the situation even more so..." The Butler went on as he finished setting the meal before moving behind the computer.
"Breakfast is served..." Alfred said, his expression blank as he emerged from behind the computer carrying the power plug, which he'd removed to stop Bruce from working.
Bruce grunted in annoyance at the butler's actions but didn't bother arguing as he turned away from the computer and into the table full of food next to him.
"That young woman, Captain Tiegel, if I recall correctly..." Alfred said, trailing at the end of his sentence, to which Bruce nodded at him in response.
"I must say... she is doing an excellent job fixing the hot mess our city's police department is..." The butler added as he poured a steaming cup of coffee for his master.
"Indeed... Deborah Tiegel has undoubtedly changed Gotham's police department for the better..." Bruce replied, nodding his head as he took a bite of his scrambled egg sandwich.
"That's not all... the entire city is changing, mostly for the better..." Bruce said, sighing as he put on a complicated expression split by a bittersweet smile that seemed to confuse his butler.
"And is that really so bad, master Bruce...?" Alfred said as he offered the coffee to his master, regarding him with a befuddled expression that conveyed his confusion.
"No... it's just..." Bruce said, heaving a sigh as he trailed off at the end of his sentence, seemingly at a loss for words. "Odd..." The caped crusader said, having found the appropriate word.
Alfred's expression remained confused as he handed Bruce the Coffee, to which the latter got the hint and elaborated without delay.
"Ever since Wraith revealed his identity..." he explained, his expression thoughtful. "Especially after his speech... the city began to change like never before..." Bruce went on, sighing as he shook his head and took a sip from the coffee.
"Crimes suddenly lessened. People were smiling in the streets, Alfred..." The caped crusader said in a strange tone as he smiled. "How long has it been since you've seen someone smiling in Gotham's streets...?" He asked with a chuckle as the butler merely shrugged.
"When Brimstone happened... I expected Gotham to devolve into utter chaos..." Bruce said, shaking his head as he recalled the chaotic storm of looters and gangsters roaming the streets in the flaming giant's wake.
"It almost happened, but many people stepped up to help each other, and the police force..." The caped crusader explained as the butler silently listened, standing beside him.
"And after the incident... the people were still smiling..." Bruce said as he looked his butler in the eye. "We couldn't achieve a fraction of that even after a decade of work, Alfred..." He concluded, his expression and tone hard to read.
"And you find that discouraging, master Bruce...?" Alfred asked, keeping a neutral expression as he maintained eye contact without looking away from his master's face.
"No. I can't explain, but something feels off, and not necessarily with Wraith..."
...
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