[1st POV]
There was no sign of conflict.
A casual three-way conversation was happening with the girls doing most of the talking while I responded generic like, "Uh-huh, sure, of course, maybe."
Who could blame me?
The steaks were just too delicious.
"Where's Harton?"
I asked my first real question of the evening.
Pamela and Beatrice gave me surprised looks, then glanced at each other.
"Were you not listening to a word we were saying?"
Beatrice asked with a threatening tone.
"Uh, no, of course I was. I must've just forgotten. So, where is he?"
"He flew to London."
"For what?"
"An exhibition of new weapons. He's representing our country. Plus, he has to deliver a message to your government."
"Really?"
"You'll find out what it is later."
She said with a smile.
I thought the important part of the conversation was over, but out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Pam "subtly" nodding toward Beatrice.
"Isaac, tell me, do you really like it so much in the United States, and Gotham City in particular?"
"Where are you going with this?"
"I'm curious."
She rested her chin on her interlocked fingers and fixed her violet eyes on me, "What makes you throw yourself into the line of fire?"
"I suppose you wouldn't mind if I were to throw myself into the line of fire here instead?"
"No. I'd be quite happy if you didn't throw yourself into the line of fire at all. Ideally, you'd direct your efforts toward something more peaceful, like politics or science, or maybe..."
"Let me guess, Pam put you up to this conversation."
I said, noticing Pamela flinch slightly at the mention of her name, "Why don't we drop the facades and tell directly? Pam, I think you should start."
"Heh. I'm worried about your life. Gotham is dangerous enough on its own. After what you said about things potentially getting worse soon, I can't find any peace."
"And?"
"And I want you... us... to settle down here together."
"I see. Now you, Beatrice."
"A loyal person and friend is valuable to any ruler. I won't deny that Harton has influenced me as well. He wouldn't mind having someone as capable as you as an ally. Besides, your strength isn't the only useful quality you possess."
She's not entirely honest, even I can see that. However, I doubt she's ready to admit, even to herself, that she's drawn to me.
"That's all?"
"Yes."
Beatrice's performance was quite convincing.
"Got it. If I'm being honest, I can't leave the police force and move here permanently. I believe I can make a difference in this world, and I will. I want to ensure that not just I, but also my children and grandchildren, can live without fear."
[+200 relationship with Pamela Isley/Poison Ivy]
[+100 relationship with Queen Beatrice/Queen Bee]
"I accept your refusal and understand it but I'm curious about your plan to 'help this world.' Still, can I count on you to consider the idea of settling in Bialya after you've finished whatever you're planning?"
"Bealia is a wonderful place. So, yes, your country is at the top of my list of 'places to escape to at the first opportunity!'"
"I'm glad to hear that. But you still have time to think it over before you leave. Our diplomats will handle the legal matters with your superiors should you decide to stay here after all."
"I'll keep that in mind."
That was the end of the importance of our dinner.
However, I don't think this will be Beatrice's last attempt to get me to serve her.
She is a politician, after all.
...
The next day, my clones surprised me with great news. They managed to complete the "Daedalus and Icarus" mission in just one hour.
With no new headaches from the System, I created new clones and assigned each of them tasks to work on techniques.
I realized that most elemental techniques usually have a counterpart with a different element.
This realization prompted me to make up for lost time.
Harton did mention that Bialya is beyond the reach of any foreign organization's visors or satellites, but an extra layer of precaution never hurts.
Later, as evening approached, Pam showed up and caught me in the middle of beating myself to a pulp.
She was genuinely horrified and forced us to stop, threatening us with the wrath of her vines if we didn't comply.
This time, the "Power of Youth" couldn't save me—fear was greater.
Still, despite Pam's intervention, we managed to level up our stats and unlock access to the Second Gate.
[+5 Health]
[+5 Strength]
[+5 Endurance]
[+5 Agility]
[+5 Willpower]
[+5 Charisma]
[+500 Chakra]
[+10 Control Chakra]
It's not a bad outcome, considering the chaos.
Even though we hardly used chakra, I had planned to send clones to "clean up" the rebels.
As a result of the fight, I also gained skill upgrades:
[+3 Chuck Norris Kick]a
[+1 Melee Weapon Mastery]
+1 Talk no Jutsu
[+6 Hand-to-Hand Combat]
[+1 Wolverine]
[+1 Berserker Mode]
[+4 Martial Arts Mastery (Enhanced)]
[+3 Masochist]
I'll need to think of something, and of course, there's no one else to bring in at the moment.
Harley is still not an option because she loves the Joker like Pam loves me, and I don't want to mess up my relationship with the Joker over sex.
However, if I can't "straighten him out" quickly, I might have to kill him.
Beatrice?
Those are purely political motives, and I don't even want to get into that. Plus, the queen wouldn't want to tolerate a rival.
"Isaac?"
Pam managed to say, or rather, tried to.
"Still want more, darling? I'm willing to do anything for you!"
[+1 Troll]
"N-No! R-Rest now, darling. I just wanted to tell you that tomorrow there will be a new celebration at the palace, and a world-famous star is coming."
"Really? Well, fine... And who is this 'star' that even you find impressive?"
I almost let this information slip into my brain for a moment, then decided to play chess with my copy instead.
'Apparently, she's a sorceress, if I'm not mistaken about these oddities and titles of mages, but she's famous in many circles. Zatara Zatanna, that's her name…'
Hmm, this is interesting.
I didn't think I'd meet her so soon.
I'll need to come up with a plan for "meeting" her. Moreover… she's quite an attractive young lady!
According to sources, Zatara's father is Doctor Fate, who traveled to other universes, worlds, and so on.
However, he was most often depicted as Doctor Fate, and I've seen more of his daughter.
It makes sense because who would want to see a copy of Alfred but with a strong magical ability?
It seems he also trained with him...
This is all a bit strange.
A lonely guy in a black suit who works only at night, acting from the shadows, with "sidekick" boys and constantly chasing after another strange guy obsessed with his "enemy"... It all stinks of something unpleasant.
"Ding"
[New Quest SSS++: "Find a match for Batman
Description: No one has ever succeeded in this, not even God, nor the Devil, nor Alfred, nor the creators of the character. Bruce Wayne's darkness and his ability to "friend-zone" the best and most loyal beauties of the DC universe leave no chance for "taming" the most desirable bachelor.
Objective: if you change fate and manage to give him at least a normal, stable relationship (Alfred doesn't count).
Rewards:
+250 AP
+Presence respect itself
+500 relationship with Death
+10 Level Up
+ Talk no Jutsu skill by *?): %; X levels.
+Variable]
What the hell do I need this headache for?
How am I supposed to handle this?
They might as well have given me a quest to defeat Darkseid and his army solo or come up with the most twisted way to do it.
How the hell am I supposed to deal with this quest?
Even the creators of this unique character couldn't manage it. Here I am... The real problem is just Batman.
However, there's no choice, I'll have to work on this quest. At least there's no deadline or penalty for failing.
To be continued...