A new life(Marvel&DC)

As soon as everyone left my office, I started typing a new book. After all, I had promised Bruce a book in exchange for my tuition. It was time to get to work. Before this, I hadn't had any free time. I was busy with the final proofreading of Subway Surfers. But now, finally, I could devote time to writing.

I am planning to release a horror novel by the American writer Stephen King — It. The work explores important themes: the power of memory, the strength of unity, and the impact of childhood trauma on adulthood. According to the main storyline, seven friends from the fictional town of Derry, Maine, battle a monster that kills children and takes on any physical form. The story unfolds in parallel timelines, one corresponding to the protagonists' childhood and the other to their adult lives.

I feel like clowns are going to curse me for this one. Well, I basically decided to bring the novel It into this world to troll the Joker. Considering his personality, he definitely won't be able to resist. I have a feeling he'll end up being one of my biggest fans.

The only problem with this book is that it's too long! I don't know what Stephen King was thinking when he wrote it. You'd have to pray for the patience to tackle a book of this magnitude. It's much easier for me, of course, as I'm just rewriting a finished sample. Even then, it's going to take quite a bit of time. I kept typing until five o'clock in the evening.

Deciding I'd done enough for the day, I pulled out a robotics textbook from my inventory and started diving into the world of science. Time flew by as I absorbed the material. The clock showed half past eight. I had a new teacher waiting for me today, and I didn't want to be late and leave a bad impression.

Batman wasn't at the estate, so it seemed my guess about the abandoned warehouse was correct. When I got down to the cave, I found Barbara working out on the gymnastics equipment. She was dressed in a tight sports uniform, beads of sweat running down her chin... Damn, this is way too sexy!

This isn't fair! How am I supposed to train with such beauty looming before my eyes? Okay, calm down. Remember the teachings of the Shaolin monks. Free your mind and focus. Hmm, nope, it's not working!

"You here?" Noticing me, Barbara stopped her exercise and approached me. "Well, let's get started. Attack me!"

Even though I'm a guy and she's a girl, I had a gut feeling I'd be the one getting beaten up. It's not even about combat skills; based on her stats alone, she's probably stronger than me.

Alright, here goes nothing!

...Ahem, the "training" turned into an hour-long beating. And if you think I went easy on her just because she's a girl, I hate to disappoint you. It was more like she went easy on me. At least Barbara isn't as merciless as Bruce, so that's a relief.

She's strong, though. I'd estimate her "Combat Mastery" is around 78 points. Compared to that, my measly 8 looks pitiful. But I'm not discouraged. I've only been training in martial arts for a week. I've got plenty of time to improve.

After a short break, we trained for about four more hours. When we finally called it a day, we sat down to rest, and I struck up a casual conversation.

"So, you're studying to be a programmer?" I asked.

"Yes, I study at Gotham State University, and I'll be finishing this year," Barbara replied.

"So quickly? How old are you?"

"I'm 20. I'm finishing as an external student," she said with a sweet smile, a hint of smugness in her tone. I already knew she was highly intelligent—one of the best hackers in the world, in fact. When the Joker shot her, paralyzing her from the waist down, she became Oracle, serving as Batman's eyes and ears, coordinating his actions.

In terms of technical skills, she's on par with Felicity Smoak. So, the fact that she's finishing university ahead of schedule doesn't surprise me at all.

"What are you planning to do after graduation?"

"I haven't thought about it yet."

"Will you continue down the path of the heroine in the mask?" I asked, glancing at the Batgirl costume hanging on the wall.

"To be honest…" She looked at the suit with a thoughtful expression. "Lately, I've even thought about giving it up. I've been fighting crime for three years now. At first, I admired Batman and wanted to be like him—to make this city a better place. Looking back, Gotham City really has changed for the better. Knowing that we played a significant role in that makes me happy."

"And what's changed now?"

"Maybe I'm just tired of it all? I've noticed I've become more irritable lately. I keep wondering: what would happen if I just threw away the mask?" Barbara's voice carried uncertainty.

Damn, this is bad. Really, really bad. If you listen closely to her words, you can practically hear the approach of "The Killing Joke" plot line.

This is the arc where the Joker shot and kidnapped Barbara. These events contributed to the birth of Oracle. There's no way I can let this nightmare happen to her. Okay, calm down… Listen to your intuition—what does it say? Hmm, I have a feeling my future actions will fundamentally impact the events surrounding this situation.

That's good. But on the other hand, how exactly will my intervention alter the course of "The Killing Joke"? My book It? I suppose it will play a significant role in this, but I doubt it will be the only factor. Please don't tell me I'll have to face that psychopath. No, of course, I liked the Joker as a character—he's always been the most intriguing and original villain.

But that's only when you're reading comics and not meeting him in person! Well, that's a matter for the future. Then again, who wouldn't want to see the Joker in real life? Maybe I'll even find common ground with him, who knows… The best friend of the psychopathic maniac Joker—sounds good, right? Yeah, it sounds good! But regardless, I won't let anyone hurt this red-haired beauty.

"Listen, Barbara, I think you're just spending too much time on your nightly excursions. You're a beautiful, young girl, after all. Such a pastime is detrimental to you—that's likely where your sudden irritability comes from."

"Sorry, I only heard the part about: beautiful, young girl," she said with a foxish grin. "Do you really think so?"

"Of course. Has no one else told you this?" Her actions didn't faze me in the least, and I went on the offensive.

"Alfred said I was a young, beautiful lady."

"Anyone else?"

"Dick was always whispering compliments to me. But to be honest, he's always been just a friend. That's why his constant advances have become more irritating than flattering lately." That was unexpected—Barbara dated Dick Grayson for a while, but now she says he's just a friend. What happened between them to end their relationship? But it doesn't matter now. It's even better if Barbara sees him only as a friend—this is my chance. Besides, I think I've caught her attention.

"That's why, aside from Alfred and Dick, no one else has complimented me. Of course, I'm not counting those who flattered me purely out of politeness. The thing is, I'm the daughter of a police commissioner, and he's a very stern man. In short, he scared all my friends, and because of him, I still don't have a relationship," she said, revealing her frustration. Gordon, I respect you even more now. You're a wonderful father—and potentially a great father-in-law.

"That's rough. But Barbara, we've strayed too far off topic. You understand that if you continue your heroic escapades, you'll burn out. Bruce—he's a man of unshakable willpower. For him, the Batman mask isn't a burden. And, to be honest, I doubt he's even human. So don't compare yourself to him."

"And what do you suggest?"

"Maybe you should find a job? Do you attend Gotham University daily?"

"Not exactly… I've already completed the entire course and passed all the necessary tests. All that's left is the state exam at the end of the month, and I'll have my diploma."

"Were you planning on working at Wayne Enterprises? Have you spoken to Bruce about it?"

"Um… no. I had some thoughts about it. I really did plan to work there before, but now… If you're saying I need a job to take my mind off my nightlife, then Wayne's company clearly isn't the right fit," she said with a light laugh.

"In that case, would you like to work for my company? Of course, it's not on par with a behemoth like Wayne Enterprises yet, but still…"

"Did you just say 'yet'? You have very high ambitions, Alex, if you think you can raise your company to such heights."

"You have no idea how far my sights extend."

"If I agree to work for you, what position will you offer me? We'll also need to discuss my salary," she said, her demeanor shifting to that of a savvy businesswoman.

"I plan to expand my company in several directions. If the game Subway Surfers becomes popular, I'll begin developing computer games—a separate branch of the company. As the company grows, managing it alone will become increasingly difficult. I want to offer you the position of CEO of Alex Mobile, a division of Alex Enterprises focused on mobile games and applications."

"You're offering me the position of CEO for one of your company's divisions?" Barbara asked, seeking clarification.

"Yes," I confirmed.

"Are you kidding?"

"Hmmm, no?"

"Why me? You said your company will reach great heights in the future, and now you're offering me one of the top positions? Shouldn't you consider promoting someone from within first? After all, they've worked with you before, and I'm a complete newcomer."

"I'm not going to appoint anyone based on seniority. It doesn't matter if someone has been with the company for a year or two—if I don't trust them, they won't get a management position. Alex Enterprises is mine, and I hold the sole decision-making power. It's my baby, and I want it run by people I can fully trust. Right now, the only two people I rely on are my secretary, Heather, and my employee, Paul Diaz. Heather can't take the position of CEO; she's my personal assistant, and her hands are already full. As for Paul, he's an excellent programmer, but he lacks the skills to handle such a high-ranking position. In the future, I plan to make him the lead programmer and project manager."

"So you're saying you trust me enough to offer me leadership of a division? We've only known each other for two days! Don't tell me it's all about intuition," Barbara said, clearly still doubting.

"It's not just intuition, Barbara. Yes, we've only known each other for two days, but believe me, I've known you far longer than you realize."

"What do you mean by that?" she asked, seizing the chance to probe deeper.

"Don't even try. I'm not telling you."

"Hmm, fine. Keep your secrets. But Alex, are you really sure I can handle such a high position? I may be a programmer, but I don't know anything about games."

"I believe in you. You're underestimating yourself. All you need is to study the gaming industry more deeply. Once you do, I'm confident you'll even be able to create a fantastic mobile game on your own."

"You're such a flatterer," she giggled. "All right, I agree to work for you. Just don't regret it later. Oh, by the way, we haven't discussed my salary yet…"

"Will $100,000 a month suffice? And don't worry, this figure will increase over time as the company grows."

"Are you serious?" Barbara asked, clearly shocked. "Your company hasn't even turned a profit yet. It's still in its early stages."

"In two weeks, we're launching our game. And I'm confident that this event will mark our company's meteoric rise."

"You know what? Nothing surprises me anymore. I'll take your word for it," she replied, finally giving in to my unshakable confidence.

"So, what are you going to do with the Batgirl mask? Will you give it up?" My question made her pause and think deeply.

"I've decided that my work will come first. I'll continue being Batgirl, but only when it's truly necessary and only in my free time. I don't think Bruce or Dick will mind much. In fact, they'll probably feel relieved. They've always been worried about me when I'm out there. You're right, Alex—I'm young, and I need to consider my health. For now, Batgirl will take a backseat."

I had hoped she would give up the mask entirely, but this compromise was good enough. There are events in the future where Batgirl will play a significant role.

Our conversation continued for another hour before we wrapped up. Barbara agreed to come by the company tomorrow to get acquainted with the premises.

In hindsight, my decision to give the employees a day off tomorrow turned out to be the right one.

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