"Ah, well, alright."
Axel nodded at the waitress's explanation.
"I originally wanted to warn you not to come to Gotham. That place is… strange. But I see you've already learned its ways. You're not exactly angels. Fine, then. For those born in Gotham, no matter how far they wander, it always draws them back."
He smiled, patting her shoulder.
"Gotham will be chaotic for a while. When you go back, try not to cause too much trouble. Once I sort things out, you might actually survive."
"Don't worry, Boss Axel!"
The waitress nodded eagerly and hugged him.
While hugging, she pressed a heavy kiss to his cheek.
Blushing, she let go and pulled her boyfriend over.
"Danny, give the car keys back to Boss Axel. These bikes belong to him."
"This… alright, Boss Axel. Thanks."
Danny handed over the keys reluctantly.
Axel grinned and patted his arm.
"I don't rob the poor, kid. You two can keep the Ghost Fire bikes. People with less than ten thousand Dollars, watches included, don't even qualify as prey. I'm at the top of the food chain. Rich guys harvest the poor to make money, I harvest the rich to survive, and I let a few scraps fall for the small fry. That's the ecosystem of the top."
Axel suddenly remembered something and waved them on.
"Since you've learned the Gotham ways, can you steal cars?"
"Of course!" the waitress said, eyes lighting up.
She quickly scanned the street and pointed at a white BMW.
"Boss, do you need a car? I can handle that one!"
"Then go, make it fast."
Axel playfully slapped her butt to urge her along.
Danny's face turned green as he stepped forward.
"I'll go instead. I'm better than Lisa. Let her stay with you."
"What the hell are you talking about? You two go together! I'm still waiting to drive!"
Axel gave Danny a light kick, sending him stumbling into his girlfriend's arms.
Lisa hugged him, nodding excitedly.
"Done in under a minute, Boss!"
"Good, go."
Within a minute, the BMW roared to life.
Axel walked over, satisfied.
"Good work. When you're in Gotham, if trouble comes, drop my name."
"That would be our honor, Boss Axel!"
The waitress and her boyfriend returned to their bikes.
Axel got in the driver's seat and took control of the car.
Before leaving, he glanced back at the female streamer he had knocked unconscious. She was now surrounded by other streamers.
"Families, look! She lying in the flower bed makes such a great shot! After the ambulance, I'll try it too!"
"Do I have to be unconscious to be beautiful? Who will knock me out next?"
"Wait, the Viking barbarian stole another BMW!"
Axel's expression didn't change.
He raised his middle finger at the cameras and floored the accelerator.
Sparks flew as the BMW tore toward North Square.
Armored vehicles and soldiers saw him approaching, guns and autocannons raised.
Axel slowed briefly, scanning the battlefield.
Corpses of ninjas and soldiers were being collected and transported.
Some soldiers even sent video reports of Axel to a distant general.
General Sam Lane, chatting with an old military veteran, froze when he saw Axel on the tablet.
He pinched his thigh hard in disbelief.
The veteran frowned.
"Why stop talking, Sam? Explain this. You let Axel escape, ruined cooperation with LexCorp. You're a failure. And you want Amanda's project? She's competent. You… not so much."
"Shut up! Axel is here!" Sam snapped, showing him the tablet.
The veteran paused, then grabbed his walkie-talkie.
"Attention! Target Axel is approaching. Await orders. Open fire if necessary!"
"Open fire? You idiot! That only makes him stronger!" Sam grabbed the device back.
"Leviathan, you only brought the National Guard, but I have Seal Team Six. Still, he personally killed over thirty men. No matter how many times we hit him, he comes back stronger!"
"Damn it!" General Leviathan Taylor's eyes widened.
"You mean he's immortal? Amanda's rumor was real?"
"Yes. She may talk big, but I witnessed it. Our soldiers and equipment are no match. I need to talk to him myself."
Leviathan nodded.
"Sam, I've been retired. Managing the Kansas National Guard is just a pastime. I won't get involved. Talk to him yourself. The mercenary ninjas are gone. My men outside the town can protect you. It's settled."
Leviathan grabbed the walkie-talkie again.
"I've received reports of illegal poaching south of Smallville. Lawless! Forget the bodies! Stop them immediately! Move out now!"