"What's going on with the police these days?"
Karl had no intention of continuing the conversation about riddles and naturally shifted to another subject.
After all, his primary official position was still chief of the Arkham District precinct.
Recently, he had handed much of the day-to-day work over to Deadshot while also having him train a highly capable new team.
"No news from Lawton is good news."
Edward Nygma shook his head.
"If something came up that he couldn't handle, he would have contacted you a long time ago. So there's nothing to worry about."
Karl nodded.
Given the path Floyd Lawton had originally taken to become one of the mercenary world's finest assassins, Deadshot possessed more than enough ability, experience, and resources for the job.
He was capable of operating with the Suicide Squad.
Having someone like that train a group of new police recruits was almost excessive.
Karl was confident that even while he was away, the Arkham District precinct would remain firmly under control.
"As long as Lawton is holding down the fort, my hands are free."
Karl spoke coldly, a dangerous glint flashing through his eyes.
Edward immediately noticed the change in his expression.
"What? You have another plan?"
"Of course."
Karl's voice became colder.
"We're organizing Gotham City's talent competition, and not a single television station is willing to cooperate with us. They won't even run the most ordinary advertisements."
"That's arrogance."
Karl narrowed his eyes.
"Did Falcone leaving make them think Gotham's rules had suddenly changed?"
"What a joke."
Edward understood exactly what Karl meant.
He had been present for the broadcasters' alliance meeting.
Those so-called television moguls had demanded that Karl hand over a program that was almost certain to become a major hit to one of their large companies.
They had not even been willing to seriously consider allowing Karl to retain control of it.
By this point, Karl had already become an influential figure in both Gotham's legitimate circles and its underworld.
He had possessed enough power to bring down people like Commissioner Loeb and Carmine Falcone.
Yet the television industry had still managed to stonewall him.
No wonder Karl was still furious.
"But... registration has already started."
Edward lowered his voice.
"If anything happens during this period, it could easily destroy the position we've built for ourselves."
"If we do nothing now, they'll start imagining that we're afraid of them."
Karl's expression remained serious.
"Then they'll prepare one dirty trick after another and wait for us."
"Instead of sitting here and waiting for them to attack us, we might as well move first and teach these people who have forgotten the rules a proper lesson."
"That way, we won't have to struggle through every stage of the production afterward."
"We'll create a much better working environment for ourselves."
Edward slowly nodded.
"In that case... should we set things up at the old place?"
"The Gotham meat-processing plant."
A faint smile appeared on his face.
"The hooks and freezers are already there. They make excellent interrogation tools."
"Back in the day, Sal Maroni supposedly loved taking people who crossed him there."
"He'd throw them straight into the meat grinder, can what came out, and sell it at the market."
Edward glanced toward Karl.
"If you give those media moguls a tour tonight, I imagine they'll become much more respectful."
"Good."
Karl shrugged indifferently.
"Let's do it."
Then he added,
"And that is exactly why I never eat canned meat from Gotham."
"God only knows when you'll open one and find a finger inside."
With that, Karl led his men away to prepare their move against the broadcasters' alliance.
...
As night gradually descended over Gotham City, Diana discarded the elegant dress she had carefully chosen earlier and changed into her Amazon battle armor.
She quietly looked around.
After confirming that nobody was watching, Wonder Woman carefully tried to slip out of the house.
She had barely reached the door when a conspicuous cough sounded behind her.
Then came a distinctly displeased voice.
"And where exactly are you going, Your Highness?"
Diana's body stiffened.
Only for a moment.
Then she immediately recovered and turned around with a bright smile.
"Haha... I was just thinking about following up on the information concerning our people's divine weapon."
She looked at the Amazon warrior standing behind her.
"You're here too? What a coincidence."
"I thought you had already left on your assignment."
The Amazon warrior clearly did not believe a word of it.
Her eyes moved slowly toward the sword and shield in Diana's hands.
She hesitated for a moment before asking,
"Oh?"
"Do you normally need that many weapons just to gather information?"
"Well..."
Diana's voice became quieter.
"I was just thinking that if something troublesome happened..."
Before she could finish, the Amazon warrior calmly interrupted her.
"If what happens?"
"You run into Ares leading thousands of soldiers here to kill you?"
She gave Diana a flat look.
"Please."
"This is Man's World. Nobody here is threatening you."
"You're obviously just looking for an excuse to fight someone."
Caught out so directly, Diana blushed and laughed awkwardly.
To be fair, Maxie Zeus certainly had a remarkable talent for provoking trouble.
It had only been a few days since the latest incident involving one of Washington's most powerful women, and Diana had already become angry enough to threaten to tear his place apart.
The Amazon warrior sighed helplessly.
"Your Highness, there are far too many things like this in the world."
"Didn't you say so yourself?"
"It's just some clown's stunt."
"There are countless people in Man's World who use Father Zeus's name."
"We cannot possibly deal with every single one of them."
"Just think of it as another mortal paying tribute to Father Zeus."
Diana closed her eyes.
She waited until the warrior, who had clearly been sent to represent her mother's wishes, finally finished speaking.
Then she looked at her pitifully.
The Amazon warrior stared at the princess for a moment.
Eventually, she sighed.
"Fine..."
"Go."
"But don't forget to ask around about the divine artifact while you're out."
"And remember this above all else—don't hurt anyone unless it is absolutely necessary."
The instant Diana realized she had been given permission to leave, she could no longer remain still.
She shot out of the house like a gust of wind.
Only a few words echoed back through the corridor.
"Okay! I know!"
Whether she had actually remembered more than half of the warning was something only the gods could know.
Gotham City was a place overflowing with crime.
For Diana, it meant she could finally wield her sword and shield again and punish those who preyed on others, just as she had once done during the First World War.
What she did not know was that someone was already hiding in the darkness.
Quietly searching for her.
Waiting for the moment when Diana lowered her guard.
And preparing to reveal sharp claws and fangs.
(End of Chapter)
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