Shaedy Hoe: Very good question about the classes, I thought someone would have asked sooner. The way I've planned out my classes is different than normal cases, I think.
However, It will be explained in time.
I'll give you this piece of info though. Levelling up classes doesn't give you new skills, in this case, unarmed combat skills. There's a way I'm going to go about it and introduce it into the story.
This hasn't been explicitly stated yet, but for each new class you get, you only get 1 free skill with it. In this case, it was [Krav Maga]. There's going to be a way(That I hope is unique) to get other fighting skills. I didn't want to go down the same route as other gamer fics, so I wanted to make it different.
This will be the same for all other physical classes, like swordsmanship. Magic classes are different, but we'll be exploring that later.
I know this didn't explain much, but I didn't want to spoil too much. Thanks for the review (:
Saelinne: Lot of questions to unpack here, but I'll do my best. For your first, yes [Narcissistic Personality] can eventually be removed because it's a trait flaw. However, [Plant Caretaker] cannot. Plant caretaker makes her feel more for plants than humans, so even if she does remove her trait, she will never be fully "Good". It can't be removed because it's a perk that came with the transformation, like how the original Ivy valued plant life way way more than human.
I already partially answered the class question, so just look at what I wrote above. For the last part about not seeing what the classes give - There was reasoning for that. She had just been placed into the dying body of Pamela. She was hurting, in pain and confused. I think it would be a bit out of character if she immediately went through all the classes as she can feel herself dying.
She went with Brawler at first glance because under duress she had a perk which would benefit from it, even though it might not have been the smartest choice.
The dungeons aren't the full world of that specific universe, no. And it's usually modified, so it's not exactly the same as that world. For chapter 3, it was Racoon City obviously, but the underground bunker was changed and moved. If she tried to leave the city, there would be an invisible boundary of sorts, like if you tried to leave the playable area of the game.
She can go back into the dungeon, but only the starter dungeon will provide a challenge(because it scales) and bosses do not respawn. Minions do, however.
Guest: 'Why does Ivy not have more plant skills?'
So this isn't said aloud, but it's shown. Every five levels, Ivy gains a choice between two or more skills. The one she chooses she gets, the rest go into the skill market to purchase later. There are other ways to get her plant powers, but they aren't accessible to her yet.
Your second point about her creating skills - By the third chapter, she'd only been transformed for a day. Not much time for experimenting.
By chapter four, she'd had her hands full preparing for the heist while levelling the skills she already had, leaving her almost no time with experimenting.
If you're worried that the Botanist skill is going to be underutilized, don't worry. She's only been in DC not even a week by Chapter four, so there's plenty of time.
HappyZombie: Regarding Mrs Davis. Will she be an important character?
I leave that up to you to interpret. Perhaps she is an important character that will return later, or maybe I only introduced her to show that Ivy hates old women.
One last thing, I'll say this now in case anyone is wondering. This particular universe of DC isn't one, in particular, it's a mashup of lots of different ones. That way I have more creative writing freedom and not stuck with certain versions of the character that I may not enjoy writing.
Quest completed!
Your First Act
Rewards: [Affection with the following: Catwoman, Deathstroke,??? And ???, 4500XP, 1 Million dollars, jewellery items, Gacha token
[Congratulations! You have reached level 20. 200 hundred credits awarded.]
[Feat completed: You have completed three normal quests. 300 Credits awarded.]
Choose one skill:
[Defender of Ivy]
A wall of wood as strong as steel bursts from the ground in front of you, protecting you from all damage.
Or
[Pollen Blast]
A blast of pollen that knocks your opponents unconscious for 30 minutes. Cannot stack.
The rewards from the quest weren't too groundbreaking, but the gacha token was nice. [Pollen Blast] was too similar to [Paralytic Touch], so I chose the shield option. It'll be nice to have defensive power.
My attention returns to Catwoman, currently leading me to her group. Admittedly, I'm tense at the thought of meeting a super-soldier, but the good outweighs the bad.
Catwoman stops before a door, turning back to me.
"Just a sec Red. I want to talk to you before we go in."
Catwoman had led me to a desolate-looking building, the outside was crumbling and decaying. Inside wasn't much better, the smell of damp and rotting wood following me wherever I went.
I didn't want to be here any longer than I needed to be.
"Right... What is it?"
Her demeanour became serious, slightly surprising me. On the way here she had been a mix of things: Playful, Talkative, and very touchy. But serious? It was a total shift from how she was acting moments ago.
Her voice became a whisper, "There are very dangerous people within that room. I know it might be hard, but I'm asking you to be nice. Annoying them won't end well. For either of us."
Nice? That was almost a foreign word to me now. There was no benefit from being nice except a dagger in the back later down the line, but in this instance, I suppose it's called for. Deathstroke is someone you don't want to piss off.
"I get it. No insulting anyone. No annoying anyone."
She smiles.
"Thanks, Red. I took a big risk inviting you along. You're my protégé now, so to speak. If you go down, you'll be dragging me with you."
Catwoman as my mentor?
I'll go along with it for now. She's been in the crime industry for years now, she might have useful contacts I can nab.
"I understand. What should I call you?"
She leans against the wall, a focused look on her face.
"Huh... How about you come up with a nickname for me?"
"I'm not really good with names.."
"You're not getting out of it. I gave you one, now it's your turn." She pauses, waiting for an answer.
"Eh, I guess you can just call me Selina until you've thought of one."
She doesn't wait for my reply, gripping the door handle. She glances over to me looking for permission. I nod in confirmation.
The door opens easily, allowing me to look inside the room. It's a lot fancier than the rest of the building, candles littering the room. The floor of the room looks like an expensive oak, the patterns swirling on the floorboards.
I cautiously enter the room, spotting a table with three men sitting at it. I quickly cast [Observe] on them.
Thomas Elliot - Lvl.14
HP:125
MP:0
SP:115
STR: 18
CON:10
DEX:15
INT:39
WIS:19
CHA:28
LUK:10
Thoughts about you - He is very interested in learning more about you.
Victor Fries AKA Mr Freeze- Lvl 95
HP:680
MP:0
SP:240
STR: 64
CON:59
DEX:23
INT:178
WIS:44
CHA:13
LUK:19
Thoughts about you - Indifference. He only cares for his wife.
Slade Wilson AKA Deathstroke - Lvl 176
HP:2,200
MP:100
SP:680
STR: 179
CON:220
DEX:146
INT:166
WIS:98
CHA:55
LUK:56
Thoughts about you - Thinks you're useless and a waste of time.
My blood freezes. Selina was right, this room is dangerous. Deathstroke's stats utterly dwarf mine. One wrong move could end in my death.
[Ethereal Beauty Perk Activated!]
[5 Affection with Thomas Elliot]
[2 Affection with Victor Fries]
[1 Affection with Deathstroke]
Thomas nods at me, asking me to take a seat.
The three figures stare at me in silence.
"Miss Isley. Thank you for joining us."
Thomas speaks up first, grabbing and opening a file.
"Before we begin, I'd like to discuss something with you. Relating to your time spent underground."
He turns the file, showing the contents to me. Photos of me, when I was trapped in Woodrues laboratory. Passed out, showing different stages of my transformation.
Seeing the photos brings out a wave of familiar anger in me. Being in such a vulnerable position by such a pitiful man was utterly humiliating. I look back to Thomas, my hand tightening under the table.
"Nothing to say? That's understandable. I, however, find this fascinating. This experimental toxin, it has changed you completely, mentally and physically."
He studies me for a few moments, before nodding to himself.
I have no patience nor the will to talk about Woodrue or his experiments, so I stay silent.
"Such an intellectually stimulating conversation. Very well, we'll talk more of this later."
He pauses, taking a sip from a glass placed next to him, "To the next topic of discussion. Your recent accomplishment. The robbery of Gotham Bank. How much did you earn?"
"Two hundred thousand. Plus a few jewels." I reply without missing a beat.
I know they'll know I'm lying, the bank had much more money than that. But they aren't aware of my ability to store objects in my inventory, so they'll estimate the real amount to be double what I said.
Deathstroke breaks his act of silence, "Somehow, I doubt that's true. I'm not here to play games. Lie to me again and I'll start with your fingers if you catch the meaning."
Ouch. Very hostile. It's time for [Acting] to come into play. It's under levelled compared to the rest of my skills, hopefully, CHA will make up the difference.
I curse under my breath, heaving a dramatic sigh.
"I got five hundred thousand. I had to get rid of the guys helping me so I couldn't carry as much. That's the truth."
The two men look between each other, nodding slowly.
[Lie Successful.]
[Acting Increased by 1 level!]
"We want 30%. One hundred and fifty thousand."
150 thousand? For doing what? I planned it myself, executed it myself and escaped myself. These clowns did nothing.
I go to protest but I feel a gentle squeeze on my shoulder. Selina stands there, shaking her head.
Right. Deathstroke could probably sneeze on me and I'd die at my current level. I reign in my anger, but I don't let it disappear. Remain calm Ivy, deep breaths...
I force a smile on my face, "Of course. That's acceptable. You want anything else? Maybe a stick to shove up your ass?"
Oops. Looks like I'm still pretty pissed.
"I don't think you understand the situation. I could kill you a hundred different ways in this room before you have the chance to blink."
[-2 Affection lost with Deathstroke]
"Deathstroke. Miss Isley's hostility is understandable, right? I'm sure we can compromise. 20% is the lowest we can go."
Thomas's name is vaguely familiar, but I can't bring myself to care at the moment. I suppose 20% is better than 30, but this is still borderline robbery.
"20% is certainly more doable. Thanks for being so reasonable, Mr Elliot."
Shit. Angering Deathstroke is definitely not a good idea, but I couldn't help myself.
"Of course. Now, I understand you're here at the request of our dear feline friend. She assures us you have a unique set of skills that could be of use to us."
"That depends on what you need me for."
The room goes quiet again, tension filling the air. Deathstroke is glaring at me, no doubt thinking about how he's going to kill me. I thought this guy only killed who'd he been hired to kill, or is this a different version?
"Our client has expressed deep interest in you. We've been permitted to let you in on the job, considering you prove yourself to us."
Victor unsurprisingly hasn't said anything yet. He's fixated on his tablet, oblivious to the conversation taking place.
"I was under the impression that the bank job was my test. That's what I was told."
The longer I'm in this room, the more agitated I'm getting. People are not my speciality, especially when one of them is itching to kill you.
"Then think of this as the final test. Our client wants you to spar with Deathstroke, see where your current skill level is. Is that acceptable?"
No, that is not acceptable. Deathstroke wants to murder me, and I have no doubt he'll succeed.
Slade stands, drawing a sword from his back, "Business and pleasure should always be kept separated. I'll make an exception for you."
Shouldn't [Code Of Assassins] be helping me gain affection with this guy?
"And if I refuse?"
Thomas's smile dropped, a stoic look befalling his face, "One doesn't refuse our client. Those that do? They tend to...disappear. Permanently."
Ah. I'm beginning to think that coming here was a mistake. As much as I'd like to knock Slade on his ass, he's a super-soldier with years of combat experience. I've got a couple of days under my belt. [Krav Maga] is suited for street-level thugs, not trained assassins.
I need to buy time. Lots of it, preferably. That's the one advantage I have against nearly everyone in this world. I can continually grow, I don't necessarily have a peak. I just need time.
"And when would this 'spar' take place?"
"Right now. Is that a problem?"
Well shit. There's no point in running. Deathstroke will hunt me down regardless. I could live in a dungeon until I'm strong enough, but what about Gotham? Dungeons age the same as Gotham does, and there's no telling how long it'll take me to catch up to Slade without the rewards of the main quests of the real world.
"No, there's no problem. May I use the bathroom to change into the proper attire first? I can't be sparring in this."
Changing from my trench coat and using the [Mother Of Plants] armour set will definitely close the gap, even if it's just a little. In hindsight, I should have brought Quiet along. She could have evened the odds.
Thomas nods, "Cat. Show Miss Isley to the bathroom and then take her to the backyard."
I stand, Selina grabbing my arm and linking it with hers. We leave the room, the tension dissipating from my shoulders.
There's no time to waste. I need a plan. Unfortunately, Deathstroke has no glaring weaknesses I can take advantage of.
[Paralytic Touch] won't work while he's wearing that thick armour. I have no idea if [Root Strike] can pierce it.
I turn my gaze to Selina.
"You didn't tell me this was going to happen, Selina."
"I didn't know this was going to happen. But it is. Nothing I can do about it."
"Are you serious? That guy is going to slaughter me. I don't stand a chance."
"You don't have to beat him, just impress him. That's the whole point of the test."
I snort, "Impress him? How the hell would I do that?"
She shrugs, "I don't know. But he seems the type of man to respect a good fight."
We reach the bathroom, Selina removing her arm from mine. I go to enter but Selina stops me.
"You need help changing, Miss Isley?"
"Very funny, Miss Kyle."
"How do--"
I walk into the bathroom, leaving a bewildered Selina behind. The lights of the bathroom flicker eerily, leaving the room in darkness every few moments. The tiles of the bathroom are cracked and dirty, a unique odour drifting about the room.
I move into the end stall, equipping my [Mother Of Plants] armour set, immediately feeling the increase of power in my body.
But this still wouldn't be enough. I need more.
Lucy, open the perk store and filter out anything I've already seen before. That includes any power skills from levelling.
[Affirmative. There are 10 new perks since your last visit to the store. Displaying now.]
I scan the list, though most of them are useless or unneeded for the fight, but there are three that I take an interest in.
[Spore Control] - Lvl.1
Your botanist skills combined with your newfound powers allow you to influence the spores around you, in the air and the soil, bending them to your will. Spores controlled by you are much deadlier than they usually would be. 360 credits.
[Levelling up this ability will allow you to create spores of your own instead of just influencing them.]
[Plant Trap] - Lvl. 1
A plant that is shaped and acts like a bear trap - when pressure is placed it will snap back and hold whatever triggered it in place. 100 credits
[Photographic Memory]
You remember all that you see exactly as it was. The time to learn and improve skills is halved. This includes mental and physical skills. - 700 credits
I need [Photographic Memory]. It'll make learning skills much easier but I can't afford it right now, due to me only having 600 credits.
A plan begins to form in my mind with the other two skills. Thanks to my [Botanist] skill, I know a way I can use the spores to my advantage. Spores are nearly always around us in the air. If I could carefully place traps around the yard before Slade got there and buy some time, I may be able to damage him enough to disable him, for a time at least.
Purchase [Spore Control] and [Plant Trap].
[Spore Control] and [Plant Trap] cost a total of 460 credits. Confirm purchase?
I mentally select yes.
The two skills are added to my inventory. Is there anything else I can use to my advantage? I don't know much about Slade, except he's a badass who is easily on par with an experienced Batman.
Lucy, do I have any unassigned stats?
[You have 65 unassigned stats.]
I need to be fast for this, and maybe a little lucky. My plan is suicidal, but I think I might be able to pull it off.
Lucy, 60 points into DEX and 5 into LUK and then display my stats.
Pamela Ivy - Level 20
HP:170
MP:100
SP:190
STR: 58
CON:12
DEX:105
INT:72
WIS:21
CHA:55
LUK:15
[Congratulations! For reaching 100 DEX, you have received a unique bonus!]
[Nimble]
You have reached the peak of human speed and broke beyond it, being faster than nearly every human on the planet.
I nod to myself in satisfaction. This is exactly what I need. Now, for the final stage of my plan I need, unfortunately, Selina's help.
I exit the stall, leaving the musky and infested bathroom. Selina stands outside the door, still in the same place I left her.
"I need a favour, Selina."
She crosses her arms and raises an eyebrow.
"I need you to distract Deathstroke and Thomas, just for a couple of minutes while I set something up."
She shakes her head, "No. If you end up running away under my watch, it's my neck on the line. Listen Red, I like you. But I'm not going to risk my life needlessly so you can run."
I move closer to her, "I'm not running. I just need to set a few things up in the backyard to even things out a little. I promise I'm not running."
"I'm sorry. You can't blame me for being sceptical, can you? If I was in your position, I'd be out of here too."
I activate [Pheromone Influence], grabbing her hand, locking our hands together.
"Please, Selina. I'll owe you a favour, no strings attached. Anything you want."
Her face shows a mixture of emotions, all clashing together. She sighs, letting go of my hand.
[5 Affection with Catwoman.]
"I can't say no to that face... Fine. I can buy you a few minutes. But you owe me big time. Now go."
She left without another word, leaving me alone.
This was going to be a tough fight, there's no doubt about it, but I have faith in my abilities.
I head towards the courtyard, beginning the first stage of my plan.
"And that's the story of how I robbed one of the richest men in the entire world. Crazy right?"
Selina stood at the exit of the room, preventing anyone from leaving.
Thomas and Deathstroke looked at her with an unimpressed look, "Listen Catwoman, if this is some sort of stalling attempt to let your friend escape it won't matter, you know that right?"
Thomas spoke with an intimidating tone, glaring at Selina. Slade stood by him, his hand itching to draw his sword.
"Stalling? I'm hurt, Elliot. I would never do such a thing. I'm just trying to bond with the team."
Deathstroke spoke in a gruff tone, "I'm in no mood for games. Move or I kill you. We can find plenty of thieves in Gotham just as good as you."
Selina rolled down her sleeve, checking her watch. Only two minutes had passed.
"Deathstroke, you haven't been specifically hired to kill Red, right? Why do you want to kill her so much?"
"I'm not going to kill her. Just make her hurt. Hurt very badly."
Selina goes to speak again but is interrupted by a blast of ice hitting the wall next to her. She turns to see Freeze aiming his Freeze Ray at her.
"Every minute we spend squabbling here is another minute I lose time with Nora. Move along, little cat. Or you'll be turned into a human icicle. "
Selina reluctantly stands away from the door, swallowing nervously, "Okay, okay. God, no one can take a joke around here..."
The three men ignore her and begin moving towards the courtyard.
She looks at the exit of the door, muttering to herself, "Good luck. You'll need it."
-Later
Deathstroke stood at the edge of the courtyard, staring at the woman across from him. She bore a confident stance, her arms crossed and her scarlet hair blowing in the wind. She wore some strange looking plant armour that hugged her body perfectly, as if it was made for exactly her.
Slade surveyed the battleground, looking for anything she could use to her advantage. He was mostly unaware of her abilities, except for the fact she could summon giant plants from the ground, meaning her powers were related to earth and nature.
Trees stood behind her and leaves littered the concrete which he stood on. If she had full control of plants, or nature itself, he would have already lost.
Good. So she's not as powerful as he initially thought. This would be easy then.
He stepped forward, drawing his pistol, intent on ending this quickly.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you. This courtyard is my playground, my turf. I'm giving you one chance to surrender."
Her voice danced in his ears, the sound of her soothing voice pleasing his brain. He hated it. There was something off about this woman, something evil. Everything about her screamed perfect yet he could feel something sinister hiding behind her ethereal exterior.
Regardless, she was too confident for his liking. She had something up her sleeve.
"Surrender? That's impossible. I always complete the job."
Deathstroke's eyes searched the area again, looking for anything which would explain her confidence. There was nothing behind him, above him or to the side of him.
Nobody was hiding in the trees or the grass. So why was she so confident?
He had sharpened his mind for years now to become a tactical genius, to know all the factors of a battle before he participated.
The fact was, he was in the dark about the full extent of her abilities.
He aimed his gun at her, aiming between the eyes.
His client had told him to test her. If she was capable, she'd join the job. If not, she was to be killed. That's just how the underworld worked. The weak die and the strong thrive.
He tightened his grip around the gun, taking a deep breath. He squeezed the trigger, the shot echoing throughout the courtyard, his helmet protecting him from the noise. A wisp of smoke floated from the barrel, a barely audible whizzing sound emanating from the gun.
He had missed, somehow...
Ah, that was why.
Across from him, a wooden shield stood protectively in front of the girl; it looks like she has defensive capabilities as well.
Trying to shoot her would be pointless then. She has fast enough reflexes to block a bullet easily. Melee it is. He withdrew his sword from its scabbard slowly, the metal letting out a slow scratching sound as it was pulled from its home.
This was dragging on, and he disliked having to waste time with pointless matters. It was time to end this.
A Death Sentence - Normal Quest
You have accepted a spar which will surely end in your death. Find a way to live.
Difficulty: Near Impossible
Objective: Survive
Rewar--
Looks like even the system doesn't have much faith in my survival. Honestly, if it wasn't for my trait, I don't think I would either.
I don't have time to read the rewards so I close the quest, eyeing Deathstroke from across me. I have no idea why the guy has such a hate boner for me, sure, maybe I had a little bit of attitude with him, but nothing to warrant this kind of special attention.
His attempt to kill me via firearm failed miserably and now he's stalking towards me with his sword. Unknown to him, the courtyard is filled with traps courtesy of Selina stalling for time.
Just a little closer...
Deathstroke stands in one of my traps and a loud snap fills the air, my trap wrapping itself around his leg in an attempt to pierce his armour.
[Deathstroke] -10HP
He swings his sword which cuts the trap in half, continuing his march towards me.
Only -10HP? I was hoping it would do more...
I pull out the MP5 from my inventory, unleashing a hail of bullets that race towards him. Due to my inexperience, he weaved through most of them and deflected the ones which were on target.
He sped up and started to charge towards me. He was fast. Much faster than I expected. While the street thugs moved basically in slow motion, Slade was running at me in a way I was barely able to perceive. I just managed to jump into a tree before he reached me.
His sword slashed through the air, in the previous position I was in. He didn't relent though, following me into the tree, setting off another trap.
[Deathstroke] -15HP
It didn't even slow him down this time. Shit, he was gaining on me rapidly.
I summon a [Root Strike, which rockets from the ground and directly into the centre of Slade, sending him into the back of a tree.
[Deathstroke] -106HP
I pant slightly, my body already becoming tired. I seriously need an endurance perk.
I feel a scream, a shout of warning from the plants to move which I follow without hesitation. I feel the wind whistle, a vibration occurring right next to my ear. A sword flies from the area where Slade was launched, nicking the side of my ear and impaling itself into the building behind me.
-5HP
I've had [Listener Of Plants] activated since the start of the fight, hoping they could provide Intel for me. They did better.
Deathstroke emerges from the bushes beneath the tree, covered in leaves and branches.
[Gamer's Mind] has been keeping me relatively calm so far, but I can feel the adrenaline building up within me, clouding my thoughts.
He stands on another trap, leaning down to rip it off.
I summon a [Venus Flytrap] which erupts from the ground and swallows him. I'm not confident it'll kill him, but I need to buy time.
Several moments pass and nothing happens.
Then I feel a cry of pain from the plant I summoned. Dammit. The ground trembles again, the Flytrap emerging from the ground, the last of its life fading. Deathstroke exits the flytrap, looking relatively unharmed.
[Deathstroke] -50HP
I just need a few more minutes...
He flies towards me again, even faster than before. I don't have time to dodge, only to block. He delivers a punch to my gut, sending me a few feet backwards.
-30HP
Blood rushes to my mouth and onto the floor, emerald blood seeping into the soil. I hear footsteps growing closer. I try to stand, but it's no use. My legs refuse to stand.
I glance over to Deathstroke, summoning two [Root Strike].
My SP is nearly drained now, using all these passive and active abilities drained it quickly. I de-activate all the passives I don't need and crawl towards the trunk of a broken tree, sitting up against it.
Deathstroke has disappeared... Did my [Root Strike] get him? No, that's just hopeful thinking.
I take a few deep breathes, weakly standing against the base of the tree. One punch to my gut and I'm nearly disabled. How am I so pathetically weak?
I need to get rid of the negative side of [Glass Cannon] as soon as possible.
I hear the crunch of dead leaves in front of me, Deathstroke once again appearing from the bushes. He looks pissed. I try to move from the tree, but my legs won't cooperate.
Useless fucking body.
"Deathstroke... How about we-"
My attempt at speaking results in a coughing fit, more blood spilling from my mouth and onto the ground.
The assassin continues to move towards me and I can do nothing to stop him. My last remaining SP has only enough for one task.
He reaches me, grabbing my throat and throwing me onto the ground.
- 10HP
Throughout the pain racking my body, the burning feeling that blossoms throughout my chest, I cannot help but laugh.
"You really must be crazy... I've had people beg, scream, cry, everything. But no one has ever laughed."
Deathstroke speaks up, standing over my body.
"So, mind telling me what's funny?"
The difference between Level 20 and 176 is just too much, it seems.
"Aha, I was just thinking how much your punches tickle. You hit like a child."
"That is funny, considering I'm up here and you're on the ground, eating dirt like the insect you are."
I was hoping it would have kicked in by now, but I guess he isn't a super-soldier for nothing. Stall for time, Ivy.
"Slade Wilson. How's the eye?"
He picks me up by the hair, raising me into the air.
"How the hell do you know my name? Are you working for someone? Tell me. Now."
I let out a chuckle, thoroughly enjoying his confusion. Having leverage over someone is truly an exhilarating feeling.
I don't answer. Looks like he doesn't know that Catwoman knows? Or maybe he didn't expect her to tell me.
"Torture then."
His fist crashes into my face, my nose crunching in protest and a few teeth exiting from my mouth.
-25HP
I'm unable to form coherent thoughts as his fist winds up to punch again.
"Looks like you're not as tough as I thought. I'll have to hold back a little. Don't want you dying too soon."
Another punch lands, in my ribs this time. They crack under the pressure and I let out a small cry of pain. My whole body aches.
-15HP
"I'm giving you one last chance, Lady. I can end you right now, no more pain. Or we can continue this pointless charade. You'll tell me what I want eventually."
My eyes stare into the sockets of his mask, my mouth unmoving.
He sighs, "Fine. The hard way."
His fist slams into my skull, a piercing hot flash taking over my vision.
'Sis? Are you okay?'
I look around in confusion, turning my attention back to the girl in front of me.
'I'm... I'm fine Soph. Just a headache. Are you hungry?'
She nods, an innocent smile on her face.
'Okay. Give me twenty and I'll have something for you. How about... Um... A peanut butter sandwich!''
'But we always have peanut sandwiches!'
I ruffle her hair, a small smile on my face.
'I know, I know. But it's the only thing I'm good at making. I promise we'll have something different tomorrow.'
She holds out her pinky, 'Pinky promise?'
I giggle, wrapping my pinky around hers.
'Pinky promise.'
"Are you listening? Or did I turn you vegetable?"
I'm back from wherever I was, Slade still holding his bloodied gauntlet in front of my face. What was that? Future me? Alternative universe me? It felt so... real.
Slade goes to punch me again but stops. He falls into a coughing fit, dropping me, leaving me to slump onto the ground. He begins to splutter, falling to his knees. Fucking finally.
He removes his helmet, a black liquid flowing from his mouth. Slade is quite handsome under his mask, his white hair and one eye giving him a certain element of charm.
His coughing fit stops, looking to me, fury evident in his eyes, "What did you do to me?"
Pain flashes throughout my whole body as I speak. Every word taxing my lungs.
"His.. to...Plas... mosis."
I cough up another glob of green blood, spewing it all over the ground. My lungs feel a little lighter now and breathing comes a little easier.
"Enjoy it, fucker."
Histoplasmosis is a fungus spore, which was the only harmful spore around this area. Admittedly, there was only a small amount so leading Deathstroke around to where it was concentrated was difficult, but all I had to do was activate it. Normally it wouldn't be unleashed into the air unless it was disturbed, by a demolition site or something similar, but my influence allowed me to control and activate it.
It usually takes weeks or even months for symptoms to show, and even then they're not that deadly. But, with my [Botanist] skill, my spore ability is a lot more dangerous.
An unnatural cracking sound coming from my ribs brings me from my musings. That didn't sound good.
I need sunlight, immediately. My body will heal over time in the sun and my wounds will heal. The problem is, I don't even remember what time the fight started. It could be hours till day.
I hear grunting, Slade standing up shakily. His eyes snap to me, an unrecognisable emotion hiding in his eyes. He drags himself over to me, grabbing my hair violently and lifting me high, my feet no longer touching the ground.
"You think a bit of plant spore is going to kill me? Think again."
I feel blood rising to my throat once again, a new idea coming to my mind. I open my mouth, spitting all of the toxic blood onto his face, which spills into his orifices.
He lets go of me, and I fall to my knees. My blood-soaked hair covers my eyes, branches and dirt mingled into it. I look towards Deathstroke, who begins to pale. Blood dribbles down my chin and I can feel my organs pulsing in pain.
"My blood is pure toxin. It'll kill a normal human within seconds. A superhuman like you? I give it a few minutes."
In truth, I have no idea if it'll do any damage, let alone kill him. My blood is toxic, true, but I have no idea if the system classes it as something that can deal damage.
I'm interrupted from my thoughts by the sound of clapping, coming from the entrance of the building. Thomas comes out, a wide grin on his face.
"Miss Isley. You exceeded my expectations. That was brilliant. The client will be very happy to hear of your talents."
Thomas turns to Deathstroke, "I trust you'll be fine, Slade?"
He waves off his concern, colour returning to his face, "Just give me a few minutes. My body can fight anything off, deadly toxin or not."
He looks towards me, "I'm guessing she gets to stay alive?"
Thomas nods, "That's right. Freeze, give Slade a helping hand. Then give one of your concoctions to Miss Isley."
That's bullshit. I got beat the fuck out of and he gets to regenerate within a few minutes? I was hoping to at least leave something permanent. High CON and regenerative abilities are too OP.
Freeze comes to my side, pressing a weird vial of blue liquid to my lips.
"Drink."
Hell no. I cast [Observe] on the item. There's no way I'm drinking that without knowing what it is.
Vial of Freeze Liquid
This vial stimulates circulation and boosts tissue and muscle regeneration. Bones fix themselves quicker.
Gives a passive regeneration effect for ten hours.
There are no negative side effects.
Oh.
My nod is stiff due to my injuries, "Thank you."
He wanders off without another word. Mr Freeze was one of the only villains I actively rooted when he appeared in comics and such. All he wants is to save his wife. And I can respect that.
Selina appears from the entrance of the building, sauntering over to me and sitting down on the grass next to me.
"Hell of a beating, huh? He threw you around like a ragdoll."
As much as I hate to admit it, she's right. Until the end, the battle was mostly one-sided.
"I don't feel like talking about it."
"Uh-huh. Where's my thanks? I think I did a pretty good job of stalling them."
... I owe Selina a favour now. I think it was worth it though. I needed those few minutes to place traps and regen my SP.
"What do you want? For your favour, I mean. I don't like being in debt."
She places her hands around the back of her head, humming to herself.
"I have a couple of ideas. I'll tell you when I think of something."
I go to reply but Thomas walks over, silencing us both.
"Pamela."
I look towards him, a predatory glint hidden in his eyes. I don't like this guy. I feel like he's constantly eyeing me up, observing me for something.
"I'd prefer it if you call me Ivy."
"Ivy it is. Do you want a hospital? My client has access to private hospitals and the best doctors. He would be happy to allow you access. Strictly off the records of course."
So that they can get samples of my blood and DNA to create clones? That's what usually happens when any super-powered individual visits a hospital. No thanks.
"Just leave me outside. My body will do the rest."
He clicks his tongue in understanding, "Oh of course. I read Woodrue's reports. Sunlight will heal you. Very well. Selina, if you would. I think Ivy would prefer to be alone for now."
I shift my body uncomfortably. I don't like being so vulnerable in this position. Thomas gives me one last glance before walking back in the direction of the building.
Selina stands, brushing the dirt from her black suit, "Want me to carry you over to that tree over there?"
She nods in the direction of one of the trees that were destroyed earlier, leaving only the trunk. It would be more comfortable and I could still get sunlight but...
"I'm fine. I don't need anyone's help."
Everything in my body hurts. My head, my arms, my legs and especially my head. I feel drained and confused, especially after whatever that memory was.
I try to stand but my ribs protest, the sound of bones breaking apart becoming more apparent every time I try to move.
Selina cringes, "That sound is disgusting."
That scratches moving by myself. My body is too damn fragile.
Selina squats down next to me, "Listen Red, I know you're very prideful and don't want anyone else helping you, but trying to move by yourself is only going to hinder your healing."
"Like I said before, I'm fine. Just give me a few minutes."
The thief groans in frustration, grabbing my hand.
"You are the most stubborn woman I've ever met. Fine, I'll carry you against your will. Not like there's much you can do about it..."
She snakes her arm around my head and scoops my legs up, carrying me in a bridal position. This is humiliating.
"Selina... put me down. Now. Or else."
"Pfft! You're even cuter when you're mad. No, I won't put you down."
She grabs one of my cheeks and stretches it out, "You're just like a little cute harmless baby, aren't you?"
Quest completed!
A Death Sentence - Normal Quest
Rewards: Affection Gain with Deathstroke, [Mentor Path] opened with Deathstroke, 300 credits, 5 Gacha tokens, 40,000XP, [Mysterious Elf Mask]
[Feat completed: Against Impossible Odds Title Gained!]
[Against Impossible Odds]
You have done the impossible and
"defeated" an opponent over a hundred levels higher than yourself!
One question: How did that happen?
While this title is active, situations that are stacked against you become more favourable. LUK increase.
[Congratulations, you have reached level 32! Pick two skills:
[Wood Runes]
You have a semi-mystical connection to nature. You now have the ability to create wood runes, which come with numerous amount of buffs and debuffs. These can only be inscribed on nature like objects such as trees, grass, soil. Will not work on concrete or anything man-made.
[Leeching Vines]
Vines erupt from the ground, eager to follow your will. When wrapped around a target, these vines will drain the HP and SP from your target and adding it to your own reserves.
[Domain Of Nature] - Special Skill
Domain of Nature is a unique skill that allows you to choose a location as your home. When in this 'home' all damage is doubled and you are twice as durable. Trees and plants will grow in this area. The amount depends on your level.
Cannot choose a home location during combat.
[Wooden Prison]
Wood surrounds your target, imprisoning them and leaving them incapable of escape. This effect lasts for 6 hours.
Two of the skills that I became immediately interested in were [Domain Of Nature] and [Wood Runes].
From the descriptions of both of the skills, these are both focused on defence instead of offence. If I can create a domain and then supply it with Wood Runes, it could become a fortress.
I go over the skills a few times, confirming my choice. I take the rune and domain skills.
"Hellooo? Earth to Ivy?"
Selina waves her hand in front of me, trying to get my attention.
"Yes? What is it?"
"What is it? Are you serious? You've been here in the same position for twelve hours now, ever since I put you here, basically unmoving!"
I look past her, seeing the sunlight peek over from the clouds. I stretch my arms and legs, being able to move without pain now. It still feels a little creaky, but I'm mostly healed.
How did so much time pass? I was on the game menu for like two seconds...
"Uhhh... I was sleeping."
"You had your eyes open."
"Because I sleep with my eyes open. I--Why do you care anyway?"
"Thomas wants to see you. Concerning the job."
The job? Finally.
Twelve hours passing without me being aware was a slight concern, but I pass it off as the healing process. My body most likely shut itself down to speed up the healing process.
"Ah. Tell him I'll be right there. Just got to organise myself a little."
She gives me a strange look before nodding, turning back to the building, leaving me alone once again. Freeze's vial worked wonders, didn't it? I had faith the sun would heal me but it wouldn't have been nearly as fast.
I open my inventory, checking my reward from the quest.
[Mysterious Elf Mask]
A mask owned by the now named Elf, Avallach. He was an Elf who mentored The Lady of Time and Space, Zireael.
This mask grants total anonymity, even to those who know you. Your voice is distorted while wearing this. This mask is so powerful even close family and friends would not recognise you unless you removed the mask.
Part of the [Mysterious Elf] Set.
Huh. That's useful. Committing crimes just became so much easier. As long as I wasn't caught, nobody would ever find out it was me.
Lucy, roll the five gacha tokens as well.
[Affirmative... Rolling...]
[Toothbrush]
A toothbrush. It is used to brush your teeth.
[Bottle Of Red Wine]
A 70-year-old bottle of vintage Red Wine, waiting to be consumed.
[Encrypted Phone]
A phone that cannot be traced back to you, no matter what you use it for. You can use it to buy, sell, post and search for any illegal items, without consequence. No technology, no matter how advanced, can break through the encryption.
[Wallet]
A wallet used for storing items such as money, cards and any other everyday item.
[A Bottle With A Wish]
This is a bottle that summons an Entity, who will grant you your wish to the best of its ability. Be cautious while using this, the Entity does not like being disturbed without good reason.
Overall, not bad. Criminals in Gotham would pay an arm and a leg for the [Encrypted Phone].
I won't be using the wish bottle unless there's an emergency, due to the description. There's a number of entities in DC alone that I don't want to disturb without reason, annoying them would only result in my death. Or worse.
Now, time to see what this job is. I nearly died for it, so it better be worth it.
"Miss Ivy. You have passed both tests given to you. You have proven yourself capable. Welcome to the team."
Selina gave a little clap from the side of the room.
"You're looking well-rested and healthy. Nevertheless, I doubt you want to be here any longer than necessary. So let us begin."
He clears his throat, grabbing some files from under the table, displaying them on the table. He opens one of the files, turning it in my direction. He pulls a photo out of a skyscraper, his finger landing on the top of it.
"Wayne Enterprises. This is our target. Top-level security. Guards, cameras and traps all spread throughout the building, all active 24/7."
"This is no joke. The toughest job you have ever done, and will ever do. State of the art technology is situated all across the building, some of which even the Government doesn't have access to."
He pulls the picture away, replacing it with another. A picture of a small square device was visible.
"This is the Phalanx Key. Our client wants this. You don't need to know why we need it, or what it does. You just need to know what it looks like."
He grabs the photo, looking at me dead in the eye, "Now, we'll be splitting up into different teams to complete different objectives. This is what I want you to do..."
- Bonus Scene - In Another Life - Hospital
Pamela woke up with a groan, her emerald eyes surveying the room. She was in some sort of... Hospital?
"What the hell are you talking about?"
She looked towards the door, seeing two officers arguing at the door. Right, she had just been rescued from Woodrue's laboratory after a gruelling few months.
"Officers?"
The two men turned to her, their eyes softening when they met. The officers nodded to each other, before walking into the room.
The man with the glasses sat down in a chair next to her, a crestfallen look on his face, "Miss Ivery. How are you feeling?"
She felt tired and sad. But worrying the officer would do nothing.
She weakly smiled, "I'm fine officer. Thanks for your concern."
He smiled back, looking back to his partner.
"Listen... Uh... Miss Isley... We're gonna run some tests then we have to send you..."
He trails off, unable to finish the sentence.
"Send me where?"
"To Arkham Asylum. I know, but it'll only be for a few weeks. I promise. It's just to run some check-ups."
She nodded in understanding, "It's fine. I get it. May I have your name, Officer?"
"Of course. I'm Lieutenant Gordon and this is Detective Bullock. At your service."
She stares at him in awe, "Jim Gordon? THE Jim Gordon?"
He let out a dry chuckle, "I didn't know I was that famous."
The detective speaks up from across Gordon, "Miss Isley. I know this might be a bit traumatic to talk about, but I need you to help me. Jason Woodrue is still on the loose, and if you can give us anything, anything at all that could help us..."
She grips the bedsheets tightly, memories flashing through her mind, "I-Ok. I don't remember much before the experiments. He locked me up in the bunker or whatever it was. He-he would come in almost every day, to check up on me. To see how I was 'progressing'. He was sick."
She took a few deep breaths before continuing her story, "He starved me. But it didn't matter, after a while anyway. My body had already changed. I didn't need food anymore. Just sunlight. But he wouldn't even give me that.
He told me that my body was different now, that I replicated the same characteristics as a plant. I cried, I screamed and I begged for him to let me go. But he never did. He never would have, if you guys didn't show up."
Gordon looks down to the floor in shame, "Miss Isley. I am so, so sorry. If only... If only we could have gotten there quicker."
She waves him off, tears threatening to spill from her eyes, "No. It's not your fault. Just promise me. Promise you'll bring him to justice. No matter what."
He removes his glasses, looking her dead in the eyes, "I promise. We'll bring him to Justice. No matter what."
I wrote this several times, and this is the only one that I was at least content with. Deathstroke was simply too powerful for Ivy to beat by conventional means.
Yes, she could have run. But that limits her growth exponentially. Being trapped in the dungeon is not necessarily a good thing, as Ivy will soon find out.
Deathstroke would have found her if she ran, and so the only other option was to fight. Her pride was also a moving factor.
I think most people will see where I'm going with the memory. Some might not like it. But it's what I've decided to do.
If you're confused, the bonus scene was from a different universe, one where Pamela is considered 'Good-natured' and didn't run from the hospital.
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