I do not own Dick Grayson or any other DC characters as they are the property of DC and Warner Bros.
Ch 1 Enter the Game
"Good thing you're not this slow in the ring, Raymond, otherwise they'd have to cut the other acts!" Said a young child, no older than 10 years old, as he was running on top of a moving train.
"Keep talking trapeze boy and it's gonna be you who-" Replied Raymond who was the same age as the other child, but was interrupted by said child.
"Sorry, can't hear you from all the way up here!" Shouted the kid as he continued running along with Raymond.
As the train neared a tunnel, both Raymond and the kid jumped off the train with amazing parkour skills and landed on their knees. They continued jumping from one moving train to the next.
As to why these kids were jumping from moving trains?
Well, it's because parkour train racing is a favorite race game of theirs.
As they jumped off from another train, both kids were confronted by the train station guard.
"STOP!" Shouted the guard stepping in front of their way.
The young kid was about to turn back and run in the other direction, but he noticed that Raymond hadn't stopped and continued running forward.
"Raymond! Wait!" He screamed, but Raymond didn't stop and jumped on the guard's shoulder, doing a somersault, causing the guard to lose his stance and fall on the tracks as an incoming train was about to hit the guard.
Seeing the danger the guard was facing, the young child, without thinking, jumped after the guard and tackled him out of the train's way.
"Whoa…" Raymond said with a frown, after seeing that he almost killed the guard.
The guard then held on to the kid's shoulder as if his life depended, given that he was on death's door a few seconds ago.
"Yuh...you...you're in big trouble kid."
"Sorry?" Replied the kid with a nervous smile.
A Couple of Hours Later
"It should go without saying that you're grounded! But let me say it anyway, you're grounded indefinitely. And congratulations Dick, it's not every mother who celebrates her birthday in a police station. So thank you for that." A young woman said to the younger boy from earlier, who is now identified as Dick. He was currently at his parent's tent in front of said parents after they bailed him from the police station, thankfully the guard didn't press charges against him, sadly that doesn't calm the fury his mother has for him.
"You have anything you want to say, Richard?" Replied an older man, who resembled the child a lot.
"The guard isn't pressing any charges and no one was hurt, all, and I think everything went fine dad."
The man who we know now as Dick's dad continued to lecture his son. "No, nothing is fine. Because you don't get to run around doing whatever you want, ignoring the things you don't want to deal with Dick. Life doesn't work like that! People have to take responsibility for their actions. You can't always be moving forward, no matter how much you want to be." The man closed his eyes and let out a sigh before continuing. "Now give your mother her real present then meet me in the ring, we have a run-through in ten minutes." His father said before leaving their tent.
"My what now?"
"Oh right, since I know how much you love Robins mom." Dick then pulled out a bracelet from his pocket and presented it to his mother. It was a golden bracelet with two small Robins at its center.
"Dojyaaa~n."
"Oh...Dick, it's beautiful." His mother replied with a shocked expression, holding the gift she received from her son.
"A Robin from my Robin, thank you."
Dick pumped his fist, screaming "Yes!" Hoping that this action will cause his mother to forgive him for his earlier action.
"But you're still grounded."
"Ahh son of a bi-"
"I'm sorry dear what was that." Dicks mother asked, with her eyes closed and a smile on her face while tilting her head."
"Nothing." Dick immediately replied, knowing very well what would happen if he continued."
Outside of the tent
"Argh, so close," Dick said as he walked out of his tent. He thought that if he gave his mom her birthday gift, all would be forgiven, but nooo, he still got grounded. Seriously who could ground a kid with a face like his?
Dick continued walking till he was a good distance away from his tent. He stopped when he came in front of a couple of boxes with the words "HARLY'S CIRCUS" on them. He sat on one of the boxes, closed his eyes, and enjoyed the silence.
He then opened his eyes and spoke one word.
"Status."
All of a sudden a small blue screen appeared in front of Dick and on that small screen there was something written there.
Dick Grayson
Title: Gray Son of Gotham
Race: Meta-Human
Level: 12
HP: 575/575 (54 Regan Per Min)
MP: 600/600 (38 Regan 30 Seconds)
WP: 675/675 (38 Regan 30 Seconds)
STR: 23
VIT: 19
DEX: 33
INT: 20
WIS: 19
CHA: 30
LCK: 17
EXP: [67.87%]
Points: 40
Base HP (100) + (Vitality * 25)
HP Regan = STR * 2
Base MP(100) + (Intelligence* 25)
MP Regan = WIS * 2
Base WP(100) + (Strength* 25)
WP Regan = WIS * 2
Dick stared at the screen as it displayed all of his 'stats' as he likes to call them. He had this unique ability for as long as he can remember. He never understood what it was, but he knew one thing. He knew he was different. Meta-human different.
A Couple of Hours Earlier
"Raymond! Wait!" Dick screamed, but it fell on deaf ears as Raymond somersaulted the train guard's shoulder, causing the guard to lose his balance and fall onto the train tracks. As the guard tried to collect himself, he was obvious to the incoming train that was about to hit him. Before Dick would jump in to save the guard, a blue screen appeared right in front of Dick, with what appears to be instructions written on it.
{Quest Created}
First Step of Becoming a Hero
Objective: Save the train guard's life.
Time Limit: 5 seconds.
Reward: 1 new skill book.
Failure: Go to juvenile for 20 years.
Dick skimmed everything that was written on the screen, but as soon as he saw the time limit was 5 seconds, Dick dashed after the guard and pushed him off the train rails right before the train was about to hit them.
Dick got up from the ground, shivering from the fact that he was inches away from death, but then he felt a calm sensation run through his body.
[Fear] Blocked by Gamer's Mind.
Dick smiled as he felt no fear at all like he never felt it to begin with.
{Quest Completed}
Would you like to receive your reward now?
Reward: 1 skill book.
Yes/No
Dick forgot about the reward from his quest, he was about to press no, clearly because there were people with him, but before his hand would reach the screen, his hand was grabbed by the train station's guard.
"Yuh...you...you're in big trouble kid."
"Ah, crap."
Now
So yeah, he's different alright. It's not normal for a kid to see a floating blue screen every day in his life. There was a time when he tried to tell his parents about it, but it didn't turn out so well.
In the past, when he was younger, he remembers the first time he thought that he was seeing things, but then every time his parents ask something of him, it kept popping up on his face, again and again. Dick tried his best to ignore it but the more he tried the more it drove him crazy. Having enough of this he decided that it was time to tell his parents about the blue screen, appearing every time they ask him to do something, his parents laughed it off and said that he should try to come up with a better excuse to skip on doing chores. Trying to prove himself that he was telling the truth he told them to ask him to do something, his parents still thinking that he was playing around decided to humor him and asked him if he could clean the dishes after they were done with dinner. Not a second later a blue screen appeared in front of him and he immediately pointed at it and screamed if they could now see what he was talking about. His parents not seeing what he was talking about kindly apologized, for not understanding what he was talking about. But Dick kept insisting that it was still there, clear as day. Dick then snapped at his parents, shouting at them to stop joking around and take this seriously. His father got up from his chair and walked towards Dick and slapped him. It was his first time seeing his dad this serious. His father told him to never shout at him or his mother. His father then went on his knees and put his hands on Dicks shoulders to get on his eye level. He said to him, that he understands that he's under a lot of pressure and that if he ever needed to talk about it, they would be there for him.
Dick staying quiet for almost a minute agreed to what his father has said and apologized for his recent actions.
From then on he knew his parents couldn't help him. But on the bright side, he learned another thing about his bizarre ability.
Only he can see it.
Besides telling people that you see a blue screen that no one else sees will tend to get you in trouble, especially here in Gotham. Once the police hear you say something funny, they're gonna throw your a$$ up in Arkham.
And Dick does not want to go there.
Technically he's still a minor so they won't throw him there, but then again, this is Gotham, anything can happen.
Especially to freaks.
Like him.
Because a pop-up blue screen isn't the only thing his ability can do.
"Display today's quest reward."
Would you like to receive your reward now?
Reward: 1 skill book.
Yes/No
Dick pressed on the yes button and the screen vanished from his view and in its place, a normal-sized book appeared and fell onto Dicks lap. He picked up the book and inspected it. It looked like any normal book, only Dick knew it wasn't normal. As on cue, another screen appeared full of text.
You received the [Fireball] skill book.
Would you like to learn it?
Yes/No
Dick read the text and pressed the yes button.
The text disappeared and the book with it, disappearing into specks of light. Suddenly a new wave of knowledge washed over Dick, then the pop-up screen agreed once again, but with different text.
[Fireball] (Lv.1) (Active) [63.55%]: Summons a ball of fire at a targeted area.
Cost: 30 MP
Dick lazily swiped the screen away and looked at his palm. At first, there was nothing but the front side of his hand. Then a small speck of fire ignited until it slowly grew into a small ball of fire. Despite his hand being lit on fire, Dick felt no pain whatsoever, instead, he felt the warmth from the flame. Dick stared at the fire with no emotion.
Dick wasn't suppressed that his ability could do that. As to the reason why it's because it happened to him before.
His mind drifted back to a couple of minutes ago when he read his status.
The "Gray Son of Gotham".
Dick swallowed the urge to vomit. That title alone made him shiver uncontrollably as it made him remember things he did not want to.
Flashback
-28 HP
"Agh!" A 7-year-old Dick screamed as he fell to the ground, letting go of his metal blade.
"Again."
Panting heavily, Dick looked towards the source of the voice and came face to face with a man who looked like a literal walking corpse.
His face was so pale, that its color alone could light a dark room. There were small black veins around his face. But the most creepy thing about him were his eyes. They were glittering gold. Every look from those eyes felt as if it was piercing a hole through Dicks soul. Yet despite his ghoulish appearance, Dick couldn't help, but notice how well kept his hair was.
Its color was brown if you were wondering.
Dick grabbed his sword and steadily got up. He clutched his sword close to his face as he stared down at his opponent.
Said opponent was a young man, who wore a costume that resembled a ninja cosplaying as an owl. He wore a black and gold armor with knives all around his body. But Dick knew he kept a few hidden on his armor. He also usually wears a black mask equipped with goggles that resemble an owl. But on special occasions, he takes off his mask.
Such as now.
The man had one arm behind his back, while the other was holding a sword that was pointed to the ground.
Dick took calming breaths before he ran straight at the man with the intention to kill.
"AH!" Screamed Dick, as he slashed his sword at his opponent who easily dodged and delivered an elbow strike at the back of Dick's head.
-80
"ARG!" Dick whimpered as he fell to the floor once again.
"Your form was sloppy and your fighting method was predictable. You fight as if you are a barbarian, but you aren't. you are a talon and you will fight like one, even if I have to bash it through your thick skull.
Dick slowly pushed himself off the floor and rubbed the back of his head, to ease the pain. Feeling something he brought his hand back and was welcomed with the sight of blood.
"Just great." Dick thought to himself as he received yet another injury from his "training" as they like to call it.
At first, he really didn't care much at all when his parents told him that someone was going to teach him how to defend himself. He thought that his parents would be worried about him since they travel to many places and meet some shady people. Dick thought that he could use this training to improve his performance as a circus acrobatic so he thought that it wouldn't be a problem.
Then he met him.
That owl looking fu#*er.
When he first met him he was scared, he walked back slowly, then turning in his parent's direction only to stare in horror as their faces held no emotion.
"Hello Richard, we soo much to do."
He was 6 years old dammit. When he was forced to train with that monster every day, before bed.
He would always come back to his tent bleeding, bones broken, cuts everywhere, or bruises all around. His parents said nothing, but he knew they didn't want this, he could see it in their faces, especially his mother, oh how he could hear her muffled cries in her room. But despite that Dick kept on a happy smile and would always talk about other things to keep their spirits up. He knew they knew what he was doing, but they went along with it because they knew if they showed any hesitation of running away.
They'll send a talon for your head.
But that wasn't the only reason he kept his facade up.
The reason was because his ability gave him a task.
{Quest Unlocked}
Escape Plan: Graysons Edition
Objective: Find a way to get you and your family away from the grip of the Court of Owls.
Time Limit: Before the court thinks you are ready to serve as a talon.
(3 years remaining)
Rewards: 100,000 XP, Greatly increased reputation with your parents, Greatly increased affection with your parents, better standards of living.
Failure:?
Do you accept this quest?
Yes/No
Dick was already planning on escaping with his parents away from the court, but this complicates things, his ability gave him a time limit. He didn't have a specific time frame to carry out his family's escape plan, but now he knows. If that happens it means their chance of escape will be gone and once they have taken him into their ranks, turn him into..one of them, monsters. Then his parents have served their usefulness, and Dick dreads to think about what will happen next. Dick was about to accept the quest, but he stopped himself before he would reach the button. He kept staring at the question mark that was on the failure section. Why would there be a question mark if it was obvious what would happen if he would fail?
This caused problems.
Dick began to think of the pros and cons of the situation of accepting the quest.
Pros, he and his family would still be alive and well. They would finally be able to have a decent life besides the circus, meaning they would live in a proper house instead of a tent and eat proper food instead of the cheap rotten vegetables and meat his mother would buy from the outdoor market. They would actually be able to live a good life, without the worry of someone coming after their heads.
Cons, they would have to leave the rest of the circus staff behind, who are like family to them. The quest didn't specify if they wouldn't be found out later and brought back to the circus, or what the increased standards of living means. And the biggest problem yet is the question mark on failure. What does that mean?
But Dick already decided. He knew that he couldn't save everyone else and that his ability always brought the best for him. He was going to get his parents free from the court's clutches even before his ability gave him the quest. Besides, who knows what might happen if he decided not to accept the quest, the time frame could change, so there was no better opportunity than this. So without hesitation, he pressed on yes.
As days passed by, Dick continued his harsh training with the Talon, and at the same time, he slowly began to understand his abilities.
When he was in his bed, after returning yet from another training session Dick learned how to check on his new skills.
Skill List
[Gamer's Mind] ( ) (Passive): Allows the user to think calmly and logically no matter the circumstance. Grants immunity to any mental status effects and removes any negative emotions.
[Gamer's Body] ( ) (Passive): Grants the user a body that is similar to a video game. Sleeping restores HP, MP, and WP as well as removing all negative status effects.
[Sword Proficiency] (Lv.16) (Passive) [34.08%]: Grants the user knowledge on how to handle a sword with skill.
Increases all sword attacks by 25%
[Throwing] (Lv.28) (Passive) [87.90%]: Grants the user knowledge on how to throw objects, whether they are weapons or utensils.
Increases all throwing attacks by 38% + 50% damage on aim.
30% chance of hitting arteries and veins.
[Aiming] (Lv.28) (Passive) [23.67%]: Grants the user knowledge on how to point a weapon at a certain target.
50% increase on damage to all ranged skills.
[Martial Arts] (Lv.34) (Passive) [11.34%]: Grants the user knowledge on how to fight hand to hand whether in self-defense or to attack.
Increases all damage to martial art techniques by 50%
[Acrobatics] (Lv.50) (Passive) [45.47%]: The ability to have great balance, agility, and flexibility.
[Parkour] (Lv.46) (Passive) [87.04%]: To be able to transverse environmental obstacles by running, climbing, or leaping rapidly and efficiently.
[Pain Tolerance] (Lv. 34) (Passive) [34.45%]: Your body durability increases, lowering the damage your body takes.
[Evading] (Lv.29) (Passive) [21.87%]: To be able to escape, dodge or avoid an attack coming your way.
This was the reason why he had stayed. To build an armory. So that when the perfect opportunity comes he would strike back.
As Dick was about to close his eyes and welcome the bliss of sleep. Something unexpected happened.
His ability pop-up again, only this time, it had something new.
{Quest Completed}
Survive yet another harsh training without losing your head!
Objective: Last for 5 minutes against the Talon.
Time Limit: None.
Reward: 1 Skill book.
Would you like to receive your reward now?
.
Yes/No
Dick stared at the screen, with a puzzled expression. "receive reward"? He never got anything else other than XP from his ability. Could it be another unexpected feature his ability possesses?
Curious at the thought, Dick pressed on the yes button and watched as the screen disappeared and in its place, a book appeared. It fell on Dicks head, causing him to grunt in pain.
"Ouch."
He picked up the book and examined it. The cover was smooth as he ran his fingers through it. The image on the front of the book was shaped like a fist covered in what appears to be an aura of fire. He opened the book and saw its contents.
As to what it says! It's…..gibberish.
He can't understand the words that were written there. It wasn't English that's for sure. After a couple of seconds, another screen appeared in front of Dick.
You received the [Sendō] skill book.
Would you like to learn it?
Yes/No
…..This is new, Dick looked at the book one more time before shrugging, giving up guessing what will happen next. He selected the yes option and watched in awe as the screen and the book disappeared in thousands of small white particles. Dick stared at where the screen was from 5 seconds ago, thinking wtf just happened?
Then he knew what happened, all the knowledge from the book made sense as new information rushed over him.
[Hamon] (Lv. 1) (Active) [10.32]: Spreads energy called Hamon, used in the form of martial arts, Sendo, throughout the user's whole body.
Increases all empty-handed melee attacks by 25%.
x2 damage to all beings related to all beings of the dark.
Cost: 100 WP
Dick starred with disbelief.
Already knowing how to use it, Dick brought his hand up and said the magic words.
"[Hamon]."
His hand began to emit electric-like sparks covered in a yellowish, orange aura.
Despite how small it looked, Dick could feel the power it was giving.
Like the rest of his skills, he could level it up, make it stronger. He could also increase his WP and its regen. Not only that but it seems like his ability could give him more power just by completing tasks.
This is...haha "HAHAHA!"
"Dick is everything alright in there?"
"Uh.. yeah dad, everything's fine, just uh remember something fun, is all."
"Ok then just go back to sleep, we have a big day tomorrow."
"Sure dad, good night."
"Good night son, love you."
"Yeah, I know dad."
Dick began to smile with a sinister grin. Maybe running away won't take that much time after all.
"You got to say I love you back."
"DAD ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"
"I wanna hear it"
"You wanna hear me say...
"Dad I love you."
"I'm 7 years old dad, I'm not gonna say…
"Dad I love you."
Sigh "Dad, I love you."
"Alright good night son."
"Finally." "You to dad."
"Now where was I, ah yes….
"Dick, you didn't say one for me?"
"OH FOR GOD SAKES NOT YOU TO MOM?!"
Maybe he can think about his escape plan tomorrow and deal with his parent's "Good night" issues.
Now
One year has passed since then, he now has two more years left. He won't waste a second of it.
"Dick, I need you to come here now."
Dick hears his father, calling him. But something was wrong, the way his father called him, means there could be trouble.
And they have no other trouble than….
"Ah shi$."
"Coming dad," Dick said as he went to follow his dad. There was one other issue other than the court Dicks faces.
It was something worse.
As Dick reached his destination he saw his father, with his arms crossed, leaning on a door frame of a trailer with pictures of clowns, elephants, and the words "HARLY'S CIRCUS" everywhere.
"Ah great," Dick said to himself, already knowing what's about to occur.
"Hey dad, you called?" Dick asked his father.
"Yeah." His father replied, pointing at the entrance of the trailer with his thumb, before continuing.
"The BOSS whats to see ya." His father said with a serious expression.
"Oh boy."
"But what about our run-through?"
"It can wait." His father answered
"OH BOY."
Inside the Trailer
Dick entered the trailer and was welcomed with the usual site. Plain colored walls, a couple of file cabinets, a small desk with a desk lap on its right, and a poster of Harlys Circus on the wall behind the desk.
But Dicks most concern was the man sitting at the front of the desk.
"Take a seat Dick."
Dick does as instructed and sat on a chair that was in front of the desk, where his main problem lies.
The owner of the circus and his family boss. Harly himself.
Already knowing what this is about, Dick started to explain himself.
"Listen before you say anything…
"Raymond, I understand," Haly interrupted, "but you Dick, one of the best, if not the greatest acts this circus has got in trouble with the police, do you know how bad this could affect this place"?
"Pretty bad….?"
"You bet your sweet bippy it is!"
Dick got quiet since talking won't help him here, and not because of the cringe that came out of his mouth. Like bippy really, just because Dick's poor doesn't mean he doesn't know his memes.
He watches them through the cities library's computers whenever he has a day off if you're wondering.
"Dick you got to understand, maintaining the circus is not an easy task. If word got out that one of our employees gets in trouble with the law, let alone a kid, the daily planet will jump on us like piranhas, especially that reporter Lois Lane.
Ah yes the famous reporter from the Daily Planet, Lois Lane. She is someone that strikes fear into the hearts of many company owners, actors, and actresses, and anything newsworthy. Don't let her appearance fool you, she might look like a normal woman, but when it comes to news, she's as ruthless as they come, not caring who or what is in front of her.
Yeah, having her write an article about a circus kid getting in trouble with the police could jeopardize the circus.
As Dick was about to apologize to Haly, the man continued his speech.
"But that isn't the only reason you're here." He replied as his face morphed into a serious expression.
Now, this got Dicks full attention.
"There is someone here that would like to meet you."
Dick's body temperature dropped as soon as he heard that sentence. He's isn't stupid he knows who wants to meet him.
[Fear] Blocked by Gamer's Mind.
Despite his ability to keep him calm, it doesn't ease Dick as he saw the person who wants to meet him.
"Hello, Gray-Son of Gotham, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Despite never meeting the person, Dick knew who this was thanks to the Talon who beats the information into Dick. He explained to him the history of the court and what his purpose was, despite it being brief since he is a talon and all they do is follow orders like there their lapdogs, he told him that members of the Court are to remain in the shadows and continue doing their "holly work", but there is one person who steps into the light if needed, someone who has a high position of the court to be able to go out in the light and request this meeting.
Dick immediately got off the chair and instantly bowed to the man wearing an owl mask in front of him.
"It is an honor to meet you, Grandmaster."
Increased reputation with the Court of Owls.
Increased reputation with the Grandmaster.
The mysterious person now identified as the Grandmaster, leader of the Court of Owls, placed his hands on Dicks shoulders, causing Dick to look up.
"Now, now, no need for formalities, we are all a part of something bigger than us, a mission to cleanse the streets of Gotham of its filth, a future where we retake Gotham back into our hands. And you are that is you, Gray-Son."
Dick kept a straight face as listen to the Grandmaster's plans, but at the same time, his mind was somewhere else.
The Grandmaster, leader of the Court, is here right in front of him. If he recalls correctly, Talon never mentioned the Grandmaster had electrum inside him, meaning he's still human.
An easy pray for him.
He could use his [Hamon] and easily break his head with one blow, or he could burn him alive with his [Fireball]. Hell, he could just crack the guy's neck without the need to use his powers. Oh the irony, the master of the Court killed by the very same techniques he learned from the Court. The last one sounded much more entertaining.
Sadly Dick couldn't do any of those, since he doesn't know for sure if the man in front of him is, in fact, the real Grandmaster and not just some doppelganger. Or the fact that an important man such as himself is alone with security hidden somewhere. Like Dicks gonna believe everything Talon tells him. Of course, the guy has security, no way in hell is he by himself. So he has to control himself.
But still…
"Grandmaster if I may be so bold, what brings you to Haly's Circus?"
The Grandmaster looked straight into Dick's eyes, causing Dcik to feel uneasy.
Maybe he should have kept his mouth shut.
"Well, that's because I have a surprise for you."
A surprise from an undead assassin organization? That's a first.
"If I may ask, what is it?"
The Grandmaster replied enthusiastically," A vacation of course."
Dick didn't want to ask too many questions, but the concern he feels is eating him alive.
Where will he go? What do they mean by a vacation? What are they going to do there?
Thankfully the Grandmaster answered it for him.
"If you're wondering where it is, you'll be going to the Himalayas."
….
Ok, now this is getting out of hand.
He fought back the urge to ask if he was joking, however, the Grandmaster wasn't done.
"You will be going for one month, I already spoke to your parents and Haly, so you won't worry about the circus, as for luggage it has been prepared."
Dick looked at Haly for confirmation and saw him nodding his head.
So he's serious about the vacation. He must have spoken to his parents after he left the tent. His father was outside so he spoke to him with Haly, then he told his mother.
"Come now, your transportation is here." The Grandmaster said, extending his arm towards the door.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Dick walked outside of the trailer only to be met with the Talon jack !*
"Not this as*&hol*."
"Hello, Richard ready for your trip?"
Dick looked left then right, looking for his father who was just outside the trailer a couple of minutes ago.
"Where's my dad?"
"He had a rehearsal to do, apparently there is a big show tonight."
Dick felt a bit betrayed that his father didn't stay to say goodbye, yet at the same time he couldn't blame him. Knowing your kid is going to go away for a month with the Court while knowing that there is nothing you can do can make a parent lose their minds.
Still, this is for the best, if he were here he could protest and that could cause problems for his parents and that is something he wants to avoid at all cost.
The Talon extended his arm showing Dick a blindfold.
"What's this?" Dick asked with mild curiosity
"Your transportation." The Talon answered with a hint of amusement in his voice.
"You can't be serious?" Dick replied.
"Quite serious, in fact, if you don't wear it now, I might have to beat you until you lose consciousness."
"One hit from you is enough to knock me out, you just enjoy beating a 7-year-old kid you sadistic bast$* ."
"Alright, fine,...no need for a reason to beat me anyway," Dick whispered the last part to himself.
Increased reputation with Talon.
Again, what a creepy bas$* the guy is.
Dick took the blindfold from the Talon's hand and put it on.
"Alright, soo...what now?"
"Now we wait for the drug to take effect."
Wha-
New Skill Gained
[Drug Resistance] (Lv.1) (Passive) [23.98%]: Your body develops a resistance to drugs, suppressing their effects.
Dick didn't have enough time to ask what he meant as his body was overcome by fatigue. Feeling his legs growing weak, Dick collapses on the ground. As his head gets cloudy, Dick hears the Talon speak.
"Don't worry, it's a harmless drug that enters the pores of the skin, the only thing it will do is knock you cold for a while, so enjoy your sleep."
"You piece of…" Dick cursed the Talon in his mind as darkness overcame him.
Time Skip
"GASP!"
Dick gasps walking up, trying to catch his breath. His hand rushes to the blindfold on his head, but then his hand is caught by someone.
"Not yet."
Dick recognizes the voice as Talon.
"YOU CRAZY, WHAT IF I GET KNOCKED OUT AGAIN," Dick replied, having enough of this ridiculous abuse he constantly receives from the Talon.
"Not to worry I switched the blindfold with a normal one while you were knocked."
Dick wanted to ask why they needed him unconscious when he was willingly going to go with him, but he surpassed the urge, knowing that anything related to them never made sense to him.
As he calmed himself, he realized that he was inside a car. He also noticed that the heater was turned on to the max and that car shook a lot indicating that wherever they're going had a lot of bumps.
"You're thinking of where are right now." The Talon spoke, knowing what Dick was thinking.
"I didn't say anything," Dick replied.
"I've known for a while Dick, I can tell what you were thinking." The Talon said, before continuing.
"Alright, I'll humor, yes we are in the Himalayas, but we're not going into some dark secret layer or dungeon if that's what you're wondering."
Hearing this eased Dick a bit, still….
"Then where are we going?"
"You'll see." The Talon said.
Already knowing that he won't get an answer, Dick remained silent for the rest of the trip till he felt the car stop.
"We're here," Talon stated.
He heard the door of the driver's seat opening and instantly a wave of cold air rushed at Dick. This caused Dick to raise an eyebrow, despite his eyes being covered. The reason is that the Talons despise the cold. They can't handle it. Dick remembers when Talon told him about their abilities, their strengths, and weaknesses. So why would they be in a place where there was cold. Lost in thought, Dick was startled as the door to the passenger seat opened.
"You coming?"
"It's not like I have any other choice do I?"
"Mm, True," Talon stated, enjoying their conversation.
As Dick stepped out of the car, he couldn't help but question the Talon again about their objective.
"So what's today's session? Sword training, shrinking throwing, play two for flinching where you just shoot me with a gun to see if I flinch, or just tie me up and beat me like a punching back just like last time, or maybe.." As Dick continued rambling about all the 'training' the Talon put him through, the Talon placed his hand clawed hand on Dicks head, causing Dick to stop.
"Enough." The Talon replied with a serious voice. While applying pressure on his hand, causing Dick to feel the sharp small knives of the Talon's glove. With all this happening, Dicks face remained neutral, feeling no fear whatsoever as the Talons' claw was slowly digging his head.
After quitting down, the Talon then removed his hand and answered back.
"No, none of that, instead we have something special for today. Remove your blindfold." Talon ordered.
Dick removed the blindfold as he was told and saw the special training Talon was talking about.
"If it's possible, may I ask a question?" Dick asked with politeness.
Surprised and a bit curious, the Talon waved his hand towards Dick, an indication for him to continue," You may."
Nodding his head, Dick wasted no time and pointed something in the distance.
"What is that."
Talon flowing where Dick has pointed, answered as if it's the most obvious thing in the world.
"That's a mountain."
"Uh and care to explain as to why we are currently in front of one?"
"Well, that's because it's the reason why we are here."
Dick looked back at Talon, not understanding what he meant. The Talon signed and began explaining the special training Dick was going to perform.
"That Yala Peak, a mountain with a height of 5,520 in meters and 18,700 in feet", he then pointed at the top of the mountain," Do you see the peak."
Dick follows his gaze, trying to see the top through all the clouds there.
"Barley." Dick stated.".
"You're gonna climb it "
Dick turned his head so fast, that Talon could have sworn he heard the sound of his neck cracking.
"What."
{Quest Created}
The way of the Talon.
Objective: Climb to the top of the Yala Peak.
Time Limit: None.
Rewards: 300,456 XP, 2 skill books.
{Bonus Quest}
Objective: Reach the top of the mountain in less than 2 weeks.
Rewards:?
"He's not joking."
Sighing again, the Talon repeated what he said. "Like I said you're going to climb the mountain."
Dick kept staring at the Talon as if he had grown a second head.
"Why?" Dick asked, still doubting that they came all the way to the Himalayas to climb a mountain.
"To test you, see how far you have come."
"And you thought that climbing a mountain was the best way to test me?"
"As a matter of fact yes," Talon stated
"Couldn't you just, I don't know, make me fight a strong Talon in your ranks, or give a smaller mountain to run on?"
"One you already fight with the strongest Talon, me," He points to himself," every day and two, is no this the perfect test for you."
"And what if I said no?" Already regretting the words coming right out of his mouth, Dick knew he should have found another way to convince the Talon on giving him a different kind of test, but forcibly being drugged and then waking up somewhere else, fully exhausted only to be told to climb a mountain, Dick just snapped and blurted out no.
Talon stopped and stared back at Dick. Believing he's going to be hit again, Dick brought his arms up in hopes to shield himself from the Talon. But what happened next was unsuspected.
"Nothing. If you don't want to climb the mountain then we'll just go back home." Talon answered with a tone that showed he did not care.
Then he continued.
"Although I can't say the same for your parents." This caused Dick to pause.
"...what?" Dick uttered with such a low voice that it almost came out as a whisper.
"Oh yes Dick, you won't have to worry about anything but your parents might."
"They had nothing to do with this!" Dick snapped back at Talon.
"Then climb, or...heh, well you know the rest." The Talon chuckled.
Dick sent a nasty glare at the Talon, clenching his fist hard causing small drops of blood to come out. If Talon paid close he would have noticed that there was tiny yellow static coming from his fist.
Dick closed his eyes, releasing a sigh before walking towards the mountain. As he got closer to the mountain, he was stopped.
"Wait."
Dick turned back to look at the Talon, just in time to catch a bag that was about to hit his head.
"Don't take too long now," Talon said before walking away towards the car.
Dick sent one last glare at the Talon and watched as the car engine came to life and drove away from his view.
"Prick." Dick looked at the bag and noticed a tent attached at the end of the bag. Then opened the bag to see what it contained. What's inside was food that was worth a couple of weeks at best. There was also a heavy jacket inside the bag. He kept looking for any mountain gear but found nothing.
Wow, what a great beginning, just a jacket, a small tent a week's worth of food, and no drinks, maybe Talon thought that he could give you the snow to turn it into water. Dick didn't even want to start on how ridiculous it was if that was the case, yet again he had to climb a mountain for a test so yeah, it probably is.
Also, did he mention that the mountain was 5,520-meter high?
Really, great start.
Dick just shook his head in frustration and wore the jacket. He took one last look at the mountain before he began his trek.
Sigh," Alright let's do this." He moved forward. At first, everything seemed fine, the snow wasn't heavy, meaning he could move and the cold didn't bother him much, but as he got higher and higher, the climb became more challenging. With every step he took, his feet were swallowed by the snow. Breathing became difficult as he continued to climb higher into the mountain. And let's not get started on the cold, Dick couldn't feel his freaking fingers, hell he actually thought they fell off.
After climbing a good amount, Dick decided to set up a camp. He took the small tent from the bag and began to set it up. Once done, Dick took refuge inside the tent and looked through his bag to see what he would want to eat for dinner. There was instant oatmeal, breakfast mix, mountain house beef..something, and instant noodles.
…..
What the hell was Talon thinking when he got him instant noodles when he didn't get him any water. The only possible water source he has access to is the snow he's surrounded by and he has no idea how to melt it.
….
...wait, didn't he recently get a fire ability. Did he actually forget he could shoot fire from his hands, wow he must be really stressed?
Dick opened the instant ramen then got a good amount of snow from the entrance and put it on top of the ramen. Dick carefully aimed his hand on top of the ice to make sure not to burn the ramen, then he used his [Fireball] and fired a small ball of fire on the ice.
And just like that, Dick has water.
He mixed the noodles with a plastic fork that came with it for a good minute, once done he closed the cover and waited for another good minute. Dick opened the cover and smelled the savory aroma from the noodles. Despite the rough day he had eating inside a tent isn't so bad, if he could ignore the freezing cold weather outside, yeah he could think of it as going camping in the woods. Maybe his day is evening out the bad shi# he had to go through today.
[Fireball] has leveled up
See his luck is already turning up. After Dick finished his meal, he decided to train using his [Fireball] ability. He left the tent and was now facing the opposite side of the mountain to avoid causing an avalanche. He thrust his hand forward and shouted.
"[Fireball]!"
A small ball of fire appeared and flew from Dicks hand. It traveled for about 1 meter before it disappeared.
Dick took deep breaths and fired another ball of fire.
"[Fireball]!"
And another ball of fire traveled from Dicks hands into the air and disappeared.
[Fireball] has leveled up
'There we go." smirked Dick as he fired another [Fireball] over and over again. The skill kept leveling up again and again until Dick ran out of mana.
[Fireball] (Lv.12) (Active) [76.03%]: Summons a ball of fire at a targeted area.
Has a 50% chance of inflicting [Burning Status] dealing 10 damage for every 5 seconds.
Range has now increased to 6 meters.
Cost: 30 MP
Perfect, if he keeps this up, he could literally disintegrate anyone with one shot. Dick began to have a sinister smile, thinking of the cruelest methods he could do to the Court once he levels up his skills. Not to mention if he completes this stupid test he would receive more skills, especially the bonus. Whatever the question mark is, he wants it. So without wasting another second Dick packed the tent and continued his climb.
During his climb, he reached a point where he would need to rock climb the mountain, but Talon being the generous man he is, didn't bother to pack any equipment for rock climbing. So Dick needed to find another way to climb the mountain. As he was thinking of an idea, Dick put his fingers on his chin, doing a thinking pose, then he looked at his hand, and that when the idea struck. Testing his theory, he placed his hand on the rock wall of the mountain and spoke the magic words.
"[Hamon]"
His hand began to crackle with lightning and squeezed the rock. He checked to see if his hand was held in place, once he was sure he had a good grip on the wall, he channeled [Hamon] onto his other hand, then onto his right foot, left foot, until he was bouldering his way to the top. Climb after climb, Dick managed to reach halfway up the mountain without taking any breaks or sleep. Despite that, Dick continued to climb, being ignorant of the strain he was putting his body through. The reason is that he was determined to complete the quest, especially the bonus. After a long and vigorous climb, Dick began to feel drowsy, he decided that it would be dangerous to climb if his body were to give out due to sleep, so he made camp somewhere near the peak of the mountain. He knew that the next day he would reach the top, so today he would call it a night and save his energy for tomorrow.
As Dick was sleeping, he was woken up by strange noise
Thump Thump Thump
What was that? Is there something out there with him? Surely not, it was probably just the cold.
Dick ignored the noise and continued his sleep.
Thump Thump Thump
Ok, this is getting a bit scary. No way that was the wind. Talon didn't say there was going to be anything out there. Did he perhaps bring people there to watch him? He couldn't have brought the Talons, since they can't stand the cold, so it could be hired mercenaries. Dick slowly reached to the tent's zipper, opening it carefully to not get the attention of whatever is outside. Before he had the chance of lowering the zipper, a huge shadow loomed over Dick, turning around to face the owner of the shadow, Dick saw a silhouette of colossal with its arm swinging in Dicks direction. Dick ducked down as the arm of the massive silhouette ripped half of the tenet. Seeing his chance, Dick jumped out of the ripped tent and looked at his attacker. To say that he was surprised was an understatement.
Because what was in front of him was not a mercenary or a man. But a monster.
Or more precisely a Yeti, since it's huge, covered in white fur, and has a set of sharp claws and teeth that could tear through flesh as if it was paper.
{Quest Created}
Ruler of the mountain
Objective: Defeat the Yeti.
Rewards: Receiver [Ruler of the mountain] title, 5000 XP
Failure: Death.
"RHHHHHAAAA." The Yeti roared as it charged Dick with the intent to kill. Dick dodged under another of the yetis claws and slid through the yetis leg and delivered a hard blow on the back of its knee. The Yeti did not appear to be fazed, instead, Dick felt a sharp pain in his fist. It's like he punched a brick wall.
-5 HP
The yeti stomped on Dick, but he dodged the attack at the last second. Dick then casted [Fireball] on the Yeti and it seemed to be very effective as the Yeti was pushed back, screaming in pain.
Target has received [Burning Status]
10 damage to HP every 5 seconds
As the Yeti was distracted by the pain, Dick rushed at the Yeti delivering a [Hamon] strike, sending the creature flying back. Dick didn't stop his assault as he charged both his feet with [Hamon] and jumped towards the Yeti, stomping on its chest with all his might.
The Yeti spat out blood then remained motionless.
{Quest Complete}
Objective: Defeat the Yeti.
Rewards: Receiver [Ruler of the mountain] title, 5000 XP
Level Up
Level Up
Dick Grayson
Title: Gray Son of Gotham
Race: Meta-Human
Level: 14
HP: 575/575 (54 Regan Per Min)
MP: 600/600 (38 Regan 30 Seconds)
WP: 675/675 (38 Regan 30 Seconds)
STR: 23
VIT: 19
DEX: 33
INT: 20
WIS: 19
CHA: 30
LCK: 17
EXP: [19.02%]
Points: 56
Base HP (100) + (Vitality * 25)
HP Regan = STR * 2
Base MP(100) + (Intelligence* 25)
MP Regan = WIS * 2
Base WP(100) + (Strength* 25)
WP Regan = WIS * 2
New title received.
[Ruler of the Mountain]
All animals in any mountain will recognize you as the alpha of the mountains and would think twice before crossing you.
Huh, it's not that bad actually. Better than the Gray Son of Gotham, Dick changed his title to the [Ruler of the Mountain] despite there being no animals, just to get rid of his old title. Once he was done Dick looked at the dead Yeti. It was his first kill, yet he felt nothing, probably the perks of being trained by an undead assassin organization or because of his [Gamer's Mind]. Either way, he doesn't really give a shit. That Yeti tried to kill him, so he killed it in self-defense, simple as that.
Dick went over to his bag back, hoping that it was still intact, sadly that was not the case. The bag was smashed and the contents were crushed. Great, now he has no food, and he still has to make it down the mountain once he reaches the top. Well, hopefully, the rewards there could help him with that issue.
After a couple of hours of hamon climbing, Dick finally reached the top. At the top Dick noticed a small knife embedded in a rock, with the shape of an owl at its pummel.
"Really, they need evidence now, like where else I'm gonna go?" It's true, Dick is the court's most prized possession, there was no way they would let him go. Not only that, they even threatened to murder his parents if he refused to climb, yet they still want evidence?! Giving up understanding how the court thinks, Dick pulled out the knife and shoved it inside his jacket's pocket.
{Quest Complete}
The way of the Talon.
Objective: Climb to the top of the Yala Peak.
Rewards: 300,456 XP, 2 skill books.
{Bonus Quest Complete}
Objective: Reach the top of the mountain in less than 2 weeks.
Rewards:?
Would you like to receive your rewards now?
Yes/No
Dick clicked yes and watched as two new books appeared in front of him.
You received the [Mana Shield] skill book.
You received the [Life Drain] skill book.
Would you like to learn it?
Yes/No
Seeing as these two skills won't help him with his problem of climbing, Dick went ahead and pressed yes seeing no issue with learning more skills.
[Mana Shield] (Lv.1) (Active) [10.87%]
A shield created from mana that can protect you from any attacks.
Cost: 100 MP
[Life Drain] (Lv.1) (Active) [13.78%]
Drain 20 HP from your target.
Cost: 25 MP
These skills... Are actually impressive. This could really help him when he deals with the Court. A shield that can protect him from any attack and being able to drain the life out of them. Wait could he use them together, he will have to test that idea for another time as he feels the cold wind rushing over his body. Dick then checked the reward from the bonus quest.
You have received a new meta-gene.
Warning, user does not meet the requirements for the meta-gene.
Level: 19
STR: 30
VIT: 30
Dick wasn't even surprised to know that he could receive another meta-gene from his ability, what he was more surprised was that he did not meet the requirements, but it didn't really concern him much since he could easily meet the requirements. Though he wonders what kind of meta-gene will he receive.
"Now that that's done," Dick looked toward the bottom of the mountain, "Time to get down."
A Couple of Days Latter
Talon was leaning against the door of the car waiting for a certain boy to arrive here.
"Speak of the devil." Talon said as he sees Dick walking towards him looking like he has seen better days.
"So, how was your climb." He asked Dick, who did not reply but kept walking forward as if the Talon was not here.
Talon was going to ask again, but then immediately dodged his head as a small knife landed right beside his head.
"Fantastic," Dick said with a sarcastic voice as he entered the car.
Talon pulled out the knife and examined it, then he let out a sinister smile underneath his mask.
"Oh Dick, I knew you were special."
A couple of minutes later, Talon was driving the car and Dick was silently looking towards the window, watching the mountain he had climbed, slowly disappearing from his view.
"A Yeti." Dick said.
"Now Dick-
"A fu %ing Yeti?"
"Dick, please-
"Where in god's name did you find a Yeti?"
"You'd be surprised what people sell in this world."
Dick stared at the Talon as if he had grown two heads before he continued his little burst.
"Why the hell would you send a Yeti after me?!"
"To test you of cour-
"Test my a#$, that thing could have killed me?!"
"Quiet." The Talon ordered.
"Tch, whatever." Dick said.
They continued to drive in silence once again before Dick broke the silence.
"Why are we doing this?" Dick asked, breaking the silence.
"Hm, to test you of course." Talon spoke.
"Not that, what I meant was, why are you guys bothering with all this? Instead of going through all this trouble of training me at a specific time, letting me perform the circus and continue my life as if it were normal, you could have just taken me to the court's hidden base and put me into one of those chambers that turns me into an undead and leave me in a cell until you need me for a mission, it would be much easier for you guys." Dick asked.
Chuckle, the Talon chuckled.
"We have previously thought of that idea." Talon said, getting Dicks attention.
"But that was before we knew something about you…..something special."
The moment Dick heard those words come right out of Talons mouth, he knew he was fuk #$.
Dick Grayson's Status
Dick Grayson
Title: Gray Son of Gotham
Race: Meta-Human
Level: 14
HP: 575/575 (54 Regan Per Min)
MP: 600/600 (38 Regan 30 Seconds)
WP: 675/675 (38 Regan 30 Seconds)
STR: 23
VIT: 19
DEX: 33
INT: 20
WIS: 19
CHA: 30
LCK: 17
EXP: [19.02%]
Points: 56
Base HP (100) + (Vitality * 25)
HP Regan = STR * 2
Base MP(100) + (Intelligence* 25)
MP Regan = WIS * 2
Base WP(100) + (Strength* 25)
WP Regan = WIS * 2
Skill List
[Gamer's Mind] ( ) (Passive): Allows the user to think calmly and logically no matter the circumstance. Grants immunity to any mental status effects and removes any negative emotions.
[Gamer's Body] ( ) (Passive): Grants the user a body that is similar to a video game. Sleeping restores HP, MP, and WP as well as removing all negative status effects.
[Sword Proficiency] (Lv.16) (Passive) [34.08%]: Grants the user knowledge on how to handle a sword with skill.
Increases all sword attacks by 25%
[Throwing] (Lv.28) (Passive) [87.90%]: Grants the user knowledge on how to throw objects, whether they are weapons or utensils.
Increases all throwing attacks by 38% + 50% damage on aim.
30% chance of hitting arteries and veins.
[Aiming] (Lv.28) (Passive) [23.67%]: Grants the user knowledge on how to point a weapon at a certain target.
50% increase on damage to all ranged skills.
[Martial Arts] (Lv.34) (Passive) [11.34%]: Grants the user knowledge on how to fight hand to hand whether in self-defense or to attack.
Increases all damage to martial art techniques by 50%
[Acrobatics] (Lv.50) (Passive) [45.47%]: The ability to have great balance, agility, and flexibility.
[Parkour] (Lv.46) (Passive) [87.04%]: To be able to transverse environmental obstacles by running, climbing, or leaping rapidly and efficiently.
[Pain Tolerance] (Lv. 34) (Passive) [34.45%]: Your body durability increases, lowering the damage your body takes.
[Evading] (Lv.29) (Passive) [21.87%]: To be able to escape, dodge or avoid an attack coming your way.
[Drug Resistance] (Lv.1) (Passive) [23.98%]: Your body develops a resistance to drugs, suppressing their effects.
[Fireball] (Lv.12) (Active) [76.03%]: Summons a ball of fire at a targeted area.
Has a 50% chance of inflicting [Burning Status] dealing 10 damage for every 5 seconds.
Range has now increased to 6 meters.
Cost: 30 MP
[Mana Shield] (Lv.1) (Active) [10.87%]
A shield created from mana that can protect you from any attacks.
Cost: 100 MP
[Life Drain] (Lv.1) (Active) [13.78%]
Drain 20 HP from your target.
Cost: 25 MP
[Hamon] (Lv. 1) (Active) [10.32]: Spreads energy called Hamon, used in the form of martial arts, Sendo, throughout the user's whole body.
Increases all empty-handed melee attacks by 25%.
x2 damage to all beings related to all beings of the dark.
Cost: 100 WP
And done, this idea has been in my mind for a while now so I decided to write about it.
BUT BEFORE YOU JUMP ON HOW THERE ARE SOME MISSING PARTS RELATED TO THE GAMERS ABILITIES, THEY WILL BE EXPLAINED IN THE COMING CHAPTERS.
Don't worry I'm continuing my other fanfics and I'm halfway done with them but right now this project is going to be my main focus for now. Until next time my readers.