19 Chapter 19: Inheritance

Mason had a pretty bad night's sleep.

The end of the world scenes shown in like movies and comics kept replaying in his mind.

The sky was still dark when he woke up at dawn, but the night had dispersed. Kite Man, who was cooking breakfast by the campfire, glanced at Mason rubbing his eyes as he got up.

He joked, "I guess you really like Superman and Wonder Woman."

"Huh? Why do you say that?" Mason looked at him, puzzled.

Kite Man shrugged and said, "You had a terrible night. You called out Wonder Woman's name 67 times with your eyes closed, and Superman's name 138 times, along with some other names I didn't recognize. So I guess your nightmare must be scary.

Mason rolled his eyes, took a sip of water, and wiped his mouth. Then he heard Kite Man say softly, "But I think you trust Batman more. You shouted his name 487 times all night, second only to the guy named Logan, who you shouted 449 times."

"Shut up!"

Mason, who had always been calm and rational, suddenly became angry and threw the water bottle in his hand at Kite Man, who was giggling and snorting. He even thought about pulling out the Eagle of Suger and giving this guy a slash.

Mason calmed down and picked up the breakfast porridge that Kite Man had handed over. He stuffed it in his mouth while pulling out Mr. Potter's diary from his pocket and handing it over to him, gesturing for him to read it himself.

Kite Man glanced at it in his hand, then his expression became increasingly serious and panicked.

He finally understood why Mason had such terrible nightmares.

"This apocalypse was planned? Who are these 'World Destroyers' that sound so scary?" Kite man shuddered as he handed the diary back to Mason.

He ate his breakfast blankly and said, "You're worried our world is no match for them. We have Batman and Superman. We are much stronger than the wizards in this world. They won't dare to come."

"This world isn't as weak as you think. It's just that zombies can't use magic," Mason said softly. "You saw that dragon with your own eyes. There should be other living dragons in this world and magical creatures that are no less powerful than dragons. But they are still turned into zombies."

"Charles, we can't just ignore what we saw of the apocalypse. Do you understand what I mean?"

"Do you want to tell Batman about this?" Kite man's brain was also quite sharp, and he immediately caught on.

Mason didn't answer, but that was exactly what he was thinking now. He really didn't want to have any contact with the World Destroyers or the Star Society, especially since the latter had been warned by Old K before he died not to trust anyone from the Star Society.

Even in the eyes of a cold-blooded jerk like K, the Stars were not a good place.

"Well, your plan makes sense. This isn't something we can handle alone."

Kite-Man quickly nodded, "When the sky falls, tall people have to hold it up. Let's go back to Gotham and dump all this mess on Batman and his friends. Then, we can live our lives easier. Oh, the train's here! I heard the whistle."

"Quick, boss, let's pack up and go."

A few minutes later, Mason and Kite-Man, who had packed their things, landed their flying motorcycles on the deserted platform of the Hogsmeade Station and opened the carriage to store the motorcycles.

After the train started, Mason walked alone into the front car of the magical train. Mason looked at the odd shape of the train engine in front of him.

That thing was like a silver-grey shell that sealed all secrets inside. Obviously, after magical modification, not even a screw could be seen on it.

He quickly found several barrels of strange-smelling special liquids in a compartment in the front of the car. Under the identification of a system, Mason confirmed that this was a special oil for use by the alchemy engine and could also be used for the engine of a flying motorcycle.

He packed the oil into his bag and admired how comfortable it was to use the magic backpack. Then, he reached out and touched the odd silver-grey engine cover in front of him.

Name: Alterina Type III Power Engine

Quality: Epic Engineering / Alchemy Item · Outstanding Craftsmanship

Item Description: Since the implementation of the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy, the issue of new student enrollment at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry has been brought to the forefront. In order to ensure safety and confidentiality and showcase the wizarding world's progressiveness, the then-Minister of Magic, Ottaline Gambol, proposed a bold solution.

This alchemical power engine is the consummation of ancient magical techniques and modern industrialization. Since its beginning, it has undergone three improvements. It is the basis for all modern power devices in the wizarding world. Its name is used to commemorate the admirable Minister of Magic.

The engine uses a special alchemical oil made by alchemists. It can run autonomously for months or even years in an environment with magical energy.

The plans for Ottaline's alchemical engine remain highly confidential within the Ministry of Magic.

Note: This plan requires a complete understanding of alchemy at level 4, engineering at level 5, enchantment at level 2, and runology at level 2. Plan decryption in progress.

"Okay," Mason reluctantly withdrew his hand.

It seemed like he had to spend some time quickly improving his professional skills. These mysterious plans were right in front of him. Yet, he couldn't decipher and view them, which was frustrating, like entering a treasure trove but not being able to take any of the treasures.

When he returned to the carriage, he saw Kite Man holding something like a poker card and repeatedly flipping it in his hand.

After seeing Mason push the door open, Kite Man Charles immediately waved the thing and said, "Look what I found in the old clothes left by old K. A magic card with an unknown beauty, so cool."

"Hmm? Let me see." Mason reached out and took the card, and when he looked at it in his hand, he twisted his mouth in disdain.

He had just been complaining about how this wizard hunter Old K had only given him a sword and a badge but had not seen any sign of Gwent, but it turned out to be hidden here.

"Coconut milk... uh, no, Ms. Yennefer, hello."

Mason put the card in front of his eyes, looked at the portrait of the beautiful lady in black clothes and black hairstyle on the card, and smiled softly, saying a few words.

The next second, the System popped up.

'Detection of an inscription-making object, analyzing... This item is the Neutral Faction Legendary Card - Yennefer, Sorceress of Vengerberg in the classic Gwent game. Its effect is to receive opponents' envious, jealous, and hateful gazes.

'The blueprint has been included.'

'Inscription technique activated, currently at Level 0.'

"It's an interesting toy. You can use it to ease your loneliness when you're alone," Mason commented, intending to return the rare card to Kite-man. But as he handed the card over, he suddenly noticed a hidden graffiti in the corner of the card.

This made Mason raise his eyebrows and look closer, discovering that the graffiti was a special font, 'K.'

"Old K?"

Mason squinted his eyes. He immediately guessed that this was the source of the pseudonym "Old K," Then he wondered if there were also Old A, Queen, Joker, and King?

Well, after all this fuss, was this just another clue about a secret society? Why do you guys like to play with secret societies so much? We're already in a secret society, you assholes. Do you still need to open another game?

"Sorry, Charles," Mason played with the card in his hand and said to Kite-man, "I have to take this thing away. I can't give it back to you."

"It's okay. You can keep it and use it." The Kite Man smiled, showing an I understand the expression, and raised his eyebrows at Mason. "Young man, I understand the need for firepower. When I was 18, even my fat homeroom teacher wasn't safe. Ahem, never mind, just take care of yourself."

Mason rolled his eyes.

Although he was mentally older than Kite Man, he understood what the man was talking about. But he didn't bother to respond and instead sat in the corner of the couch, flipping through Old K's alchemy notes to study.

Kite Man also took out his tattered flying kite and placed it on the table, sighing as he tried to repair it. But it looked so broken that it was probably difficult to fix it quickly.

Amid the two of them being busy like this, the train arrived at the station four hours later.

Mason carried his suitcase down the ladder and looked back at the foggy exit behind the magic platform. It felt like a different world in that instant.

Kite Man, wearing Old K's old clothes, also let out a long sigh. This trip only lasted three short days, but only the two of them survived until the end.

"Go check that door."

As they crossed the stone pillars of the magical platform, Mason picked up his Crit Shotgun and said to Kite Man, "You go First." The latter looked at him and said, "What else will you do? Not going home?"

"Got it. I'll wait for you by the door. It's better not to take too long. I'm really eager to see my son now." Charles looked down at his finger and said, "To hell with broken relationships! I've made up my mind. I will sue that woman and fight for custody of my son."

"Good idea. I support you," Mason said casually. As they passed the 9 3/4 platform pillars, he lifted his secondary gun and aimed at a roaming headless zombie above. With a bang, a headless corpse fell from over a dozen meters high.

"Successfully completed an excellent long-range precise kill. Shooting proficiency in the shooting branch skill increased by X5," the System in front of Mason made him smile. He remembered that he had sworn to break through his shooting skills to level 3 before he set off.

An unforgettable journey always has a perfect ending, right?

.....

After three hours

Mason rubbed his sore arms and shoulders and carried his gun and suitcase to the door where they crossed worlds. Mason realized a tragic truth: it was indeed harder to improve skills the higher they got.

Behind him, he had cleared out most of the zombies in the station and had used his engineering bomb, but it took multiple killings to barely reach Level 3 in the shooting. He wondered how long it would take to reach the maximum level.

In front of him, Kite-Man was getting impatient. He had guarded the door, which seemed ordinary but was about to lose its magical power and had not left Mason alone.

This made Mason feel satisfied that Charles was indeed a good partner. However, he could be even more useful if he were stronger.

The black stone implanted in the cat's eye of the door had already dimmed, showing that the door's magical ability was about to close.

The outer ring of its brass handle had complex markings that Mason had seen before when old K used it. He had to turn it to a specific position to open a precise world channel.

"You do it. You seem better at dealing with these weird things," Kite-Man said, stepping aside to let Mason take over.

Mason reached out and grabbed the door's handle. In the next instant, a System popped up.

Name: World Travel Door · Replica

Quality: Excellent Creation · Excellent Craftsmanship

Traits: Strange Object Projection · Star Group Positioning · Space-Time Travel · Identity Lock · Soul Linkage

Status: Owner 'Old K' is dead. World Key is broken and needs to be re-binding before use.

Effect: Choose different world coordinates, and turn the handle to open a path to different parallel worlds. Using the World Key can change the positioning of the World Travel Door in other worlds.

This item requires a specific energy stone for power. Once opened, it lasts for five days. Currently, there are [37/120 hours] remaining. After the energy stone is exhausted, this ownerless World Travel Door will be permanently closed.

Item Description: This World Travel Door is only a replica of the world-traveling door owned by the Star Society. All its abilities come from the replica projection of that legendary item.

'This item can be destroyed, but it is not recommended.'

These words in the System made Mason frown because, under the words, an information box popped up: "The World Travel Door can bind to a new user. Yes or not?"

"What's wrong?"

Kite Man saw Mason's expression and asked in a low voice.

"Old K is dead. This door can not be used unless one of us is willing to become its new owner."

"I'll do it!" When Charles heard this sentence, his heart sank halfway, but he didn't hesitate much when he heard Mason say that binding was necessary to use it. He reached out to grab the door's handle.

But his wrist was held by Mason.

He stared at Kite-Man and said very seriously, "You know, once you bind with it, you're basically joining the Star Society. Old K told me before his death that the Star Society isn't good!"

"What should we do then?" Kite-Man asked unwillingly

"Without it, we can't go back! My child is still waiting for me. I don't want to live in this already dead world in the future! Mason, do you want to spend the rest of your life surrounded by zombies?"

Charles, who was covered in green, lowered his head. He was silent for a few seconds and said

"I owe you my life. I owe you a lot of favors. I'd probably have been cannon fodder if it weren't for you. I'm not kidding when I call you boss. I know what I should do in this situation. I also know that you have concerns, so I'll do it."

Mason looked at Kite-Man in front of him. He was silent for nearly ten seconds, shook his head, and said softly, "No, you're too inexperienced. I'm afraid you won't be able to handle it."

"Are you fucking looking down on me?" Charles yelled through gritted teeth.

But in the next moment, he saw a red light shining from the door handle, quickly spreading to Mason's wrist, leaving a strange mark on his forearm in his painful cry.

"Do you fucking understand the rules? Didn't the Penguin teach you how to be a boss?" Kite Man was really angry now.

He tried to push Mason away from the door handle, shouting, "In Gotham's underworld, the boss gives orders, and the subordinates carry them out. It's not the boss blaming the subordinates. You're too naive in Gotham, you asshole!"

"Don't worry!"

Mason, with his arm covered in red light, bit his teeth and pressed it on Kite Man's shoulder. He said hoarsely, "You're also responsible. Old K came here to rebuild the team, so we must also be a team to fulfill his contract with the Star Society. Luckily, I showed kindness before and saved you, you idiot. Otherwise, I would really have lived alone in this world forever."

"That's right," Kite Man grinned.

Looking at the red light flowing from Mason's hand onto his shoulder, he laughed and said, "Good things come to good people, boss. When we came here, I could tell at a glance that you're a good person. But enough talk, let's open the door and go back. I'm really fed up with this place!"

"Okay," Mason glanced at the shining prompt on the System that said " Force suspected to be a 'Soul Curse' is being applied," he shook his head and unlocked the door.

Between the flickering stars, the screen of Gotham appeared in front of the new boss and his subordinates.

After being out for so long, it was indeed time to go home.

.....

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