83 CHAPTER 82

Thanks to the success of my previous job, I had come into possession of some kryptonite. As someone who might nevertheless have an encounter with a Kryptonian at any time, I knew I had to make something special with this rare and powerful material.

After some consideration, I decided to create a hunter's knife out of the kryptonite. 

"Gwen." I called out to my AI as I walked into my basement, which I had turned into a workshop. 

"How may I be of assistance, Master Tom?" My AI responded, ready to provide whatever help I might need at the moment. 

"I want you to scan this raw kryptonite and provide me with every information I will need, in order to forge it into a blade." I commanded as I placed the kryptonite on my desk for Gwen to scan through it. 

After a few seconds, a beep sound came from my computer and I rolled over on my chair to the computer and glanced through the screen. A smirk appeared on my lips as my eyes were greeted with the undiluted information I had requested. I placed orders for certain equipments I might need, both for forging the blade and for standard costume making too. 

The process was intense, involving molting, hammering, and cooling to create a blade that was both sharp and strong. After long hours had gone by, a green glow enveloped the workshop as I raised the blade and observed its exteriors. I was proud of my creation and made a custom sheath and holster to ensure that it was always within reach.

With the knife completed, I turned my attention to crafting a persona to match. I wanted a look that was sleek, dangerous, and confident, and a black leather jacket  seemed like the perfect fit. I got to work on a black leather jacket with wide lapels, brass buttons, and intricate embroidery. The jacket was fitted and flattering, with just the right amount of edge to make a statement.

To complete the look, I paired the jacket with black combat jeans and sturdy boots. And, of course, I made sure to wear my kryptonite hunter's knife, tucked safely into its holster.

I donned my black balaclava mask, its design tailored to accommodate my customized glasses. It was the perfect outfit for private jobs, much like the ones I undertook back in Bludhaven. With this getup, I wouldn't need to resort to any ridiculous disguises. But the thought of someone like Superman being able to see through almost anything, nagged at the back of my mind as it made all this trouble seem pointless if I could be identity behind by anyone while wearing my mask. The only thing Superman couldn't see through was lead, but how to fix lead into my mask was another puzzle for me. 

I stood in my workshop, my mind racing as I tried to figure out a solution to my problem. "How could I incorporate lead into my mask without compromising its design?" It was a puzzle that had been nagging at me for days, and it seemed like there was no easy solution.

But then, as if a metaphorical light bulb had appeared above my head, I had an idea. I rummaged through my tools box until I found what I was looking for - a small tube of lead fragments. It was a risky move, but I was confident it would work.

I sat in my dimly lit workshop with a bulb swinging at the middle of it, carefully embedding lead fragments into the linings of my black balaclava mask. It was a tedious and time-consuming process, but  it was necessary if I wanted to keep my identity hidden from Kryptonians like Superman.

Kryptonians had the ability to see through objects, including masks, with their X-ray vision. But with these lead fragments, they wouldn't be able to see through my mask.

Once the lead fragments were securely embedded into the mask, I put it on, testing it out in front of the mirror. There was no way of telling if it worked or not, but I believed in my work and I was sure it did. 

Yet, that wasn't enough. I also added a new feature to my customized glasses which projected a false image over my face. It was a smiley face on glasses, harmless and unassuming, yet it provided an extra layer of protection against anyone who might have X-ray vision like Martian Manhunter for example.

As I slipped on the glasses and looked in the mirror, I couldn't help but chuckle at the sight of the smiley face. It was a silly image, but it was necessary for keeping my identity safe.

In my line of work, being prepared was everything. Personal safety and anonymity were the pillars on which I built my specialized outfit. It was a meticulous design, one that ensured I was always ready for any challenge I might have to face, without putting my true identity at risk or drawing unwanted attention my way.

I had spent countless hours researching and designing this outfit, making sure every detail was perfect. The fabric was durable, yet flexible enough to allow for easy movement. The mask was designed to cover my entire face and hair, providing full protection and anonymity. And of course, the lead fragments embedded in the linings ensured that I was invisible to Kryptonians' X-ray vision.

The benefits of this outfit went beyond just safety and anonymity. It also allowed me to keep a low profile, keeping the kid known as Tom out of harm's way and from the suspicion of others who might be looking my way. While I go around personally undertaking certain personal jobs without putting my identity at risk. My identities were my greatest assets, and I had to protect them at all costs. With this outfit, I looked more like a mercenary or some vigilante who's trying to look cool at his job, now Tom could be just another teenager who lives down the road, a perfect cover. 

As I pulled on the mask and adjusted my glasses, I felt a sense of excitement. The thrill of adventure and danger was like a drug, and I was addicted. I was ready to take on any challenge that came my way, and with this outfit, I knew I could do it more efficiently without worrying too much about identity being at risk. 

If I wanted something, I could go get it without putting much thought into the consequences it might have. So long as I could handle it, there was no need to worry. The world was my playground, and I was its master.

… 

The sun was scorching hot as it blazed down on the endless sea of sand that stretched out before Ra's al Ghul's desert fortress, the base of the League of Assassins. 

His throne room was filled with the hushed whispers of his minions, all dressed in their black robes, their faces hidden behind masks, with his mind racing with possibilities. The utter defeat of the Joker in Gotham City had sent shockwaves throughout the criminal underworld, and Ra's knew that this presented an opportunity for him to fill the power vacuum and establish himself as the dominant force within the city.

But as he mulled over the possibilities, Ra's al Ghul could not shake the feeling that someone had orchestrated the Joker's defeat. The clown was too important to the balance of power in Gotham to be taken out so easily, and Ra's knew that only a skilled and experienced operator could have carried out the deed.

He pondered on who it could be, considering three villains who might have been responsible: Hush, Black Mask, or the Penguin. Each of them had the resources and the motivation to take out the Joker, but Ra's could not be sure without further investigation.

Accomplishing this feat intrigued Ra's, and he began to consider the possibility of recruiting this unknown figure to his cause.

But as he formulated his plans, Ra's felt a sense of unease. He knew that the power he sought would not come easily, and that there were many who would try to stand in his way. The thought of facing off against Batman, the Dark Knight of Gotham, made him shudder a bit, but he wouldn't let such feeling hold him back.

With a determined look on his face, Ra's al Ghul began to work on a plan to take advantage of the power vacuum in Gotham City. He had the resources and the will to see it through. He was the Demon's Head, and nothing could stop him from achieving his goals. He had an army of assassins at his disposal and he wasn't going to let anyone stand in his way of taking hold of that power he had set his eyes on. 

"Summon my daughter, her presence is needed right now in the throne room." He said as he gave orders to one of his minions who stood beside him. 

[A few moments later] 

Ra's al Ghul sat on his throne, his piercing eyes fixed on his daughter Talia, who knelt before him, her head bowed in respect. "My dear Talia," he began, his voice deep and commanding. "I have heard rumors that the Joker was utterly defeated and now left in a state worse than death. I want you to investigate this matter and find out who was responsible for leaving him in such a state."

Talia looked up at her father, her own eyes shining with curiosity. "Of course, Father," she replied. "But why do you care about the defeat of a madman like the Joker?"

Ra's lips curled into a slight smile. "Because, my dear, the Joker was no ordinary madman. He was a formidable psychopath, a force to be reckoned with. And if someone has finally put an end to his reign and left him in such a pitiful state, I want to know who that person might be as they seem intriguing."

Talia nodded, understanding the gravity of her father's words. "I will do as you command, Father," she said, rising to her feet. "But may I ask for your permission to take a few of our best assassins with me?"

Ra's gave a small nod. "You may take whoever you need, my dear. But be careful. The Joker may be out of the picture, but his legacy lives on. His followers are still out there, waiting to wreak havoc on the world."

Talia nodded once more, then turned to leave the throne room. As she walked out, her mind raced with thoughts of the Joker and the mystery surrounding his humiliating take-down. She knew that her father was right to be concerned. 

She would find out who had defeated the Joker, and she would make sure that the League of Assassins remained the most feared organization in the world as she helps her father with whatever he might be scheming.

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