Slightly satisfied with my progress, I mean the new perk, not the failed Miracle drug, I returned to my company.
And found Emilia waiting, alongside a young-looking Supergirl. I mean, she should be over 40 years old but still, not my problem.
"Supergirl and Agent Harcourt! Anything my company can do for you today?" I asked in a pleasant voice, and invited the two idiots into my conference room.
"Errr. She knows! And was curious to meet you." Emilia muttered in a slightly ashamed voice.
I ignored the Kryptonian and stepped close to my new girlfriend. "What the hell, Lady Emilia! It is one thing to show up alone, and another to bring a super into my company. Anything happens, it's on you!" I growled at her in a loud voice.
"Can I...?"
"No!" both me and Emilia shouted, then burst into laughter.
"You still fucked up, but it's not so bad. Supergirl can buy some products and wear them publicly. I'll need to encrypt her phone anyways." I added in a more relaxed tone and hugged sweet Emilia tightly.
"The two of us are the test subjects for the bracelets. Kara because she won't blow up by accident, and me because they hope you'll be careful. Will you?" Emilia explained in a disarming voice, and outed another superhero.
"What did they teach you at CIA? De-conspire hidden agents and operatives?" I grumbled and noticed Emilia blush heavily as she realized her blunder.
"...Errr. Fair is fair anyways. Kara Danvers." Supergirl said and offered me a handshake.
Instead, I bowed and kissed her hand like a gentleman. "I am Lord Wizard. Welcome to my humble abode, Lady Kara Zor-El. Lady Emilia will prepare some coffee, while you explain your visit." I said with a noble voice, and offered her a seat.
"...Right. Coffee!" Emilia muttered as she stood there a bit too long, possibly a bit jealous.
"You know of my Kryptonian origins?" Supergirl asked with a surprised face.
"You bear the symbol of Hope on your chest proudly. Much like your cousin. You shouldn't assume everyone on Earth is uncultured, Lady Kara. You must be what, 40 years old now?" I asked in a mild voice, testing a theory.
Although, the Observe spell was rather clear.
*Kara Zor-El, age 42
-Kryptonian. Eq. Lvl 2000 on Earth.
So far beyond me in power, that I didn't even know what to do.
"Errr. Not really...travel time and stuff. I would be 21 years old here." she muttered in a confused, but cute voice.
"It's a pity for your nice skirt and summer suit. When more aliens arrive with Kryptonite weapons, you will need to wear power armor instead. No more free peeks from your fans." I added as a warning, then turned and grabbed my coffee before Emilia could spill it.
"Power armor?" Supergirl asked naively.
"Of course. Even if they only bring green kryptonite, you would not be able to fight or fly, much like a sick human. Thus, power armor with flight ability. Not to mention far worse types of kryptonite like red or silver. Surely you are prepared, right?" I asked in-between sips of coffee.
Emilia stared at me like I grew another head, while Supergirl looked about to cry.
So I took out a pair of Butterfly bracelets, configured for use on Earth only. "Anyways, try the bracelet for now. Worst case, you teleport away and call in backup. Or me. I am quite adept at dealing with aliens." I offered in a polite voice.
Emilia came to pick up her own bracelet, then teleported from corner to corner like a mad rabbit once she figured out the holographic interface.
"They all say you're very strong and such, but I can't feel any danger from you. Maybe you have hidden tech?" Supergirl asked in a curious voice, possibly sensing the normal human body I was in.
Well then. You asked for it!
Dark Magic. My strongest spell, striking at a weak point of any Kryptonian. They were rather more sensible to magic than to blunt damage.
In a few seconds, my darkness floored Supergirl and Emilia as well, before she could teleport away.
Light of the Soul. Pouring my light out, I restored the damage and helped the girls recover.
"Did you think I was faking being a Wizard? Sure, I am not the strongest, but then I am only 18 years old. I will grow." I declared in a harsh voice.
"You're plenty strong, Lord Wizard. I am sorry for doubting you." Kara offered in a subdued tone, while Emilia just puked her coffee right out.
"Wait here." I demanded and went to change, returning a minute later in my Grey Wizard suit.
Teeeeeeez!
With a flash of light, I teleported the three of us right at DEO headquarters, such that I could acquire valuable goodies they stored in the vault.
"Supergirl! Agent Harcourt! Did you get the tech?" A middle-aged woman ran out and asked in wary tone. Maybe 30 years old.
I scanned the building, finding plenty of security holes and gaps in the computer networks. They were less prepared for an invasion than a corporation!
And not a single regiment of US Marines guarding the perimeter. No tanks, no attack helicopters, no missile defense. Not to mention energy shields or better alien tech.
This was the agency that protected the entire planet from aliens? It was a joke!
" I am Alex_Danvers, director of the D.E.O. And you must be the Grey Wizard."
I nodded and continued to look around. " Not a single regiment of US Marines guarding the perimeter. No tanks, no attack helicopters, no missile defense. Not to mention energy shields or better alien tech.
This is the agency that protects the entire planet from alien invasions? Not to mention plenty of security holes and gaps in the computer networks."
Director Danvers paled at my words, as her employees became a little smaller at my accusations. "Our budget is not that big, Grey Wizard." she interjected with a somber tone.
"Fine. I'll fix what I can. But you must request firepower from the POTUS. Today. And tomorrow too. In writing, on the phone, in person if you need to. If this base is attacked, who will defend the world then?" I commented in a wry tone, then simply rolled away a computer geek from the nearest station, since his chair had wheels and began bringing out my own tech. A server, a few laptops and routers, a shield emitter, some holographic screens.
Nothing too advanced, but probably 50 years better than what the US government provided for its last line of defense. Took me a few hours, even with Tech Use 100. One man can't do everything.
Plus, I did have to install hidden backdoors, backups and other stuff. DEO was sometimes up to stupid things, or may find themselves over their heads.
When I stood up, I found Emilia waiting with a mug of coffee, which was rather thoughtful.
"We have an energy shield now?" she asked to make sure.
"Indeed you do, Agent Harcourt. Now, take me to your leader." I demanded in a professional voice, as the geek returned to his station and poked things with a doubtful face.
A minute later, I was left alone with Director Danvers in her office. I may need to sweep the place as well.
"I guess you didn't get approved more funding." I observed wisely, looking at her despondent face and broken mug coffee on the floor.
"A company of Army Rangers and one transport helicopter. For an entire planet!" she growled and slumped in her chair.
I mean, much better than before, to be fair. "I have plenty of money. Billions. Now take me to the vault. Perhaps you have something there that can help." I offered in a careless voice.
"And what, you're going to fund DEO by yourself, Lord Wizard?" she muttered in a low voice, as she grabbed a pair of keys and lead the way to a masked elevator.
A minute later of descending underground, we reached the bank-like vault and she handed me the second key.
"On my mark! 3, 2, 1" she demanded in a commanding voice, then we turned our keys at the same time.
Taking out my holographic scanner, I began modelling the entire vault, while taking note of valuable items like N-th metal, Dark Metal and kryptonite.
Even a Mad Hatter's hat, with intact circuits for mind-control!
Oh, I was going to have a lot of fun working with this stuff.
"You know I am dating Emilia Harcourt. I want her to be safe at her workplace. So yes, you will get black funds when needed. Plus a lot of tech relating to fighting and subduing aliens. Suits for your operatives, power armor for Kara. You want your sister to be safe, right?" I asked rhetorically.
Alex Danvers nodded and wiped her face. "She's scared of you. Kara. I never seen her scared."
"I am a Wizard. We have our ways. Now." I muttered as the Martian Hunter waved a hand and made the woman fall asleep.
"Erase your name from her memory, that's all?" J'onn asked in a soft voice.
"And any other heroes beside Supergirl. It would be weird if she forgets her sister." I said in a light voice, then began looting the place, storing anything of value in my storage, then replacing them with holographic copies.
Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.
A few minutes later, J'onn tapped his bracelet and teleported away, after we closed the vault.
"What the fuck!" Director Danvers yelled as she found me upgrading her computer.
"I told you not to touch the yellow light. Those snakes aliens like to leave traps. At least the poison is gone, but you'll feel weak for a day or two. I am not actually a healer." I explained in a careless voice.
The director raised her hand, finding a hundred tiny scars on her palm. "Grey Wizard? I think I know you."
"Yes, I am your new tech guy. Sort of. Installed the energy shield over the base. And biometric scanners for every computer or screen. Use your left hand for a few days, perhaps. Fingerprints might be damaged a little." I added with a wry tone.
"I never let you use my computer!" She realized as the fog lifted.
"No, but you also don't want the Russians or the Chinese reading your files. Or some aliens, for that matter. Now they are quantum encrypted on your end. Anything leaks, you know where you sent the data." I explained patiently.
"That sounds, quite good. Are you sure you're a Wizard, not a tech geek?" she asked a bit confused.
"Also, you broke the mug before I arrived. Something about a company of Rangers. I did try to listen, but the sound-proofing is very good." I observed with irony.
"Leave now! Tell Supergirl to enter." she demanded instead, possibly wary I was stealing her database. Which I totally did.
Outside her office, Supergirl was pacing. "What did you do?"
"Healed her hand? Encrypted her emails. No. Something about some Rangers? Dunno, your sister is weird. Also, the mug is not my fault." I muttered randomly and walked away.
"Alex.." she exclaimed and entered the office rapidly.
I nodded towards Emilia then teleported away. Perfect heist.
I didn't go home, but instead teleported to the Justice League.
They had hollowed out a mountain and created a 'secret base' , which any decent villain already knew about. I'm not sure why these people thought 'security through obscurity' would ever work.
Then again, they were rather...good people yet morons. No wonder so many villains played them like a piano.
The only real thinker among them was the Martian Hunter, thus he was my favorite. The rest only reacted, which made for nice news at eleven, but nothing more.
"Grey Wizard! It's rare for you to visit." Hawkwoman exclaimed in a joyful voice.
I just nodded at the hero, and looked around failing to find Batman as usual. He was probably punching muggers in Gotham, instead of doing something worthwhile.
J'onn appeared at my side, playing with his new teleport bracelet. "Anything new, mighty Wizard?" the Martian hero asked in a flat voice.
"I just remembered that most of you lack employment, or barely make do. Thus, in exchange for wearing and using Grey Apple products in public, phones and watches in particular, I will sponsor each of you with 1 million per year." I offered generously, filling a table with titanium-boron alloy products. The casing, I mean. Heroes had a tendency to get beat up or shot quite often.
Hawkwoman flew at the table and picked up a pair of watches and phones. "I'll make sure my husband wears them too." she declared in a final voice. I'm sure you will.
Then I walked to the central computer and began uploading the new database from DEO, giving the Justice League some extra resources for their thankless job. The Martian Hunter stood at my side, keeping watch silently.
"You're up to something, Wizard." he muttered in a low tone when I was done.
I just nodded. "Keep an eye out for any kryptonite or alien metal on the black market. Or regular auctions, for that matter. I need blue kryptonite if possible." I said in a conspiratorial tone, and handed him a black account checkbook, worth 1 billion dollars. Not only blue kryptonite nullified Kryptonian powers on Earth, but it could also heal any wounds. Amazing stuff to have, truly.
I think he smiled or frowned for a micro-second, but I could never be sure with J'onn. Maybe both?
'You realize drug dealers exist because people want drugs. You're not solving anything with the impalements.' he spoke in my mind, possibly as a warning.
'I'm not going after pharmacists, J'onn. Did you try Vertigo yet?' I asked in a mild voice, in my head.
'Evil stuff. Just..tone it down, Wizard. We're heroes.' the Martian warned me again, then waved goodbye, before I knew I was leaving.
Oh well. Teleport it is.
Time to finish my quest, and make Star City a little better.
A short stop at my trap lair, to change into the Apple suit, and off we go. More criminals to neutralize.
This time, I did find Count Vertigo, and most of his henchmen, as they gathered up to prepare a response for the attack on their Vertigo stash. Sadly, they didn't get to act, but probably for the better. They were planning to go out in numbers and addict people forcefully, much like hostage taking. Pretty much terrorism, in my view.
However, since this was the United States, I didn't use the impalement, just burned the bodies, after looting.
Loot, then burn. Not so hard, right?
*+1 Logic skill.
Haha! The System was being funny today.
'Any chance you unblock my stats?' I asked inward.
*System restore
Attribute progression unblocked. And tone it down.
*Quest complete. Vertigo drug eliminated from public consumption.
+10 free Skill points.
Uh. A rush of attributes filled me, so I had to teleport rapidly away, before I fell down on my couch in the trap lair.
Pef Wizard, Level 15. HP 310+62, MP 200, SP 62
Main profession: Gamer (+1 to all attributes, +10 all Skills)
Secondary profession: Wizard (+2 to Int, Will and Mag)
Tertiary profession: Detective (+2 to Per, +10 Awareness, + 10 Logic)
Strength: 30
Agility: 30
Endurance: 31
Intelligence: 16
Wisdom: 15
Willpower: 31
Magic: 20
Perception: 16
Charisma: 15
Free points:0
Athletics: 20
Awareness: 33
Carouse: 21
Commerce: 20
Demolition: 22
Intimidation: 20
Logic: 34
Lore: 20
Medic: 40
Persuasion: 20
Tech use: 100
Weapons: 20
Free skill points: 10
Perks:
*Gamer body. Your body now mostly follows the rules of a Gamer and is immune to aging effects. If your HP reach 0, you will die again. +1 to all attributes, +10 to all Skills.
*Gamer mind. Your mind is fortified and will withstand most mental and psychological attacks. MP create a buffer against any mental attacks.
*Gamer soul. Your soul is fortified and will withstand most soul attacks. SP provide a buffer against any soul attacks.
Wizard. +2 to Int, Will and Mag.
Detective.+2 to Per, +10 Awareness, + 10 Logic.
Mana Manipulation. You can now manipulate mana easier.
Jack of All. +10 to all Skills.
Light of the soul. You have fortified your soul against darkness. You may purify moderate corruption. Consumes 2 SP/sec.
Dark Magic. Your soul can fight back. Or just attack someone's soul with moderate strength. Consumes 1 SP/sec.
Engineer. You can now use any technological device that you know the purpose of. Int+1. Per+1.
Pain suppression. +1 End, +1 Will. You feel only 90% of any pain.
It took an hour for the attributes to settle in my body and possibly my soul. Everything hurt, albeit at 90% of maximum strength. I would live.
Anyways, with the boost of Int and Wis, I was feeling less lost now. Planning became easier, and was casting spells. Such as using my Shadows to clean up the place, especially the vomit. I didn't remember throwing up, but I obviously did. Must have been in a great deal of pain.
*+1 Awareness.
Nice. Now, let's add the 10 free points in Medic. With 50 Medic skills, I was feeling like a decent doctor, or a mediocre surgeon. Maybe I should read some books about medicine, just in case.
A quick trip to the City Library, and scanning a hundred medical books provided me with a base to start with. I was close enough to figuring out the Mirakuru enhancement drugs, maybe also find a cure for the side-effects.
Despite what I told the Arrow, the Japanese miracle drug wasn't that easy to solve. Then again, perhaps I was going at it from the wrong angle.
I didn't need to make supersoldiers, only better bodies. Perhaps 10 times the strength of a normal human was too much to bear, thus the failures. Maybe 3 times would be enough, and far safer.
Late in the morning, Emilia returned, this time via teleport.
"Pef! I got the transfer. Plus a promotion. I am now an Office Director for the DEO Star City office." she shouted with joy and jumped in my arms.
"Great! And you need me?" I asked in a light voice.
"Obviously. Please upgrade my base? I offer fabulous, hot sex." she proposed rather indecently, and began to undress right there.
"Just this once. Because you're pretty. Nothing else." I allowed and jumped in my bed.
Sometime later, I had to go and upgrade the Star City base as I promised. But this time I did add concealed turrets in the ceiling. Basically repurposed Butterfly spaceships, hooked to the main computer. Even if smaller than my fingers, the weapons were still starship-grade cannons, able to make mince-meat out of normal humans, or even damage weaker metahumans.
I will need bigger guns though. Some of the aliens around could tank hits from a Kryptonian. Hopefully J'onn will buy something nice for me.