Batman was not content with this.

He would know that the team’s first covert op mission went well, but it seems that the universe didn’t want them to succeed.

Coincidence is one thing he would believe in.

The mission on Santa Prisca did NOT go as well as he expected.

Despite how the team worked well with their differences, what mattered was the appearance of an unknown threat that still roams around freely.

He had grounded the team temporarily, despite their protests, it was clear they hadn’t recovered from what they witnessed.

He had heard of no one that matches the description of what the team had encountered. So he quickly assumed it was a new player. A ‘third’ party is a possibility.

Another thing, he was at loss.

What the team had encountered was a killer without a doubt.

The team said that Superboy’s arm was totally destroyed when he punched the Stone Armor’s fist. But his arm was not damaged. The person healed Superboy through unknown means.

It was possible he conducted some kind of an illusion that made it look like Superboy’s arm was gone, but considering how the team insisted they were sure that his arm was certainly gone and that the evidence of the blood stains around Superboy’s right arm, it’s correct to say that he was injured. Yet no other injuries were found.

There's another good possibility that he managed to heal Superboy’s arm back, but how?

And there's another thing the team mentioned, he disappeared right before their eyes. He didn't run, flew, he simply ‘disappeared’.

They didn't see anything that would indicate that he teleported.

And coincidentally, hours later, there were news reports in Mexico. In the Yucatan Region near Santa Prisca. Details of a town decimated and all of its inhabitants dead, no survivors found.

It could only bring suspicion that it could be the same person that the team encountered, had destroyed the same town in Mexico.

This person is no doubt dangerous and should be arrested.

----------------------------------------

Sometime later around Somewhere. . .

*Yawn!* “Damn, quite a night.” He scratched his back lazily as he cracked an eye open.

Morning had arrived, and he had travelled a bit further away from the town he had decimated. The ones who dared to fool him, their lives gone, returned to the dust from which they came.

Staying in the same place where he literally destroyed a town, accidentally killed and resurrected a group of kids and teens, will not bring him any good night sleep.

So he went a bit further, and by further he literally flew almost 2 thousand kilometers to a place which he could roughly guess was “America”. Considering the flag that has red and blue with 50 stars in their flag.

The “Land of the Free” as he read some history articles back in his world. The once mighty superpower had collapsed by its own people, supported by enemies who wished to destroy said country.

But enough of reminiscing history, right now he might have to grab, no wait, acquire some things.

He had no qualms living alone, but living alone in a inhabited land or whatever place he would find in this world would mean he could not enjoy the whatever food of the world that waits for his taste buds.

Based on the information he managed to acquire (From street thugs who thought he was a cosplayer when he initially arrived in town), he was in a small town of San Angelo. The state of Texas.

And right now, he is hiding in an abandoned warehouse that still has some untouched boxes. He checked a few of them and was surprised to see guns in a place he slept.

He’d guess that this is one of those ‘hidden’ gun caches that the gangs use to hide their stuff. The typical conventional weapons that were filled around in the warehouse.

It would be a dumb idea to hide in a place like this. But he shrugged it off, besides, who would take a look in such a barren looking building that looks like it's about to fall apart?

Presently, he has nothing to hide from the public eye and blend in with the people. Magic is one thing, the probability of magic users is low, but never a zero. Not until he can confirm if there is magic or not.

Not considering the fact that the green girl has telekinesis powers, it's not magic. Even with that tall teen with blades of water, he doesn't feel magic from it.

And the boy whom he exchanged fists with. It was obvious he was strength-based, but it only took a single punch to defeat him. If he punched him in the chest, there is no doubt he would die.

And this “Justice League”, he was heading to a nearby library to conduct some research into whatever this world has to offer.

But first he needs clothes to blend in.

He removed his equipment and- holy damn he is buffed as fuck.

Compared to his small, slimey, thin build from his world. He certainly has become one with his game avatar. And regrets on becoming one with his game character, he has none to think about!

NONE!

He managed to obtain clothes from a tight-sealed container, and damn do they fit pretty well. There's also some military-grade equipment aside from weapons.

Grey colored military uniform coming with a same colored flak jacket and a cap with a red star on the front.

Fortunately the clothes managed to fit him, even if it was a little bit stiff, it was better than using his equipment which automatically grabs attention.

The bad thing is that he found no boots that would fit his feet. So he would have to go in barefooted, but not that he minds it anyway.

. . .

It wasn't long before he found the place he was looking for. The library, the holy grail of information. And almost immediately he looked for a computer. Books are one thing he can find information from, but it's best he gets the quickest and easiest way to find information.

And what he had learned was… Not really a shocker but it was a surprise for him.

21st century. Heroes and Villains. The technology is different from his universe’s 21st century version.

He was surprised to see that there are aliens that stick around the Earth, such as Green Lantern and Martian Manhunter (so there were aliens on Mars!... Or at least in this universe).

And most of all, he was disappointed in how the heroes act in this world. They arrest the criminals, put them behind bars, just for them to break out. Getting no justice for the victims.

And based on the information, Gotham city has the biggest streak of criminal issues. And every time a criminal gets arrested, they just get back out. Same goes to Arkham Asylum, a ‘revolving door’ as comments were put out.

The mentally insane, cruel, and of malicious intent were sent there to be ‘rehabilitated’. But none were rehabilitated.

None.

He scoffed at the idiocy and naiveness of this world’s heroes. They would arrest a criminal even if they had slaughtered dozens of innocents? Bringing him to the court would deliver justice? Such nonsense.

If he was that fanatic zealot, he’d immediately wipe that growing tumor from the city.

But he is not.

He would support his crazy zealot buddy, but he is alone. He may have acquired information around this world, but that doesn't mean he would rampage wherever he goes.

And honestly… He doesn't know where to go. He may have fucked up the chance of joining the Justice League, seeing that the kids he encountered back on the island and attacked them. But technically they attacked him first, he did nothing to provoke them.

That or their mindset on not killing the bad guys is quite stupid.

Same goes to joining in with the crazy villains… Unless they make a good deal that is, but he doubts that they can give something sweet in the deal.

Any other job that doesn't involve fighting is not his suit… Body guarding seems the type, he is well versed in protecting someone while fighting.

Protecting himself from being killed that is!

Smart!

So job hunting is a priority, food is not much since he has a [Ring of Sustenance], but that doesn't mean he will rely on it much.

He’ll be staying at the warehouse in the meantime until he manages to find a more suitable place. While there is no one around the area of the warehouse, doesn't mean someone can come here and check in their own interests.

So… Job hunting it is then.

He had already taken money from the wannabe-gangsters when he first arrived, idiots acting tough was what they were. All he got was only 32 dollars. It was enough for someone to live within a week if they are using it carefully and not living in a motel.

And he is gonna use it to buy different kinds of snacks.

On his way to a convenience store, he witnessed three thugs making trouble for an old lady. Classic encounter. He also noticed that the passersby were not doing anything but walking faster and out of the scene.

While he also noticed a couple making phone calls and taking a glance at the thugs, so at least there are people who aren't cowards to not even call for help.

He sighed before approaching the meddling thugs. One of them notices him and warns him to stay away from their business or else.

He lightly flicked a finger on the thug’s forehead and it made him fly a few good meters away from him. Punching the crap out of him would probably instantly kill him.

This alerted the other two. One looked like he was hesitating, while the other drew a knife and was quick to stab him.

He snickered at the thug trying and failing to even hurt him. He grabbed his head and tossed him to the other thug who doesn't seem to be getting up- oh wait he was unconscious by that flick. Oops… Not oops.

“Get the fuck out of my sight.” He snarled at the thugs. The one who was ready to run away was already dragging their unconscious fellow while the other one was getting his bearings back and thus they turned at the next corner and he was out of their sight.

This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

Once he was certain the coast was clear, he turned back to the old lady. He also noticed several people went up to the old lady to check if she was alright.

“Are you alright?” He spoke in a gentle tone, not bringing her to a frightful impression.

“W-Why yes, t-thank you.” She nodded as she answered with grateful expression in her tone, although she seemed to tremble just by looking at him. No doubt because of his abnormal height, he had to crouch his knees a bit to not make the old woman to literally look straight up to see his eyes.

“May I ask, does this happen often around here? I'm new here so I don't know much.” He chuckled at the last part.

“Huh, that explains why I don't recognize you around this side of town.” A man said.

“Yep, I just arrived here. But to my question…”

“Oh! This happens sometimes young man, I was just unlucky to grab their attention.” She sighed at her misfortune.

“But I think you may want to leave quickly though.” A woman said, concern sounded in her words.

“Oh? Why?” He raised a brow, confused on the sudden change of atmosphere.

“Those thugs will come back and they won't hesitate to kill you!” The old woman said worryingly. She was glad that he saved her from those pathetic thugs ganging up on a weak old woman like her, but she couldn't help but feel concern and worry for her savior.

If he wasn't in his game avatar, he would have listened to her.

He simply smiled in reassurance.

“Don't worry for me, maam. I’ll be fine.”

“We're not joking about those thugs able to kill you, they are part of a gang!” The man exclaimed. “Don't try and act like a hero!”

He frowned.

“Don't put me like I am one of them.” He hissed, making them flinch at his words. “I am no hero, but saving someone who is in trouble is common sense! And if they want to take their revenge, let them come. It takes more than a gun to take me down.” Which is somewhat true.

Without saying anything anymore, he wordlessly turned his back from them and walked away. Waving a hand lazily back to his behind.

“Dont be stupid!”

“Hahaha! I aint!”

Seeing that they could not stop him, they hoped that he would not encounter those thugs.

But his thinking was that of the opposite.

For he has the best plan in the world! Hahahah!

. . .

It didn't take long for him to encounter the same bunch of thugs again, although this time they were more than a dozen.

He was at the most desolate part of town, probably near in comparison to be called the slums but… He’d guessed he was in the territory of these thugs.

“Heheh, we’ll return what you did to us you bastard.”

“Did what? All I did was push you back, and you just got knocked the fuck out. Makes you weak apparently.”

And that ticked him off. “Alright you bastard, you asked for this!”

He merely stood as he watched the thug charged right back at him, widely swinging a knife as he was in range.

As he was about to block it with his hand, he wasn't expecting a loud bang ringing in his ears. He felt a briefly tinge on his chest. Glancing down, he saw a hole in his jacket.

So he was shot. Huh, he took no damage.

*BANG!*

“Hahahaha! You thought I would do the same, did ya!?” He smirked, thinking that he won't.

“...And apparently you are out of luck.”

“...Eh?”

Before anyone could say a word or move an inch, he grabbed the thug’s head and effortlessly picked him off the ground. Said thug was struggling to escape from his grasp but to no avail.

“I’d stand down if I were you lots.” He said casually, eyeing the thugs surrounding him. “Unless you want to have your comrade here be killed… or unless you are willing to sacrifice him just to get me?”

He could see the hesitation within some of the unmasked faces of the thugs.

‘So they have some discipline in friendly fire…’ He hummed as he noticed a man with shades taking steps forward, approaching him.

He oozed an aura of authority. He noticed that the thugs were looking a bit more confident now that this person took a step forward.

“So, you're the one who caused my boys trouble.”

“Hah! This one, along with the other two, caused trouble in front of me. I aint no one to just ignore it from in front of my eyes.”

He sighed. “While I’ll make it slide what you just said, but you are dealing with the wrong people here, my friend.”

“Doesn't matter, your fellow here was making trouble in front of my eyes just a while ago. And are you the boss?” He made a wild smile.

“What if I am?” He said, not denying nor confirming it.

“I would like to ask for a job.”

“...” The silence was so immense that one could hear crickets from a mile afar. The statement alone stunned the thugs to extreme confusion. Even the one whom Jason had grabbed looked at him in confusion.

“...Uh, say what now?” A thug blurted unconsciously.

“I want a job. You’re the boss right? Hire me.”

“What the hell? So suddenly.”

“I’m homeless and have nowhere else to go, currently staying in a warehouse, and if you could hire me as a bodyguard or whatever, I don't mind. As long as you give me a place to sleep and a satisfying salary, and a situation where it does not contradict what I see is the problem, and enough money.” He shrugged. “Then I don't mind.”

The thugs looked at their leader, who seemed utterly lost and confused before he quickly regained himself.

“Very well then… But first, let's see how well you deal with me.” He smirked. Confidence oozing from his words.

“Oh~?” He tossed the annoyance whom he was holding within his grasp aside to the thugs before taking out placing both his hands at the side. “Lets see how you do then-!”

Almost by the time he finished, the man was quickly at his side, throwing in a punch aimed for his chin.

He merely moved his head slightly, making the punch miss before delivering an uppercut under his stomach.

“GAH!”

“He sent David flying!”

‘So his name is David huh… I wonder how he got to my side quickly…’ He waited for David to fall down and hit the ground.

‘But how did he get to my side almost instantly… It's not speed, warp?’ He hummed as he moved a bit and grabbed the man before he fell face flat onto the ground. The man looked like he was done just from that single punch.

“You fellas got someplace to rest or what? Your guy here just got knocked out.”

“Um… Wouldn't that mean you're our boss now?”

“Just because I beat him?” the thug nodded. “Bah, fuck leadership. I aint cut for that. Just think of me as a… Tough-headed superhuman that follows orders and what not. Now lead the way, I just wanna get a job.”

With the tense situation gone, it was an awkward journey to wherever the thugs’ hideout is. Although some occasionally kept an eye on him, but with fear in their eyes he can see. It's no surprise when he just beat their leader in just one shot, or was he their leader?

“We’re here.” The thug at the front called out. And oh boy it was a neat place compared to his temporary warehouse shelter.

Their damn hideout is an abandoned office building with 5 floors considering the windows he can count out. One look it's obviously old and worn out, damages that seem old and the building’s already become… Dull? Is that the right word for it?

Inside was better than how it looked from the outside. They may be thugs, but they got the place cleaner than his own room.

“Your pal here didn't answer the question.” He said suddenly, making the thugs jump a bit. “Is he your boss or no?”

“N-No, no he isn't. But he is one of the best men in our boss’ gang.” A thug answered.

“The best? Well to be honest, I expected more from ‘one of the best’. But eh, maybe I took it over the top.” He shrugged. “So where is your boss at?”

“Right here…” And then came the man in question.

Eyeing the man, he was taller and bigger than the guy he beat. It was obvious he is focused on strength at a single look.

“I heard that you beat up my boys… That true?”

“Yep.” As he slowly placed down the man he was carrying on a nearby couch. “Your ‘one of the best’ ain't much to me honestly.”

“Ohoho, saying that means you're declaring war on us?”

“It's a critique, not a declaration of war. If I were to do that, none of you would be alive at this point.”

And not a single soul believed that he was lying.

“...Why are you here?”

“Did they not tell you?” He raised a brow before sighing. “I’m here to ask for a job.”

“...” The bossman blinked several times. “I was told you were looking for a job among our ranks… Didn't think they were literally saying the truth.”

“Sometimes the truth may take time to believe in, yet lies are so easy to believe. Aren't they?” He smirked. “And there are two conditions.”

“Conditions? We haven't even started the neg-”

“You hire me, and I'll protect whatever assets or shit you have that you owned by your little gang. For a price that is enough for a small hotel room, I don't need much. Second is that I will only protect your shit only if it doesnt sway against my fucking eyes.”

“What the hell makes you think I would hire you?”

“Would you like to see another demonstration of what I can do?”

The thugs around felt fear, bones trembling, a few gulping in nervous anticipation. Even the boss was feeling a sense of unease, and the source was coming from the man sitting in front of him.

He needs to tread carefully.

“No no, no need for that. My men’s reports and David’s defeat is enough proof of your strength.” ‘And a way to find how to control you… Maybe I should bring out ‘him’.’

He made a toothy grin. “It seems we have an understanding then. Oh and just one other thing, make sure your boys put off the safety of their weapons before shooting me. It’d be quite embarrassing if they shoot without knowing it's on.”

When he said that, he noticed the boss’s expression turning into confusion. Was the man with murderous intent outside not his guy? Almost instantly, he got up and held out a hand, covering the man’s face.

Without any time for the boss to process, a loud bang was heard and a ‘tink’ sound.

Gunshot rang in everyone’s heads. They saw as the bullet fell from his hand, a smoky mark leaving behind.

And to his surprise, the boss was quick enough to regain his composure. “Everyone take cover!”

Almost everyone dove onto a nearby object and wall, those who were not fast enough were either grabbed by their comrades, or were shot immediately. He on the other hand, just stood there not give a single fuck as bullets were raining down upon them.

“So, the deal?”

“What are you- Were getting shot at!”

“So?” He says as multiple bullets were shot towards him and the bullets itself simply ricochet around his body. “I don't mind. Besides, hire me and I’ll deal with the ones outside fucking up your establishment.”

The boss gritted his teeth in frustration, mumbling something about a bullet-proof meta-human wanting money and some shit. “Fine, fine! You're hired!”

He smirked. “Just the words I wanna hear.” He said before calmly walking outside, withstanding the hail of bullets hitting him. Much to the shock and disbelief of the thugs who were taking cover watching him taking on bullets without even flinching.

‘{Passive - Reflect Damage}.’ He activated his passive just in time for the bullets to hit him, reflecting the damage to the same place as the senders. One of bullets, which hit him harder would be considered as sniper rounds, were aimed at his head, thus the attacker is then shot in the head.

The gunmen outside also fired right at him, causing the said gunmen to spurt out blood from the sudden appearance of holes that would look like gunshots.

Said passive is only effective against enemies leveled 44 or lower as he could sweep through low-leveled areas without any distractions or efforts. Above 50 would deal decent amounts of damage depending on their resistance against it.

The ones who shot at him, are now dead. After a few gunshots were heard, there is only silence in the air.

“All clear!” He called back to the thugs inside.

They were hesitant to get out before going to nearby cover in case of a surprise attack. He was surprised for them to have brains in taking cover and concealment. Normally thugs are just untrain idiots who like to piss off at anybody who is weaker than them.

“W-What just happened?”

“They all packed up and left? Just like that?”

“Nah, they are all dead.” He replied casually. “Any attack on me causes them to die instantly no matter what.”

The looks of despair and horror on their faces somehow pleases him in a way. And the silence among the streets was suspiciously deafening…

“Do any authorities pass by here?”

“N-Not as often.”

“With these bastards here, they might have been told ‘off’ from this area.”

“‘Off’?”

“Bribed apparently.”

‘So they are the same as the ones in my world… Should have known, in every world there is greed.’ He huffed annoyingly. “Do you know who these guys are?”

It didn't take long for the gangsters to examine them, but their color scheme was of White and Green.

“They came from the East Turf, “East Green” they called themselves.”

“Dumb name.” He remarked.

“I agree with you there, but it somehow matches because of their color scheme.” He shrugs. “So we ain't complaining.”

“What about you then?”

“Us? Were “Red Serpents”.” The thug said with a hint of pride in their voice. “Red and Tan, the color of blood and of the desert!”

“Huh, it actually sounds like it has a meaning rather than ‘East Green’.”

*GASP* “SO YOU AGREE!?”

“Oh no…

“Damn it man, look what you’ve done.”

The thugs around him groaned in annoyance and frustration. Seeing their expression, he was confused.

“Huh? Something I said wrong?”

“No no, nothings wrong.” The thug waved dismissively as if nothing was wrong, but the expression on his face said otherwise. “It's just that-”

“I TOLD YOU GUYS IT’S BETTER THAN THAT STUPID NAME BEFORE!” The same thug shouted proudly from his lungs.

“...He suggested that name when we were reforming the gang.”

“‘Reform’? So you were a different kind of gang before?”

“Lets just keep it at that... Please...”