Multiverse: Deathstroke

Chapter 16: Ch.15 Madwoman Reporter

What kind of chaos Gotham would descend into after the broadcast ended was the least of Su Ming's concerns. If the chaos lured the Bat, that would be ideal.

He lifted Barbara, placing her back in the wheelchair and pushing her into the van.

"Nice performance. You've got the makings of a news anchor."

Vika shot a subtle glance, a bit offended. Being a news anchor required more than just acting skills. It took years of hard work, mastering makeup, etiquette, and various knowledge—none of which came easily.

Barbara was shivering, thoroughly drenched by the rain, her pale lips trembling as she asked, "Will doing this really keep my father safe?"

Su Ming gestured for Vika and Peter to get into the van. They were hostages now, and despite their reluctance, they climbed in. Cindy started the engine.

"I'm not sure," Su Ming replied, searching the van until he found a towel and handed it to Barbara. "But using my name to threaten them will at least buy your father some time."

He continued, "It makes them think twice. Just imagine the consequences of angering Deathstroke. Whatever they were planning for Gordon, they'll reconsider. We need that time."

Cindy pressed the gas pedal to the floor, driving with impressive reflexes. She even had time to join in on the conversation.

Barbara nodded, looking at Su Ming gratefully. "Thank you. You're a good person."

"Spare me the good guy card," Su Ming quickly shook his head, rejecting the compliment. "Once we rescue Gordon, I'll send him the bill."

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Barbara chuckled, her tense shoulders relaxing slightly. "You don't really seem like a killer. You even make jokes."

Barbara finally felt some relief, exhausted but comforted by the fact that the world's strongest mercenary was on her side. She gained a bit more confidence in her father's survival.

Vika, sitting quietly across from them, stared, convinced the world had gone mad.

The infamous Deathstroke, chatting and laughing with the daughter of Gotham's police commissioner, and even faking her death on live TV—it was beyond crazy.

And from what she was gathering, Deathstroke was now on his way to rescue Gordon, offering a $2 million bounty just to ensure his safety.

"Using murder to save someone. It's the most illogical yet strangely reasonable thing I've ever heard."

After mulling it over, Vika ignored Peter's pleading gaze and decided to speak up.

Su Ming glanced at her. She hadn't appeared on camera, so the TV station probably thought she was dead. Was her professional instinct already kicking in, pushing past the fear?

"Killing one to save another is balance. I'm just doing what needs to be done."

He removed his helmet. The van had warmed up a bit, and the moisture had condensed inside the helmet like a steam room. He'd never realized how uncomfortable this suit could be.

Although Vika was startled by his male appearance, she quickly pushed it aside and professionally followed up with another question, "Do you consider yourself insane, Mr. Deathstroke? Have you ever felt there's something wrong with you?"

Peter's eyes widened—this was a death wish!

But Su Ming found the question intriguing. After all, it was something this world's Vika had once asked Batman in another reality.

"Do you think this world is normal?" Su Ming had read the comics and knew the best response—a counter-question.

As expected, the answer made Vika pause, deep in thought, frowning silently.

Peter, meanwhile, breathed a sigh of relief. He swore to himself: after this, he was quitting. No paycheck was worth this kind of stress.

Cindy, too, heard Su Ming's theory about balance. Not realizing he was mostly improvising, she found it philosophical, almost like a proverb from an ancient Eastern kingdom.

The van sped through the rain-soaked streets and alleys. They encountered a few robbers or highwaymen braving the storm, but all Cindy had to do was poke her head out of the window, and they fled in terror.

With the tension easing after the drive, Vika found herself less frightened. Deathstroke, she realized, didn't seem as crazy as the rumors suggested. Instead, he had his own understanding of the world and a unique perspective.

Seeing the petty criminals flee, she sighed in disappointment. If Deathstroke had fought them, she could have filmed a great side scene.

"Disappointed?" Su Ming's keen perception picked up on her sigh. "You like seeing people killed?"

"No, not that," Vika shook her head. "I just wanted to capture some action. The viewers love it."

"Well, if we find the ones who kidnapped Gordon, and we end up storming their hideout, you can film it—as long as your cameraman here doesn't throw up."

Su Ming offered her a small concession. After all, she was DC's luckiest star, and it was better not to antagonize her too much. But as for Peter, the sight of the huge man, acting all delicate and effeminate, was more than enough to make Su Ming queasy.

"Great! He'll be fine... right, Peter?"

Under Vika's stern gaze, Peter nodded sheepishly, looking so submissive that Su Ming had to turn his head to avoid retching.

Satisfied, Vika squeezed herself between Barbara and Su Ming. "Thanks. If that happens, I'll have another exclusive story!"

"It's mutual benefit. Even mercenaries need a little advertising sometimes. TV's a good platform."

If the world still existed afterward, Su Ming wouldn't mind drumming up some business for himself or Cindy.

Vika's eyes lit up as she pulled out a small notebook, flipping it open and adopting a reporter's stance. Su Ming couldn't help but laugh.

"I thought you were a TV reporter?"

"TV reporters can take notes too! So, Mr. Deathstroke, can you tell me what your relationship is with the other Deathstroke driving? Or are you not the real one, and she is?"

Cindy let out a triumphant laugh. See? Everyone thinks *I'm* the real deal! Su Ming's just the violent, Batman-esque knockoff.

Su Ming sighed. He didn't want to kill innocent people, but... he pulled out his sword. "Looks like I'll just have to kill you all."

"No, please!!!"

"Kidding," Su Ming sheathed his sword again. "Batgirl likes you. All the crazies in this city are your fans. Maybe Joker's in Arkham watching your news reports every day."

At the mention of Batgirl, Vika perked up, eyes twinkling with curiosity.

"Oh? Really? Then why doesn't she come see me? If I leave my address and phone number, could you pass them along? I'd love to do an interview with her."

"Who are you talking about? Batgirl or Joker?"

"Both." Vika wore an insatiable grin, licking her lips like a middle-aged man cracking a dirty joke, reminding Su Ming of some crude uncles from his old world.

"You're crazier than I thought. Is there anyone sane left in this city?"

The van was filled with laughter, except for Barbara, who didn't know what expression to make. Every time Joker was mentioned, her back started to ache again.