1 Chapter 1: Unlikely Allies: Mason's Rebirth and the Escape with Catwoman

Name: Mason Cooper

Race: Human

Age: 17

Identity: Former student at Gotham City Middle School, currently working as a low-level security guard at Iceberg Bar, reserve member of the Penguin Gang

Status: Momentarily lost in thought (for 7 minutes and 27 seconds), currently on duty (fishing)

Traits: None

Skills: None

Suggestion: The boss is approaching; it is recommended to stop fishing immediately.

At the entrance of the bustling Iceberg Bar, located on the edge of Gotham's slums, Mason snapped out of his daze and blinked his dull eyes. He straightened himself up, assuming a vigilant posture to survey his surroundings, just as the little leader emerged from the bar with a cigarette in his mouth.

"This new batch of recruits seems promising," remarked the little leader, who sported a tattoo of the word "soup" on his shoulder for some unknown reason. He nodded in satisfaction and patted Mason, the most outstanding among the group of misfits, as a gesture of encouragement.

"This is the kind of spirit our reserve members in the Penguin Gang should have. Take note, you bunch of worthless fools who only know drugs and causing trouble," he shouted, earning a mix of shock and flattery from the other boys around Mason. However, their friendly demeanor quickly changed after the little boss grinned and left.

Everyone agreed to fish together, yet you went off on your own, didn't you?

Unconcerned about the hostile gazes directed at him, Mason focused on the translucent light curtain in front of him, entering his dazed state once more. He stared intently at the text displayed on the curtain, as if trying to break it open and uncover the secrets hidden within.

"Mason Cooper, a member of the Old Gotham 'Black Flag,'" the text revealed.

His father, who had been killed in a shootout at the pier the previous month, was a prominent member of the Penguin Gang. It was said that he had been a veteran who fought alongside the notorious Penguin. Now, Mason was expected to follow in his father's footsteps and become a loyal member of the gang.

Until last night, when he was killed by a bottle of wine falling from the sky, Mason had no objections to this career path. However, since another soul had awakened within him, the new Mason found the current situation utterly repugnant.

"Being a mindless gangster in Gotham City is no different from joining the German army in 1944 and serving the captain until 1949. No, it's even worse than that," the young man with a bandage on his head muttered as he boredly observed the street traffic, casting a glance at the grand and luxurious Iceberg Bar behind him.

For the seventh time, he rejected a cigarette offered by the black buddy beside him, unable to contain his complaints.

"I'm nothing more than a disposable character in a lousy drama. This can't go on! Wouldn't it be better to find a way to clean up and save money to leave Gotham? Maybe live under the protection of Superman in Metropolis or follow the dashing Wonder Woman in London?" he mused.

Before he could delve deeper into his rebellious thoughts of a grand escape, a loud explosion erupted from the top floor of the Iceberg Bar, causing burning debris to rain down and creating chaos on the street. Without delay, the little boss and a group of gangsters rushed out of the bar, frantically shouting, "Quick! Someone stole the boss's treasure! He went that way! Follow me!"

The little boss, who had previously been in a jolly mood, became agitated. He handed a black pistol from his pocket to Mason and commanded, "You, come with me! The gang remembers your father's contribution, work hard tonight, and have a bright future. Mason nodded and added, "I will work hard tonight and ensure that my father's contribution is remembered. I will strive for a better future." Mason muttered to himself, "An old gangster gun... garbage item, huh? Well, at least it's not meant for shooting."

As he glanced at the pistol's description, an idea sparked in his mind. The translucent light curtain displayed the words "Holding Engineering Creation" and "Engineering Skill Branch open." It seemed that he had unlocked the ability to transform engineering items.

With a swift motion, a three-dimensional view of a pistol appeared before him, resembling the "exploding gun" he held. This simulated version appeared simpler yet more powerful than his current firearm, accompanied by assembly instructions and suggestions.

Mason couldn't help but chuckle, realizing he had stumbled upon a newfound profession: a "black gun dealer" on his first day after rebirth.

The convoy came to a halt in a dark alley filled with trash, and the gangsters quickly dispersed. The little boss instructed Mason, "You go over there, I'll help guard the rear."

Irritated by being assigned the role of cannon fodder, Mason grumbled inwardly but complied, gripping the pistol tightly as he ventured into the dimly lit alley.

Suddenly, violent noises erupted from the other end of the alley—gunshots, shouts of terror, and the sound of objects crashing to the ground. Mason's heart raced, and he trembled involuntarily.

A figure leaped over a low wall, crashing into a pile of black garbage before going still. Mason's leader, alerted by the commotion, approached with his gun.

Mason pointed towards his eyes, indicating that he had witnessed something. Together, they discovered a woman amidst the trash, dressed in a striking black outfit reminiscent of Catwoman. The woman wore a peculiar red goggle on her head, with cat ear decorations attached to her hood.

Mason couldn't help but quip, "Isn't this Catwoman?" Mason recognized the injured woman in front of him as Catwoman, and he saw an opportunity. He decided to take action and rescue Catwoman from his boss. He attacked his boss with a crowbar and knocked him unconscious. Mason then handed the car keys to Catwoman and urged her to drive. When she asked why he saved her, Mason simply stated that he wanted to be a good person.

As they escaped in the car, they were pursued by gangsters shooting at them. Mason used his combat skills and a pistol to fight back, successfully disabling one of the chasing cars. Catwoman noticed his proficiency and asked if he was a member of the Penguin gang or another masked vigilante. Mason explained that he had no choice before but now wanted to do the right thing.

They decided to head to the Gotham Police Station to contact Commissioner Gordon for help. Mason revealed that there was a device closer by that could contact Batman, but Catwoman insisted on going to the police. Mason fired his last shot at a pursuing car, creating an explosion behind them. He then used Catwoman's phone to inform Commissioner Gordon about the impending attack by the Penguin gang.

As they drove towards the police station, Mason urged Commissioner Gordon to be prepared and activate the bat light on the roof to signal Batman. Mason ended the call.