Chapter 294 "Preaching and Teaching" (Part 1)_1

Gotham City, a metropolis on the East Coast of America, is located on the picturesque East Coast with a pleasant climate. It borders Brood Haven in the south and faces Empress City in the north, under a subtropical monsoon wet climate.

From an aerial view, Gotham City is oblong, tilting to the right. It divides into four districts, centered on the business district roundabout: South, East, West, and North.

As previously mentioned, the East District, home to the docks and slums, is both the most chaotic and the most vibrant part of Gotham. The South is Gotham's financial center and affluent district, where most of the city's photographs — capturing towering skyscrapers and luminous scenes — are taken.

The West District, Gotham's old city, is its earliest developed district. Here you can find European-style estates and castles, a sizable park, and Gotham University — located on the border of the West and South Districts. It is also the greenest area in Gotham.

The North District is often overlooked in Gotham as it stands apart from the rest of the busy city. North of the business district roundabout lies the Gotham River, which divides Gotham into northern and southern regions. The area north of the river is the North District of Gotham.

On the west side of the Gotham River — the southwest corner of the North District — is the famous Arkham Asylum. On the southeast corner of the North District, you can find Gotham's largest lighthouse.

One of the main reasons the North District is not commonly referenced is because it is the birthplace of the Falcone Family and the Twelve Families.

This history dates back to when European immigrants dominated Gotham. Many may picture scenes from the Godfather movie when they think of the rise of the Italian Mafia. The soothing music, old fashioned shadows, the Godfather's refined voice, the red poppy on the black suit, cigars, handguns...

However, in those days, Italians in America faced a great deal of discrimination. Most of the people who came to work in America were poor people from the south of Italy.

Noble European immigrants, estate owners and factory owners, of course, looked down on these Italian "barbarians" from Sicily. They did not allow these people near their residences.

When Falcone first set foot in Gotham with his crew, there were already numerous Italian settlers. But they all lived in the desolate and remote North District because even in the chaotic East District, discrimination against Italians was rampant.

Falcone's rise to power started in the North District. As he gradually established his force in Gotham, he turned the isolated North District into his stronghold, erecting a series of manor buildings and security systems.

The North District, separated by the Gotham River, was indeed an excellent spot for a headquarters. The early European settlers did not choose this spot due to its unfavorable topography.

Gotham has a high north and low south terrain. The South and West districts are plains, while the North District is a hilly terrain. The elevation isn't high, but construction in the North District is obviously more challenging than in other areas. Only the unwelcomed Italians would choose to live here.

With Gotham's development to this day, the North District has been made into a well-established mob base. The Falcone Family's castle sits halfway up the highest hill in Gotham. For all Gothamites, except for Batman, it is an easy place to defend but hard to attack.

The other Twelve Families' territories are also around the Falcone Family's castle. The rest of the North District serves these mob families' industrial chains.

In the North District of Gotham, inside Richie Manor, a lady with curly brown hair, a red nose, and a white apron is rushing up the staircase with a tray. When she reaches a room on the second floor, she notices two young officers standing at the door. Unsurprised, she manages to squeeze out a smile and offers them, "Gentlemen, would you like some water?"

"Ah, no thank you. But you can't go in right now. They're investigating."

"I know, I know…" The lady nodded, still trying to peek into the room. She discreetly handed a roll of US dollars to the officer under the tray. The officer cleared his throat and lowered his voice, "I understand you're worried…"

The lady wiped the corner of her eye, showing a sad face, "Yes, everyone on the estate is uneasy now, scared that they might be next..."

The officer waved his hand, still speaking in a low voice, "It's clear this serial killer targets only mob bosses. Now, Madam, you really should go..."

The officer glanced back at the room he was guarding, then at the wad of dollars in his hand. "I heard that Boss Gordon hired a highly skilled detective. Perhaps in the not too distant future, we'll identify the perpetrator. Once we do, Godfather won't let him escape."

The lady sighed, handing the tray to the young officer. "If that's the case, I won't disturb you any further. Please ask the gentlemen inside if they need water. If they need anything else, call for me."