This is the story of an orphan who inherited his parents' antique shop. He used to spend most of his time in the shop, with the only thing he looked forward to being his neighbor. However, everything changed when he woke up in a strange cave and started to cultivate, embarking on a journey to achieve true immortality and reach the pinnacle of all creation. ------------------------ Warning!!! The cultivation system is from the MARTIAL PEAK universe, as well as the other artifacts found in the cave and the monsters encountered. This fanfic will be 50% romance and 50% fighting, but I will lean more into romance to create something different with my fanfics. So, expect things like dates, more dates, and even more dates, along with occasional holidays and movie nights. If you are single (like me), be prepared to feel even more single or cringe. I don't know, my only reference is the abundance of TikTok edits.
A/N just to make things clear, Zatanna and the mc have known each other since childhood, and they had feeling for each other since the beginning, this isn't a romance that was just born in the elevator.
Mc's image:
Zatanna:
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Chapter 1
In the affluent part of Gotham City, a stark contrast to the darker and more gloomy areas, there existed a neighbourhood where the well-off citizens of Gotham lived. Here, people seemed to find a semblance of happiness, though it wasn't a utopia by any means. Amid the array of shops, restaurants, and elegant buildings, there was a small but compact store that stood out among the rest. Inside this establishment, a young man could often be found.
The young man appeared to be in his late teenage years, but his demeanour suggested a maturity beyond his age. Standing tall at 6 feet 2 inches, he possessed a lean physique. His black hair stood in contrast to streaks of white on the right side of his head, tied in a band. Dressed in regular clothing, he was currently engrossed in counting money.
As he finished counting, a smile formed on his lips. "Not a bad day," he thought to himself. "And with this, I should be able to pay both rents." He chuckled softly. "Even if it wasn't enough, I still have my inheritance to fall back on."
The young man took the money and made his way towards the storage room at the back of the shop. As he walked, he passed a framed photograph of a man and a woman holding a small child, who bore a striking resemblance to him. He paused for a moment, staring at the picture before sighing, "I am tired," he muttered, then continued into the room.
In the storage room, a safe caught his attention. He opened it and carefully stored the money before securely closing it. Thirty minutes later, the young man entered a large apartment complex using a lift. His eyes were still tired and momentarily closed until the lift door opened, and a young woman about the same age stepped in.
She had long black hair and bright blue eyes, her fair, pale skin adding to her striking appearance. Upon seeing each other, both their faces showed a tinge of regret, but the young girl smiled nonetheless. Standing close to him, she noticed his tired look.
"Long day at work, huh?" she asked as she leaned on him.
"Yes," he replied, straightening himself.
"What about you?" he inquired, turning to look at her.
"You know, studying and being looked after at home," she said nonchalantly.
"Right, over-protective father," the young man said, eliciting a groan from her.
"It's nice having someone who cares so much about you," the young man said with a hint of humour.
"I didn't mean it like that," she replied apologetically, causing him to chuckle.
"Come on, Zatanna, I am just messing with you," he said, playfully poking her with his elbow.
"You," she began before stopping as the elevator continued to ascend, "are probably going to fall asleep immediately, right?" she said, already knowing the young man's habits.
"Pretty much," he admitted, "without even eating anything," she added.
"I will, after I wake up," he replied, "you know, I made pasta. Wanna eat lunch with me?" she asked.
"Right, and have your father conjure up a random rat to bother me in the middle of the night, no thanks" he said with a smirk.
Zatanna laughed heartily, and the elevator momentarily fell into a comfortable silence. As she looked at him, she remarked, "I can never get used to your deep blue eyes. They seem endless."
Their faces drew closer, almost magnetically, and their lips brushed against each other, sending an electric shock through their bodies. They hesitated, caught in the moment, before the young man pulled away, muttering, "Um," uncertain of what to say.
"He is probably going to send a bear after me," the young man said, causing Zatanna to burst out laughing as the elevator door opened. A man dressed in a black suit, red tie, and a magician hat stood there, scanning the elevator until he spotted the two.
"Zatanna," he addressed her, and she replied, "Hi dad," as she exited the elevator.
"Norman," the man said, his gaze fixed on the young man who also stepped out, as a brief hint of regret appeared on his face which disappeared as quickly as it came.
"Mr. Zatara," Norman greeted respectfully, as the man continued to scrutinise him. Norman passed him and walked farther down the hallway to enter his own apartment, three doors away from Zatanna's.
"What did I tell you?" he questioned, turning towards zatanna, disappointment evident in his voice. Zatanna groaned in exasperation. "Come on, Dad, you know Norman isn't a bad person. We've known the Bell family for years, lived in the same apartment complex for decades," she reasoned, seeking her father's understanding.
Zatara opened the door, allowing them to enter their apartment. "Yes, it's unfortunate what happened to that family, but that doesn't mean I want you near the boy," he asserted, his voice tinged with concern but for the reason what zatanna things.
Zatanna sighed, closing the door behind her. "Agg, you don't want me near anything or anyone. At this point, I might just become a nun," she muttered, frustration lacing her words.
As the door clicked shut, enveloping them in the comfort of their apartment, the scene came to a close.
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