Chapter 577: I, Joker (16)
Translator: Lonelytree
Night was still ensuing…
At that moment, under the high platform of the bat castle, a huge crowd had gathered again. In the past, the reason they would come here was to kneel and genuflect but tonight they were there to demand for blood.
“Give us the bat!””Kill that liar!””Give him to us!” The echoes of cries came from the crowd. They were angry, they were agitated, they were excited, they were mad. Everything… started with that smiley face in the sky. The smiley face appeared to have some kind of magic and sew some kind of rebellious emotion into everyone’s heart. And Feng Bujue’s perfect performance had become the last push that the mod needed to go mad.
“Sir, the situation is about to go out of control.” On the platform, a Robin rushed to Gordon’s side and reported. “There are too many people surrounding the castle, we do not have enough people…” He paused for a second and the expression on his face turned worried. “Currently they have not burst into the castle but that is only a matter of time, once they did…”
“Enough, there is no need for you to purposely come and rest these things.” The Bruce’s voice suddenly started to interrupt the Robin’s report. The Robin jumped from the scare. He quickly turned around and realized the Bruce was standing 2 metres beside him “Sor… sorry sir, I did not see you there…”
“I know.” The Bruce said, “I am testing out the photo camo effect of this armor.” He walked slowly forward, his tone as calm as usual. “Looks like it’s working.”
“Go back to your post now.” Gordon then spoke to signal for the Robin to retreat. After the Robin left, Gordon turned to Bruce and said, “looks like… we have underestimated the incendiary power of that Joker.”
“Hmm… Not exactly.” The Bruce said darkly, “Actually the taste of this mob has changed…. After so many years of tasteless shows, they have slowly forgotten my true power. These people have gotten used to the blood of those supposed supervillains… they want my blood…”
“But we still have absolute military manpower.” Gordon said, “These people do not have armored tanks or flying shuttles much less any heavy artillery…”
The Bruce countered. “Hmph… Absolute military manpower? It’s just an army of a few thousands people. And among them… who knows how many of them… already have the thought to betray me.” He paused. “Even though the population within the city has been dropping due to famine and war, there are still more than ten thousand of them. That Robin earlier was right, we do not have enough people. Even if our soldier can trade for 10 with one of them or even 100 with just one of them, it would not suffice.” At this point, Gordon had a thought that crossed his mind but he did not show it on his face.
…
“Faith.” The Bruce continued, “is the most powerful fortress, if their faith crumbles, then they will tear this god into pieces and select a new one—just like how I did in the past.” He scoffed. “Hmph… in this game, that Joker has taken all the upper hand, he is very good… not only in a fight, his strategy and bravery shock me even more. However…” His tone changed, “…No matter how strong the wind might be blowing in his favour now, as long as it has not changed into actual victory, there is still chance for the result to change.” The God king of Gotham already had a solution in his mind.
“Gordon…” The Bruce said, “I have a plan…” he looked at the man, “But I need your help.”
Gordon’s expression shifted slightly, after a brief contemplation, he answered, “Of course, master.”
“You are going to replace me.” The Bruce said.
“What!” Gordon’s first reaction was—this is a trap. “No… how would I ever…”
“Of course, you are not going to do it for real.” The Bruce immediately added, “I just want to act the role and swear to topple me and I will… help to cooperate in the show with you…” he explained. “After all, these fools have no idea how I really look like (According to the comic, the Bruce’s face has already been moulded with the batmask, so he could not remove the mask at all) so we will find a scapegoat and put the mask on him and toss him out.”
Gordon listened to the man while he was considering other options in his heart… Indeed, he had already prepared to turn on his master. If possible, he did not want this to be an act, he wanted to toss the real the Bruce down and then replace him as Gotham’s new God king. But… he ultimately lacked that determination because he was not Gordon. The real inspector Gordon had already died more than half a century ago, and this Gordon who was the Bruce’s most trusted ally was actually a Robin…
He was the Robin who was the first to follow the Bruce. When he was 30, he was given to Prof Klibon to undergo a surgery to become the legendary inspector Gordon and successfully became the Prophet of the God king and the high commissioner of Gotham.
“Okay… I will have the people arrange it…” After Gordon made his decision, he turned to shout at the two soldiers about 10 metres behind him. “The two of you over there, immediately go and find a body that is close to our master and put a batsuit on him.” The two looked at each other and answered in unison after two seconds of hesitation, “Yes, sir!”
After they left, Gordon walked to the edge of the platform, opened his mic and started the last speech of his life, “My children, this is a false game!” He started to announce, “The Bruce is mad! Support me!” He shouted as he stressed his words, “The Bruce is mad, but you all do not need to worry, I have already brought the situation under control!” He opened his arms. “The people of the bat, follow me! Support me! I have already taken over this bat castle and defeated the Bruce!” he waved his arm. “Now… I will give you the blood of this fake god… ah!” His words stopped there because the Bruce picked him up from his waist from behind him and raised his body into the air. At that moment, Gordon understood, there was no ‘plan’ but there was a trap, a trap that he had fallen for hook, line and sinker.
“It is Gordon who is false, a failed servant, a liar.” The Bruce had been in control for so many years for a reason. He was ruthless and smart, a lethal combination. “Look at him… he is the mad one, he has been vying after my spot for years and fake the rituals to scam me. And now he is spouting falsehood… claiming that he has replaced me.”
“No! No! It was him… it was him who had me…” Gordon tried to explain but the Bruce pressed harder and broke Gordon’s spine and made the man cry out in pain.
“look at this man who has lost his mind, only lies come out of his mouth.” The Bruce added, “I… your god king will hand him to you… judge him.”
He then tossed the man who had served him for so many years, the second in command at Gotham… down the castle.