Chapter 14:
“Everyone is the main character of their own life.”
– Phantom Thief Kid
…
“This is Gotham Channel 7, I’m your host, Recie White, and we have an urgent news update.”
“About an hour ago, the Phantom Thief Kid, who stole Tears of an Angel’, appeared at Gotham International Hotel. Many witnesses reported seeing Phantom Thief Kid gliding through the air with his winged glider while showering the area with many cards. These cards were written in several paragraphs like riddles.”
“It is rumored that before stealing the ‘Tears of an Angel Ruby,’ Phantom Thief Kid had sent similar cards to an art museum. We have reason to believe that these notices are his way of announcing his next performance.”
“It is worth mentioning that not long ago, Phantom Thief Kid handed over the stolen ‘Tears of Angel’ to the famous reporter Vicki Vale, who then handed the gem over to the GCPD, which eventually returned it to the museum.”
“There are so many unsolved mysteries about Phantom Thief Kid. He dresses in luxury clothes, is bold in his actions, and doesn’t shy away from public attention when he steals. He even discards the stolen one he got, which begs the question of why.”
“Why would Phantom Thief Kid willingly give up such a priceless gem? What is the true motive behind his theft? And why did he choose to deliver the gem to Vicki Vale? Is there a hidden connection between them? What kind of treasure has Phantom Thief Kid been targeting at this time?”
“All these questions may be answered when Phantom Thief Kid makes his next appearance. Let’s keep an eye out for that.”
“Lastly, if any citizens can decipher the contents of Phantom Kid’s notices, don’t hesitate to contact the GCPD. We appreciate your contribution to Gotham’s safety.”
After the urgent news broadcast ends, the TV continues broadcasting the original program.
However, Dean’s attention is not on the TV at this time.
“The news about the notice has been spreading. Last time, I had the advantage of inside information, so the process was easy. I wonder how they will come after me this time…”
Dean pondered with his head lowered. His current target is entirely different from Tears of an Angel.
Not only is there a huge difference in value, but the enemies are also different.
The mastermind behind the world’s largest pink diamond, “Pink Fantasy,” was none other than Gotham’s underground kingpin, Penguin.
Although Penguin does not want to get involved in the fake diamond situation, but he sends his trusted subordinate, Ignatius.
Dean won’t underestimate his opponent because of this, especially since there might be even more tough people getting involved.
However, he wouldn’t give up on his plan because of this.
‘I sent the letter of notice with a lot of attention, this move is a clear threat to law and order in Gotham. The GCPD will definitely take me more seriously now, and knowing Gordon, he will most likely demand full control of the hotel’s security.’
Dean pondered and repeatedly confirmed the possibility of his plan.
‘By then, with Gordon’s strong control, Penguin’s subordinates will have limited space to operate. They might even start fighting each other as soon as they meet.’
‘And then there’s Robin. He can send multiple supervillains to Arkham Asylum alongside Batman. His abilities are undeniable, and…”
If he made things worse, is there a chance he could get Batman’s attention?
In Gotham, Dean grew up listening to the legends of Batman.
There were all sorts of incredible rumors about him, and it was hard to tell whether they were real or not.
Just the thought of possibly facing the GCPD, Penguin, Robin, and even Batman at the same time filled Dean with huge pressure.
In similarity, it would be like Kaito Kid facing Conan, Saguru Hakuba, and Makoto Kyogoku…
Under this pressure, a strong fighting spirit arose inside Dean.
This is a huge challenge, and Dean could predict that if he succeeded, he would earn many amazement points.
He’s spent so many years honing his skills in Gotham, all for this day, right?
Turning off the television, Dean got up and walked towards his basement, opening the secret door to enter the workshop of the Phantom Thief.
For the operation in a week, he needed to make some new gadgets.
…
On the second day, when Dean walked into the classroom, he heard his classmates talking about Phantom Thief Kid again.
“Did you hear? The Phantom Thief Kid appeared again last night!”
“Of course, everyone in Gotham is talking about Phantom Thief Kid now, especially his mysterious notices.”
A small group of students in the discussion were lucky to be near Gotham International Hotel last night when Dean distributed the notices.
They had picked up a few cards and brought them to school to show off, leaving other students envious as they could only see the contents on TV or in the newspapers.
One student pulled out a Phantom Kid’s advance notice, and immediately five or six people gathered around, making continuous chatter.
“A grand and luxurious banquet of nobles,
where no one remembers the tragedy of Troy,
when Kronos returns to the origin,
Hermes will appear before the eyes of all,
revealing the final deception.
What do you think this means?”
“Well… Troy, Kronos, and Hermes. I know these words are definitely related to Greek mythology.”
“Bro, you just repeated the words!”
“Get out of the way, Let me use my logic skills. First, let’s look at the ‘banquet of nobles.’ This line is about Phantom Kid distributing the notice at the International Hotel and the upcoming auction that will be held there soon. The answer is already obvious.”
“Anyone could figure that out by the first sentence. Please tell us what the next sentence means?”
“Next, let’s look at ‘the tragedy of Troy’… The legend says that the Trojan War was caused by a dispute over Helen, the most beautiful woman, resulting in the destruction of the entire city-state, creating a great tragedy. So, I guess Phantom Thief Kid might disguise himself as a beautiful woman.”
“Well, that seems to make some sense. What does the rest of the sentence mean?”
“Uh—cough, well, the rest, those who understand it, understand it. It’s not that complicated.”
In the classroom, many students excitedly deciphered the notice as if they were playing a word puzzle game.
Although to Dean’s ears, none of them guessed the sentence.
‘Hehe, keep guessing, you geniuses.’
Seeing so many people scratching their heads trying to solve the notice, Dean secretly felt satisfied.
It was not in vain for him to pull out so many of their hairs when thinking about the notice letter…
However, in the crowded classroom, there was one place that seemed a little out of place.
It was the last row next to the window, the seat behind Dean’s.
Dick Grayson was also holding a copy of Phantom Kid’s notice, frowning and lost in deep thought, without speaking with anyone.
“Hey, Dick, you’re interested in Phantom Kid’s notice too. Why don’t you join others and discuss it? I don’t remember you being so quiet before.”
Dean returned to his seat and calmly asked Dick.
