MTLNOVEL Chapter 22: Desire
'Huh? The Speedforce?'
Though Derek was initially confused, the more he thought about it, the more this started to make sense to him.
'My soul, or in other words, the Philosopher's Stone since we're the same, has cracked.'
'Since the Stone…or rather I am calcified Speedforce, using said Speedforce to power it, I'm leaking its energy.'
Derek couldn't help but have a bad feeling in his gut.
Not only was he on the Speedforce's radar now, but the pit caused more damage than he'd suspected.
'What does this mean? Will the Speedforce come after me? No, the moment it did I'd notice the time wraith or Zoom.'
'Well, what about leaking the Speedforce energy? Will that affect my use of the Philosopher's Stone?'
He wanted answers now, but it was too early to be sure. He needed to know more.
And something told him this problem wouldn't just go away.
Sighing inwardly, he got back to what he was originally curious about.
'Status.'
[Name: Derek Bond]
[Status: Damaged Soul]
[Age: 19]
[Character Status: Side Character (Mid-Tier)]
[Villain Status: B+ rank]
[Race: Modified Human]
[Level: 11]
[Fables:
"The one who utilised the Holy Grail"(Mythical)
"Ruler Overnight" (Legendary)]
[Story Points: 70]
[Stats (Superhuman): (12 unallocated stat points)
Strength: 16 (C)
Speed: 15 (C)
Endurance: 14 (C-)
Intelligence: 28 (A)
Charm: 15 (C)
[Abilities:
Authority (Lvl. MAX)
Description: As the Philosopher's Stone, the burdens and past uses have fallen onto you. You have the Authority to summon and banish Savitar as you please.
Super Speed Perception (Lvl. MAX)
Description: You can observe and comprehend things at superhuman speeds. However, though your eyes can move freely in this state, your body is still that of a human.
Transmutation
Description: You can change minor substances into anything you please. However, anything more complicated requires prior knowledge of what that substance can become.
Regeneration (Lvl. 5)
Description: The combination of the rapid stem cell production from the Mirakuru and Axolotl gene makes for a powerful healing factor.
Bloodlust
Description: Created by the suppressed rage that stems from the Mirakuru and the death looming within the pit, the ability Bloodlust has been created.]
[Skills:
Martial Arts (Lvl. 2)
Description: You have the skills, in all basic forms of Martial Arts, and experience of a Pro fighter]
[Items:
Eclipse (Lvl. 2)
Description: Once the suit of Savitar, it has adapted to fit your needs.
Abilities of Eclipse:
Adaptability (Can mould itself into any form you please, though to a limit.)]
However, upon scanning it, he couldn't help but ask himself a few questions.
'C rank? Is it because my stat has changed to Superhuman?'
If so, this meant he had average strength, speed and endurance amongst superhumans. But compared to human stats, it would be well past S+ rank.
'Who knows, with S+ rank superhuman strength I might even be able to rival Kryptonians.'
Not that he was too adamant on that. After all, Kryptonians could pose the entire planet some trouble if they went all out.
But one thing he couldn't help but ponder on was his decreased intelligence.
'I don't feel any dumber. And I don't recall the pit affecting one's intelligence.'
However, the harder he thought about it, the quicker he came to a conclusion.
'My previous intelligence was capped at that of a human. What if a Superhuman mind can allow me to improve my mind further than what I was once capable of, giving me the cognitive ability of something like a Supercomputer.'
The thought of processing multiple things at once at speeds thought to be impossible fascinated Derek.
He wondered if he could soon be capable of rivalling Speedster's brain speed with this.
'And if I can combine my super speed perception and this mind, I'll look as though I'm the speedster among speedsters.'
Derek thought, the idea tickling his brain.
As for Charm…
'If there's such a thing as Superhuman looks, I'll take it.'
If not, he was fine with what humans considered to be beautiful and handsome.
"I'd rather speak about the matter privately."
Derek was snapped out of his trance by Nyssa's voice.
In the next second, he remembered there was more he should be attending to, dismissing his status screen since there was nothing more to look at.
"Very well. Everybody out."
Upon saying this, every Assassin shot to their feet, exiting the throne room in an orderly fashion.
"Before that, I must ask. Are you a Metahuman?" Nyssa, seeing they were alone, spoke.
"No. This thing is more of an accessory. However, I've been meaning to expand my arsenal, which reminds me. I'm going to need you to teach me how to fight."
Nyssa raised an eyebrow. She understood his martial arts were unacceptable by league standards, however, league members were also simply humans.
She couldn't help but think that wasn't something that applied to him. But she was quick to regain her stoic composure, straightening her back.
"Teach you? Very well. Have you had a weapon in mind?"
Derek didn't reply with words, instead holding out his hand.
-BLOP
"This." He brandished his Eclipse which had formed into a sleek obsidian sword.
"Swordsmanship?"
"Not just that. The art the league prides itself on. Stealth, assassination, everything."
"And you trust me with such a task?"
"Why not? Are you not capable?"
"I didn't say that."
"Good. Then show me what it means to be the daughter of the Demon's Head."
Nyssa stared for a minute, her eyes scrutinizing the figure sitting on the throne.
"Continue with what you wanted to say."
Nyssa nodded shortly after.
"You made a decision when you chose to spare Malcolm. I'm afraid that decision may not sit well with the league members." Nyssa began, her first few sentences already making Derek frown.
"And? I can't imagine they agreed with everything your father did during his reign."
"My father was what you'd call a traditional man. One who lived far longer than everyone in this palace combined."
"His traditions became the League's traditions. The assassins were raised to believe it was a sign of strength and power. Anything that steers from the League norms will be classified as the contrary."
Derek could somewhat understand this. After all, it happened later in the years when the League would split into factions, following different leaders, one of them being Talia Al Ghul, Nyssa's sister.
Factions split due to the fact they couldn't see eye to eye.
"And what do you believe?" He asked her, knowing she should be the most influenced since Ra's Al Ghul was her father.
[Nyssa has a strong reaction to this]
Nyssa took a deep breath, answering shortly after.
"You've shown me today that with power, you can do whatever you want."
Derek sighed, rising from his throne.
"Of course, you'd say that. You hated your father's ideology. After all, it was said traditions that didn't allow a woman to rule the league."
Derek could see Nyssa's eyes narrow into a glare as he said this. He stepped closer coming face to face with her.
"Admit it. It's painfully clear from how you look at me while I sit on the throne. You want the league, don't you?"
[Your understanding of Nyssa Al Ghul has increased]
Nyssa didn't move, seemingly holding her breath too, her very heartbeat quelling.
"The throne was promised to me from birth. It is something I've worked to achieve for my entire life. I will never stop wanting it." Nyssa spoke, her eyes never backing down.
'She was a female. Thus, Ra's denied her the throne. But being raised to think you're destined for something only for it to be ripped away leaves a hole of emptiness inside a person.'
This was something that plagued Nyssa's existence throughout the show. She was never able to attain the throne.
CW tried to force some character development to give her character some closure before ultimately being dumped and forgotten by the show completely.
It was her destiny to forever be the Crownless Empress.
"Feel free to try and take it from me." Derek walked past her, leaving Nyssa frozen, her gaze never leaving where Derek once stood.
"Until then, I'll deal with the problem of the disloyal members."
He waved as he walked away.
"This is a new age for the League, Nyssa. Many things will change, trust me."
'But for now, my two days are up.'
***
In a dark and damp dungeon, it was clear this part of the palace was left untouched, one with the mountain.
It appeared more like a cave, the only man-made structure being a large metal cage bolted to the surrounding stone. It was overlapped by a see-through material, dirtied from the poor conditions.
In this prison sat Malcolm, both hands behind his back, chained to the wall.
"Malcolm…"
Malcolm looked up, witnessing a familiar cloaked figure peering in from the other side of the cage.
"Have you come to gloat?" Malcolm, his voice nasal as a result of it being broken.
"No…"
To this, Derek grinned. Not to say this sight didn't please him. But he was here for business.
"I've simply come to understand you."
——————————————————————————————
Alright, do I even have to say it at this point?
You know what time it is, hand over those Powerstones.
But honestly, I am VERY surprised on how far we've been able to make it. Thanks everyone!
Visit the patreon if you want chapters in advance!
patreon.com/SonderNow