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Chapter 54: Because I'm Batman
"I have to go meet up with the other extras now. You two should find your seats."
Sean led Darren and Tim to the dining hall before bidding them farewell.
"Since we're here, let's find a place to eat," Darren suggested.
"Yeah, that's all we can do now," Tim nodded. "By the way, there are so many people here. Do you see my dad anywhere?"
Darren shaded his eyes with his hand, scanning the entire hall. He shook his head. "If I had super vision, I might be able to see him."
"I suggest you just call your dad. Cell phones are useful things."
Tim couldn't help but roll his eyes. "I already called him, obviously. He didn't pick up. Do you think I'm stupid?"
"Alright, never mind then."
"Hey, wait, where are you going?"
"To find a random empty seat. It's not like many people here know each other anyway," Darren said nonchalantly. "I'm hungry. I'll help you look for your dad after I eat... Ah, right here. An empty table."
Under Tim's gaze, Darren found a vacant spot, sat down, and unceremoniously began devouring the food on the table.
According to what Sean had just told them, they would be on the cruise for at most ten days. Although Darren had already set a specific date in his heist notice, there was still plenty of time before that day arrived. Thus, Darren was very relaxed.
He planned to enjoy himself on the ship for a few days, recharge his energy, and incidentally wear down the patience of the GCPD and Tim. After all, he wasn't the one who needed to be anxious.
"Hey! Tim, what are you standing there for? The meat will get cold," Darren waved at Tim.
Tim shook his head helplessly internally and sat opposite Darren.
Just as his bottom touched the seat, the lights in the restaurant suddenly went out!
Immediately after, a flamboyant declaration echoed from all directions.
"Ladies and gentlemen, it's showtime!"
The moment the voice fell, a spotlight cut through the darkness, illuminating a clearing in the center of the hall.
A figure was already standing there.
A tall frame clad in a pure white suit, a high top hat, and that conspicuous, elegant monocle over the right eye reflecting the bright backlight. With such an iconic appearance, this person was undoubtedly—
"Phantom Thief Kid!"
"Oh my god, it's Kid!"
"I knew he would show up to steal the Star of Hope sooner or later, but I didn't expect him to come on the first day!"
The crowd instantly recognized him, erupting in gasps and shouts.
"What is this nonsense... Is someone going to pop out and shoot that Kid?" In the corner, Darren watched the inexplicably lively scene, the corner of his mouth twitching.
Just then, he noticed that Tim opposite him didn't seem to react much to the appearance of 'Phantom Thief Kid.' He merely glanced at him from a distance before calmly turning back to eat quietly.
"Hm? Tim, aren't you always interested in Phantom Thief Kid? Why no reaction now that you're seeing the real thing?" Darren asked.
"That person isn't the real Phantom Thief Kid," Tim stated with certainty as he ate.
"Really? How do you know?"
"Simple. Just looking at his aura makes it obvious. He and Phantom Thief Kid are two completely different types."
"Aura? That's a bit abstract. So you should be able to judge if someone is a disguised Kid based on their aura too?" Darren rubbed his chin.
"No, no, disguise is a different matter. When Phantom Thief Kid turns into someone else, his aura changes to match the disguised identity perfectly," Tim added.
"...Your dad wasn't wrong. You really are a fanatical Kid fan." Darren nodded at Tim.
"Oh my god! Am I seeing this right? It's him!"
Suddenly, a louder cry erupted from the center of the room. Darren and Tim turned to look, their expressions instantly freezing.
A black figure swung in from the distance, landing on one knee in front of 'Phantom Thief Kid.'
A towering body, pitch-black armor, a cowl with pointed ears exposing the chin...
It was Batman!
"I'm taking you to Blackgate, Kid," Batman announced in a gravelly voice like grinding stones.
"Is that so? I don't think so," 'Phantom Thief Kid' dismissed.
"You will regret this, Kid."
With that, Batman charged at Kid, engaging him in combat.
Yes, right in front of everyone in the restaurant, the two began exchanging punches and kicks. However, while their fists looked sharp on the surface, anyone with a discerning eye could see there was no real force behind them.
"Ah!"
Soon, Kid was defeated, crashing to the ground under Batman's flowing offensive.
"You... Why can't you be defeated?" 'Phantom Thief Kid' asked weakly.
"I'm Batman. Because I'm Batman!"
Hum—
As Batman's victory declaration fell, the restaurant lights came back on.
Under the gaze of the crowd, Batman removed his cowl with both hands, revealing a young man's face.
"Hello everyone, I'm a stuntman for The Macragge crew. That was just a little skit to joke around with you all. I'm sure most of you realized it halfway through." The guy playing Batman smiled at the crowd.
The people in the restaurant shared a knowing smile. They might have been skeptical at first, but once Batman appeared and engaged in close-quarters combat with Kid, it became too obvious.
The Batman actor pulled 'Phantom Thief Kid' up from the floor.
"But I bet you can't guess who played Phantom Thief Kid."
'Phantom Thief Kid' took off his top hat and the monocle, revealing a man over fifty. Seeing this man, nearly everyone gasped.
It was the mastermind who had gathered them all on this luxury liner—the famous Hollywood director, James!
"Hello everyone, I'm James. That impromptu show was a spur-of-the-moment decision, so I didn't notify you in advance. My apologies if anyone was startled," James introduced himself.
"The reason I put on this show—and played the villain myself—is because I want you to know that Phantom Thief Kid may have already infiltrated this ship, disguised as someone among you—"
James looked around the room, his gaze sweeping over everyone.
"Phantom Thief Kid! I know you are here! Listen to me well: no matter what plan you have, it will ultimately fail!"
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