The rewards were listed clearly.
Base: Crystal ball music box, Harvey Dent's friendship.
Additional: Intermediate Physical Fitness Enhancement (value: $100,000 asset points).
Special: Unlocks save point forward movement.
The rewards for this branch quest weren't exactly generous, but they could at least be described as fantastic. Typically, this moment was the protagonist's pivotal turning point. The moment when they seized opportunity with immense perseverance, wisdom, and luck. Transformed into a dragon. The first step in a legendary rise to power.
"I'm sorry. I can't do that. Goodbye."
The moment Jude saw the mission branch, he hesitated for about half a second. Then decisively slammed the brakes and turned the car around.
"Stop it. Look at these rewards. Do you think I can handle this mission right now?"
He drove back the way he came, arguing with the system.
"It's not like I haven't seen horror movies. 'Medium difficulty'? That's a mountain of gold that'll crush me to death. Risk equals reward. With rewards like these, who exactly do you want me to face? Is it really just Two-Face appearing?"
"I won't do it. There are plenty of people who will! Goodbye!"
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
This branch mission has a time limit. Do you confirm rejection?
"Listen, it's absolutely impossible for me to take this job. At least not today." Jude kept driving away from the Diamond District. "I can only make porridge at the soup kitchen. Help the children. Make some money."
The Roman's apartment filled with thugs, he could maybe handle. But the strange atmosphere revealed by this side quest made both the risk ceiling and impact consequences completely unknown.
Jude weighed pros and cons. Since he didn't suffer from insomnia, losing one music box wasn't actually a big problem.
Making porridge for children on Christmas would earn more money anyway.
Although he thought this in his heart, he didn't refuse immediately. Instead, he clicked on the task introduction.
After all, just looking at information wouldn't cost anything.
SYSTEM NOTIFICATION
Mission: A Little Light of Christmas
Description: When did Harvey Dent, Gotham City's White Knight, die? When did his paranoid, resolute dual personality emerge? No one knows. Or perhaps Harvey Dent has always been dying.
Died every time a Falcone family member remained free.
Killed by every colleague in the DA's office who colluded with the mafia.
Every sigh from someone who worked for years but remained helpless against Gotham's dark web.
He died in anger when his family was bombed, his home destroyed, but he couldn't make the Irish Gang pay the price.
He died with every minute, every second he worked for this city and saw no hope.
Harvey Dent died on the battlefield fighting for Gotham. And Two-Face emerged every time Harvey was disappointed with Gotham.
Note: Born on bleak Monday, Named on a stormy Tuesday, married on a dreary Wednesday, took ill on a mild Thursday, worse on a sunny Friday, died on a joyous Saturday, buried on a dry hot Sunday.
Status: Incomplete (0/1)
Branch Exclusive Reward: Light for the Knight of Light
"..."
Jude sighed. Secretly hated himself for reading the damn mission briefing.
"District Attorney Harvey, you truly are a White Knight. A great man. A noble one." He thought silently while driving. "But I'm sorry. My abilities are quite limited. This mission's difficulty is truly beyond what I can handle."
I already helped him once.
Jude kept repeating it in his mind while speeding away.
I already helped him once. I already helped him once.
Batman failed to stop Harvey from becoming Two-Face in countless worlds. Why should I succeed?
Why should I even try?
"Jude! You're back! So soon!"
Jason's voice from a distance jolted Jude out of his reverie.
The kid wore a tiny red Santa hat and clutched something in his hands, running over with incredible happiness. The warm atmosphere eased Jude's worries slightly.
Wait.
A gun?
"Oh my God, who gave you that gun?! Put that thing down!"
"It's a model Gordon gave me!" Jason held it up proudly. "He also said when I grow up, I'll definitely become a good police officer who punishes evil and promotes good!"
Jude looked at Jason staring up with that proud expression. Subconsciously reached out and patted his shoulder.
At this moment, Jason didn't look like the future Red Hood at all. Just a child with dreams.
"Then you have to work hard. When I was little, I told my mom I wanted to be a scientist."
"What happened?"
"Turned out scientists have very little time for fun."
Jason's face fell. "What about police?"
"Justice has no holidays."
"I suddenly don't want to be a police officer anymore."
Teasing Jason made Jude feel a little more relaxed. He returned to the pot, took the wooden spoon from a volunteer, and continued stirring.
"Thank you so much for being willing to spend Christmas with the children."
"It's nothing, really." The volunteer waved dismissively. "You've been cooking all the porridge. Mr. Harvey donated money to buy winter clothes and party food. We're just helping out. It's nothing."
When Jude heard this, the smile froze on his face.
"Oh, speaking of Mr. Harvey, he was at the soup kitchen today."
At this topic, Jason suddenly patted his head. Started feeling around his pockets like he'd remembered something important. Still explaining to Jude.
"He left a letter for you. But you were out distributing porridge to other children, so he gave it to me. I almost forgot about it. I'm sorry."
Jude casually tried to comfort Jason, but his heart wasn't at peace.
Why had Harvey Dent suddenly left him a letter? On the surface, they should have very little interaction.
He opened the envelope. Took out a piece of paper and a key.
To Santa Claus,
A few days ago, I heard there was a Santa Claus who opened a soup kitchen in the East End to provide porridge for homeless children. Out of curiosity, I did some research and discovered this Santa Claus's house had been temporarily burned down, leaving him homeless.
My wife and I discussed it and decided to do something for the kind Santa Claus. We happened to receive insurance money from our house damage, so we rented a small apartment in Otisburg for one year.
This is the children's return gift to Santa Claus. Please don't refuse it.
If you like, we would also like to invite you to spend this Christmas at our home.
Note: In Gotham, such selfless kindness is extremely precious. It reminded me of a mysterious friend, so I did a little research. The car shop owner said your cross necklace is very beautiful. Please rest assured—I will keep my mouth shut.
Your forever friend,
Harvey Dent