I leaned back in the chair, resting my chin on my hand.
The posture felt… natural.
Instinctive.
Just like L Lawliet.
Three large monitors floated in front of me, displaying dozens of crime databases from across the world. Police reports. FBI files. Interpol alerts. Even classified intelligence networks.
The amount of information available to me was absurd.
My network truly was global.
But none of that changed one simple fact.
I was afraid.
Because no matter how intelligent I was… this world contained beings that could wipe out entire civilizations.
One name in particular crossed my mind.
Darkseid.
If he ever invaded Earth, my intelligence alone wouldn't save me.
Which meant I needed power.
Real power.
And according to the God-Tier Detective System, the only way to obtain it was by earning points through solving crimes.
Unfortunately, my current balance was painfully depressing.
Points: 0
"…Unacceptable."
I quickly began scanning criminal networks across the world.
Metropolis.
Central City.
Star City.
Blüdhaven.
Then my eyes stopped on one particular city.
Gotham.
Crime statistics in Gotham were almost comically high.
Murders.
Organized crime.
Psychotic supervillains.
In fact, Gotham alone probably produced more crime than several countries combined.
Which made it perfect.
Of course…
There was one complication.
Batman.
According to my network, Gotham's vigilante had already been operating for several years. His success rate was impressive.
Too impressive.
But that didn't mean I planned to meet him.
Direct contact was unnecessary.
And dangerous.
After all, nobody in this world knew who I was.
And I intended to keep it that way.
Just like the original L Lawliet, I would operate from the shadows.
Using body doubles.
Encrypted communications.
And video calls with carefully manipulated screens.
No one would ever see my real face.
Identity protection probability: 99.7%
Acceptable.
Now the question was simple.
Who in Gotham would cooperate with me?
The answer appeared almost immediately.
Commissioner James Gordon.
One of the few truly honest officials in Gotham City.
Respected by the police.
Trusted by Batman.
And most importantly—
Frustrated with Gotham's criminals.
Which meant he would likely accept help.
I opened a secure communication line through the network.
The system automatically routed my call through twelve encrypted relays.
Then through a digital avatar projection.
Then through a prerecorded body double.
The final screen activated.
A silhouette appeared on the monitor.
Perfect.
No identifiable features.
Exactly how L Lawliet always communicated.
I pressed the call button.
After a few seconds, the screen connected.
Commissioner James Gordon appeared on the display.
He looked tired.
Which made sense.
Running Gotham's police department probably reduced most people's lifespan by ten years.
"Who is this?" Gordon asked cautiously.
I rested my chin on my hand.
"Good evening, Commissioner Gordon."
"My name is L."
There was a brief pause.
"…L?" Gordon repeated.
"Yes."
"I am a detective."
Technically true.
Just not in this universe.
Gordon's eyes narrowed.
"And how exactly did you get this line?"
I ignored the question.
Instead, I opened a file and transmitted it to his screen.
A detailed criminal investigation appeared instantly.
Organized crime.
Money laundering.
Weapons trafficking.
And a list of suspects connected to Gotham's largest criminal families.
Gordon stared at the file in shock.
"Where did you get this information?"
I spoke calmly.
"I believe you will find that the evidence is sufficient to arrest fourteen individuals connected to Gotham's organized crime operations."
Another pause.
"You're serious."
"Yes."
Gordon leaned forward.
"And what do you want in return?"
A fair question.
"Nothing complicated."
I looked at the screen quietly.
"I simply wish to solve crimes."
Which would give me System Points.
But of course, Gordon didn't need to know that.
"I will occasionally provide information that can assist the Gotham City Police Department."
"In return, you will allow me access to certain investigation data."
Gordon stared at the screen for several seconds.
Thinking.
Evaluating.
Finally he spoke.
"…You know Batman already does something similar."
Ah yes.
The vigilante problem.
I tilted my head slightly.
"Unlike Batman, Commissioner…"
"I follow the law."
That statement was technically accurate.
Mostly.
Gordon sighed.
"…If your information checks out…"
"It will."
"…then we'll talk again."
The call ended.
I closed the screen.
Then I glanced at the System Interface.
For several seconds nothing happened.
Then—
[CRIME SOLVED: GOTHAM ORGANIZED CRIME OPERATION]
Points Awarded: 25
I smiled slightly.
My first System Points.
"…Excellent."
At this rate…
I might even become powerful enough to survive in a world with people like:
Superman
Batman
and eventually…
Darkseid.
Of course…
There was one small variable I had not yet accounted for.
A certain vigilante detective.
Because somewhere in Gotham…
Batman had probably already noticed something unusual.
And knowing Batman…
It wouldn't take long before he started asking one simple question.
Who exactly…
…was L?