Cherreads

Chapter 16 - Golden opportunity

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When Zack approached her, he watched her cautiously, his eyes tracking any movement she might make. The system had already warned him—Selina wasn't just a beautiful woman; she was a skilled thief, adept at seizing the perfect moment.

Zack (in a low but confident tone): "My enmity may terrify you, but my friendship will bring you benefits, Selina Kyle."

Selina's eyebrows rose slightly before she flashed that signature sly smile, her gaze filled with both curiosity and danger.

Selina (in a seductive whisper): "What an intriguing offer, Zack... But the question is, what benefits can you offer me?"

Zack didn't answer. Instead, he gave a cryptic smile, then turned and walked away from the club with quiet steps, as if he had said nothing at all.

The system laughed in his mind, mocking him:

"Oh, how dramatic. Do you think you're Batman or what?"

Yet, beneath the sarcasm, there was a hidden sense of relief. This wasn't an ordinary interaction, and it might affect his mission in ways he hadn't anticipated. Selina Kyle was not someone to be underestimated—her interest in him could be either a blessing or a curse in the coming days.

Back at the base, Zack sat in his new room, staring at the transparent screen in front of him displaying the remaining time for the divine mission:

"2 days, 13 hours, 45 minutes, 19 seconds."

He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the mission on his shoulders. Killing the Penguin wasn't just a random act; it was a declaration of war in Gotham's underworld. One wrong move, and every criminal in the city would be after him.

System (mockingly in his mind): "I see you're starting to feel nervous? Don't worry, if you die, I'll write on your grave: 'Here lies Zack, tried to kill the Penguin and died while still being a rookie.'"

Zack (chuckling lightly): "How supportive of you, System… But don't worry, I won't die that easily."

He reached for his dagger, spinning it between his fingers, then glanced at his pistols.

"Infinite ammo… but with no unlocked perks yet. I'll have to rely entirely on my skill."

Zack opened his stats menu and examined his status points. He knew that even a slight improvement in strength or agility could make a difference in his upcoming fight. But he needed more experience to level up enough before the confrontation.

Zack (in a low voice): "I need a plan... I can't just walk in and start shooting at the Penguin—he'll be surrounded by guards."

For once, the system didn't mock him. Instead, it spoke seriously:

"There are two options, Zack: First, sneak in and kill him quickly, but that requires precision and skill you don't have yet. Second, create enough chaos to force him out of hiding, then kill him in public."

Zack pressed his lips together, deep in thought. Both options were risky, but he knew hesitation wouldn't help him.

Zack (with a smirk): "Alright then, let's come up with a plan that would make even Batman proud."

Right after he said that, a loud alarm rang in his head, and a warning symbol appeared:

"One intruder detected. Suggested action: Elimination."

Zack quickly glanced at the digital map displayed by the system, spotting a blinking red dot inside the theater.

System (in a sharp tone): "We have a breach. Only one individual. Do you wish to eliminate them?"

Zack (whispering as he tightens his grip on his dagger): "No, let's wait... I want to see who it is first."

He moved silently through the base's corridors, where the dim lights cast dark shadows along the walls. He slipped between them, while the sound of heavy footsteps echoed inside the theater.

As he neared the entrance, he caught sight of a tall figure moving slowly, as if exploring the area.

Zack (in his mind): "Not an ordinary thief... They move like they know this place is occupied."

He stepped back, hiding behind one of the pillars, then whispered to the system.

Moving like a shadow, Zack followed the blinking red dot on the map, tracking its measured and quiet steps inside the theater.

Zack (in his mind): "This isn't how an ordinary person moves... Light, fast steps, moving through the darkness like they know the layout..."

Getting closer, he hid behind a pillar, then saw them clearly—a figure dressed in a tight black latex suit, complete with a sleek mask, pointed ears, and a long tail swaying with every step.

Before he could even process the sight, he turned toward a side mirror, where her reflection became unmistakably clear—glowing green eyes, a mischievous smile, and smooth, feline movements that prowled through the dark.

It was Catwoman.

Zack (in surprise before his expression shifts into a smirk): "Selina Kyle!"

Catwoman (pausing for a moment before smirking and placing a hand on her hip): "Oh? So you do know me?"

Zack (mockingly): "After all our encounters at the Iceberg Lounge, it would be rude not to."

Catwoman (slowly approaching, playing with her leather glove): "Well, well... So why were you stalking me like a ghost? Or do you just enjoy watching me?"

Zack (raising an eyebrow): "I was investigating an intrusion into my theater... Now, are you going to tell me why you're here?"

Catwoman (chuckling lightly, crossing her arms): "Oh, I have some business with you, mystery man..."

Zack narrowed his eyes at her while the system whispered in his mind.

System: "This woman is dangerous... but she could be useful. Listen carefully to every word she says—and hey, keep an eye on her beauty. Maybe you'll get lucky."

Zack slowly and steadily raised his gun, aiming it directly at Catwoman's head, standing in a defensive posture, his eyes locked onto her every move.

Zack (in a low, sharp tone): "What kind of business do you want me involved in?"

Before she could answer, the system's usual sarcastic voice rang in his mind. As expected, it couldn't miss the chance to throw in a snide remark.

System (mockingly): "Oh, how brave… A man holding a gun and threatening a woman? Truly a noble knight. How do you expect to lose your virginity acting like this? Oh, I have an idea—maybe now you should give her a lecture on morality too?"

Zack didn't respond, but he pressed his finger slightly on the trigger—a silent reminder that he wasn't joking. Catwoman, however, didn't seem the least bit nervous. On the contrary, she smiled calmly, placed her hands on her hips, and tilted her head slightly, as if she was enjoying the situation.

Catwoman (in a soft yet confident voice): "I'm here to steal one of the rarest jewels owned by the Penguin. I heard you have a grudge against him, and when I spoke to you at the club, I figured you might be someone I could trust… to some extent."

Zack raised an eyebrow, still aiming his weapon at her.

Zack (coldly): "And what makes you think I'd care?"

Catwoman (chuckling lightly): "Because you have a bigger reason than I do to sneak in there. You don't want him alive, and I don't want him locking his vaults on me forever. Our interests align, don't they?"

Zack remained silent for a moment before asking with cautious curiosity:

Zack: "Before I answer… how did you find my place?"

Catwoman didn't hesitate. She simply raised her hand and gestured toward the theater wall, where a barely visible crack was near a high window.

Catwoman (confidently): "Because, dear Zack, you may be good at hiding… but you're not as seasoned as I am. Tracking you was child's play. First, I noticed that you always leave the Iceberg Lounge in the same direction, never changing your route. Second, I saw you wandering through the slums like you belonged there. And third…"

She took a slow step closer, then whispered with a sly smile:

Catwoman: "You left a small window open… that was practically an invitation."

Zack narrowed his eyes slightly but didn't lower his weapon.

Zack (sarcastically): "So, you broke in here just to tell me I need to improve my skills?"

Catwoman (winking playfully): "Something like that… and also to offer you a golden opportunity."

Zack studied her for a few moments before asking:

Zack: "And what exactly will you offer me in return?"

Catwoman let out a soft laugh before responding with a playful smile:

Catwoman: "You're sharp, Zack… I like that."

Slowly, Zack lowered his gun, though his gaze remained cautious, watching her every move, analyzing her body language and tone.

Zack (seriously): "Alright… but I have one condition. I want you to help me kill the Penguin. I have only two days to complete the mission—I can't afford any delays."

Catwoman raised an eyebrow in slight surprise, as if she hadn't expected him to be so direct. But she didn't back away. Instead, she took a small step closer, and at that moment, the system's voice echoed in his mind with a warning.

System (loudly in his head): "You idiot, this woman could steal your guns off your waist without you even noticing! Don't let her get any closer!"

Zack froze for a second, then, in a swift motion, raised his gun again, aiming it at her, his eyes filled with suspicion.

Zack (firmly): "I told you—don't come any closer."

Catwoman stopped, but she didn't lose her composure. On the contrary, she gave a calm smile and raised her hands slightly in a gesture of surrender—yet she didn't look afraid or threatened.

Catwoman (in a soft, slightly mocking tone): "Alright, alright, I get it. You're very cautious—that's a good thing. But don't worry, Zack. If I'm going to help you, I have no reason to steal anything from you."

Zack kept his finger on the trigger for a moment, then, after some thought, slowly lowered his weapon—but didn't holster it completely.

Zack (seriously): "So? Do we have a deal?"

Catwoman (smiling as she tilts her head slightly): "Yes, we have a deal."

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If you liked the story and want to read more

or just to support me, copy the link below.

You will find a special membership for:

3 chapter

 and another one for:

7 chapters.

patreon.com/zakx205

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