bookbashuk Chapter 4599 The Day of Brightest Day (58)
Chapter 4599 The Day of Brightest Day (58)
Chapter 4599 The Day of Brightest Light (58)
"...In conclusion, this mural depicts a myth from the time of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, portraying how the valiant pharaoh fought and triumphed over a giant serpent. The serpent here is merely a symbol, possibly representing natural disasters and war. The young pharaoh's victory over the serpent symbolizes his leadership of the ancient Egyptian people through numerous hardships, reviving the great Egyptian dynasty."
Considering Tutankhamun was a very young pharaoh, this mural was likely commissioned by him from court artists—specifically, those within the court—to consolidate his rule. The vertical composition used for the snake's belly motif is a common decorative technique in court art from the period around the Eighteenth Dynasty of ancient Egypt…
Dr. Hall stood before the enormous mural, explaining it at length, while Diana listened intently, occasionally asking questions about the details and techniques. The two artists engaged in a deep exchange on the topics of art and historical and cultural research, completely absorbed and oblivious to the world around them.
Meanwhile, Deathstroke, standing to the side, felt that every sentence he uttered was full of flaws. Dr. Hall would frequently throw out an ancient Egyptian word or two, but because it sounded like Arabic and Diana didn't understand Arabic, she didn't notice anything amiss.
The analysis of the artwork's techniques was even more outrageous. Although it described how court artists created their works, it sounded more like the artist's own creative process. However, since Diana was unfamiliar with ancient Egyptian artifacts, she didn't recognize the connection at all.
And those references to the 18th and 19th dynasties sound like idle gossip from a villager's doorstep. But for the princes of the real Pharaohs, those so-called ancient legends and court secrets really were just village tales.
Diana had no idea what a true expert in ancient Egyptian cultural history should be like. She simply thought Dr. Hall was incredibly professional and explained things so well that she understood everything.
Dr. Hall had probably not spoken so freely in a long time. Diana's affirmation greatly inspired his desire to express himself. He talked on and on for more than half an hour, becoming more and more engrossed in his speech, even moving himself to tears.
In short, the two of them were willing to give and receive, and they managed to talk for more than an hour before finally getting to the point.
"...Yes, madam, just as you guessed, the moon part of the design was added later, and it's definitely not the work of the ancient Egyptians. We...they don't depict the moon like that. I think the person who left this symbol might be suggesting something on the moon, on its far side."
“But I’ve already been to the moon,” Diana said. “Of course, I stayed far away to avoid any traps. But my eyesight is pretty good, and there’s nothing on the moon.”
Dr. Hall shook his head and said, "It's not that simple, madam. You went to the moon, but it may not be the real moon. The moon depicted in the mural is very likely the moon in a mystical sense, which is not something you can see by flying into the sky."
"Then what should we do?" Diana frowned.
“This may require further investigation,” Dr. Hall said. “There must be a reason why they chose Egyptian murals. The moon they are referring to is very likely the moon in African mythology. But how exactly to access the moon in the mystical sense of African mythology still needs to be studied.”
Diana nodded, clearly not expecting an immediate answer. She then said, "Then I'll have to trouble you to stay with the Justice League. But we'll pay you..."
“No, no, madam,” Dr. Hall quickly interrupted Diana, then said, “Such a complete and large-scale mural is rare even among ancient Egyptian artifacts. Having this research opportunity is invaluable to us; we need to make the most of this precious space…”
Deathstroke rolled his eyes again. Politeness aside, he even had to praise himself a little. Anyway, after some polite exchanges, the two finally decided: the Halls would stay to study the murals, and the Justice League would provide them with food and lodging. Both sides were satisfied with this outcome.
Diana appreciated the Halls' expertise and thought it was wonderful to be able to keep them there for research without paying them. Meanwhile, the Halls were in danger of being hunted by enemies, and Midway City was no longer safe. Staying at the Justice League's base, where their personal safety was guaranteed, was fantastic.
Both sides believed that the other had saved them from dire straits. Little did they know that their dire straits stemmed from the same person.
Diana and Deathstroke returned to the conference room upstairs. Schiller and Joseph were there adjusting their equipment. Joseph put on a pair of tactical gloves and was fiddling with Schiller's Quiet Dog. Deathstroke watched, grimacing. Joseph had absolutely no experience with guns; what if it went off accidentally?
Schiller gave him a reassuring look, then turned to Diana and asked, "How is it, ma'am?"
“There’s nothing wrong with the artifact. Dr. Hall suspects it might be related to the moon goddess in African mythology, but the specifics are still under investigation.” Diana turned her gaze to Joseph.
Deathstroke never shows his face in the Justice League. Although he knows Batman might have investigated his entire family history, Batman isn't here right now, so he can fool the others. Diana genuinely didn't see any connection between Joseph and Deathstroke. She looked at Joseph and said:
"Sir, thank you for your help. I heard you have superpowers?"
Joseph didn't look at her, but fiddled with the gun and said, "Yes. I'm sorry, ma'am, please forgive my rudeness. But my superpower is triggered by eye contact, so I don't have the habit of looking people in the eye when I speak."
"Is it a kind of mental superpower?" Diana became interested. "Actually, the Justice League is short-handed lately..."
“I think you should reconsider,” Deathstroke quickly interrupted her, saying, “Joseph is too young; he hasn’t even gone to college yet…”
“What about Metropolitan University?” Diana asked. “The Justice League has a quota of recommendation letters for Metropolitan University. But we rarely use them; usually, Batman uses them to give to outstanding high school students sponsored by Wayne Enterprises…”
“Then I think the Justice League is indeed a good company,” Deathstroke interjected. While Joseph's academic performance was good, the teaching resources in New Orleans were limited, and the private high school he attended wasn't one of the top-tier ones. Only the very best students from that high school could probably get into prestigious universities. Joseph was still a bit lacking, let alone a top-tier university like Metropolitan University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities on the East Coast. This was a connection Deathstroke couldn't get even with money.
“What do I need to do, madam?” Joseph asked, quite lucidly.
“You won’t go on official missions until you’ve grown into a strong and well-rounded superhero. You’ll spend most of your time training at the base, occasionally going out on errands. Batman will provide you with a series of special training courses. You won’t be entrusted with important tasks until he thinks you’re qualified,” Diana said.
What do I need to learn?
"There's a lot. Although you're a psychic, the Justice League doesn't like relying solely on superpowers. You'll need to learn strategy and tactics, and undergo physical training. Of course, special equipment and firearms training is also essential. Additionally, if you have other talents, such as hacking skills, we'll provide you with special training as well."
Joseph nodded and said, "That sounds good."
"If you choose to go to college, you can complete your college courses while undergoing special training with the Justice League over the next four to eight years. By the time you graduate, your training will be almost complete, and you will be a superhero capable of standing on your own."
“I need to talk to my family,” Joseph said. “My parents are in New Orleans, I need to call them and ask.”
"Of course. In fact, if you decide to join, we will also call and communicate with your guardian. Batman will provide certain protections for your loved ones. You can also consider moving to Metropolis."
Joseph nodded, then turned and left. Deathstroke wanted to follow, but Schiller stopped him with a look. Deathstroke had no excuse to go out now, and constantly following Joseph would make him look like a psychopath.
“Alright, you two,” Diana said, looking at them. “Although you are not official members of the Justice League, we can sign you to a short-term employment contract because we are currently short-handed. During this period, you will work for us, and we will provide you with reasonable compensation and equipment wear and tear compensation.”
“Well…” Deathstroke tried to remain reserved, but his eyes widened instantly when he saw the numbers on the contract Diana handed him.
“Madam,” Deathstroke raised an eyebrow, looking at Diana, “are you sure Batman will accept this bill when he returns?”
“I’m surprised you’re surprised,” Diana said. “It seems you’ve never worked with Batman before. For him, anything that can be solved with money isn’t a problem. But then again, you’re an assassin, and he never kills, so of course the two of you have no chance to work together.”
“If I had known he was this generous, I wouldn’t have been a killer,” Deathstroke said. “I wouldn’t have killed anyone.”
Diana seemed amused by him and said, "Normally, we wouldn't be this short-staffed. This is indeed a great opportunity to make a fortune. However, I hope you read the terms carefully."
“I know the most important thing is not to kill the innocent, and, well, the guilty are better off captured alive. I usually don’t take on these kinds of troublesome jobs, but you’ve paid too much for my non-killing policy. My answer is: of course, I’ll take the job.” Deathstroke signed his name with a flourish.
Schiller didn't say much and signed his name as well. Diana, after receiving the contract, said, "Thank you very much, gentlemen. The Justice League is currently busy investigating the multiverse to find Batman. On Earth, especially on the East Coast, there's a lack of law enforcement, leading to a resurgence of organized crime. You have approximately six hours to rest, after which the mission will be sent to your personal communication terminals—reclaim them from the equipment vault next door. You have limited access to the Justice League's surveillance system, allowing you to track suspect locations and review crime scenes. Payment will be made immediately upon completion of the mission. It's been a pleasure working with you."
After saying that, Diana left. Deathstroke watched her retreating figure, and said with some doubt, "That's it? Didn't you give me any more instructions? I'm a ruthless mercenary who kills without hesitation..."
“More importantly,” Deathstroke turned his gaze to Schiller, “didn’t she give you a few more words of advice? You’re an agent even more wicked than me.”
“I made an appointment with Joseph to teach him how to use a gun,” Schiller said. “Are you coming?”
"Why does he want you to teach him how to use a gun?" Deathstroke asked, somewhat displeased. "I'm clearly the weapons master."
Schiller scoffed: "Do you think he has your physical abilities?"
"Does he have the same physical abilities as you, you damned killer whale?"
“At least under normal circumstances, I’m much quieter than you.” Schiller walked out the door. “Clearly, Joseph prefers my style of combat.”