You are a simple, unassuming outsider. One day, while walking down the road, you are inexplicably blasted into the air by a bomb. When you wake up, you discover you have an Acting System.
“So my life was just a game all along.” You finally understand. “System, I’m done being human! Bring on whatever bizarre identity you’ve got! Whether it’s eldritch horrors, gods and demons, or alien robot dogs, I can handle anything!”
System: ...You still have to be human.
The System explains that the purpose of this job is to fill the labor shortage in Gotham.
In other words, you go wherever you’re needed.
And so, despite not knowing how to do anything, you land a job offer out of the blue.
Identity 1: New Caretaker
Character: Audacious
Difficulty: Two stars
Introduction: Learn from the veterans how to take bribes and humor the villains. Then turn around and sell the information to the vigilantes. Who says you can only earn one paycheck from a single shift?
Identity 2: Mad Undergraduate
Character: Cautious and discreet
Difficulty: Three stars
Introduction: After quitting your job as a caretaker, you win the favor of a mysterious person at Arkham, who agrees to fund your education. You enter the hallowed halls of university, but your good fortune doesn’t last. Your benefactor gets into trouble while out causing havoc, and some local bats send him to a ridiculously expensive medical center. The astronomical bill wipes out his entire fortune, leaving you without a sponsor. Fortunately, one of his friends sees your talent and offers to continue funding you. Overjoyed, you promptly take him on as your master...
Identity 3: Arkham’s Direct Hire
Character: Cheerful and easygoing
Difficulty: Three stars
Introduction: Your mentor and benefactor took down the school, only to be taken down by Batman in turn, so you have no choice but to slink back to Arkham and scrape by as a guard. Since you’ve made yourself familiar to everyone, nobody wants to pay you to do anything. Luckily, the new guy has just been transferred from Blackgate and doesn’t know your reputation. You put yourself forward and land the job, securing a temporary position with, wait, a permanent post???
Identity 4: Villain’s First Appearance
Character: Upright and honorable
Difficulty: Three and a half stars
Introduction: After learning from several villains, perhaps you’re ready to set up a business of your own. What could have lower startup costs than this?
Identity 5: Superhero Returns
Character: Two-faced
Difficulty: Four stars
Introduction: After receiving Batman’s “loving education,” you reflect on your mistakes and realize you’re not cut out for this line of work. So you decide to start with the people around you and become a superhero instead.
Identity 6: Happy Ending
Difficulty: Classified
Introduction: Take a guess.
Identity 7: Extra story in progress. One of Batman’s good friends is about to get into trouble. I’m definitely not going to tell you that he’s known as the Man of Steel, the Son of Tomorrow, the last son of Krypton, the protector of Metropolis, the big blue guy, and the owner of the S-shaped emblem...
Reader’s Guide
1. Our motto is to cause trouble, not commit crimes. Every deal is made by mutual consent, with clear and upfront prices.
2. This is not a secret-identity story. The protagonist causes trouble using his real name from start to finish. A classic for the ages.
Theme: Learn from others and improve yourself.
