Chapter 12 - The Legend Begins and the Patronus Spell

"Are we just going to watch?" Rune asked, observing Wayne, clad in tattered clothes, blend into the crowd outside the courthouse."This is Young Master's private grudge," Alfred said, standing beside Rune, his expression serious. "I only hope Young Master can make it back for lunch today.""Come on, you and I both know that Gil won't die by Bruce's hand." Rune had already spotted several suspicious individuals, some with their hands behind their backs, others with hands in their pockets, but all with solemn expressions, periodically scanning their surroundings as if searching for something.If he hadn't been standing on a high building, Rune wouldn't have realized how conspicuous these guys were."He didn't offend just anyone; he offended Falcone. That Men is currently the biggest gang boss in all of Gotham City," Rune said softly. "The monastery where I lived was undisturbed by other gangs precisely because of him.""So, what do you think of Falcone?""He has some principles, but he's fundamentally a ruthless person." Rune watched Gil being escorted from the police car, walking step by step towards the courthouse entrance, and step by step into Hell."I thought you might praise his principles appropriately.""No, Falcone is a pure villain. He adheres to principles only because he has the means to do so," Rune said, looking at Alfred. "But his subordinates don't. His support for the monastery's establishment isn't essentially for charity, but to select the troublemakers from it. Gangs need fresh blood, Alfred.""Just like killing Gil, he has enough inside connections within the police department. That Gil should have died directly in jail, yet he successfully made it to the courthouse entrance and will die here. This is Falcone's demonstration; he is asserting his status, telling all of Gotham that he is above the law."Bang, bang, bang—gunshots rang out, and Gil fell to the ground, dead from multiple wounds. The shooter's face was calm; he offered no resistance when surrounded by the police. He even dropped his gun and raised his hands. Unexpectedly, the suspicious individuals from earlier turned out to be police officers."I thought those unprofessional guys were gang assassins, but it turns out they were police." Alfred smiled, then turned and left the rooftop. "At least Young Master won't miss lunch today."Inside Wayne Manor, Rune leisurely ate his steak. The steak tasted excellent, perfectly cooked, with a hint of smoky flavor, simple salt and butter. Of course, the most important thing was actually the $400 piece of meat.If this were served with rice, I could eat three bowls, Rune thought, trying to maintain his elegance. He didn't want to gobble it down like he hadn't eaten in three days, which would tarnish his current image as a calm, wise, and powerful warlock.But Bruce Wayne, on the other hand, was somewhat dejected."What, you still wanted to kill Gil yourself?" Rune asked."No, Rune." Bruce shook his head, his knife and fork unconsciously cutting the poor steak. "I was just thinking, if I had fired that shot, what would be the difference between me and that gang boss you mentioned?"He said, looking troubled, "You're right, I was trying to place myself above the law.""It's different," Rune said with a cold expression. "You are the victim's family, Bruce. Your killing him would fulfill the proverb, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. You have more right to judge him than the so-called law. When the judge sentenced him to life imprisonment, did the judge ask if your parents had forgiven him?"Gotham's criminal law does not include the death penalty; the maximum is life imprisonment, and generally, one can be released after about 20 years, with good behavior potentially leading to reduced sentences. Therefore, in some different timelines, when Bruce became Batman and found Gil, the latter had already left prison.Rune wasn't just trying to comfort Bruce; he also hoped that the future Batman would abandon the so-called "no-kill rule." The Joker nearly killed Jason Todd using this no-kill rule and caused Barbara Gordon to become paralyzed from the waist down.Bruce remained silent after hearing Rune's words, lowering his head to cut the beef, his eyes lost in thought.For the next three days, besides practicing magic, Rune spent his time practicing the Patronus Charm with Dumbledore, while Bruce's activities remained unknown.However, on the morning of the fourth day, Bruce made a significant decision."If I don't understand the people at the bottom, I will never understand their decisions. I want to understand the reasons for their crimes, and I also want to find a way to overcome my fears," Bruce said, looking at his butler. This wasn't the first time Alfred had opposed him, but it was certainly the most resolute.The argument was so loud it seemed to echo throughout the manor. Rune couldn't offer much advice; he knew he was about to witness the birth of a great hero. Among all heroes, Bruce Wayne is the only one willing to actively abandon everything he has and delve deeply into the lives of ordinary people."At least take this, Young Master…" Alfred finally compromised.Bruce dared not look directly at Alfred, fearing he might shed tears because of the emotion in Alfred's eyes. He fled the manor as if escaping, still wearing a fine suit."Young Master is only twelve years old…" Alfred turned and wiped away his tears. After Young Master left, he could finally indulge himself a little.Rune didn't know what to say; his heart pounded, and he felt his blood run hot.Why do people yearn for heroes?Rune didn't know, but he suddenly realized he had grown accustomed to not trusting his own power, accustomed to someone else stepping up to solve everyone's problems.So why can't I become a hero?Can I… can I become the hero trusted and supported by everyone?But the scenes of heroes being betrayed in comics flashed through his mind, and Rune's blood instantly ran cold. However, at least I can become someone heroes trust; I can do what they are not good at…A faint gleam flashed in Rune's eyes. He could understand some villains, like Lex Luthor or Poison Ivy, but what he couldn't tolerate were those who openly enjoyed the fruits of heroes' struggles and then demanded further sacrifices from them, such as Amanda Waller in most universes.What to do? Only kill!With his mission found, Rune's heart stirred. He took out his wand and, facing the hall, firmly uttered the spell he had chanted countless times—"Expecto Patronum!"From within the white mist, a roar echoed through the manor…