"...In summary, this mural describes a mythical tale from the era of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, depicting how the brave pharaoh fought and defeated the giant serpent. Here, the serpent is merely a symbol, possibly representing natural disasters and war. The young pharaoh's victory over the serpent symbolizes his overcoming difficulties alongside the people of Ancient Egypt and reviving the great Egyptian Dynasty."
"Considering Tutankhamun was a very young pharaoh, this mural might have been commissioned by him to be carved by court artists, specifically to consolidate his ruling. The vertical pattern on the serpent's belly is a common decorative technique seen around the time of The Eighteenth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt's court artworks..."
Standing in front of the gigantic mural, Dr. Hall was passionately explaining, while Diana was engrossed, occasionally asking questions about the details. The two artists delved deeply into art and historical culture research, becoming so absorbed that they forgot all about the world around them.
On the side, Deathstroke could only see spots in every sentence. Dr. Hall kept spouting a couple of Ancient Egyptian words spontaneously, but because they sounded like Arabic and Diana didn't understand Arabic, she completely missed the clues.
His analysis of the artistic techniques was especially bizarre. Although he spoke about how court artists of the time created works, it all sounded like his own creative journey. Yet, because Diana truly didn't understand Ancient Egyptian artifacts, she didn't notice at all.
And there were references to the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Dynasties, they sounded just like village gossip to the ears. However, to the true prince of the pharaohs, those so-called ancient tales and court secrets were indeed akin to village story circles.
Diana had no concept of what a real expert in Ancient Egyptian cultural history should be like. She simply felt Dr. Hall was extremely professional, speaking exceptionally well, and she understood everything.
And Dr. Hall perhaps hadn't spoken so freely in a long time. Diana's affirmation greatly fueled his desire to convey his thoughts. He spoke incessantly for over half an hour, increasingly invested, becoming quite moved himself.
In short, one spoke willingly and the other listened attentively, and they conversed passionately for over an hour, before finally steering the topic to the main objective.
"...Yes, madam, just as you suspected, the moon part of the design was added later, certainly not by the People of Ancient Egypt. We... they didn't depict the moon in this way. I believe the person who left this symbol might be hinting at something on the moon, perhaps on its far side."
"But I've already been to the moon," Diana said. "Of course, to avoid any traps, I kept my distance. However, with my good vision, there's nothing on the moon."
Dr. Hall shook his head and said: "It's not that simple, madam. You visited the moon, but it may not necessarily be the true moon. The moon sketched on the mural likely has mystical significance, which is not visible by just flying to the sky."
"What should be done then?" Diana asked furrowing her brows.
"This may require research," Dr. Hall said, "Their choice of Egyptian mural certainly has its reasons. The moon they refer to might also be the one in African mythology. But how to access the mystical significance of the moon in African mythology still requires study."
Diana nodded, obviously not expecting immediate answers. So she said, "Then it might be trouble for you to stay with the Justice League. Anyway, we will pay..."
"No no no, madam." Dr. Hall quickly interrupted Diana and said, "Such a complete, large mural is also rare among Ancient Egyptian artifacts. Having the opportunity to research it is very precious to us; we need to borrow your premises..."
Deathstroke rolled his eyes again. A polite compliment still needed self-praise. But after exchanging pleasantries, it was finally decided: the Halls stay to study the mural, and the Justice League will provide them with board and lodging. Both parties were very happy with this outcome.
Diana was pleased because she recognized the Halls' expertise and found it fantastic that they could stay and conduct research without payment. Meanwhile, the Halls were amidst a crisis of being pursued by enemies with Midway City no longer being safe; staying in the Justice League's base where their personal safety is guaranteed was simply wonderful.
Both sides believed they saved each other from peril, unaware that the turbulence for both parties stemmed from the same person.
Diana and Deathstroke returned to the meeting room upstairs. Shiller and Joseph were adjusting equipment there. Joseph had put on a pair of tactical gloves and was fiddling with Shiller's quiet pup. Deathstroke winced because Joseph wasn't versed in handling guns; what if it accidentally fired?
Shiller gave him a reassuring look, then turned to Diana and asked: "How did it go, madam?"
"The artifacts are fine. Dr. Hall suspects it might be related to the Moon God in African mythology; the specifics are still under investigation." Diana shifted her gaze to Joseph.
Deathstroke always kept a low profile in the Justice League. He knew Batman might have traced his ancestry back eighteen generations, but Batman wasn't here now, so fibbing with others was still doable. Diana genuinely didn't see any relation between Joseph and Deathstroke. She looked at Joseph and said:
"Sir, thank you for your help. I heard you're a superpower user?"
Joseph didn't look at her but kept fiddling with the gun and said: "Yes. Sorry, madam, excuse my manners, but my superpower is triggered through eye contact, so I don't have the habit of looking at others in the eye while speaking."
"Is it psychic ability?" Diana became interested and said, "In fact, the Justice League has been quite short-handed recently..."
"I think you ought to reconsider." Deathstroke quickly interrupted and said, "Joseph is still too young, he hasn't even been to college yet..."
"How's Metropolitan University?" Diana said, "The Justice League has a recommendation slot for Metropolitan University. But we rarely use it; usually, Batman gives it to outstanding high school students sponsored by Wayne Enterprises..."
"Then I think the Justice League is indeed a good company," Deathstroke said quickly. "Joseph's academic level is pretty good, but New Orleans has limited teaching resources and the private high school he attends isn't the top. Only the best students can apply to prestigious universities from there. Joseph is still a bit short, not to mention Metropolitan University, one of the oldest prestigious universities on the East Coast. This is truly a path that even Deathstroke can't buy access to."
"What do I have to do, ma'am?" Joseph was quite clear-headed, asking.
"Before you become a strong and well-rounded superhero, you won't take on formal missions. Most of the time, you'll stay at the base for training, occasionally doing errands. Batman will provide you with a series of special training courses. You won't be given important tasks until he deems you qualified," Diana said.
"What do I need to learn?"
"A lot. While you're a psychic ability user, the Justice League doesn't like relying solely on superpowers. You need to learn strategy and tactics, undergo physical training, and of course, special equipment and firearms training is a must. Also, if you have other skills, like hacking, we'll provide special training for that too."
Joseph nodded and said, "Sounds good."
"If you choose to attend college, in the next four to eight years, you can complete your university courses and receive special training at the Justice League. By the time you graduate, your special training will also be nearly complete, and you will be a superhero who can handle things independently."
"I need to discuss it with my family," Joseph said. "My parents are in New Orleans, I'll need to call them."
"Of course. In fact, if you decide to join, we'll also call and communicate with your guardians. Batman will provide some protection for your loved ones. You might also consider moving to Metropolis."
Joseph nodded and then turned to leave. Deathstroke wanted to follow, but Shiller stopped him with a look. Right now, Deathstroke had no excuse to go out; constantly following Joseph would make him look like a creep.
"Alright, you two," Diana looked at them and said, "Though you're not official members of the Justice League, due to the severe shortage of personnel, we can sign a short-term employment contract. During this time, you work for us, and we provide fair compensation and equipment wear fees."
"Well, this..." Deathstroke wanted to play it cool, but his eyes widened instantly when he saw the numbers on the contract Diana handed over.
"Ma'am." Deathstroke raised an eyebrow and looked at Diana, saying, "Are you sure Batman will accept this bill when he returns?"
"I'm surprised you're surprised," Diana said. "It seems like you've never worked with Batman. For him, as long as money can solve the problem, it's not a problem. But of course, you're an assassin, and he never kills, so you two naturally wouldn't have had the chance to work together."
"If I knew he was so generous, I wouldn't have become an assassin," Deathstroke said, "I could also choose not to kill."
Diana seemed amused by him and said, "Usually, we're not so short on people. This truly is a good opportunity for making a fortune. However, I hope you read the terms carefully."
"I know the most important thing is not to kill innocents, uh, preferably capture the guilty alive too. I usually don't take on such troublesome jobs, but you've paid a lot for my no-kill policy. My answer is: of course, I'll take the job." Deathstroke signed his name with a flourish.
Shiller didn't say much, he also signed his name. After Diana took the contract, she said, "Thank you very much, gentlemen. The Justice League is now busy investigating the Multiverse situation to find Batman. There's a lack of law enforcement on Earth, especially on the East Coast, resulting in organized crime showing rampant signs again. You have about six hours to rest; then, the missions will be sent to your personal communication terminals - head to the nearby equipment storage to get them. You have limited access to the Justice League's Sky-eye system to track suspects and check on-site situations. Rewards are issued immediately after the task is completed. Have a pleasant cooperation."
After finishing, Diana left. Deathstroke watched her back with some confusion, saying, "Just like that? No additional instructions for me? I'm an evil mercenary who kills without batting an eye..."
"More importantly," Deathstroke turned his gaze to Shiller, "Didn't she have any more instructions for you? You're even more evil as an agent."
"I promised Joseph I'd teach him to use a gun," Shiller said, "You coming?"
"Why did he ask you to teach him how to use a gun?" Deathstroke was a bit unhappy, "I'm the Weapon Master, after all."
Shiller snorted coldly, "Do you think he has your physique?"
"Does he have your physique then? You damn orca?"
"At least in a normal state, I'm much quieter than you are." Shiller walked out the door, "Clearly, Joseph prefers my combat style."