WebNovels

Chapter 245 - News VII

[Intro music crackles through, old jazz riffs layered over city noise. Sirens wail faintly in the background. Static fades.]

Jack Malone (Daniel):

"Welcome, welcome, all you insomniacs, night owls, and poor bastards stuck pulling graveyard shifts. You're tuned in to Gotham Nights Radio. I'm your host, Jack Malone, and as always, I'm joined by the voices that keep this circus running — Big Mike Donovan."

Mike Donovan (John):

"Evening, Gotham."

Jack:

"And Eddie 'Slick' Russo."

Eddie Russo (Matt):

"Yoo-hoo, Gotham City!"

Jack:

"Well, folks… what a hell of a night it's been. Just two hours ago, there was some trouble down at the docks. Word is, the Marino family was moving a big shipment guns, drugs, the usual garbage. And guess who dropped by to say hello? Yeah. The Bat. GCPD's now putting all those bastards where they belong ... behind bars."

Eddie:

"C'mon, Jack, let's not pretend. Batman did all the work. The GCPD just showed up after the fact to sweep up the pieces. That's how it always goes."

Mike:

"Don't start that crap, Eddie. You don't get to spit on the GCPD. Men and women out there put their lives on the line every night, while that that illegal vigilante plays monster in the shadows. Can we not waste another night worshipping that freak?"

Jack:

"Alright, alright, easy there, Mike. Sorry to break it to you, pal, but tonight's show is dedicated to the Bat. That's right. We're taking calls, hearing your theories. Who is he? What is he? Hero, menace, demon in a cape ...tonight, it's all about him."

Mike:

"Oh, for Christ's sake—"

Jack:

"Don't fight me on this one, Mike. We're doing it. But first, let's hit the daily crime stats. Straight from the GCPD blotter: one hundred violent crimes reported, two thousand petty crimes, forty mob-related incidents."

Eddie:

"Jesus…"

Mike:

"Yeah, and thanks to the GCPD, those numbers are down and they'll stay down."

Eddie:

"Down? Are you kidding me? Before Batman showed up it was six hundred violent crimes, mobs running half the city, and the cops too scared to even set foot in Crime Alley. Like it or not, Mike, it's the Bat cleaning Gotham up — not the badge."

Jack:

"Alright, alright! Settle down, both of you. This ain't about the GCPD versus Batman. We're here to keep Gotham entertained, not start a fistfight in the studio."

Mike:

"No, no, Jack you don't get it. Calling that… that thing a hero? Don't even put him in the same sentence as the greats like Green Lantern, Lady Liberty, Miss America. Real heroes. They fought for this country against the Übermen the Germans created remember them? Real heroes. The Justice Society. They followed the law, they followed the American way. The Bat's no hero, he's a thug. And if you think otherwise, Eddie, then you and I—"

Jack (cutting in quickly):

"—Alright, alright, looks like we're due for a break. Don't touch that dial, folks, because when we come back, it's your calls. We wanna know: Who is Batman? Gotham's guardian angel… or just a madman in a mask?"

[Static crackles. An ad rolls. Organ music swells, then fades into a velvet-voiced announcer.]

Ad Voiceover:

"Step right up, Gotham! Experience the impossible, the dazzling, the magical! For one week only, the world-renowned illusionist Zatanna Zatara brings her spellbinding show to the Monarch Theatre. Levitation, vanishing acts, and feats that defy the laws of nature or maybe bend them.

Don't miss your chance to witness wonder. Tickets are vanishing fast — literally."

[Confident, upbeat music fades in. The voice of a passionate narrator fills the air.]

Narrator:

"Gotham deserves better. For too long, corruption has ruled our streets, our courts, our lives. But there's a man who believes in law, in justice, in hope. Harvey Dent. The man who took on the Maroni crime family and won. The man who's never been afraid to stand up to crooked politicians or mob bosses.

As District Attorney, Harvey Dent will fight for you. For your family. For a Gotham that believes in fairness and order. This election, vote for Harvey Dent the DA who can finally put crime where it belongs: behind bars."

[Music swells. A short pause.]

Narrator (voice softens for the tag):

"Paid for by Friends of Harvey Dent."

[Ad fades out.]

Jack Malone (Daniel):

"Alright, Gotham, we are back. Hopefully a little calmer now, right, Mike? Eddie?"

Eddie Russo (Matt):

"Yeah, yeah."

Mike Donovan (John):

"Fine. Don't push it."

Jack:

"Good. Before we take our first caller tonight, Eddie's been itching to share a theory of his own about the Bat. You've been bragging all week you had this figured out. So… let's hear it."

Eddie:

"Oh, I got a good one, Jack. Here's my theory: Batman ain't just one guy. No way. He's a group. A team. Seven, maybe eight people, all wearing the suit, all working shifts. That's why he's everywhere at once why one minute he's busting up a mob deal in Burnley and the next he's swinging over Crime Alley. No man could do all that."

Jack:

"Oooooh, interesting. A whole league of Bats? That's actually… not bad, Eddie. Pretty plausible."

Mike:

"Oh, of course it's plausible. You think one nutjob in a cape can do all this?"

Eddie:

"Wait, wait, wait. I thought you were out of this conversation, Mike?"

Mike:

"Yeah, well, I changed my mind. And also, screw you."

Jack:

"Eddie's theory of a 'League of Bats' sounds plausible to me, but here's my eternal question: who's funding him? That kind of gear doesn't come cheap."

Eddie:

"Community crowd-funding, that's my guess. Think about it, Jack. Gotham's citizens want hope, they want protection. Maybe they're all pitching in, passing the hat. 'Cause do we really think a corporate giant like Wayne Enterprises would sink a dime into actually bettering Gotham? If they wanted to help, they could start by paying their fair share of taxes."

Mike:

"Oh, here we go again. Eddie, you ignorant fuck! The Waynes built this city. They gave it hospitals, schools, that monorail you and every working stiff in this city use. And what did your so-called hero do last year? He blew it up! Spat on Thomas and Martha Wayne's legacy, that's what."

Eddie:

"Mike, come on! He had to! You remember the whole city would've gone up in smoke if that terrorist hadn't been stopped. The Bat did what had to be done."

Mike:

"No. No, no, no. Bruce Wayne does more for this city right now than that monster in the shadows ever will. The man runs every orphanage, every homeless shelter, feeds families by the thousands. That's a real hero. Not some freak in a cape breaking bones."

Eddie:

"Tax breaks, that's what that is. Don't kid yourself. Every dollar Wayne spends, he gets five back."

Jack:

"Alright, alright, gentlemen before Mike flips the table here. Let me lighten things up with my own wild card. Maybe… just maybe… Batman is actually funded by the GCPD. Think about it he's always working with that Lieutenant Gordon guy, right? He's the one who uses that… uh… Bat-Signal, right?"

Mike:

"What?! If that's true, then the Gotham City Police Department has sunk lower than I ever imagined. When I was on the force, it was an institution of law, of order. If Gordon's in bed with Batman, hell… I might just put my badge back on and straighten this mess out myself!"

Eddie:

"Please. The GCPD couldn't organize a parade, let alone Batman. You think those clowns could be that precise? No chance, Jack."

Jack:

"Alright, alright, enough. My blood pressure's rising just listening to you two. Let's hear from the real Gotham out there. Phone lines are open let's take our first caller of the night."

Jack:

"You're on Gotham Night Radio. Tell us your name and where you're calling from."

Caller:

"Name's Frank. South Narrows. And I know exactly what the Batman is."

Jack:

"Ohhh, bold claim, Frank. Lay it on us, man let's hear it."

Frank (ranting):

"He's no man. He's no hero. He's a creature of the night. A demon, sent straight from Hell itself to haunt Gotham for its sins. You think a man does what he does? No. He feasts on evil. I seen it. He doesn't fight those mobsters he feeds on 'em. Drags 'em into the alleys, rips their souls out, leaves only husks. That's why they fear him. They're afraid of the pit. The eternal pit!"

Jack (interjects):

"Alright, Frank, but if he's a demon...why's he after bad guys? Shouldn't he be terrorizing innocent folks like us if that's true?"

Frank (growing louder, more manic):

"Because he's a demon of vengeance! Don't you see? He's here to purify Gotham. First the thieves, the killers, the wicked. But when he's done with them… when this city's finally bled dry of sin… he'll turn on the rest of us. You. Me. Your families. He'll judge all of us! That's how demons work. They start with evil, but they end with everyone."

[Mike mutters "Oh, for Christ's sake" under his breath. Eddie chuckles nervously.]

Frank (rant intensifies):

"And it ain't just him! I've seen visions a flying man, a golden woman, the Green Lantern returning, Atlantis rising from the depths. It's the end times! The metahuman plagues, abominations. And Gotham, rotten to the core, is ground zero. The Bat is just the first trumpet. You mark my words the horsemen are here!"

[Static fuzzes as Frank keeps shouting. Jack quickly cuts the line.]

Jack:

"Okayyy… wow. That guy was nuts. Moving on. Next caller, please hopefully someone with both feet on the ground."

A lot of calls later.....

[The warm jingle of a commercial plays.]

Ad Voiceover:

"Need security you can trust? WayneTech has your back. From state-of-the-art surveillance systems to cutting-edge non-lethal defense gear, WayneTech is building a safer Gotham — one innovation at a time. Visit our downtown showroom today, or log on to WayneTech.com. WayneTech: a brighter future, for a brighter Gotham."

[Commercial fades.]

Jack:

"Okay, we're back, folks. A lot of theories about the Batman tonight… some good…"

Mike:

"Six guys claimed they were Batman. I'm pretty sure at least half of them were Arkham escapees."

Eddie:

"Which means my theory wins, by default."

Jack (chuckling):

"Yeah, yeah, sure, Eddie. Alright, one last call before we wrap things up tonight."

Mike (groaning):

"Oh, God, here we go…"

Jack:

"Okay, caller, you're live on Gotham Nights Radio. What's your name?"

Caller:

"Heh… names are overrated, don't you think? Let's just say… I'd rather not."

Jack:

"Alright, no problem. So tell us, mysterious stranger what do you think about the Batman? What do you think he is?"

Caller (crackling with laughter):

"The Batman… ohhh, the Batman… hahahahaha! He's funny. This guy, running around in his little costume… scaring the rats in alleys, dragging mobsters out of bed. And Gotham? Gotham eats it up. They cheer, they scream, they cower. He's their boogeyman, their bedtime story. They need him."

[Caller laughs again.]

"But see, here's the joke. Gotham made him. Every alley, every gutter, every drop of blood it built him. He's not justice. He's not vengeance. He's just the city's own filth, wearing a mask. A bad joke told too many times."

[Long pause, then a burst of manic chuckling.]

"Jokes… hahahahaha… jokes always need a punchline. And when this one comes? Ohhh, Gotham's gonna laugh. You'll laugh, I'll laugh, he'll laugh. Because that's all that'll be left. Just the punchline.

And me? Heh… I think I'm gonna laugh the hardest when the joke's over. You'll see… soon enough."

[The line cuts. Dead air for a beat.]

Mike:

"Weirdest call's always the last one."

Jack (forcing a laugh):

"Ooookayyy… well, that was… cheerful. Guess that's it for our show tonight, folks."

"This has been Gotham Nights Radio. I'm Jack Malone, with Big Mike Donovan and Eddie 'Slick' Russo. Remember: keep your doors locked, stay safe, and try not to piss off the Bat. Good night, Gotham."

[Outro music fades. Static crackles. Broadcast ends.]

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Post on r/DCU

Title: It is now confirmed.

Adler just confirmed on Twitter that the Gotham Nights radio podcast is run by him and it's canon to the DCU!

Top Comments

u/Jello_Reactor

I knew it was Adler because Jack Malone sounds just like him. It's a great idea, especially for fans it gives us a deeper look into the DCU universe.

u/TheReal404Error

So who are the other two? Jack is Adler, but who are Mike and Eddie?

u/SleepyPanda96 (replying to u/TheReal404Error

 I think one of them is Matt Gates. Don't know who the other guy is.

u/LoreSker_22 (replying to u/SleepyPanda96)

It's John Sterling. Yes, that John Sterling the creator of Dark Souls.

u/CloudRider_77

So it's confirmed now that Zatanna exists?

u/BananaKing88 (replying to u/CloudRider_77)

Zatanna was already confirmed back in The Dark Knight.

u/SpicyPickles_99

So this takes place before The Dark Knight? I love the theories Gothamites have come up with about what or who Batman is. It really builds up his mythology in the DCU explains why everyone reacts to him the way they do in The Dark Knight. Great. Just great.

u/LateNightOwl23

"And it ain't just him! I've seen visions: a flying man, a golden woman, the Green Lantern returning, Atlantis rising from the depths. It's the end times! The metahuman plagues, abominations. And Gotham, rotten to the core, is ground zero. The Bat is just the first trumpet. You mark my words the horsemen are here."

So this is referring to Aquaman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and Superman, right?

u/GoldgeGeek (replying to u/LateNightOwl23)

Yeah, I think so.

u/ShibaInu_93

The Green Lantern already existing as Alan Scott is the best addition to the DCU. I love how the Justice Society already existed before plus Lady Liberty and Miss America being name-dropped here. Also, what are these "Ubermen" they fought??

u/NerdyBird_123

The idea of Gothamites thinking there are multiple Batmen is hilarious. Just shows how great Bruce really is.

u/Ark44atic

I love the characters Jack, Mike, and Eddie. They play off each other so well. But I wish the episodes were longer 40 minutes isn't enough.

u/ChillPenguin99

So the last caller was the Joker, right? It sounded like Heath.

Edit: Yeah, Daniel confirmed it was Heath.

u/DragonSlayer_73

Hope they bring in the real actors like they did with Heath here. Imagine Bruce Wayne calling in. Or maybe a certain reporter from Metropolis. The possibilities are endless.

u/NachoFiesta101

I think there will be clues for Justice League, Batman 3, Green Lantern, maybe even Aquaman in the coming episodes.

BTW, has Adler said if this is monthly or bi-monthly?

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Post on r/DCU

Breakdown of Gotham Nights Radio – Episode 2

Alright, episode two is out looks like this is going to be a monthly thing.

This is set after The Dark Knight. Batman is now considered Harvey Dent's murderer (just like at the end of the film). The Dent Act from the movie is about to be passed, and I'm sure it's going to be a huge plot point in the third movie, maybe showing how it gets abused by Gotham's corrupt system down the line.

Batman himself doesn't seem as active anymore, or maybe he's just being more careful. But Robin is definitely stepping up the episode makes it sound like he's becoming more well-known in Gotham.

Characters Mentioned

Black Mask / Sionis Industries – Does this mean there's a new Black Mask, or is it the same one from The Dark Knight?

The Penguin – Looks like he's filling the power vacuum in Gotham. The ad paints him as a loan shark.

Killer Croc – Did not expect this. He already seems active. Could be a tease for him appearing in the third movie.

Poison Ivy – Brief mention: Jack Malone's ex-girlfriend from college was Pamela… looks like she's on her way to becoming Poison Ivy.

Dr. Harleen Quinzel – The ending tease had me hyped. Maybe we'll actually get Margot Robbie's Harley Quinn origin through this podcast first.

The way this podcast builds up Gotham and the wider DCU is genius. Between the Dent Act, Robin stepping up, and all these rogues being name-dropped… the third movie is looking stacked already.

Top Comments

u/Error_User500

"Yeah, this one was longer and better than the first one. Great listen honestly feels like it's really building Gotham as a character."

u/ShadowWolf_21

"Let's hope Harleen comes on the show. It'll be fun to see her slowly turn as she shows up in more episodes."

u/SneakySloth22 (replying to u/ShadowWolf_21)

"That's an awesome idea. Imagine if we first hear her just as a doctor giving interviews, and then piece by piece, she shifts into Harley."

u/NachoFiesta101

"I'm sure Killer Croc is in the next movie, maybe Poison Ivy as well. Zatanna could show up too. I liked the first two movies, but Batman needs to start facing more of the fantastical part of his rogues."

u/RandomDude_777

"Penguin, baby! Adler, cast Danny DeVito again."

u/ChillVibes_87

"I think you're right about the Dent Act being the big issue in the next movie. Also, Adler confirmed that Batman 3 takes place after Superman, Wonder Woman, and Flash. Maybe they'll all show up as well."

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Post on r/Green lantern

Hal and John in the DCU

I don't like how Hal Jordan isn't the main Green Lantern in the DCU. Don't get me wrong, I like John Stewart, he's a great character but I feel like Hal would've been the better lead. There's so much you can do with him. Hal is the classic Lantern, the one most people think of. I just feel like making John the main one takes a lot of that potential away.

Top Comments

u/StarForge91

"I agree. But I kinda wanna see where this goes since it looks like they're setting up Hal to be the bad guy in the next Green Lantern movie. Parallax is coming."

u/RaynerFan_92

"At least John Stewart and Hal Jordan fans are getting something. Us Kyle Rayner fans haven't seen him in anything yet."

u/BigRedBoi77

"Oh man, what I would do to see Guy Gardner."

u/Lanternch_88

"Let's see where this goes. It's not like Hal isn't in the DCU — he's still one of the leads in the upcoming movie."

u/CosmicKnight23

"They're definitely going to do Parallax. It feels like that's where Adler's building toward."

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Peter Guber to Sell Golden State Warriors Stake to Henry Morgan and Daniel Adler

In a move no one saw coming, Golden State Warriors co-owner Peter Guber is preparing to sell his stake in the franchise. The deal will see Guber exit his position and transfer ownership to Texan billionaire Henry Morgan and writer-producer Daniel Adler, who will together hold a controlling interest in the team.

Guber, who has been instrumental in shaping the Warriors' rise over the past half-decade, has reportedly been facing financial pressures stemming from recent investment challenges outside of basketball. While he remains a respected figure in both the entertainment and sports industries, sources say Guber has been seeking liquidity and restructuring his portfolio leading to the decision to sell his Warriors equity.

The buyers represent a unique blend of backgrounds:

Henry Morgan, Texas-based billionaire investor and businessman, will acquire the largest share of the team. Known for his wide-ranging energy and technology investments, Morgan, while being a minority owner of the warriors, will now be its biggest.

Daniel Adler, three-time Oscar-winning writer and producer, will hold a 20% ownership stake. Adler, who has recently begun expanding beyond Hollywood, is expected to bring creative branding and media synergy to the Warriors.

Together, Morgan and Adler will also buy out smaller investors, giving them control of over 50% of the Warriors and effectively placing the franchise under their leadership going forward.

The Golden State Warriors have become one of the NBA's most successful and valuable franchises in recent years. Guber's departure, paired with the entry of new controlling partners, represents the biggest ownership change since Joe Lacob and Guber first purchased the team in 2010.

For fans, the move raises questions about how Morgan and Adler will steer the franchise. While both men have expressed a commitment to the team, their contrasting backgrounds Morgan's financial empire and Adler's entertainment one suggest potential new directions.

With the deal expected to close later this year, the Warriors are preparing to enter a new era.

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Post on a 40k Forum

Update on the Daniel Adler Situation

Well, it's official now. Daniel Adler has made an offer more than 30% above market price for primary ownership of Games Workshop. That means he's not just testing the waters he's going in full force for control.

I've got to be honest: I'm not happy about this. Who knows what Adler is going to do with the company once he gets his hands on it? This could mean: Price hikes. A lot of meddling from new people Adler will inevitably bring in.A shift in focus away from the tabletop community in favor of big, flashy media projects. The possibility of turning Warhammer into something more "Hollywood" than what it is now.

I did some digging, and it looks like Adler has been moving aggressively, expanding and throwing a lot of money around. Now he wants to turn Warhammer into another jewel in his empire. I can't shake the feeling this might be the beginning of a big change and not for the better.

Replies:

IronSkull_47

Honestly, I'm optimistic. There's a reason they call Adler the man with the Midas touch. Everything he touches turns to gold..I mean look at the DCU man. I think he'll only bring positive change.

HeresyHunter89

Same here. I'm looking forward to what Adler could do with the IP movies, TV shows, maybe even games that actually get the budget and treatment Warhammer deserves. Imagine a proper Horus Heresy series!

CrimsonFist92

Nah, I think Adler is alright. He's a fan himself and clearly knows his stuff. If anything, this might actually be better for the company in the long run new investment, better marketing, and a bigger global presence.

ServoSkull_13

Let's see where this goes. Who knows, maybe he'll surprise everyone and actually improve things for the tabletop side too.

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@MargotRobbieUpdates

Link: [Margot Robbie attacked by crazed fan — article]

Oh my God, this is horrible. First that stalker, and now this.

Replies:

@EmilyCarterXO

Praying for her, hope she's okay.

@MarcusFilmTalk

There are some crazy people out there, man. This is scary.

@SophieDownUnder

Hope Margot is doing well. Really hope she isn't hurt.

@PriceFame101

Adler, maybe help your girl get some better security with the billions you've got.

@HannahBlooms

This breaks my heart. She doesn't deserve any of this. Sending love and strength.

@CarlaMovieMagic

Margot is such a sweet soul. Can't imagine how terrifying this must be. Stay strong, queen.

@JordUnfiltered

I never thought she was that good… but seriously, what was this person thinking, going after Margot Robbie of all people??

@Rickandmorty44acy

ngl this kinda looks like some stunt for the movie.

@AngelaJceN

Why is the stalker not named?? Oh, I get it… it's because it's a woman. Shame on Robbie, Adler, and everyone involved. You named and shamed that male stalker before! Double standards.

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New video from JakeTalksComics

Title: Big Leak!!! What's Going On

[Intro – Jake adjusting the camera, sitting in a different room]

"Hey guys, what's up yeah, bit of a change of scenery today. I'm visiting my parents, so forgive the lighting and the audio. I had to make this quick video because… oh my God. I just saw the leaks. And I'm freaking out."

[Photo flashes on screen – Daniel Adler, Henry Cavill, Jensen Ackles in half-Batsuit/half-sweatpants, Damson Idris in civilian cloths, Chris Pine in full suit]

"WHAT is this? WHAT is going on?! Look at this! Daniel Adler standing there, directing. Damson Idris, Chris Pine and Pine's in the full Green Lantern suit, which looks awesome by the way. Jensen Ackles rocking half a Batsuit, half sweatpants maybe it's a new version of the Batsuit, guys?" [laughs]

[Switch to Henry Cavill in the photo

 "And then… Superman himself. Henry Cavill. Just… there. Like… what?! What is happening here?"

[Jake leans closer to the camera, voice quickening

 "So here's what we know: Batman Part 3 and Green Lanterns are both shooting right now in England. This photo is from there. So the question is… is Superman showing up in Green Lanterns? Is he in Batman 3? Or is this actually an early Justice League shoot?"

[Excited ramble]

"Guys, my hype is over the moon. The thought of Batman and Superman meeting? Bruh. I can't handle it. And don't even get me started on the possibility of Green Lanterns being in Batman 3. Like… imagine that. Just imagine!"

"Oh and yeah, quick side note I'll do a longer video when I get home, plus my breakdown of the Age of Ultron trailer that dropped yesterday. That thing had me pumped already, and now this? I don't even have words, guys."

"So yeah, this could be Superman in Batman 3, Superman in Green Lanterns, or all of them in Batman 3…. Too many questions from just one photo. But wow. What do you guys think? Drop your theories in the comments, and I'll feature some of them in the next video. See ya, guys."

Top Comments

@Knight020

"Oh yeah, Supes and Bats are 100% teaming up in Batman 3. That's gotta be it. No way Cavill is just hanging around set. Surprised this even leaked though."

@SepomicFan

"I think this is nothing, honestly. Fake leaks. Adler's trolling us again dude loves messing with us."

@LantCoLife

"It actually makes more sense for Supes to pop up in Green Lanterns."

@MultiV333her

"Why not both? Could just be cameos in each. Superman helps John at the end of Green Lanterns, then he meets Batman officially in Batman 3."

@JLyCrafter

"Guys, it's easy. Here's the setup: Green Lanterns ends with John and Hal stopping Sinestro. Then they meet Batman and Superman on Earth, which leads to Justice League. Maybe Batman, Superman, and the Lanterns are investigating Brainiac the rumored villain of Justice League. They all meet in the end-credit scene and boom… it leads right into Justice League."

@ClOfLore

"Adler knows what he's doing. He leaked this pic on purpose to drive everyone nuts."

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You can read up to chapter 256

p.a.t.r.eon.com/Illusiveone (check the chapter summary i have it there as well)

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