"This is Gotham Channel 7, and I'm your host, Lexi White, bringing you an urgent evening news update."
The female anchor's voice cut sharply through the living room as the screen switched from a sitcom to a breaking-news banner.
"Approximately one hour ago, the notorious phantom thief Kaito Kid appeared above the Gotham International Hotel. Multiple eyewitnesses reported seeing him glide through the air using a hang glider, during which he scattered a large number of white cards containing cryptic messages."
Images rolled across the screen—blurry phone footage of a white figure in the sky, cards fluttering down like snow, crowds pointing upward in shock.
"It has been confirmed that these cards closely resemble the 'preview letters' Kaito Kid used prior to his previous theft at the museum," Lexi continued. "We have strong reason to believe that these cards are Kaito Kid's official notice for his next crime."
The broadcast shifted again, showing a familiar photograph.
"It is worth noting that only days ago, Kaito Kid voluntarily handed over the stolen Angel's Blood Tears gemstone to renowned investigative reporter Vicki Vale, who subsequently submitted it to the Gotham City Police Department. The gemstone has since been safely returned to the museum."
The anchor's tone grew more serious.
"Kaito Kid remains one of Gotham's greatest mysteries. He dresses flamboyantly, announces his crimes in advance, openly challenges law enforcement—and then discards priceless treasures as if they were meaningless."
Questions appeared one after another on the screen, bold and dramatic.
Why would Kaito Kid give up such a valuable gemstone?
What is the true purpose behind his thefts?
Why did he specifically choose Vicki Vale as the recipient?
Is there a hidden connection between them?
And most importantly—what is Kaito Kid's next target?
"All of these questions may be answered when Kaito Kid makes his next appearance," Lexi concluded. "We urge any citizen who believes they have deciphered the meaning of the preview letter to contact the GCPD immediately. Thank you for supporting Gotham's public safety."
The broadcast ended.
The television returned to its regular programming.
But Dean wasn't watching anymore.
---
He sat quietly on the couch, eyes lowered, fingers resting against his chin.
"So… the preview letter is already everywhere," he muttered.
The city had taken the bait.
Last time, Dean had enjoyed a massive information advantage. The museum operation had been smooth precisely because no one truly understood what he was planning.
This time was different.
Very different.
"The target isn't even comparable to Angel's Blood Tears," Dean thought. "Not in value… and definitely not in enemies."
The so-called world's largest pink diamond, Pink Dream, was far more dangerous than it appeared on the surface.
Behind it stood Gotham's underground emperor—The Penguin.
Even though Penguin himself didn't seem eager to dirty his hands, merely sending Ogilvy as his representative, Dean had no intention of underestimating the situation.
A man like Penguin never acted without layers of backup.
And worse—other forces might intervene.
Still…
Giving up was never an option.
"I publicly released the preview letter," Dean said quietly. "That's an open provocation against Gotham's entire security system."
He leaned back, eyes narrowing.
"The GCPD's attention will skyrocket. And with Commissioner Gordon's personality, he'll demand absolute control over the hotel's security."
Once Gordon took over, Penguin's men would be forced to operate under heavy restrictions. Their movements would be limited, and any misunderstanding could easily escalate into violence.
"Criminals hate being watched," Dean mused. "Especially by Gordon."
Then another name surfaced in his mind.
"And then there's Robin."
Robin had fought alongside Batman countless times, personally sending many super-criminals to Arkham Asylum. He wasn't just a sidekick—he was a trained, intelligent, and highly capable combatant.
"And if the chaos gets big enough…"
Dean's heartbeat subtly quickened.
"Could I draw him out?"
In Gotham, there was no name heavier than Batman.
Dean had grown up surrounded by rumors and legends—stories of a shadow that stalked rooftops, a monster criminals whispered about in fear. Some said Batman was just a man. Others swore he was something far worse.
Truth and myth blurred together.
Facing the GCPD, Penguin, Robin… and possibly Batman himself—
The pressure settled on Dean's shoulders like a mountain.
To put it simply, it would be like Kaito Kuroba simultaneously dealing with Conan, Hakuba Saguru, and Makoto Kyogoku.
Overwhelming.
Terrifying.
And yet—
A fierce excitement ignited deep in his chest.
This was the challenge he had been preparing for all these years.
If he succeeded, the astonishment points alone would be staggering.
Dean stood up and turned off the television.
Without hesitation, he walked down to the basement and pressed a hidden mechanism. A concealed door slid open silently, revealing a familiar space.
The Phantom Thief's workshop.
Tables covered with blueprints. Half-finished gadgets. Specialized tools arranged with obsessive precision.
"One week," Dean said softly. "That's all I have."
He rolled up his sleeves.
"I'll need new props."
---
The next morning, Dean stepped into the classroom.
And as expected—
"Kaito Kid" was all anyone could talk about.
"Did you hear? He showed up again last night!"
"Of course I did. Gotham hasn't shut up about him since."
"Those preview letters are insane. It's like he wants people to chase him."
Some of the students had actually been near the Gotham International Hotel the previous night. They proudly pulled out the white cards they'd picked up, passing them around like rare collectibles.
Those who had only seen the preview letter on television or in newspapers looked on with pure jealousy.
One student slapped a card onto a desk.
Instantly, five or six people crowded around.
They began reading aloud.
> "The feast of nobles, luxurious and boisterous,
No one remembers the tragedy of Troy.
When Kronos returns to the origin,
Hermes shall appear in the spotlight,
To reveal the final deception."
"What do you think it means?" someone asked eagerly.
"Well, Troy, Kronos, Hermes—those are all from Greek mythology," another replied confidently.
"Wow. Amazing deduction," someone scoffed. "You just read the words."
"Shut up. Let me think." The first student cleared his throat. "The 'nobles' feast' obviously refers to the elite auction at the International Hotel. That part's easy."
"Everyone knows that. Get to the good part!"
"Fine. 'The tragedy of Troy'—that war started because of Helen, the most beautiful woman. An entire city was destroyed over her. So maybe… Kid plans to disguise himself as a beautiful woman?"
A collective hiss followed.
"…That actually sounds possible."
"And the rest?" someone urged.
"Well—ahem—those who understand, understand," the student said vaguely. "It's very simple, really."
The classroom buzzed like a beehive.
Dozens of theories. Zero correct answers.
Dean listened quietly, suppressing a grin.
"Heh," he thought. "Keep guessing, geniuses."
Seeing so many people struggle over the riddle gave him a deep, secret satisfaction. All the sleepless nights spent crafting that preview letter had been worth it.
Yet amid the noise—
One seat stood out.
The last row by the window.
The seat directly behind Dean.
A boy sat there silently, holding a preview letter of his own, brows tightly furrowed.
Dick Grayson.
Unlike the others, he wasn't discussing theories or showing off. He stared at the card as if trying to peel it apart layer by layer.
Dean turned around casually and spoke with a natural smile.
"Hey, Dick," he said. "You're into Kid's preview letter too? Why not join the others? You weren't always this quiet."
Dick slowly looked up, eyes sharp and thoughtful.
The card remained clenched in his hand.
And for just a moment—
Dean felt an inexplicable sense of danger.
-----------------------------------------------
Visit our Patreon for more:🤩♥️
Get membership in patreon to read more chapters
Extra chapters available in patreon
patreon.com/Dragonscribe31
----------------------------------------------------- .