Reborn as Batman

**Location: Wayne Manor, Gotham City**

Hours had passed in Wayne Manor since the police officers had left Bruce's home. Bruce had begun to explain to Alfred why he hadn't told them who killed his parents or why. He also explained his plan to take revenge himself.

**Flashback**

"Alfred, I understand you're frustrated, really I do… but—"

"No! Master Bruce, this is ridiculous, it's suicide! You're only a boy, and you want to go fight and kill a grown man without help or assistance! And not only that, but you also want to be the one to kill him! Master Bruce, I cannot allow you to commit murder!"

"I understand that, Alfred, but it's you who doesn't understand! I get that you think it's ridiculous, but I really need to do this! You don't understand the fear, the pain that man brought me. Because of what he did, I'll never be the same again! Because of him, my parents are… gone."

Bruce sat back down across from Alfred. His face had turned downward again. He had failed to control his emotions as his training had taught him to. He couldn't understand why at first until he once again felt that pain, that sorrow. But beneath all that was an immense darkness, an abyss that stared into him. But he refused to flinch, refused to yield. That was why he had to do this; he had to kill him, that man, that heartless man who he could already tell would haunt his dreams forever.

"Alfred, I understand that you're worried about me and that this is wrong, but I have to. I have to do this, please, for my father, my mother, and for me. I need to."

Alfred stared at Bruce deeply, who met his angry stare and didn't flinch. He sighed and relented; he knew there was no way to stop this. Bruce would do this with or without him. However, at least he could be there to help. And still, how could he allow the young boy to go out there and get revenge? After all, Bruce had never even trained a day in his life. And to be honest, he wanted revenge too. Not just because he was close to Bruce's parents. He and Thomas were both, admittedly, the best of friends, brothers even. But Martha… poor Martha, who had been like a sister to him, was killed in cold blood.

"Very well, Master Bruce, but please, you're still a child with no training. Please, if we're going to do this, allow me to be the one who does it."

"No!" Bruce vehemently said, slamming his fist on the table.

Alfred blinked; he had never seen Bruce so angry before, but at the same time, he had never seen him so saddened before yesterday either.

"It's my revenge, Alfred. I'll do it myself. So please, I'm asking you to help train and track down this man."

"Sigh… Very well, Master Bruce. However, when you go to do this, I'm coming with you."

"I'm okay with that, which brings me to my next point. This criminal ditched the gun as he ran. I'm sure the police have found it by now. It'll end up in an evidence locker eventually. That's when we'll steal it from them."

"Ok, but what do you need it for exactly?"

"Because his DNA is still on it, and we'll need that to begin tracking him down. Enough about that for now, what we need to do is begin my training for when the time comes."

A grim look crossed Alfred's face before it became serious and business-like.

"Very well, I shall work on collecting the gun and bullets. As for training, if you're really going to do this, then it starts tomorrow."

**Back to the Present**

Day had turned to night. Alfred had come to check on him a few times. He served lunch and dinner while they had a few more conversations. Surprisingly to Bruce, Alfred had not tried to talk him out of it again.

Bruce then asked to be left alone except for meals until tomorrow. This gave Bruce enough time to start on his real investigation into the system.

He started with the basic questions. He got most of the expected answers. Things like could others see or hear the system? No only he could perceive it. Even if he was telepathically interfered with. Also the system would hide the memories of his past life from interlopers. Bruce had taken a snack break before returning to his room to ask the most important question.

**Bruce's POV**

I sat down on my bed once again. I had locked the door and made sure the coast was clear. Then I thought to myself.

'System'

It appeared before me, and I decided to begin to ask it questions. I prepared myself mentally before taking the plunge.

'System why was I reincarnated in this body and this world?'

Despite it normally quick responses this time the system took a while. I waited for about 5 minutes before getting an answer from the system.

*ding*

[The system owner has deemed that it is too soon and your to weak for this information!]

Owner? What owner? Was I not the true owner of the system? But didn't it say that the system was for me made by me or something like that? If there really was a system owner and he was just the host this was not good.

*ding*

[The system owner would like to say that one day they intend to hand over system ownership to you.]

This was bad very very bad. On the bright side there was the potential for me to become the system owner. However I would be a fool if I relied solely upon a promise. A promise made by someone who I didn't even know. Someone who also could be powering they system and granting me its use.

Plus there was even more for me to worry about.The system not only belongs to someone else only viewing me as a host. But also the system owner apparently could see or monitor all my system interactions. Which ment I now had to be even more careful about how I use it. Still there was more questions I needed to ask. I also asked whether I was Bruce the assassin or Bruce Wayne or what. I only got the same answer from earlier. I was to weak and to early for the info to be given to me.

'System, what menus are available for me to use and what other functions do you have?'

The system began to reply I could still hear its sultry voice just in my head. Which I now semi regretted choosing thanks to the new found danger the system presented.

'Host, the system has several menus for you to use. This includes status, shop, quests, purchases, inventory, messages, and an update page.'

Bruce took this in, organizing the idea in his head and waiting for the response to his second question.

'As for other functions, it includes basic calculations. I can also answer questions, analyze other people's emotions, tell and keep track of time. I am also able to set timers and reminders for you. In addition, I am also capable of running basic simulations and holding conversations.'

Bruce nodded at the new information he decided on testing each of the individual functions of the system. 

"System open Status." 

The page changed and revealed itself to him. 

[Name: Bruce Wayne] 

[Age: 8 years] 

[Condition: Normal/grieving] 

[Bat points: 10] 

[Feats: 0]

[Titles: None] 

[Skills: None]

Bruce analyzed the screen and asked the system some questions. "System what are bat points? How do I use them?"

The system Ai replied to him quickly. "Bat points are the system currency. They can be used to buy things in the system shop. They are mainly rewarded for completing quests and achievements." 

"Ok so what are feats and titles and how do I gain them?"

"Feats are actions taken that are considered impressive. They are typically the result of completing quests. Each feat is accompanied by a unique skill. Were as titles are earned when a quest line has been completed. Titles can be negative or positive and can grant the host skills or status conditions."

"What's the difference between a quest and a quest line?" 

" A quest is a individual event or mission. Each quest has a reward and each reward is tailored to the quest. All quests are optional however if you choose to accept a quest it can have consequences. A quest line is a group of connected quests that lead to one after another. Each quest line guarantees a title and bonus rewards for completing all the included quests. When accepting a quest line all quests are automatically accepted."

Hearing this Bruce guessed that if he wanted to be the best he could. He would need to complete as many of each he could. Next he switched over to the shop. On the screen were multiple tabs vertically stacked. 

[Skills]

[Knowledge]

[Items]

[Other] 

Bruce clicked on skills and a large list appeared. He saw that there were skills in sections that were in increments of 5. They started at 5 bat points. They increased to ten and after that the list kept going but were greyed out. He couldn't read them and they had a white lock on them. He clicked on the five point skills. He searched through them for two that stood out from the rest. Whilst doing this he also noticed that each skill could be upgraded for an additional 5 bat points. First was the skill over analyze. This skill gave an overall identification of all objects. It also showed tracks, patterns, and signs of activity. It would also be integral into the system's innate analysis abilities. 

The second skill that stood out was called perfect copy. This skill would allow him to copy any physical skill his body could handle. However he did have to see it done in person. The two skills were intriguing and they did temp him, but he still wanted to check the ten point skills. So he did and out of all the skills listed he found one that he liked. The skill was known as Tachypsychia. The Tachypsychia skill allows the user to slow down their perception of time. As the user levels up the slower and longer it is able to be used. 

Bruce took his time to deliberate on the issue. He didn't want to rush and make a wrong choice. He didn't know when he could get more bat points or how many. To that end he would also have to check the quest tab. 

When he did the screen said that no quests or quest lines were currently available. Bruce confused asked the system for answers. It informed him that quests are formed by the environment around him. For example if he was in danger he would get the quest to survive or win. Whereas now he was simply safe in his home. In essence the system quests were reactive. So in order to get quests Bruce had to be more proactive. 

Luckily for him sneaking into a police station. Tracking down the criminal who killed his parents. Then murdering said criminal in a very poetic fashion. All of that would most likely get him at least one quest. 

_____________

Hey everyone Author here. So I decided I would try to interact a bit with my readers so that we could bond more. 

So I want you guys to comment your vote on which skill or skills Bruce should buy. Maybe you feel like he shouldn't at all. 

Yes I know how awesome and gracious I am. But please don't praise me for my magnanimity or DO! 🤣 Just kidding anyway vote on the options below or detail your own in the other section. 

1: Bruce buys both 5 point skills.

2: Bruce buys Tachypsychia for 10 points 

3: Bruce buys 1 of the five point skills and saves his points. (Please say witch skill)

4: Other

Also I kind an accidentally posted a chapter of another fanfic. It seems to have been well received but the thing is I hadn't finished my research for it. Let me assure you that I always do my research. Even if it's just a little or inaccurate it's better to know something. The book is called Ultimate Hybrid in DC and marvel. Please check it out if you have time but don't expect updates to be as frequent.