A new world (Marvel X DC)

[Alex's POV]

Alice dragged me to the recording studio and literally shoved me inside. Well, what can I say? I'd better start singing.

"So you need three more, right? Here's your first one—Alejandro."

[

This single doesn't stray from Lady Gaga's signature crazy and unusual style. Like the rest of the songs in her collection, this hit can only be described in one way—unlike anything else.

"A good song," said Dazzling. "But… is it just me, or do you deliberately write some really abnormal music for Joan?"

"No, these are wonderful songs," objected our Gaga, her eyes shining brightly. "I don't care what others think of me. I just want to sing and perform the way my soul tells me to. All the compositions that Mr. Reath writes make me tremble with delight."

"You're great, Joan," I praised her. "That's right—don't worry about what others think. You're beautiful the way you are. After all, God doesn't make mistakes. You're on the right path, you were born this way. And if anyone wants to argue about it, sing this incredible track to them—'Born This Way.'"

[

Joan's words inspired me to choose the next single for her debut album. The theme of the lyrics can be summed up in one phrase: love yourself as you are.

The beginning already carries deep meaning, but the chorus leaves a bold period at the end of the sentence for anyone who disagrees or criticizes her.

I'm beautiful in my way

'Cause God makes no mistakes

I'm on the right track, baby

I was born this way

Don't hide yourself in regret

Just love yourself, and you're set

I'm on the right track, baby

I was born this way (Born this way)

This will be our reply to everyone who chooses to criticize our Lady. Let them know we are more than capable of expressing how we feel.

"Alex, don't tell me you just wrote that song after merely hearing Joan's thoughts about her unusual image in the eyes of others," Alison said skeptically, her smile making the room temperature drop sharply. "If that's really the case, I don't even know how to feel about you."

To avoid further questions, I started playing the next song. This single will be the final track on the singer's album—The Edge of Glory.

So, the raw version of the two albums was complete. What follows is the monotonous work of arranging, recording, and preparing. But none of that will require my direct involvement anymore.

The next morning, I decided to take a small break from company affairs and headed straight to the Babylon workshop. I hadn't returned to work on the hologram glasses project in a while—it was time to change that.

Ever since my intellect had been upgraded, I'd been studying robotics with even more dedication. Do I need to mention that my progress has increased significantly? I don't think so. Now, I was holding a soldering iron and occasionally glancing at a three-dimensional holographic model.

I was just about to connect two very delicate components when I got distracted by the sound of the phone ringing. Just one moment more and the entire part would've been ruined... Who's going to answer for this?! I grabbed the phone and looked at the screen, clearly indignant. Who dared disturb such a busy person like me?

"Aaron, my friend! I'm so glad you called. I actually just had a free minute and didn't know who to hang up on."

"So, you're not interested in the reason for my call? I'll hang up, then," came the guard's emotionless voice.

"She agreed?"

"Yes. Poison Ivy told me to let you know—she's made a decision. Come pick her up."

"...Thank you," I said quietly.

"Cry some more," Aaron chuckled. "I don't know what you're planning, but good luck. I have a feeling you'll need it."

"You have no idea how much…"

**********************************

The freedom of one lady—who loves flowers and plants—was obtained by me at the cost of considerable effort.

I didn't expect that freeing her from imprisonment would involve so much sweat and running around. However, I discovered that collecting paperwork from various authorities builds muscles just as much as morning jogging—and it definitely trains your stress resistance.

First, I visited city hall and had heart-to-heart conversations with whoever would listen. I needed people who would take my side and sign off on my wild adventure—essentially, I needed guarantors willing to vouch for the early release of a particularly dangerous prisoner.

That necessity led me to the police station to speak with Commissioner Gordon, and then to Wayne Enterprises to bow before Gotham's wealthiest man. Thankfully, I received their approvals—in writing. But of course, that wasn't enough. I was still sent running around different offices and corners of the city for another half a day.

Quite literally, that bureaucratic hell squeezed the life out of me, but by the end of the day, I held in my hands official permission for the early release of one Arkham Asylum patient: Pamela Lillian Isley.

My happiness in that moment was truly indescribable…

But let's not get carried away—we must hurry to the dryad.

"Alex?" Ivy looked genuinely surprised when I appeared before her. "What are you doing here?"

"Didn't you agree to leave the walls of this asylum? I came to get you."

"But not even a day has passed... I thought I'd be released in a couple of weeks—or even months."

"Sorry, but I can't wait that long," I said, shaking my head. "I need your help right away."

"Heh. That serious, huh?" the green-clad woman chuckled. "Since I'm apparently free now... maybe you could take this damn bracelet off me?"

She ran her fingers lightly down her elegant leg, where a high-tech device—designed to suppress her meta-abilities—rested.

"In fact, I was strongly advised not to remove it," I said, pulling a small remote from my pocket. "They think this thing serves as a necessary safety measure. No one wants to see you rioting in the streets again. But I have a different opinion."

I pressed the button. With a soft chime, the bracelet unlatched and dropped onto the grassy floor.

"Aren't you afraid I could just kill you right now and run?" Pamela asked, slowly approaching me step by step.

"No," I replied. "I believe in you. And I just proved it by switching off that toy."

As I stepped past her to retrieve the fallen device, she sighed and turned toward me.

"That's exactly what worries me," she said quietly.

"Alex, you're too trusting. You need to be more careful—especially in this world."

"Everyone keeps telling me that," I replied with a faint smile.

"But I've never been wrong before. I trust my intuition."

"Trusting your intuition? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard…"

"Plenty of people would disagree with you—and I'm one of them," I said, handing her the power-inhibiting device. "Keep it as a souvenir. Let's make sure you never have to wear it again."

"How sweet of you," she said with mock charm, though she still accepted the bracelet she hated so much.

"Who would've thought your first gift to me would be that? Typical. What else could I expect from a man?" she added, not even trying to hide her displeasure.

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We at 160 ranking, let's aim for 120