in DC with a summoning system

Marceline leaned against the cold brick wall of the alley, taking a deep breath. Gotham City. Of all the places the cosmic Oprah wannabe could have sent her, she had to land in a literal cesspool of crime and lunacy. She shook her head, muttering to herself, "Welcome to Gotham. Don't get stabbed on your first night."

[System Activation Complete. Hello, Host.]

Marceline startled, nearly dropping the pouch of items the system had given her. The voice was calm and polished, but its sudden appearance in her mind wasn't exactly comforting.

"Oh, great," she said, sarcastically. "The AI finally decides to show up. Let me guess, you're my cosmic assistant?"

[Affirmative. I am here to guide you through your journey and assist with the Multiversal Fictional Summoning System. Would you like to name me, Host?]

She snorted. "Name you? What am I, a kindergarten teacher? Fine. I'll call you... H2. Sounds cool, techy, and totally not intimidating."

[H2 accepted. A pleasure to serve you, Host.]

Marceline rolled her eyes, brushing off the AI's cheerfulness. "Yeah, yeah. Listen, H2, I've got these tokens to spend. Care to explain how they work?"

[Skill Tokens allow you to acquire specific talents or proficiencies. Ability Tokens grant unique powers or enhancements. I can provide a list of options based on your current situation.]

"Lay it on me," she said, crossing her arms.

A glowing interface appeared in her vision, listing the available options.

---

Skill Token Options:

1. Stealth Proficiency: Move silently and evade detection.

2. Hand-to-Hand Combat: Basic proficiency in unarmed combat techniques.

3. Pickpocketing: Learn the art of stealing without being caught.

4. Mechanical Repair: Fix and modify machinery and gadgets.

5. Lockpicking: Gain expertise in bypassing locks and security systems.

Ability Token Options:

1. Minor Telekinesis: Move small objects with your mind.

2. Enhanced Reflexes: React faster than the average human.

3. Shadowmeld: Blend into shadows, becoming nearly invisible in low light.

4. Basic Healing Factor: Recover from minor injuries at an accelerated rate.

5. Intimidation Aura: Instill fear or hesitation in weaker-willed opponents.

"Alright," Marceline muttered, scanning the list. "I need stuff that keeps me alive—and maybe makes life a little easier in this hellhole."

"For the Skill Tokens," she said, "give me Hand-to-Hand Combat and Pickpocketing. Gotham's a rough place, and I'm gonna need to defend myself and, uh, acquire resources."

[Confirmed. Allocating skills...]

A warm pulse ran through her body, and suddenly she knew how to throw a punch and snatch a wallet like she'd been doing it her whole life. It was a little freaky but undeniably useful.

"And for the Ability Token..." She paused, tapping her chin. "I'm gonna need to bounce back from whatever this city throws at me. Give me Basic Healing Factor."

[Confirmed. Allocating ability...]

This time, the sensation was soothing, like a gentle hum spreading through her veins. Marceline instinctively knew she could recover from cuts and bruises faster than normal—and maybe worse injuries, given enough time.

She flexed her fingers, grinning. "Now we're talking. Thanks, H2."

[You're welcome, Host. Would you like to begin your first system quest?]

Marceline froze. "Wait, quests? What kind of RPG nightmare have I been dragged into?"

[Quests provide opportunities to earn points, rewards, and reputation. Your survival and progression depend on completing them.]

"Of course it does," she said with a sigh. "Alright, fine. Give me the lowdown on this quest."

[Quest: Familiarize Yourself with Gotham City. Objective: Locate key landmarks, gather intel, and establish a safe base of operations. Rewards: 50 System Points, one Bronze Summoning Token.]

"Safe base, huh? Sounds like a priority." Marceline glanced around the dingy alley. "Alright, let's get moving."

---

As the night deepened, Marceline tested her new skills. She practiced quick jabs and kicks in a secluded corner, surprised by how natural it felt. Later, she used her new pickpocketing expertise to snatch a few bucks from an inattentive drunk, barely suppressing a smirk as she disappeared into the shadows.

By dawn, she'd found a rundown motel on the edge of the city. It wasn't much, but it was cheap and out of the way—perfect for laying low. She dropped onto the creaky bed, staring at the cracked ceiling.

"So," she said to H2, "what's next on this never-ending to-do list?"

[Continue exploring the city, complete quests, and consider using the system's summoning function to gain allies or resources.]

Marceline sighed, her thoughts drifting to the god who'd sent her here. This wasn't the life she'd planned, but it was the one she had now. And for the first time in a long time, she felt like she had the tools to make something of it.

"Alright, Gotham," she muttered. "Let's see what you've got."

Chapter 2, Part 2: Navigating Gotham

Marceline strolled through Gotham's streets, her sneakers scuffing against the cracked pavement. This wasn't just any city; it was Gotham City—home to Batman, the Joker, and a rogues' gallery that could give anyone nightmares. A part of her was geeking out, but the rest of her stayed on edge. This was a world where normal folks didn't survive long without a few tricks up their sleeve.

She pulled up the system's map of Gotham, which hovered in her vision like a hologram. Her first stop was obvious. If she wanted to understand the city, she needed to start at its heart of darkness: Crime Alley.

"Alright, H2," she muttered. "Crime Alley. Lay it on me. What do I need to know?"

[Crime Alley: Infamous for being the site of the Wayne family tragedy. High crime rate, minimal law enforcement presence. Enter with caution.]

"Yeah, no kidding," Marceline said. "Also, thanks for reminding me this is where Batman was born. Just what I needed—extra drama."

---

As she entered Crime Alley, the atmosphere grew heavier. The narrow streets and dim lighting screamed danger. She kept her hands in her pockets, instinctively scanning her surroundings. It wasn't long before she heard footsteps behind her—slow, deliberate, and too close for comfort.

"H2," she whispered, "got any advice for when someone's clearly about to mug you?"

[Recommend utilizing Hand-to-Hand Combat skill. A swift counterattack can deter most assailants.]

"Good to know," she muttered, spinning on her heel.

Two men stepped out of the shadows, one holding a crowbar and the other cracking his knuckles. They looked like every stereotypical goon she'd seen in comics.

"Well, well," one of them sneered. "Looks like you're lost, sweetheart."

Marceline raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. "Lost? Nah. But thanks for the welcome wagon."

The guy with the crowbar lunged first, swinging the weapon at her head. Marceline ducked, her body moving with a fluidity she wasn't used to but fully appreciated. She jabbed an elbow into his ribs, making him grunt in pain.

The second guy charged, but she sidestepped, sweeping his legs out from under him. As he hit the ground, she grabbed the crowbar from the first guy and pointed it at them.

"Now," she said, panting slightly, "how about you both scurry off before I get serious?"

The men exchanged a glance, clearly not expecting her to fight back. They muttered curses under their breath and retreated into the shadows.

Marceline tossed the crowbar aside, shaking her head. "Gotham thugs are all bark, no bite."

[Impressive, Host. Your combat skills are integrating smoothly.]

"Thanks, H2," she said, brushing off her jacket. "Now, about that Silver Summoning Token. What's it for?"

[Silver Summoning Tokens allow intermediate-level summons. You may summon a character, skill, item, or base with enhanced abilities or value. However, the summoning function is currently locked until you meet the system's progression requirements.]

"Locked, huh?" Marceline sighed. "Figures. What else is locked?"

[Several features, including interdimensional travel and higher-tier summoning, require specific milestones to unlock. Completing quests and earning points will grant access over time.]

"Quests, points, progress. Got it," she said, her voice tinged with annoyance. "Guess I'll have to grind for this system like it's an RPG."

She glanced around Crime Alley one more time, the weight of her situation sinking in. She wasn't just in Gotham to survive—she was here to thrive, to use everything she knew and everything the system offered to make a mark.

"Alright, Gotham," she muttered. "You want to play rough? Bring it on."

Chapter 2, Part 3: Home Sweet Hazardous Home

Marceline scrolled through apartment listings on her system's interface as she leaned against a lamppost. Gotham's notorious danger zone seemed to be working in her favor—some of these rents were so low it felt like a scam.

"$120 a month for a one-bedroom with a bathroom? What's the catch? No walls? Or maybe it's haunted?" she muttered.

[The low rent reflects the extreme danger of the area. Tenant turnover is high due to frequent criminal activity.]

"Gotham, keeping it real," she said with a smirk. "Well, I'm broke, so this is a blessing."

After a quick call to the landlord, she arranged to view the place. It was located in a brick building with a chipped sign that read "Wayneview Apartments." The irony wasn't lost on her.

---

The landlord, a wiry man with a suspicious squint, met her at the front door. He wore a tattered coat and smelled faintly of motor oil.

"You sure you wanna live here?" he asked, jingling a set of keys. "Place ain't exactly a palace, and the neighbors ain't friendly."

Marceline shrugged. "As long as I've got four walls, a roof, and a door that locks, I'm good."

He grunted, unlocking the door to reveal her prospective home. The one-bedroom apartment was small and worn-down, with yellowed walls and a cracked tile floor in the bathroom. The radiator clanked like it was auditioning for a horror movie, and the single window looked out onto a brick wall covered in graffiti.

"$120," the landlord said flatly. "First month and deposit up front. No pets, no loud music, and I don't fix nothin' unless the building's falling down."

Marceline glanced around. It wasn't great, but it wasn't the worst place she'd seen either. Besides, she didn't have many options.

"I'll take it," she said, handing over the cash from her starter pack.

As the door shut behind her, Marceline surveyed her new home. The space was small, sure, but it was hers. Dropping her bag onto the lumpy couch, she let out a long breath.

[This location offers sufficient shelter and privacy for your current needs. Recommend reinforcing security measures due to the neighborhood's crime rate.]

"Yeah, I'll get right on that, H2. Maybe I'll install a Bat-Signal out the window," she quipped.

She unpacked her starter pack essentials: the map of Gotham, potions, tokens, and a small stash of money. Spreading them out on the rickety coffee table, she started making plans.

"I should probably hit up a hardware store for extra locks," she mused. "Or just summon something once I unlock that feature."

[Noted. Would you like assistance creating a priority list for upgrades and defenses?]

Marceline flopped onto the couch, staring at the stained ceiling. "Nah, let's wing it for now. If I survive a week here, we'll call it progress."

Despite the dingy surroundings, she felt an odd sense of optimism. This might not be the ideal start to her new life, but it was a start nonetheless.

"Alright, Gotham," she said, smirking. "Let's see if you can handle me."

Chapter 2, Part 4: Home Sweet Hazardous Home

With $260 left after securing her apartment, Marceline decided to explore the area. The map of Gotham provided by the system highlighted a convenience store just a block away, so she figured she'd check it out and grab some essentials.

Stepping into the small, dimly lit shop, she immediately noticed the thick, bulletproof glass separating the cashier from the customers. The shelves were crammed with everything from canned goods to questionable-looking snacks.

As she grabbed a pack of instant noodles and a bottle of water, a ding echoed in her head.

[Daily Quest Completed: Explore a New Location. Reward: Summoning Feature Unlocked.]

Marceline's eyebrows shot up. "That was easy," she muttered.

She paid for her items, thanked the weary-looking cashier, and hurried back to her apartment.

---

Dropping her bag on the couch, she opened her system interface.

[Summoning Feature Unlocked. Silver Summoning Token Ready for Use.]

Her pulse quickened as the holographic interface displayed the shimmering silver token.

"All right, H2," she said, leaning back. "What's the deal with this token?"

[The Silver Summoning Token grants you access to summon a mid-grade character, item, or skill from the multiverse. The summoned entity will arrive with inherent loyalty and compatibility tailored to your needs.]

Marceline smirked. "Sounds fancy. Let's roll the dice."

She activated the token, and the room filled with a swirling, silver vortex. Energy crackled in the air, and her heart pounded with anticipation.

The vortex grew brighter, and a shadowy figure began to take shape within.

"Who's it gonna be?" Marceline whispered, her eyes locked on the portal as the summoning reached its peak.