The moment Lucifer clicked 'Accept' on the Gold Rank contract, a cold, calculated resolve replaced his earlier frustration.
He knew the risk was great entering a contract secretly issued by the target herself was the definition of walking into a trap but the advantage was too perfect to ignore.
"Harley set this up,"
Lucifer stated, pulling up detailed schematics of the known black market strongholds in Manhattan.
"It's a direct lure. The $200,000 is bait."
Raven nodded, her eyes already glowing faintly as she processed the potential chaos signature of the target area.
"She's playing the damsel in distress to pull you in. It aligns perfectly with the Joker's psychology forcing a dramatic choice. Why are you accepting, then?"
Lucifer strapped the Lucifer's Sleeper device securely to his forearm, the metallic click sounding final.
"Because Joker's entire plan relies on my reaction being emotional and predictable saving the family,"
He explained, his voice hard.
"He wants me to abandon my current path to prove I still belong to the chaos. I'm going to do the opposite. I'm going to treat this as a purely professional extraction. I'm not bringing back a crazy sister; I'm delivering a high-value asset."
Lucifer leaned over the digital map, drawing a series of intersecting lines with a laser pointer.
Objective: Neutralize the immediate threat (Joker/Harley) and secure the financial goal ($200,000).
Method: Extraction, not Confrontation. Use superior logistics and technology to secure Harley Quinn before the Joker can initiate his main 'game.'
The Trap: The compound is a distraction. Joker will likely be outside the immediate location, observing and waiting for Lucifer to make the first emotional mistake.
"Their hideouts are always gaudy, high-profile locations in low-profile areas,"
Lucifer mused.
"But the contract specifies Manhattan. That means something big, something visible. Look for a building that screams 'Harley Quinn' but is currently 'abandoned.'"
Raven's eyes narrowed.
"I'm picking up a spike of manic energy clustered around the old Astoria Movie Palace in TriBeCa. It was condemned last year, but the façade is pure 1920s ostentation. It fits the profile: high decay, high drama."
"Perfect,"
Lucifer confirmed, pulling up a satellite image.
"The movie palace has multiple entrances, a ventilation system, and a basement tunnel network that likely connects to the subway, ideal for quick extraction. It's also exactly the kind of place they'd use for a 'show.'"
Lucifer checked his inventory, confirming his preparations.
Lucifer's Sleeper Charged (98%) Primary anti-Joker non-lethal deterrent/containment.
Modular Stealth Suit Activated Noise and thermal suppression for infiltration.
EMP Micro-Grenades (x3) Ready Neutralize expected booby traps and surveillance equipment.
Lucifer looked at Raven, his face a mask of professional neutrality.
"I need you to monitor the TriBeCa area for any secondary targets—traps, decoys, or any large vehicle that could be the Joker's escape route. Once I have her, I need a clear extraction path to a pre-arranged secure handover point."
"I will secure a clean perimeter,"
Raven promised.
"But Lucifer, what about your skills? If you are attacked by Joker, your current power and gear might not be enough."
Lucifer paused, a familiar, cold determination settling in his eyes.
"We taught each other a lot of games, Harley, Joker and I. But I also learned how to beat them,"
He said, touching Lucifer's Sleeper.
"The first rule of their game is to make you play their way. I'm going to change the game. I'm going to use their own nostalgia against them."
He pushed the door open to his apartment, the Manhattan afternoon sun blindingly bright.
"Time for a Gold Rank delivery."
The silence inside the Astoria Movie Palace was oppressive, broken only by the distant, echoing drip of water.
The air smelled of dust, popcorn decay, and a faint, sweet smell that Lucifer instantly recognized: a custom chemical spray the Joker used for psychological effect.
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