Chapter 4592

"... In summary, this mural describes a myth and legend from the time of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, depicting how the heroic pharaoh fought against a giant serpent and achieved victory. The giant serpent here is just an imagery, possibly representing natural disasters and war. The young pharaoh defeating the giant serpent represents him leading the people of ancient Egypt through numerous difficulties and reviving the great Egyptian dynasty.

Considering that Tutankhamun was a very young pharaoh, this mural might have been ordered by him to be carved by court-specialized... that is, artists specialized within the court, in order to consolidate his rule. The vertical construction method used for the patterns on the serpent's belly is precisely a common decorative technique for court artworks around the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt..."

Dr. Hall stood in front of the huge mural, explaining endlessly. Diana was listening very intently, occasionally asking questions about some detailed techniques. The two artists had a deep exchange on the level of art and historical and cultural research, and were already completely lost in it, not knowing what the world was.

And Deathstroke, standing on the side, only felt that every sentence was full of points to complain about. Dr. Hall would pop out one or two ancient Egyptian words every now and then, but because it sounded like Arabic, and Diana didn't understand Arabic, she didn't discover any clues at all.

The analysis of the art techniques was even more outrageous. Although he was talking about how the court artists of that time created, in reality, no matter how you listened to it, it sounded like his own mental journey when he was creating. But because Diana really didn't understand ancient Egyptian artifacts, she didn't hear it at all.

And those citations of the 18th and 19th Dynasties sounded like idle chatter at the entrance of a village. However, for a prince who was a true pharaoh, those so-called ancient legends and court secrets were really just village stories.

Diana had no concept of what a true ancient Egyptian cultural and historical research expert should be like. She only felt that Dr. Hall was simply too professional and explained it too well; she had already understood everything.

And Dr. Hall should also not have spoken so freely for a long time. Diana's affirmation of him greatly stimulated his desire to confide. He just stood there and talked endlessly for more than half an hour, and the more he talked, the more involved he became, and he was even moved by himself.

In short, one was willing to hit and the other was willing to be hit; the two of them exchanged there for more than an hour before finally leading the topic to the main business.

"... Yes, ma'am, just as you guessed, this part of the moon pattern was added later and is definitely not the handiwork of the ancient Egyptians. We... they didn't represent the moon like this. I think the person who left this symbol might be hinting at something on the moon, on the far side of the moon."

"But I have already been to the moon to see," Diana said, "Of course, to prevent any traps, I stayed very far away. But my eyesight is quite good, and there is nothing on the moon."

Dr. Hall shook his head and said, "It's not that simple, ma'am. You went to the Moon, but it's not necessarily the true moon. The moon outlined on the mural is very likely the moon in the occult sense, which is not something you can see just by flying into the sky."

"Then what should be done?" Diana frowned.

"This might need research," Dr. Hall said, "The other party chose an Egyptian mural, there must be a reason for it. The moon referred to by the other party is very likely also the moon in African mythology. But how to get in touch with the moon in the occult sense in African mythology still needs research."

Diana nodded, clearly not holding any expectations of getting an answer immediately. So she said, "Then it might be troublesome for you to stay at the Justice League. However, we will pay..."

"No, no, no, ma'am." Dr. Hall hurriedly interrupted Diana, then said, "Such a complete large-scale mural is not common among ancient Egyptian artifacts. Being able to get such a research opportunity is very precious to us; it is we who need to borrow your precious land..."

Deathstroke rolled his eyes again. Politeness is politeness, but he still had to praise himself. But anyway, after the two of them were polite, they finally decided: the Halls would stay to study the mural, and the Justice League would provide them with food and lodging. Both sides were very satisfied with this result.

Diana was because she recognized the professional level of the Halls and felt that it was great to be able to let them stay here to study without paying. And the Halls were in the crisis of being hunted by enemies, Midway City was no longer safe, and being able to live in the Justice League base with their personal safety guaranteed was simply great.

Anyway, both sides thought the other party saved them from fire and water. Little did they know, the fire and water of both parties came from the same person.

Diana and Deathstroke returned to the conference room upstairs. Schiller and Joseph were adjusting their equipment there. Joseph put on a pair of tactical gloves and was fiddling with Schiller's "Quiet Puppy." Deathstroke watched with his teeth bared; Joseph didn't know how to use a gun at all, so what if it went off later?

Schiller gave him a look of "rest assured" and looked at Diana, asking, "How is it? Ma'am?"

"There's no problem with the artifact. Dr. Hall guesses it might be related to the Moon God in African mythology, and the specific situation is still under investigation." Diana turned her gaze to Joseph.

Deathstroke had always kept his face hidden at the Justice League. Although he knew that Batman might have already investigated his ancestors for eighteen generations, but wasn't Batman not here now? It was still possible to fool others. And Diana really didn't see any relationship between Joseph and Deathstroke. She looked at Joseph and said:

"This gentleman, thank you for your help. I heard you are a super-powered person?"

Joseph didn't look at her, just fiddled with the gun and said, "Yes. Sorry, ma'am, forgive my rudeness. But my superpower is triggered by eye contact, so I don't have the habit of talking to others while looking them in the eyes."

"Is it a psychic superpower?" Diana became interested, and she said, "In fact, the Justice League is very short of manpower recently..."

"I think you should consider it again." Deathstroke hurriedly interrupted her and said, "Joseph is still too young, he hasn't even gone to college..."

"How about Metropolis University?" Diana said, "The Justice League has a quota for recommendation letters to Metropolis University. However, we rarely use it; it's usually taken by Batman for excellent high school students funded by Wayne Enterprises..."

"Then I think the Justice League is indeed a good company." Deathstroke said first. Although Joseph's academic level was not bad, the teaching level in New Orleans was limited, and the private high school he attended was not the top-notch kind. This high school could probably only apply to prestigious universities for the few people with the best learning and comprehensive quality. Joseph was still a bit short, let alone a prestigious university like Metropolis University, the oldest on the East Coast. This was really a path Deathstroke couldn't get even if he spent money.

"What do I need to do? Ma'am?" Joseph was quite clear-headed, and he asked.

"Before you grow into a sufficiently strong and comprehensive superhero, you won't go on formal missions. Most of the time, you will stay at the base for training, and occasionally go on field missions to run errands. Batman will provide you with a series of special training courses. Before he thinks you are qualified, you won't be entrusted with important tasks." Diana said.

"What do I need to learn?"

"A lot. Although you are a psychic, the Justice League doesn't like to rely only on superpowers. You need to learn strategy and tactics, and conduct physical training. Of course, special equipment and firearms training are also indispensable. At the same time, if you have other specialties, such as hacking technology, we will also provide you with special training."

Joseph nodded and said, "Sounds good."

"If you choose to go to college, then in the next four to eight years, you can complete college courses while undergoing special training at the Justice League. By the time you graduate, the special training will be almost completed, and you will be a superhero who can stand on your own."

"I need to discuss it with my family," Joseph said, "My parents are in New Orleans, I need to make a phone call to ask them."

"Of course you can. In fact, if you decide to join, we will also call and communicate with your guardians. Batman will provide a certain amount of protection for your immediate family. You can also consider moving to Metropolis."

Joseph nodded and then turned and went out. Deathstroke wanted to follow him out, but Schiller stopped him with his eyes. Now Deathstroke had no excuse to go out, and always following Joseph would make him look like a pervert.

"Alright, you two." Diana looked at them and said, "Although you are not formal members of the Justice League, because we are too short of manpower now, we can sign a short-term employment contract. During this time, you work for us, and we provide reasonable remuneration and equipment wear and tear fees."

"Well..." Deathstroke still wanted to be reserved, but seeing the numbers on the contract Diana handed over, his eyes widened instantly.

"Ma'am." Deathstroke raised an eyebrow, looked at Diana and said, "Are you sure Batman will accept this bill after he comes back?"

"I'm surprised that you are surprised." Diana said, "It seems you have never cooperated with Batman. For him, as long as it's a problem that can be solved with money, it's not a problem. But then again, you are an assassin, and he never kills, so of course you two have no chance to cooperate."

"If I had known he was so generous, I could also not be an assassin." Deathstroke said, "I can also not kill."

Diana seemed to be amused by him, and she said, "Under normal circumstances, we wouldn't be so short of people; this is indeed a good opportunity to get rich. However, I hope you see the terms above clearly."

"I know the most important thing is not to kill innocent people, uh, it's best to capture the guilty alive. Usually, I don't take such troublesome jobs, but you paid too much for my non-killing principle. My answer is: of course, I accept this job." Deathstroke signed his name with a flourish.

Schiller didn't say much and also signed his name. After Diana took the contract, she said, "Thank you very much, gentlemen. Now the Justice League is busy exploring the situation in the multiverse to find Batman. For Earth, especially the East Coast, public security lacks management, to the extent that organized crime has signs of being rampant again. You have about six hours of rest time, and then, the mission will be sent to your personal communication terminal—go to the equipment storage room next door to collect the terminal. You have limited authority to call the Justice League's Eye of Heaven system, can track the location of suspects, and view the situation at the scene. After the mission is completed, the remuneration will be issued immediately. Happy cooperation."

After speaking, Diana left. Deathstroke watched her back and said with some doubt, "Just like that? Don't you want to give me a few more instructions? I am an evil mercenary who kills people like hemp..."

"More importantly," Deathstroke turned his gaze to Schiller again, "Doesn't she want to give you a few more instructions? You are an agent even more evil than me."

"I promised Joseph to teach him how to use a gun." Schiller said, "Are you coming?"

"Why does he want you to teach him how to use a gun?" Deathstroke was a bit unhappy, "Clearly I am the weapon master."

Schiller snorted coldly: "Do you think he has your physical fitness?"

"Then does he have your physical fitness? You damn killer whale?"

"At least in a conventional state, I am much quieter than you." Schiller walked out the door, "Clearly, Joseph prefers my combat style."