Harvey Dent wanted revenge for Rachel. He wanted to kill all those behind the scenes who supported Joker. But his first act of violence had been witnessed by Iselin, so he kidnapped her and brought her to the old factory.
Kaitou Kid had followed them all the way and now stood face to face with Harvey Dent. But after hearing Harvey's impassioned words about vengeance, Liu A'dou couldn't help but feel, deep down, that a part of him actually agreed with Harvey.
"Harvey, maybe I really don't have the right to tell you what to do." Liu A'dou couldn't force someone to stop seeking revenge, but he still wanted to offer a suggestion. "Isn't there another way? Killing them will only destroy yourself."
"You don't understand how much pain and anger I carry, just like the two sides of this coin. I can't find peace. Even if I have to give up everything, I'll finish this revenge."
Liu A'dou thought Harvey's words were pitiful. He seemed like a wounded beast trapped in a cage, chasing a vile little snake, no longer a majestic king but a desperate dog.
To save his friend, Liu A'dou decided to come clean.
Harvey stared at the thief in front of him. Somehow, the figure, the height—something seemed familiar. He watched as Kaitou Kid slowly raised his hand, took off the wide-brimmed top hat and monocle, revealing his true face.
"Harvey, my friend, I don't want you to become a murderer," Liu A'dou said sincerely.
"You?" Harvey's face changed instantly. The man before him was none other than that cameraman from Independent News.
"A'dou?" Iselin covered her mouth, afraid someone else might hear this secret. But her heart shattered at that moment. She'd been deceived again—after her father, now by someone she was close to. She knew there was no way she and Liu A'dou could continue.
"Yes, I'm Kaitou Kid," Liu A'dou admitted. "Harvey, listen. I understand you, but do you really think Rachel would want you to do this? She wouldn't want you to take revenge. Think about her. What if she wakes up and you're gone? How do you expect her to face this world alone?"
It was a plea from a friend. Harvey listened, but he said, "Rachel won't wake up. The doctors said she's going to be a vegetable."
But Liu A'dou knew this world had too much advanced technology, alien science, even magic, and the Lazarus Pit. "You don't know that for sure. You haven't even tried. You yourself said it—this world has so many unbelievable things, more than in all of history combined. There are still many mysteries unsolved. I know of a spring, one that can restore youth, heal the wounded, even bring back the dead. I know who controls it. Maybe one day, we can bring Rachel to the Lazarus Pit."
"You're serious?"
"I am. That spring is controlled by a mysterious group called the League of Shadows. Trust my information, I'm a thief after all," Liu A'dou said. "And those gangsters—you're the District Attorney. With enough evidence, you can lock them away for life. Isn't that better than killing them? Death is quick, but losing freedom is forever. You're good at this—do the math."
Harvey looked at Liu A'dou. Since Liu A'dou was willing to share his secret, he must truly see him as a friend. And if Rachel could still be saved, Harvey's thirst for revenge suddenly faded. But looking at the gun in his hand, fear gripped him again.
Liu A'dou knew he had to make a choice now. "I killed that gangster," he said, taking out a mask and, with a few swift moves, disguised himself as Harvey Dent. "He deserved it. You don't have to worry. Go back to the courtroom and keep being the gangs' worst enemy."
"No, Liu, you can't!" Iselin couldn't let Liu A'dou become a killer.
"Iselin, as long as you don't tell anyone, no one will ever know how he died." Liu A'dou's impersonation of Harvey was flawless. He turned to Harvey. "Remember one thing—next time you do anything shady, wear a mask."
Smack!
The gun fell to the ground. Harvey let out a heavy sigh. "Liu, thank you."
Liu A'dou removed the mask. "I should be the one thanking you. It was you who bravely stood up and helped us when we needed it most. We'll always be friends."
"But you also saved Rachel. I still owe you for that." The two men shared a mutual understanding. Then Harvey turned to Iselin. "I'm sorry. I hope you can forgive me."
Iselin looked at the two men in front of her, her feelings a mix of confusion and sorrow. One was the District Attorney she respected, who had killed someone right before her eyes. The other, someone she was closest to, had hidden from her the fact that he was Kaitou Kid, and now he was even covering for a murderer.
"Iselin, go home first." Liu A'dou was sure Iselin wouldn't betray them. She was too kind for that. Too kind to harm Rachel. So she wouldn't report Harvey.
"Wait for me at home. I'll explain everything," Liu A'dou whispered. He still had to return to the crime scene with Harvey and put on a show to clear Harvey's name.
Iselin gave Liu A'dou one long, deep look before lowering her eyes. Her long hair fell, covering half her face. She turned away and walked off, leaving behind an air of silent, bitter sadness.
Liu A'dou watched her go, knowing full well that she hated him for his lies. But he was Kaitou Kid—there was no helping that. He had spent so much time becoming a qualified thief. He couldn't abandon that just because he'd ended up in another world. Deep down, he hadn't given up on finding the Pandora Gem in this world, nor had he given up hope of returning home.
On the way, Harvey seemed like he wanted to ask Liu A'dou why he had become Kaitou Kid, but he couldn't find the right moment.
Liu A'dou saw right through him. "You want to know why I became a thief? I didn't have a choice. I was trained to be one from the start. Stealing is my real job—filming's just a side hustle."
But Harvey said he still didn't think Liu A'dou was just some greedy crook. "But you always return the jewels."
"That's because they're hard to sell. I've actually stolen a lot of cash. The cops just never figured out it was me."
Harvey couldn't help but laugh in disbelief. "Then why bother with those notice letters?"
"To throw the cops off. You've seen my disguise skills. I slip in and out of crowds like that. It's how I do my tricks. That's my secret as a thief—don't tell anyone."
Reality wasn't as grand as fantasy. He'd thought Kaitou Kid had some godlike skills, but it turned out it was all sleight of hand. Still, Harvey was about to see just how effective those tricks could be.
Two Harvey Dents appeared in front of the police.
A gang member had testified that Harvey had taken their boss, so when Gordon got the report, he immediately searched for Harvey but couldn't find him—until Harvey showed up on his own.
Of course, Harvey claimed he had been knocked out and only just regained consciousness.
Meanwhile, Liu A'dou, disguised as Harvey Dent, blended into the crowd, making sure Gordon saw him. Gordon had never believed Harvey would kill anyone, and now, seeing a second Harvey, he immediately tried to stop the suspect. But the second Harvey, acting guilty, ran the moment he saw Gordon.
This only convinced Gordon more that the fake Harvey was the real culprit. Unfortunately, he didn't manage to catch the imposter, but he did recover a mask, a gun with Harvey's fingerprints, and a coat that tested positive for gunpowder residue. The final conclusion? Someone was trying to frame Harvey, to further plunge Gotham into chaos. Luckily, that killer lacked confidence and dared return to the scene. Thankfully, Gordon caught him in time—otherwise, Harvey would've been wrongfully accused.
Liu A'dou had successfully covered for Harvey and saved his friend's soul. But it came at a price. Iselin packed her things, left a message—"I'm gone"—and walked out of Liu A'dou's life.