Gotham University's campus sprawled across its northeastern district, a strange blend of gothic architecture and modern additions that somehow managed to coexist in the city's perpetual gloom.
The original buildings, dating back to the 1800s, featured the same gargoyles and spires that characterized much of Gotham's skyline,
while newer structures of glass and steel tried - and largely failed - to bring a sense of optimism to the grounds.
God this city loved gargoyles.
Samael observed it all from the back seat of his car as they approached the main entrance.
Security vehicles preceded and followed them - a compromise Cassandra had insisted upon after he refused to arrive in an armored convoy on his first day.
"It seems... adequate," he commented, adjusting his cuffs. He'd opted for understated elegance today: charcoal slacks, a crisp white shirt, and a navy blazer.
Nothing that screamed wealth, but the quality was evident to anyone with an eye for such things.
Cassandra, seated beside him, wore what appeared to be normal attire - dark jeans, a fitted black top, and a leather jacket.
Only someone with training would notice the jacket's reinforced lining or the multiple concealed weapons she carried. Her hair was styled differently today, a bit softer around her face.
'Security assessment?' she signed, her eyes constantly scanning their surroundings.
"Abysmal," Samael replied with a slight smile at her testing his awareness - something he played along with for fun.
"At least seventeen entry points with minimal surveillance, crowds providing excellent cover for potential threats, and the campus police look like they'd struggle with rowdy freshmen, let alone actual danger."
She didn't look amused. 'Not funny.'
"I wasn't joking. But I'm also not concerned." He gestured toward the campus. "This is Gotham. Everyone here has accepted a certain level of risk simply by living in this city. Besides, I doubt any conventional threat could harm me."
'Overconfidence,' she signed, her movements sharp with disapproval.
"Realism," he countered. "Now, shall we? I believe my first class begins in twenty minutes."
The car pulled up to the curb, and Samael stepped out before the driver could open his door.
Cassandra was immediately at his side, her posture casual but her eyes constantly moving.
Students streamed past them, most too absorbed in their own concerns to pay much attention to the new arrivals.
Their first class of the day was Advanced Cryptography, a subject Samael had chosen partly out of genuine interest and partly because it would be useful for understanding modern security systems - can't always rely on grace.
Who knows if there ever will be a situation he'd be unable to acces it - something he of course will make sure to never let happen, but better be cautious. He has more weaknesses than the archangels of this universe, after all.
The lecture hall was in the Dent Computer Sciences Building.
As they entered, Samael noted the room was nearly full, students hunched over laptops or tablets, preparing for the lecture.
He chose seats near the back, giving Cassandra clear sightlines to all exits.
The professor, a thin man with perpetually ink-stained fingers, launched into a detailed explanation of quantum-resistant encryption algorithms.
Samael found it moderately interesting, though hardly challenging. He'd absorbed similar concepts during his the last month of reading whatever he got his hands on out of boredom.
As the lecture concluded, a student in the row ahead turned around, her red hair swinging with the movement.
"First day?" she asked, her tone friendly but direct. "I haven't seen you in this class before."
"First day," Samael confirmed. "Samael Luthor."
Her eyebrows rose slightly. "Barbara Gordon. Computer Science and Library Sciences double major." She adjusted her glasses with a quick, practiced motion. "Luthor as in-"
"Yes, that Luthor," he replied with a practiced smile. "Though I prefer to be judged on my own merits."
"Fair enough," Barbara said, her tone matter-of-fact. "Professor Nakamura's lectures can be dense if you're not familiar with his style. If you need any notes from previous sessions, I've got them all digitized and indexed."
"That's very kind," Samael replied, genuinely surprised by the offer. "Though I believe I followed along adequately."
"More than adequately, I'd guess," Barbara said, her sharp eyes assessing him. "You didn't take a single note but asked the only question that made the professor pause. You've studied this before?"
Samael smiled. "I've had... time to pursue various interests."
"Hmm," Barbara hummed noncommittally. She glanced at Cassandra, who had remained silent throughout the exchange. "And you are?"
"Wren Vesper," Cassandra replied, her voice soft from disuse.
Barbara looked between them, her quick mind clearly connecting dots. "Security detail?" she asked bluntly.
Samael raised an eyebrow. "What makes you say that?"
"Commissioner's daughter," Barbara replied with a shrug. "You pick things up. Plus, she's been scanning exits since you walked in, and that jacket's definitely reinforced."
Cassandra's expression didn't change, but Samael could sense her reassessment of Barbara Gordon.
"Observant," Samael commented. "Yes, Ms. Vesper ensures my father can sleep at night, knowing I'm protected in Gotham's famously welcoming environment."
Barbara grinned, a quick flash of humor. "Yeah, we're known for our hospitality. What's your next class? I could point you in the right direction - campus maps are notoriously misleading."
"Religious Studies," Samael replied. "Comparative Mythology and Symbolism."
"Interesting combination with cryptography," Barbara noted. "The old Theology building is on the other side of campus. I'm headed that way for my Digital Archiving seminar. Want to walk together?"
Cassandra tensed slightly, but Samael nodded. "That would be helpful, thank you."
As they navigated the crowded pathways between buildings, Barbara proved to be both knowledgeable and forthright.
"So what brings a Luthor to Gotham U instead of Metropolis?" she asked. "Not that we're not flattered, but it seems like an unusual choice."
"Perhaps I wanted to form my own identity," Samael replied. "Away from my father's considerable shadow."
"And you picked Gotham for that?" Barbara's tone was skeptical. "The city where everyone's constantly looking over their shoulder for the next costumed crisis?"
"The city with character," Samael countered. "And perhaps the only place where being a Luthor isn't the most interesting thing about me."
Barbara laughed at that, a genuine sound. "Fair point. Gotham has a way of putting things in perspective.
Though I should warn you - our Religious Studies department has some... unconventional professors. Especially for the comparative mythology courses."
"Unconventional how?"
"Let's just say Professor Sanchez has been known to bring in guest lecturers who claim firsthand knowledge of ancient rituals," Barbara said. "Last semester, she had a woman who insisted she'd personally communed with Babylonian deities."
"Sounds intriguing," Samael replied, genuinely interested.
"It was," Barbara admitted. "Whether or not you believed her claims, she knew details that aren't in any published texts. Made me wonder with how crazy our world is."
They reached the Theology building.
"Your class is on the second floor," Barbara said. "Room 204. The elevator's been broken since before I was born, so you'll want the stairs. Don't ask why they haven't fixed it. You'll only get crazy answers."
Samael raised an eyebrow at this, but slowly nodded. "Thank you for the guidance," he said. "Perhaps we'll see each other again."
"Count on it," Barbara replied with confident directness. "Gotham U isn't as big as it seems once you know your way around.
Besides, anyone taking both cryptography and comparative mythology is someone worth talking to." She gave a quick wave and headed down a different corridor.
As they climbed the stairs, Cassandra signed discreetly: 'Smart. Observant.'
"Yes," Samael agreed. "Unusually so."
'Another difference,' he noted to himself.
He realised he's in something along the lines of the Young Justice universe after cracking the files and seeing Superboy in them, but Cassandra's age and Barbara's don't add up to the show's established timeline.
This world was probably an alternative of that one, though how many more differences there are is still to be seen.
The Comparative Mythology class proved more stimulating than he'd anticipated. Professor Helena Sanchez, a woman with silver-streaked dark hair and penetrating eyes, began by discussing the concept of the cosmic tree across different cultures.
"From Yggdrasil in Norse mythology to the Tree of Life in Kabbalah," she explained, "we find this recurring symbol of a great tree that connects different realms of existence.
The question is: are these similarities coincidental, the result of cultural diffusion, or perhaps evidence of some common truth perceived across civilizations?"
The discussion that followed was lively, with students offering perspectives from various academic disciplines.
Samael found himself drawn into the conversation when the professor mentioned the Sumerian concept of the Mes, divine powers that governed civilization.
"The fascinating aspect of the Mes," Samael commented, "is that they were transferable - divine powers that could be stolen or given away, changing the cosmic order.
This suggests a fluid understanding of divine authority rather than a fixed hierarchy."
Have to participate after all, only remaining silent is no good way to network as his father would say.
Professor Sanchez's eyes sharpened with interest. "An excellent observation, Mr...?"
"Luthor. Samael Luthor."
A flicker of something - recognition? interest? - crossed her face at his name. "Indeed, Mr. Luthor. The transferability of divine power appears in many traditions, often as a central conflict.
The Greek Prometheus stealing fire, Eve taking forbidden knowledge - these narratives suggest that divine power is not immutable but can shift between beings."
After class, as students filed out, Professor Sanchez approached him. "Mr. Luthor, I was impressed by your contributions today. Your perspective on Sumerian mythology is unusually nuanced for a first-year student."
"I've had time to read widely," Samael replied modestly.
"Indeed." She studied him for a moment. "I'm teaching a more specialized course next semester on celestial hierarchies across traditions - angelology, if you will. Based on your interests, you might find it valuable."
"That does sound intriguing," Samael agreed. "I'll look into it." Probably not.
"Excellent. And if you're interested in some reading material that goes beyond the standard curriculum, my office hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2-4 PM."
As they left the building for their next class, Cassandra signed: 'She was interested in your name.'
"Yes," Samael replied thoughtfully. "Though whether from my father's reputation or something else remains to be seen."
The rest of the morning passed in a similar fashion - classes that were moderately interesting but hardly challenging,
professors who ranged from oblivious to intrigued by his presence, and students who either stared too much or worked too hard at appearing not to notice him.
By lunchtime, they had made their way to the university's central courtyard, finding a relatively secluded bench where Cassandra could maintain clear sightlines while they ate.
"Enjoying your academic experience so far?" Samael asked her, his tone lightly mocking.
She shrugged. 'Interesting. Not practical.'
"Not everything needs to be practical to have value," he replied. "Sometimes knowledge is worth pursuing for its own sake."
'Your knowledge?' she signed, her expression questioning. 'Or theirs?'
Samael smiled. "Both have their uses. Human perceptions of celestial matters are often... creatively misinterpreted. But there's value in understanding how they see the world beyond their comprehension."
Look at him, spoken like one who truly sees himself as no longer just human.
Before she could respond, his phone chimed with a notification. He checked it, his expression shifting to one of mild interest.
"It seems we have an invitation," he said. "The Religious Studies department is hosting a reception for new students this evening. Professor Sanchez specifically requested my attendance."
'Security concern,' Cassandra signed immediately.
"Naturally," Samael agreed. "But also an opportunity. I'm curious about the professor's interest in me."
'Will inform team,' Cassandra signed, already reaching for her phone.
As she coordinated security arrangements, Samael observed the students moving through the courtyard. So many young minds, filled with ambition and ignorance in equal measure.
They reminded him of ants building elaborate structures in the sand, unaware of the tide that would eventually wash it all away.
And yet, there was something compelling about their earnestness, their belief that what they were doing mattered.
Perhaps that's what his father saw in humanity - potential, despite their limitations.
"Excuse me," a voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see a young man with dark hair and glasses. "Are you Samael Luthor?"
"I am," Samael confirmed, instantly alert though his posture remained relaxed.
"I'm James Hale, from the university newspaper," the young man said, offering his hand. "I was hoping I might be able to interview you for a feature we're doing on notable new students."
"I'm afraid I'm not particularly notable," Samael replied smoothly. "Just another student pursuing knowledge."
"Being Lex Luthor's son makes you notable by default," Hale said with an apologetic smile. "Plus, there's already buzz about your contributions in Professor Sanchez's class this morning."
'Are they being for real? I just said a couple sentences. Are they sucking up to me?'
"News travels fast," Samael commented. He considered for a moment - this could be good to make himself more approachable - then nodded. "Very well, Mr. Hale. I can spare a few minutes."
Cassandra had finished her call and was watching the exchange with narrowed eyes. Samael gave her a subtle nod to indicate everything was fine.
"Great!" Hale produced a recorder. "Do you mind if I record our conversation?"
"Not at all." Samael gestured for him to sit.
The interview began with standard questions about his choice of university and academic interests, which Samael answered with practiced ease. Then, Hale shifted to more personal territory.
"If you don't mind my asking, there's been very little public information about you until recently. Some reports suggest you were ill for many years?"
"I was in a coma," Samael replied directly. "A congenital condition that has since resolved itself."
"That must have been difficult for you and your father."
"Probably more for him than for me," Samael said with a slight smile.
Hale nodded, making notes. "And your interest in religious studies, particularly mythology - does that stem from personal spiritual beliefs?"
"I'm interested in how humans conceptualize powers beyond their understanding," Samael replied carefully.
"Whether those powers are divine, technological, or metahuman, the narratives we create around them reveal much about our hopes and fears as a species."
"That's a fascinating perspective," Hale said, looking genuinely interested. "Do you have any thoughts on how those narratives apply to figures like Superman or Wonder Woman?"
Ah, there it was. The real purpose of the interview.
"I think they demonstrate humanity's enduring need for gods," Samael said thoughtfully.
"When actual deities became less credible in the modern era, humans simply elevated certain individuals to fill that psychological niche.
The difference is that these new "gods" walk among us, making them both more accessible and more unsettling."
Hale looked surprised by the depth of his answer. "That's... not what I expected."
"What did you expect, Mr. Hale?" Samael asked, his tone pleasant but his eyes sharp.
"Given your father's well-known opinions, I thought you might have a more critical view of meta-humans."
"I form my own opinions," Samael replied. "Though I share my father's belief that power without accountability is dangerous, regardless of its source."
Hale nodded, seeming satisfied with the answer. He asked a few more questions about campus life and Samael's adjustment to Gotham before concluding the interview.
"Thank you for your time," he said, standing and offering his hand again. "The article should run in next Monday's edition."
"I look forward to reading it," Samael replied. "Though I trust you'll represent my views accurately."
"Of course," Hale assured him. "That's what good journalism is about."
As Hale walked away, Cassandra moved closer. 'Suspicious?' she signed.
"Perhaps," Samael conceded. "Though not necessarily malicious. Just... curious."
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(Author note: Hello everyone! Hope you all enjoyed the chapter!
Yeah, I just want to state one thing. This fic will have its fair share of action, but slice of life is a heavy part of it because, well, I'm writing a being that is in the top 5 of DC, not really easy to put him in situations where he'll struggle,
Burning vessel or not, he's still very smart for it.
Well, I hope you guys don't mind that and I hope to see you all later,
Bye!)