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77.71% Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics / Chapter 3333: Chapter 2475: The Peculiar Ancient Bat Family (18)

章節 3333: Chapter 2475: The Peculiar Ancient Bat Family (18)

Batman was writing a letter to Schiller; they had been corresponding about the research results of this mysterious blood. What surprised Batman was Schiller's interest in the research findings; in Batman's view, the PhD didn't seem like someone who would care about such matters.

At the same time, he was also writing to another individual, Doctor Sophocles, mainly about the investigation of Barbados and the sources of dark energy.

From the letters, Batman learned that the America in Schiller's cosmos was experiencing the most severe economic crisis in history, with society on the brink of collapse.

Thus, Batman invited Schiller to his universe, not because he was worried that the economic crisis would diminish Schiller's quality of life, but because he feared Schiller's presence might reduce the quality of life for others who were already struggling through the economic crisis.

Like the unlucky students at Gotham University.

Batman knew that before an economic crisis, there were often signs of a stock market surge, and at such times, everyone, not just finance professionals, liked to invest their money, including students with a little extra cash.

The students, young and less resistant to temptation, struggled to discern right from wrong and to understand the market. They only knew that their money would multiply once invested, and with their inherent penchant for gambling and forming cliques, when one invested, a crowd followed, often leading them to jump together after a stock market collapse.

At such a time, if there's a strict teacher pressuring them to submit their homework, it's enough to make them jump whether they want to or not.

Therefore, considering the psychological health of the students at Gotham University, Batman still sent an invitation to Schiller, making it clear that he was not looking to take advantage of Schiller's professional skills to cure the devils and demons at home.

Schiller arrived quite quickly, but to Batman's surprise, he didn't bring the group of little Robins nor the few children that usually surrounded him, which he typically would.

"The economic collapse has had some impact on Gotham," Schiller said, nodding as he took the tea from Alfred. "Luckily, the previous music festival generated a significant amount of revenue for the city. After it was all invested into municipal projects, the living standards of the residents didn't decline too much."

"However, local medium and large companies have all encountered trouble, especially Wayne Enterprises. Bruce had to interrupt his journey in the dark universe to come back and try to save the market."

"Is there any hope?" Batman asked knowingly, aware that such widespread economic collapse was beyond the means of Wayne Enterprises to resolve, unless someone foolishly fired the first shot, recreating the offshore economic tactics of World War II, prolonging the inevitable just a bit longer.

"Congress instructed Wayne Enterprises to find a way to export a batch of military arms, looking for opportunities in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia. Wayne Enterprises' directive to Congress was that if that trick had any use, they wouldn't have reached this point today."

"But it could have lasted a bit longer," Batman objectively evaluated.

"But just a bit longer."

"Does he want to solve the root problem?" Batman frowned and asked, then shook his head, "There's no way to solve it."

"So he's looking for another way to last a bit longer," Schiller said ambiguously, suggesting that Bruce had some secret plan that Schiller either didn't fully know or didn't wish to reveal if he did.

Batman typically wouldn't pursue the truth through ordinary means, so he didn't continue to inquire but instead discussed the upcoming plans for the Batman Family.

"We'll be camping in a week," Batman said. "In addition to members of the Batman Family, there will also be a few special Batmen."

"I'm aware of them," Schiller nodded. "Are they doing well?"

"Quite fulfilled," Batman said.

Schiller turned to look at Batman, who gave him a knowing look, to which Schiller, with a sense of resignation, shook his head and said, "I guess you've adopted a Bruce-style approach to solve the problem, and this universe really doesn't need more Bruces."

"Of course," Batman responded, "I fully agree, and that's why I've acted this way. We don't need more crazy Batmen."

"Then let's see if you've taken effective measures to stop their madness," Schiller nodded, "When do I assess them?"

"That would be too troublesome, Doctor."

"Very coincidental," Schiller said, looking at Batman, "Before you sent me that invitation letter, I had just read dozens of laudatory poems about myself in my mailbox. The main content was to express that my poor students had absolutely no intention of letting me turn a blind eye during exams through such means."

"Anything like that?"

"No, you just skipped the praise altogether, which I deeply regret," Schiller stood up and buttoned his suit.

"I'm usually accustomed to evaluating facts," Batman said as he stood up and began using his cellphone to contact the other Batmen, asking them to come back before he continued, "I believe that an accurate description of facts is superior to any unrealistic praise. To be precise, when I need an extremely professional psychological consultant, you are often the first person I think of."

"Accurate, huh? I thought you'd think of yourself first." The two of them walked upstairs together.

Upon reaching the door of the study, Shiller turned around to look at Batman and said, "I hope you are psychologically prepared. They usually have a variety of issues that can't be resolved in a short time, but they still play very important roles."

"Of course, nobody understands them better than I do."

The first to arrive was Doomsday Batman, who was too large for the small study, making him seem rather pitiful curled up in the corner, but Shiller completely ignored this and took some time to conduct a psychological evaluation for Doomsday Batman.

To his surprise, Doomsday Batman's mental state was healthier than he expected. He thought he would have to listen to the history of Batman and Superman's relationship at least 2000 times to be able to ask about deeper issues.

In actuality, it felt as if someone had already guided most of Doomsday Batman's resentment out of him, and he had vented his displeasure. Apart from this resentment, Doomsday Batman didn't have any other psychological conditions that could be deemed unhealthy.

The second to arrive was Green Lantern Batman, and knowing that this evaluation wouldn't go smoothly, Shiller decided to straight up conduct a mental analysis. Surprisingly, Green Lantern Batman was very cooperative, and the results of analysis were even more unexpected.

The problem with Green Lantern Batman was his fearlessness; he dared to do anything, and the fundamental reason was the immense power he possessed. Since he hadn't been disciplined by rules in his adolescence, he didn't know that there were people in the world who could punish him, so he naturally acted without restraint.

However, now Green Lantern Batman appeared to have changed overnight into someone more hesitant. Shiller saw signs of post-traumatic stress disorder in him.

But aside from one bandaged hand, Shiller couldn't see where he was injured, and the pain and harm caused by one hand didn't seem sufficient to discipline this wild adolescent.

God of War Batman was the next to return, and his condition also exceeded Shiller's expectations.

Because of constant warfare in the universe of God of War Batman, his primary issues stemmed from the need for decisive judgment on the battlefield and seizing the right moment to strike, leading to an overly decisive mindset that favored acting now and considering the consequences later.

Shiller discovered that God of War Batman seemed to be reflecting on this issue, but in reality this mindset, engrained over many years, is not easy to notice.

Then there was Mechanical Batman, and from his condition, Shiller recognized that the biggest problem was not that removing pain and fear would make him happier; it instead made him feel numb and empty.

Nevertheless, Mechanical Batman appeared quite fulfilled and the emotional wounds that had been severed were gradually healing. New reactions of pain and fear were being formed inside him.

Shiller did a deeper probe and found that this was likely all from Alfred; Mechanical Batman's new pain and fear arose from the fantasy of being separated from Alfred again.

This meant that he was healing himself, and perhaps wouldn't take long to re-establish the missing emotional modules.

Next was Little Bruce, and Shiller knew he was almost going mad from school the moment he saw him, looking no different from the college students Shiller usually saw at the end of the term in his classes.

Little Bruce's mental state had always been quite healthy, with a stable obsession with pursuing each investigator to their death, which, as far as job types go, was fairly normal.

However, Shiller noticed that the evil god energy within him had faded a bit. Nya seemed to have recently lacked the time to care for him, which allowed Little Bruce to decrease his dependency on the energy. Coupled with a fulfilling real life, he was indeed more spirited than his previous depressive state.

Then there was Batwoman, who was assessed via phone call. This made Shiller somewhat uncertain because Batwoman seemed very, very irritable. She had become so irritable that Shiller spent more than half an hour comforting her so that she could complete the basic tests.

But considering that Batwoman had been in a despairing state of indifference to life due to the loss of her lover, where she acted apathetic and resigned to anything, what could be making her so irritated now?

However, for Shiller, this was good news, because the last thing a patient with symptoms of depression needs is a lack of reaction to external stimuli. Once they start to show signs of withdrawal and stiffness, it means that the emotional system is completely shut down.

As long as there is still emotional feedback, the particular nature of the emotion doesn't matter much. Continuing to maintain emotional exchanges with the outside world is the first step towards healing.

And then there were the Batmonster Vehicle and the Bat Tyrant Dragon, both of whom had, apart from being somewhat excited, very good mental states.

After observing for a while, Shiller found that their excited state was well-balanced too, without any danger of losing control. The only odd thing was the missing tire of the Batmonster Vehicle and the large bump on the head of the Bat Tyrant Dragon.

After leaving the study, Shiller took a deep breath, closed the door behind him, and turned to Batman saying, "I apologize, I misjudged you. Indeed, the real Batman wouldn't bother me in this way, so it seems this has been an easy camping trip?"

Ignoring the intense quarrel coming from the Bat Cave Jail over the communicator, Batman nodded and said, "It has always been so, PhD."


next chapter

章節 3334: Chapter 2476: The Strange Ancient Bat Family (19)

Sky Island Gotham appeared like a secluded island undisturbed by time, perched on the edge of the setting sun's afterglow, wandering within the arc of sunlight, becoming radiant like a temple intermittently visible within the clouds.

The unrestored ruins throughout the city brought about a sense of desolate beauty, while countless rumbling machines added an unprecedented vigor to life.

A lithe figure crouched at the very top of the tallest crane, gazing at the slowly sinking sun over the sea. Catwoman's sleek silhouette made her look like a cut-out from a painting.

Another figure leapt onto the crane. Catwoman turned her head and saw the figure of Batman. She flicked her whip like a cat flicking its tail and leaped from the heights. Batman followed closely behind, his cape dragging a long trail through the gilded light where the sky met the sea.

As the sun gradually submerged below the sea, the remaining light, like an old hand too weak to grasp, ultimately couldn't seize the drifting fireflies, fading away in both color and warmth.

Batman, with the remnants of the night's rain beneath his feet, walked into Wayne Manor. The children were all asleep, with only the study's light still on.

After tidying up and changing into pajamas, Batman knocked on the study door and walked in to find Shiller engrossed in his work.

Batman sat down by the window nearest to the fireplace while Shiller looked up from his writing and said, "It seems that today was still not smooth?"

Batman lowered his gaze, wearily staring at the flames in the fireplace, nodding silently whether or not Shiller could spare him a glance, or was merely relying on that arcane but exquisite psychological analysis.

Shiller's pen hesitated for a moment, then resumed its fluid motions. Still fixated on the paper, he said, "Even if you came to me, I would hardly be able to give you such counsel, for it may not be fair to the lady, and would also breach professional ethics."

"What makes you think I have that intent?"

"Your demeanor, like that of a lost dog."

Batman slumped further down on the couch, crossing his hands over his abdomen, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm.

"That's not very polite, Doctor. I am simply tired and in need of rest."

"Either I don't know you're Batman and have no understanding of you at all, or I'm a fool with no grasp of psychology to believe that—acting like a stray dog won't make me change my mind."

Batman slid back up, pressed the pads of his fingers against the inner corners of one eye and said, "Batman can't possibly be unlucky in love?"

"Certainly possible, especially when the counterpart is a cat, but that wouldn't be your reason for seeing a psychiatrist. Surely a cat cannot concern you more than the destruction of the cosmos."

"I am equally worried about them." Batman replied, "If that is the case, Doctor, you should understand even more the risk I've taken—I am well aware that you are caught up during the end of term at Gotham University, with an inbox full of unread praises."

Shiller's pen paused again. He said, "From an academic standpoint, those things are indeed closer to poetry than actual papers, thank you for coming over to remind me of this while I'm using work to avoid that fact."

Finally laying down his pen, Shiller turned to look at Batman, one leg crossed over the other, his hands clasped on his knee, and said, "What exactly do you want to ask?"

"Perhaps about your love life?"

Shiller raised an eyebrow, his expression signaling his astonishment at the topic, but Batman showed no sign of backing down. He said, "I think it's a good casual conversation topic, especially considering the stage I'm at in life. As a friend, shouldn't you share some of your experiences?"

"The thoughts in your mind are quite impolite—no, there are no naive female students… No, nor any dangerously beautiful agents… A female detective? An English princess? Have you been watching too much Holmes?"

"Many professors I know have had at least one affair with their students..."

"An affair that occurs on the eve of final exams, involving hundreds of letters or emails filled with verbal sparring, which sadly still ends in an unromantic tragedy of failing grades?"

Batman pursed his lips, obviously disappointed that the arrow missed the mark, and showed slight disgust at the overly realistic description.

"So, Agent..."

Shiller went back to rearranging his notes and said, "Where on earth did these 'Agents' come from? Do they hope to learn about this country's hopeless future from the emails in my inbox?"

Batman sighed lightly and continued his attempt, "Your lifestyle bears some resemblance to the British, so..."

"Because the lifestyle of America in the 1980s was somewhat similar to England's, does that mean every one of them must have fallen in love with a British princess?" Shiller shook his head.

"But there must have been at least one..." Batman said with his thumb propped against his chin, "It's impossible you don't have admirers, PhD, absolutely impossible."

Shiller's pen stopped abruptly, and he spoke, "I have good reason to suspect you've been snooping in my mailbox... Indeed, some young ladies' poems of praise are overly enthusiastic; if they had even half this passion for their papers, our country's future might actually look hopeful... but I'd still advise them to see a psychiatrist."

Batman frowned and squinted, clearly disapproving of such quite ungentlemanly behavior, but he said nonetheless, "Let's talk about your admirers, PhD."

"You first."

"There's little to tell, they were after Bruce Wayne, not Batman."

"The Robins would be very heartbroken with that conclusion."

"If we're defining admirers that broadly..."

"I have absolutely no intention of broadening the discussion, please continue."

"Beauty, wealth, status, it's all so clichéd, talking any more about it would be too banal." Batman stood up and walked over to the liquor cabinet, his gaze searching among the shelves.

"You think this isn't clichéd?"

"If one isn't confined by those conditions, then indeed, there's a significantly greater chance of pursuing pure romance, isn't there?"

Shiller looked up with a surprised glance at Batman's silhouette; it seemed he had found one of the reasons why Batman was invincible in this area—"pure" was the end goal of emotional pursuit.

"What about Catwoman?" asked Shiller.

"She's too cliché." Batman could barely contain himself, complaining slightly.

"Materialistic?"

"More primal."

"Violent worship?"

"Even more primitive."

"…Lust for pleasure? She only wants to sleep with you?"

Batman nodded his head, all passion spent.

Shiller swore to himself that he really couldn't help it; he had replayed the moments of human wisdom and charm in his mind hundreds of times and still couldn't stop a smile from emerging.

"So…" Batman ventured.

"You're worried she'll lose interest in you completely after she sleeps with you, but also worried that not sleeping with you will cause the only sexual attraction you currently possess to gradually disappear?"

Batman internally applauded this accurate summary but only nodded subtly in agreement.

Shiller stopped writing, pondered for a moment with a tone of unusual hesitation, and said, "If she's fascinated by your appearance, if she's into Bruce Wayne's face, then you would have 'accidentally' met her at some party by now, and this lady, with her charm, would have already succeeded."

"If not, then that means what she likes is not Bruce Wayne, not his appearance or physique, but that of Batman's."

Batman's motion of pouring a drink visibly paused as he heard Shiller continue, "The significant difference between you two is, one, the identity, and, two, the dressing style."

"Bruce is a millionaire, while Batman is a vigilante, Bruce is always dressed in suits, and Batman never takes off his uniform. So, allow me to make this assumption—does Catwoman have a peculiar professional orientation in her choice of mate?"

"A policeman?"

"Considering she is a thief, and one that steals more for pleasure than need, it's not incomprehensible."

"Then why not a regular policeman?"

"Which regular policeman can keep up with her?"

Batman was left speechless.

He placed his wine glass on the other side of Shiller's desk and said, "Given that, any good advice?"

"I guess you've always been chasing her, but with no real intent to catch her."

"Because she hadn't committed a crime at the time, nobody could just arrest her, and even if she stole something, she'd return it, with kleptomania as an excuse, juries usually wouldn't be too harsh, and Gordon couldn't prosecute her to put her in jail."

"But you can catch her in the act."

Batman sipped his drink and looked up, "What do you mean?"

"No reason." Shiller reached for his glass, saying, "Every choice being rational is a behavioral school style, and I always tend to 'channel spirits'."

"You're just avoiding linking this answer to your experiences…" Batman said with a look of skepticism, "Is your love life really that astounding? Not a single detail you can share?"

Shiller shook his head as he drank, with Batman staring intently at him.

"I'm a psychiatric patient."

"You have your own Harley Quinn? A peer? Nurse? Intern?"

"My mental state is always a bit off."

"Some innocent bystander you've hurt? A policewoman who intervened heroically? One half of a couple in a disagreement that you saw when tumbling down stairs?"

"You should write romance novels." Shiller put down his glass and averted his gaze.

"Okay, but you still have to tell me the reason you can't share."

"Based on considerations of law, morality, and science…"

"Is it the law, morality, or science?"

"All three at once!" Shiller could only emphasize, "What you're asking for sounds more like an accident than a love story, and what you actually want to hear is more akin to closing arguments, moral ghost stories, and forensic reports!"

Batman narrowed his eyes.

"Do you have some particular kinks, Doctor?"

"Very, very, very particular." Shiller said as he took a sip of his drink.

"How particular?"

"Only God knows."

Batman gave a disapproving look but still intended to press further, yet it seemed Shiller couldn't bear Batman's complete ignorance on the matter, and he stood up, putting down his glass.

"Where are you going, Doctor?"

"To check my emails."

Batman stretched his neck out and called, "Aren't you going to finish your drink before you go?"

"…"

It wasn't until Shiller had completely left that Batman nonchalantly walked up to the desk to begin flipping through Shiller's left-behind notes. With his brain full of wisdom, he absorbed the concentrated essence of psychology from the pages.

"Final exams? Such an innocent term."


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