Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics

"As the saying goes, one person's bad luck is just bad luck, but when a group of people have bad luck, it's the start of a good time.

Batman's mentality underwent some subtle changes after Superman showed up. To put it in more down-to-earth terms, it was like: 'Sorry buddy, but you've got to see this.'

For most people, 'this' usually refers to a pile of dung on the roadside, extremely sour fruit, or firecrackers about to explode.

However, due to Superman's strength, these things couldn't really surprise him. But it was different with Shiller. He possessed the attributes of all the above, but in a super-enhanced version. Superman might be about to experience his first practical joke in his life.

Superman slowly descended onto the balcony of Wayne Manor. He pushed open the balcony door and frowned at Batman, saying, 'What's going on? Why did you suddenly call me and then hang up? I thought you were in danger.'

Batman just glanced at him and walked back to his seat to sit down. He hoped Superman could read from his brain waves the message 'I am indeed in danger, and this danger is now standing right in front of you.'

Unfortunately, Superman didn't catch on. He just curiously sized up Shiller. Shiller was also looking at him.

This wasn't the first time Shiller had seen Superman, but it indeed was his first time being involved in an incident with Superman. It still felt quite novel.

No behind-the-scenes manipulator would want to encounter an opponent like Superman because his power was simply unreasonable. Nearly any conspiracy was ineffective against him. And controlling such a justice-filled powerhouse was extremely difficult.

Superman's simple moral view was very hard to twist. Psychological manipulation through language didn't work on him. Facing him head-on was even more foolish. To get him to willingly do something, one had to ensure that it was just, and not only the result but also the process must be flawless.

This was quite challenging, but Shiller was ready.

'What are you guys talking about?' Superman seemed to also sense something off in the room's atmosphere and started to become alert. His wariness was mainly directed at Shiller. Some kind of super intuition made him want to instinctively stay away from this person.

'I was just trying to persuade Batman to spend money to fish out a party member involved in a smuggling arms case, to secure a council position for the super villain Penguin Man. He had just agreed before you arrived, and we were discussing the details.'

Batman spat out a mouthful of water.

He instinctively wanted to reach for the Kryptonite in his belt because he couldn't think of any reason Superman wouldn't zap him with laser beams after hearing this.

Sure enough, Superman gave him a disapproving look.

Great, now Batman was that pile of dung by the roadside, that overly sour fruit, and that firecracker about to explode.

Batman suddenly realized that Shiller's logic in shirking responsibility made some sense. It allowed him to clear himself completely when facing beings like Superman, while leaving others unable to defend themselves.

For instance, if Batman now said Shiller was also involved in this matter, then how exactly was he involved?

The need to appoint a councilor was because the State Council was aggressive, and the State Council's attitude was bad because Gordon had devoured a large sum of money alone without sharing any with them.

And Gordon had devoured a large sum of money alone because the Charabang Family was in crisis. The Charabang Family was in crisis due to the chemical plant explosion incident. The chemical plant explosion was the work of the new Joker.

Also, it was because the Natural Forest was contaminated. The contamination of the Natural Forest was exposed because Batman wanted to trouble Charabang, thereby gaining an advantage in GTO's bidding.

And GTO needed to auction itself because the municipal funds were not enough to support their operations. And the municipal funds were inadequate because the Pale Knight pushed the Napier Act and offended too many people.

It would be dangerous to keep tracing back.

The person who pushed the Napier Act was the Pale Knight, and the Pale Knight's appearance was because Batman had overmedicated Joker.

If Batman hadn't beat up Joker, the Pale Knight wouldn't have appeared, and there wouldn't be a series of troubles following. In the end, tracing back and forth, the ultimate culprit turned out to be Batman.

Now Batman understood why Shiller just blurted out 'this.'

'Of course, Mr. Superman, you have to listen to Batman's explanation. He had his reasons for doing this...'

'No, no matter how legitimate the reasons, you can't elevate an evil super villain to a councilor's position. There would be a lot of victims!' Superman looked at Batman incredulously.

Batman was also a bit perplexed.

Although this matter, tracing back and forth, might be his responsibility, now that Superman knew about this plan, his sense of morality wouldn't possibly allow the plan to proceed.

Isn't this just asking for trouble?

So what does Shiller really want? Does he want the plan to go on, or not?

'I'm sorry, Mr. Superman, we had already put this plan into action before you arrived,' Shiller said with a troubled face. 'After hearing what you said, I deeply realize my mistake. But it seems a bit late now, what can we do?'

Superman finally withdrew his angry gaze from Batman, looked at Shiller with a sigh of resignation, and said, 'I know you all must have encountered big trouble to resort to such means. But even so, you shouldn't be so rash.'"

"It's a good thing to be aware of your mistakes. Since you've made them, there's always a chance to correct them. I'll help you with that."

Superman stood still for a moment, then looked at Batman and said, "Don't you have any backup plans?"

Shiller pretended to be very shocked and said, "What? You don't know?"

Superman quickly looked at him.

"Ah, sorry, Mr. Batman, I didn't mean to reveal your privacy, but I think you can't keep hiding things from your good friend. Friends should help each other..."

"What? Batman? What are you hiding from me? Are you in trouble?! I've been on a business trip to the Baltic Sea recently. Is there something I don't know about??"

Shiller hesitated and sighed again.

Batman just sat there watching his performance.

"Alfred has passed away," Shiller said. "That's actually why I wanted to rush back for the memorial. Let me introduce myself, I'm Schiller Rodriguez, a psychiatrist."

Superman shook hands with him, but his shocked gaze fell on Batman. After releasing Schiller's hand, he immediately walked towards Batman and said, "You didn't tell me something this big?!"

Batman turned his head away; he really couldn't stand Superman's look of grievance, as if he had committed some atrocious act.

"There's more," Schiller continued, "Batman is overwhelmed with grief, and someone took advantage of it to frame him, leading to his imprisonment and tarnishing his reputation, almost unable to get out."

Superman gasped, his look of pity towards Batman deepened. Batman felt like he was on pins and needles.

But soon, Superman's gaze became resolute, and he said, "I know you didn't want me to worry, it's okay. I'm not busy these days, I can keep you company. I've never been to a Gotham bar before, let's make it a night to remember!"

Now it was Batman's turn to give Schiller a pleading look. Who could outdrink the Sun and still make it home?

Schiller walked to the table, leaned on it and said, "You really should have a drink with him. He's been under a lot of stress lately. Even though he absolutely refuses to do a psychological assessment, from what I've observed, he shows signs of early depression. It's not a good sign."

Superman's piercing gaze made Batman feel like even the Kryptonite in his hand was useless.

"So let's not fuss over this plan. If we weren't really forced into a corner, no one would come up with such a desperate idea," Schiller quickly shifted all the blame onto Batman.

Batman just watched as Superman began to look hesitant. He really wanted Superman to see reason, but his mind told him that Clark was susceptible to this kind of manipulation.

"Don't worry," Superman finally spoke, "it's never too late to make amends. How far has your plan gone?"

"Penguin Man has already been released," Shiller said. "Objectively speaking, he does have the potential to be a political newcomer. Just based on talent, he could make for a fine politician."

Superman isn't one to hold prejudices. Although he dislikes criminals, he must acknowledge their talents. So, he nodded.

"The only problem is, because he lacks moral sense, his actions are always excessive, not considering the lives of ordinary people. Batman and I are discussing ways to limit him."

Superman immediately got it and said, "Where is he most likely to be now? I'll go and warn him not to mess around!"

"My goodness, you're really willing to help?!" Schiller put on a surprised look, then said, "If that's the case, that would be great, Batman really can't handle more stress. If you can keep an eye on him during this time, I can give Batman some proper psychological guidance, help him get back on track."

Before Batman could say anything, Superman grabbed his hand, full of guilt, and said, "Sorry, Bruce, I neglected you recently, that was my mistake. I didn't realize you had been through so much alone. If only I could have come back earlier."

"But it's okay, you rest well. I'll handle that damned criminal. I promise he won't do anything bad!"

What could Batman say? He was afraid even liking a post might make Superman think he was crazily overwhelmed by grief.

So he just nodded along.

Superman came full of worries, left full of mission. Shiller stood at the window sill, watching his figure recede further and further, silently praying for Penguin Man.

"Letting Penguin Man out and even bribing his way? I'm not that kind-hearted," Shiller murmured as he closed the balcony door, "He'd better do his job well, or he'll end up roasted."

Shiller turned around, only to meet Batman's piercing glare. Yet he said nothing, just sat back down and poured himself a drink.

"You're even more despicable than I thought," Batman said.

Shiller, however, dropped the smile, looked at Batman and said, "Your body language tells me, Mr. Isolated Island, that you quite like the feeling of being cared for and helped by a friend."

Batman stiffened.