Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 2: The Second Time Travel_1

If a psychological profile of the Batman character were to be penned by Shiller, it would be characterized not by prudence, wisdom, or strategic brilliance, but overwhelmingly by sheer skepticism. Batman's inherent distrust of everyone is legendary. This spirit of skepticism has evolved into its own distinct philosophy, with skepticism and conspiracy theories deeply ingrained in his very being. The more intelligent he becomes, the more profound his skepticism grows. Shiller's candid response had evidently plunged this youthful Batman into profound uncertainty. Bruce had never once entertained the possibility that someone could perceive his inner self so clearly. He possessed an unshakeable confidence in his carefully constructed disguise, believing that even Alfred, who had nurtured him from infancy, only grasped a fraction of his true identity. Yet, this unassuming psychology professor, who appeared perfectly ordinary and spoke with such polite demeanor, offered Bruce the most improbable yet accurate and incisive answer. Up to the very moment he received this insight, the fervent warmth surging within Bruce's heart confirmed that he had indeed been awaiting someone to provide this very revelation—signaling that the time for his vengeance had arrived. However, the individual who delivered this crucial answer seemed to douse his newly ignited thirst for revenge with a splash of cold water. Bruce found it impossible to believe, he simply never had, that anyone could discern the monstrous entities lurking within his heart, the shadowy bats, solely through the lens of psychology. But Shiller declared, "Our consultation time has concluded; I must attend a lecture. Farewell, Mr. Wayne." Shiller surmised that Bruce would likely ruminate on their encounter for an extended period. If Bruce could indeed unravel this enigma and swiftly embrace the mantle of Batman to champion justice, then what was the purpose of his continued presence in classes? What other lectures could Bruce possibly need? Why should he continue to create difficulties for these diligent academics? Shiller surmised that Bruce would most likely resolve the internal conflict, after which the criminal syndicates and the underworld would present him with genuine challenges. Consequently, Shiller could contentedly receive his salary without exerting himself at the university, and in a worst-case scenario, he could even abscond for a Hawaiian holiday. Shiller's standing within the university was not bolstered by his esteemed reputation; rather, it was entirely inherited from the credentials of his predecessor. Operating under a strict "do as much work as I'm paid for" principle, Shiller would commence his lecture the instant he was seated and vanish the moment the dismissal bell rang. Office hours for addressing student queries? Non-existent. This routine had persisted for five days. Fortunately, the original Shiller appeared to be quite introverted and lacked a wide circle of acquaintances. Having recently assumed the professorship at Gotham University, he was not intimately familiar with the faculty, thus allowing the transmigration-possessed Shiller to avoid arousing suspicion. While partaking in lunch, he received a text message from Peter: "Mr. Shiller, everything has gone terribly awry." A dejected emoji accompanied the message. Shiller understood that this chat system did not facilitate direct mind-to-mind communication. He was utilizing the system on his end, while Peter had, by chance, connected with an online acquaintance. On Charles's end, messages appeared while he browsed an educational forum during his leisure time. The system ingenibly adapted conversations with these characters into formats they could readily accept. For Peter, it manifested through a social networking application, whereas for Charles, it appeared on an academic forum. If encountering someone like Thanos, it might have materialized as some form of cosmic network signal. This ensured that the interactions would not feel abrupt or out of place. The system merely guaranteed that the initial query posed by Shiller would elicit a response; any subsequent dialogue would fall upon Shiller to initiate and maintain. Consequently, Shiller's primary conversational partner had become the young, naively enthusiastic Little Spider. Without an unimpeachable guarantee, Shiller would hesitate to casually probe the minds of cunning old strategists like Charles. Shiller replied, "What has transpired? Peter? Is your pursuit of Gwen not progressing as you'd hoped?" "Oh, that is indeed not going well, but that's not the unfavorable situation I was referring to." "Then, what is it? Surely you haven't botched an experiment, have you?" "Something like that. I inadvertently overturned what appeared to be highly hazardous experimental apparatus, and a... dangerous organism escaped. It even managed to bite me." Shiller realized that Spider-Man's destiny had been partially altered due to his conversations with him. After their exchanges, he learned that this was indeed Spider-Man from the 616 Comic Universe. Originally, this high schooler was fated to be bitten during an exhibition, but influenced by Peter's burgeoning affection for Gwen, he had been confiding in Shiller about the captivating charm and endearing nature of his classmate Gwen. Quite vexed by Peter's incessant chatter, Shiller had offered him some counsel on how to successfully woo Gwen.

Gwen hailed from a prosperous background and secured an internship with the Osborn Group during her summer break. This opportunity, by all accounts, had no bearing on Peter. However, Shiller, in his characteristic fashion, advised Peter to shed his inhibitions and pursue the same internship. As a top-tier student, Peter succeeded in obtaining the position. Fate intervened not through an exhibition mishap, but via an experimental instrument at the Osborn Group, leading to his spider bite...

Regardless, the bite was inevitable. Spider-Man was destined by the Weaver and the Spider Totem; if not this day, then another. He was fated for this transformation. Shiller offered a few words of solace to the unfortunate Little Spider before returning to his slumber.

The Gotham night was profound and enveloping, an ideal canvas for sleep. Bruce, however, remained vigilant, his gaze fixed upon the moon, a discernable shape lost within the thick fog. A file rested in his grasp, its inaugural page bearing the name Shearer Andel Rodriguez.

Oblivious to Batman's thorough scrutiny, Shiller was immersed in a deep dream when a warning siren erupted from the System. His slumber was so profound that he failed to register a streak of blue light that traversed above him—

The System's alarms intensified, yet Shiller remained asleep, as if an external force was impeding its functionality. Finally, after a series of erratic blares, Shiller's form vanished entirely.

"Emergency protection system activated, commencing universe location... locating universe... target universe confirmed, initiating identity data input... processing... failed... inputting... input successful."

Upon regaining consciousness, Shiller blinked away the remnants of sleep, his eyes immediately assaulted by the brilliance of the sun. What in the world? A sunny day in Gotham City?

Drawing back the curtain—he was met with the bright spectacle of New York City.

A stark contrast to Gotham's perpetually dreary weather, New York basked in sunshine. The morning sun was unyieldingly bright. Shiller surveyed the surroundings from the window, surmising he was likely in a high-rise apartment in Manhattan's bustling core. Turning back, his desk was a landscape of disarray, a bottle of wine precariously holding down a work ID.

"Shiller, a psychiatrist affiliated with the New York Elderly Association Hospital... and a chief physician, no less? Have I transmigrated yet again?"

A curse formed in Shiller's mind. Before he could utter it, his phone rang. He answered, and a stentorian voice on the other end boomed, "Doctor Shiller! Where have you disappeared to? You absolutely cannot miss the joint consultation today! Have you been drinking again?! Get here this instant!"

The call assaulted Shiller's ears, but the realization that he was now a doctor, likely with a critical case demanding his expertise, spurred him to action. He had a duty to perform.

Grabbing his ID, Shiller dashed downstairs, intent on securing transportation. He reasoned that anyone residing in such a luxurious apartment must own a vehicle. In the garage, a relatively new Mercedes caught his eye, its sleek body matching the key fob in his hand. A press of the button confirmed its identity as he activated the remote.

Fortunately, Shiller had prior experience with New York, having visited during his previous existence for an academic exchange. With the aid of the car's navigation system, he promptly reached the Elders Council Hospital, a premier medical institution in the city.

A receptionist immediately intercepted him upon his entrance. "Doctor Shiller, please hurry. The joint consultation has already commenced."

Still grappling with his unfamiliar identity, Shiller simply offered a curt nod and proceeded inward.

A guide escorted him to the conference room. As they entered, a momentary hush fell over the room, followed by the resumption of hushed discussions. He took his designated seat, observing the proceedings silently.

It was apparent he held a respected position, perhaps even a leading one within his department. The physicians seated opposite him were seemingly from different specialties. One particularly haughty doctor remarked, "Indeed, allowing those quack experts to examine him first is wise, ensuring he doesn't attempt any ruses or get overly familiar with the nurses during the operation."

Glancing at the name tag pinned to the man's coat, Shiller read the inscription: Stephen Strange, Doctor Strange. Excellent, it appeared he had once again found himself within the Marvel universe.

Shiller couldn't be bothered with Strange's theatrics. Observing Strange's current disposition, it seemed his fateful car accident was still some time away. At present, Strange was merely an exceedingly self-absorbed individual who managed to alienate everyone he encountered.

Shiller remained reticent, engrossed in reviewing patient case files. Strange, however, seemed inexplicably irritated by his presence. It was likely that Shiller's inebriation from the previous day and his tardiness for the consultation had irked Strange, a man with a penchant for order and a discernible aversion to Shiller's apparent disregard for professional decorum. Furthermore, Strange harbored a deep-seated skepticism towards the efficacy of psychiatry, viewing its practitioners as charlatans. Shiller's very presence seemed to offend him.

During the entire meeting, Strange persistently found fault with Shiller, who remained utterly indifferent. Once the meeting concluded, Strange deliberately jostled Shiller as he passed.

Shiller felt a surge of irritation towards him but knew that Strange would eventually face consequences. His downfall was likely not that many years away. If Strange hadn't been such a persistent annoyance, Shiller might have offered a warning. However, as it stood, Strange would have to navigate his predestined trials.

Just as their consultation wrapped up, Shiller’s phone rang. A woman’s voice, tinged with worry yet remarkably pleasant, inquired, "Doctor Shiller, is your consultation finished? Could you possibly make your way to the Stark Building now? Tony isn't doing well..."

Tony Stark?

What was the current timeframe? Had Iron Man been abducted, or had he already made his return?

Before Shiller could delve into further inquiry, a vehicle from Stark Industries arrived at the hospital's entrance. He promptly entered the car. A woman with a professional demeanor occupied the passenger seat. She began, "Ever since Tony returned, you know, he's been acting peculiar. He's become short-tempered and has started engaging in bizarre behaviors. Last night, I overheard him weeping..."

"Miss Pepper? Are you unharmed?" Shiller inquired cautiously. Pepper, with tears welling up, responded, "I apologize, but please ensure you dedicate your complete focus to this treatment session."

Shiller grasped the situation. This was the period after Iron Man's return from his captivity, when he discovered his company’s weaponry had been employed in unjust conflicts. He surmised that he was the psychiatrist Pepper had sought to assist Tony through this challenging phase.