Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 3: Stark’s Exorbitantly Priced Psychotherapy_1
Previously on Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics...
Shiller perceived Stark teetering on the brink of insanity, his mental faculties in disarray. Possessing mind-sensing abilities, Shiller was even bothered by Stark's chaotic and tangled thoughts, perceptible even through the walls.
Taking a deep breath, Shiller entered. As Stark looked up, his eyes rolled dramatically, fixing Shiller with an intense stare.
Though Stark appeared somewhat disheveled, he was not defeated. The consequence of preserving his dignity in the face of potential death was that Shiller sensed he was on the verge of collapse, yet unwilling to display it before Pepper.
Shiller cleared his throat. Pepper glanced worriedly at Stark before turning and departing. Shiller then sat opposite Stark and inquired, "Mr. Stark, may I ask you a question?"
"What is it you wish to ask? Are you here to philosophize with me, pretending to possess greater knowledge? Or perhaps discuss those utterly useless psychological theories?"
"Ahem, neither of those. I was hoping to ascertain my hourly rate."
Stark was visibly taken aback by this question, exclaiming with profound surprise, "What did you say?"
"I said I would like to know the price of my psychological consultation, as I was rather inebriated when Miss Pepper and I discussed the fee, and I've forgotten it since waking," Shiller explained.
At a loss for words, Stark gestured dismissively. "You should select a more abstract, common topic among your psychotherapist brethren... like, the meaning of life, the nature of sorrow, subjects of that ilk..."
"Indeed, that would be the subsequent step, matters to be addressed after the consultation commences. However, I must first confirm your ability to afford my psychological consultation fee."
Stark's eyes widened in astonishment. "What did you say? Do you have any idea who I am? Oh, heavens, are you some sort of primitive being? You don't know me? Do you not recognize this as Stark Building?"
"Yes, I am aware that you are exceedingly wealthy, Mr. Stark. However, the extent of your fortune and the amount you are willing to spend are two distinct matters."
"...How much do you demand?"
"One million US dollars per hour, non-negotiable."
"Take it! Just take it! You mercenary lunatic, have you lost your mind? One million US dollars! I could charter a fleet of beauties on a yacht for that..."
"I believe I overheard someone mentioning their considerable wealth."
Stark was utterly rendered speechless by Shiller's retort. "Are you by any chance sent by Pepper to torment me? Well done! Go tell her! She has succeeded! I've already explained that the party I hosted last time was merely a farewell to my former girlfriends; I had no other intentions. Why won't she believe me!"
Shiller countered, "A dozen beauties on a yacht would not assuage your distress, sir, particularly when you believe your demise is imminent."
Stark's exaggerated gestures ceased. He froze momentarily, then turned his head to face Shiller, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.
Shiller remained seated calmly, stating, "You are currently consumed by a profound fear of death. Yet, perhaps your greatest dread is not death itself, but the absence of opportunity to rectify your errors..."
"Nonsense. Who are you? Who exactly are you?" Stark's emotions began to churn. He continued, "Did Pepper say something to you... no, she couldn't know. You..."
Stark fixed his gaze intently on Shiller. "Do not attempt to deceive me with such ploys; I refuse to believe in the existence of mind-reading."
"There is no such thing as mind-reading in this world; there is only psychology," Shiller asserted.
He then stood up and addressed Stark, "You may continue with your pretense. Regardless, my consultation fee stands at one million dollars per hour. If we continue to dally, I could soon afford to purchase a new automobile."
Stark felt a sense of dizzying confusion from Shiller's alternating sincere and nonsensical remarks. "How did you see through me? With that ludicrous psychology of yours?"
"That is of little consequence. What matters is that the sole piece of advice I can offer you is to first adequately address the matter of your mortality. Of course, you may find my words overly simplistic."
"But the method to achieve this is..."
Shiller paused. Stark stared intently at him. Shiller then declared, "A fifty percent deposit upfront is required before we can commence with subsequent treatment."
Stark was practically incandescent with rage, snorting audibly. Shiller's audacity even elicited a laugh. He picked up his phone and dialed Pepper. "My dearest, from where did you procure such a vampire doctor? ... Yes, he is demanding a consultation fee of one million dollars per hour..."
Shiller directly seized the phone, interjecting, "Miss Pepper, Mr. Stark's unit of calculation for 'a million dollars' involves a yacht filled with beautiful women..."
He then ended the call, twirling the mobile phone. "The funds will be transferred within five minutes."
Stark continued to stare at him, dumbfounded.
Crossing his arms, Stark declared, "Proceed. I am eager to witness what you propose."
"What have you been attempting to evade?"
What is this, and what have I been evading? You ought to interrogate yourself. The solution resides within. I am not referring to any dire summons from Miss Pepper, nor any cryptic text messages from past companions. My intent is quite serious... Shiller reclined against his desk, arms crossed, adjusting his spectacles. He declared, "I have never encountered such a peculiar case before. It is unique, exceptionally rare..." Stark shivered and retorted, "Hey, I am not interested in men, keep your distance from me." "You are not as absurd as you make yourself out to be. I know someone precisely like you. He masks himself as a playboy and acts like a fool, drifting through life without thought for the future." "However, he is exceedingly intelligent, perhaps too much so. Consequently, he has been anticipating someone to provide him with an answer, and this answer originates from... his past." Stark gazed at Shiller, who returned his stare. In a hushed tone, Stark proclaimed, "I will offer you two million dollars. Depart now. I shall inform Pepper that your therapy proved highly beneficial. I..." "If my assessment is correct, Miss Pepper is presently listening in," Shiller stated. Stark fell into silence. Shiller continued, "Two million dollars, and I shall provide you with a genuinely useful method." "Agreed." "The answers you seek are concealed within that very past you most dread. I observed in the news that the founder of Stark Group, your father..." "Enough." Stark interjected. He turned away, concealing his expression from Shiller. Stark's voice quivered as he spoke, "Pepper will arrange your consultation fees. Now, leave." "...He would be willing to grant you a second chance at life. May Providence bless you." "Get out!!!" Following Shiller's departure, Stark violently smashed a wine glass on the table. Within the S.H.I.E.L.D. office, Nick Fury, pressing his headphones, commanded, "Investigate a psychologist named Shiller immediately. I require all his details at this very moment." After Shiller exited, his account was swiftly credited with a substantial sum. He mused contentedly that, despite Stark's difficult nature, he remained willing to remunerate generously for assisting such a high-profile client. Soon, another surprise awaited. Shiller discovered his ability to replicate Spider-Man's powers. It transpired that the prior absence of this function was not a system malfunction but rather a consequence of Peter not yet having been bitten. Now that his Spider-abilities had manifested, Shiller could naturally replicate them. Shiller initiated the "replicate" function and obtained "Spider-sense (low-level)". Compared to the profound shock of initially acquiring mind-sensing, this augmentation appeared rather insignificant. Shiller perceived a slight enhancement in his five senses; his vision extended slightly further, his hearing became a touch clearer. However, regarding intuition, he felt no discernible change. He experienced a modicum of disappointment. It would have been preferable to possess Little Spider's physical prowess, but considering it was a diminished version, he surmised it was merely a marginal improvement in physical capabilities, far from an ability that could reach the heavens and land. Spider-Man himself did not commence with such immense power from the outset. His Spider-abilities developed progressively. For the present, they seemed only marginally superior to the ordinary, nothing overtly exaggerated. However, with the commencement of the Spider-Man narrative, Peter's uncle might be facing peril. Shiller contemplated this for a moment and dispatched a message to Peter. He inquired, "How are you? Would you like to visit the hospital for a check-up? I am a doctor and can introduce you to a dependable trauma specialist." Peter's response arrived swiftly. He exclaimed, "Wow! You are a doctor, that's fantastic. Which hospital do you practice at? What sort of doctor are you? An orthopedic specialist? But I believe I do not require a surgeon at this moment. I am truly delighted. I am confident Gwen will soon accept my courtship..." "I urge you to undergo an examination. Being bitten by an animal is not a trivial matter. This way, we can also meet..." Shiller advised. Peter exhibited evident hesitation. Encountering an online acquaintance at this juncture seemed inadvisable. He had just acquired his Spider-abilities and was experiencing unparalleled excitement; he wished for nothing else. Shiller then proposed, "You may bring Miss Gwen along. I am affiliated with the Elder Council Hospital. I can arrange a complimentary comprehensive health assessment for both of you. Afterward, you could proceed to the nearby coffee establishment..." Peter appeared somewhat swayed. His family's financial situation was not robust, precluding opportunities for medical check-ups, and the esteemed Elder Council Hospital was renowned throughout New York. He responded, "Thank you, but I would like to bring my aunt and uncle as well, as they are elderly. However, this might be too much to ask. If it is not feasible, please disregard my request."After a period of contemplation, Shiller deemed it a more suitable course of action. "Very well, I shall secure an appointment for you this weekend," he stated. "Feel free to extend an invitation to Ms. Gwen and her family as well. I have ample availability."
Peter, filled with elation, promptly contacted Gwen. He had consistently received assistance from Gwen, who, due to his less fortunate circumstances, would often share her snacks and yogurt. Peter harbored a persistent guilt over his inability to reciprocate her kindness.
This situation presented an ideal chance for him to finally repay her kindness. Gaining entry into the Elder Council Hospital was no trivial matter; even with Gwen's father holding the esteemed position of Chief of the New York Police Department, securing a comprehensive health examination would involve an extensive waiting period or might prove entirely unachievable.
Recently, Peter felt an overwhelming sense of good fortune. Not only had he gained extraordinary abilities, but the acquaintance he had made online turned out to be a leading physician at a prominent hospital. This would serve as definitive proof to his aunt and uncle that his online interactions were not a fruitless endeavor.