Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 4 - 4 Welcome to Gotham_1

Upon waking, Shearer didn't need to move to confirm his return to the unpretentious streets of Gotham City. The distinct smell of kerosene hanging in the air and the perpetually overcast skies outside his window were unmistakable signs that he had transmigrated back to this accursed place.

Not a single moment had elapsed in this world.

He silenced his alarm, glancing at the calendar. It displayed the day after he had journeyed to the Marvel universe. This confirmed that time in the DC World had remained static during his absence.

A sigh escaped Shearer as he weighed the dangers: the gritty reality of Gotham City versus the cosmic epicenter of New York City.

Truth be told, while New York offered more in the way of enjoyment, Gotham was his enduring home. At least here, the cosmic threat hadn't fully manifested; Shearer was hardly equipped to confront a 'Purple Sweet Potato Spirit'.

He rose from his bed and dressed. Since Gotham University mandated formal attire for its professors, Shearer adhered to wearing a shirt, vest, and suit daily, occasionally varying his look with different suit styles or a trench coat.

The temperature in Gotham during September was quite pleasant, far from chilly. The city's coastal location likely contributed to its mild climate, with a gentle breeze gracing its avenues.

The moment Shearer stepped outside his apartment, he encountered someone he wished to avoid – Bruce Wayne.

Shearer made to turn away.

Bruce, however, quickly caught up, calling out, "Professor! Professor! I have a few questions regarding psychology that I'd like to ask you! Could you possibly wait for me?"

Shearer inwardly grumbled. There were numerous professors in his vicinity, and outright refusal was not an option. "Alright, alright, I'm not deaf, Mr. Wayne. Let's head to the counseling room to discuss it," he conceded.

The two proceeded to the counseling room. Bruce bypassed the seating, instead making his way to prepare some coffee. He presented Shearer with a steaming mug, placing it before him.

"Shearer Andel Rodriguez," Bruce began, holding the warm mug, "world-renowned criminal psychologist, a holder of four doctoral degrees in psychology. You've been peripherally involved in infamous cases such as the Assaulting City Carnage, the Emperor City Red Glove Serial Killings, and the Seashore City Underground Corpse Dismembering. Most notably, four months ago, you abruptly resigned during the trial of the Deputy Mayor of Metropolis and subsequently accepted a faculty position at Gotham University..."

He continued, "Professor Shearer, could you enlighten me on why you chose to come to Gotham?"

Listening to this, Shearer's hair stood on end. 'Good heavens, the original body's record could get me committed to Arkham Asylum!' he thought. 'The Joker couldn't even compete with that!'

The sheer audacity of involving himself in a series of cases with such horrifyingly named incidents, not just one, but multiple! And now Bruce wanted to delve into it!

Though cursing internally, Shearer maintained a composed facade. He took a sip of the coffee. "Gotham is a fine place," he stated.

"Is it? The city with the nation's highest crime rate?" Bruce questioned.

"That's hardly the point," Shearer replied.

"Oh?"

"Metropolis's crime rate isn't exactly low, kiddo. Sit down. Do you truly believe Metropolis is safer than Gotham?"

"Isn't it?"

"Not for me, at least," Shearer affirmed.

Shearer had inherited both the skills and knowledge of his host body, yet the memories remained elusive and fragmented. He suspected that even before his transmigration, the original owner had already lost crucial memories. At present, Shearer couldn't recall a single specific detail about those grim cases. Vague impressions flickered, but nothing concrete emerged.

Shearer concluded that the original inhabitant of his current body must have been entangled in an unspeakably complex case, subsequently being framed.

"The safety you perceive is merely an illusion, Mr. Wayne. Beneath the glittering facade of Metropolis lies a darkness you likely wouldn't dare to imagine," Shearer elaborated.

"Then why did you relocate to Gotham City?"

"...I assumed you would have reviewed my credentials, but they perhaps weren't sufficiently detailed. I've provoked too many influential individuals. This city is the only sanctuary."

"Why so?"

"Only criminals can effectively deal with criminals," Shearer declared.

Bruce Wayne appeared taken aback by this assertion. "Only criminals can deal with criminals? Professor, do you genuinely hold that belief?"

"Bruce, let's shift the topic," Shearer suggested.

Bruce regarded him, his gaze as somber as Gotham's perpetually clouded sky. Shearer sensed he was no longer interacting with the carefree, playboy Bruce Wayne, but with Batman – one of history's most intricate superheroes, a dark vigilante, a misunderstood zealot, a genius precariously balanced on the precipice of madness.

"If you seek further insights from me, you must be prepared to pay the price," Shearer stated.

"What is it you desire?" Bruce inquired.

"What I truly want is something you cannot provide at this moment. You should understand my meaning," Shearer replied.

"So, you're open to receiving it at a later time?"

"Undoubtedly."

Bruce suppressed his expression, leaving his thoughts unreadable. He stated, "Professor Shearer, I must inform you that I have introduced a self-developed nanovirus into your coffee..."

"Bruce, your deceit won't extract anything more from me, child. This isn't some infantile ploy for treats," Shearer retorted.

"It seems I failed today," Bruce remarked.

"Not entirely," Shearer responded.

"I trust you will award me a satisfactory grade on the final examination, Bruce. Demonstrate your commitment to mastering this discipline. Afterward, seek me out once more," Shearer advised.

"I shall not linger here any longer," Bruce declared.

"You are a considerable distance from assuming the role of an instructor, Bruce. You remain a student," Shearer concluded.