Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics Chapter 5668 - 4692: Desperate Escape (25)

"Is the contraption defunct?" Charles gasped, "It seems our gambit succeeded. I never fathomed we could synchronize so flawlessly with a band of strangers..."

"It doesn’t appear to be a triumph," Erik, with a clearer grasp of mechanical engineering, responded. He peered down at the supporting rod beneath. Despite the absence of discernible gaps between the metal strut and the floor, and with nothing outwardly amiss, Erik perceived through prior physical sensations that the typical clearance procedure had encountered an anomaly.

In principle, if the counterbalance had been elevated and was supporting the ceiling, the structure ought to have a locking pin that engaged at a specific elevation. Yet, Erik detected no such securing vibration. Rather, the column simply faltered momentarily before abruptly halting. This indicated not the smooth operation of a functioning mechanism, but the signs of a malfunction.

Charles had already collapsed onto the ground. He rolled over, gazing upward at the sharp metal points looming near his face, and declared, "Regardless of the outcome, we’ve vanquished the trial. Merciful heavens, another moment longer and I would not have made it."

"You require more physical exertion." Although Erik voiced this critique, he too was slick with perspiration and breathing heavily. He turned onto his back, seizing the valued chance to recuperate.

"What do you surmise would transpire if the mechanism were genuinely breached?" Erik inquired.

Charles deliberated, then offered, "I’ve harbored the suspicion that this dungeon chamber must have on-site personnel. Perhaps there exist concealed employee passageways, and some functionary from an unscrupulous tech enterprise is navigating these corridors, tending to equipment and observing our progress. Given the mechanism's breakage, they are likely undertaking repairs."

"And upon its rectification, they will compel us to traverse it anew?" Erik neared the edge of his patience. "That is utterly against the established protocols!"

"It was the other contenders who transgressed the regulations initially," Charles stated with a shrug. "Though I maintain this contest has never truly acknowledged rules. They construct these dungeons, we sow chaos; each participant strives their utmost. When devising mechanisms, they ought to foresee every conceivable mode of failure. Otherwise, it reflects poorly on their design acumen."

"Let us fervently hope they eschew deceit," Erik expressed, "I lack the fortitude for another run."

"No, do not let me remain prone, Clark," Batman exhaled deeply. "If I settle down now, I may not possess the vigor to rise again."

"But we have already triumphed; we are permitted a respite."

"Far from it," Batman remained grim. "The recent events did not align with the standard progression of a stage; it might be a mechanism that was sabotaged. The level architect may intend to reinstate the mechanism and demand a repeat performance."

"How can that be equitable!" Superman exclaimed in indignation. "Their mechanism's integrity is compromised, devoid of safety provisions, and it fractures—why must we bear the financial burden?"

"It hinges on whether this specific trial possesses a narrative underpinning," Batman stated, half-kneeling on the ground, his voice resolute. "If it is genuinely orchestrated by an organization engaged in human experimentation, one cannot reasonably expect them to adhere to ethical boundaries."

"Yet, is not the storyline also a fabrication by the Dojo Administrator? Would they truly devise such barbarous predicaments?"

"Few administrators possess a shred of humanity," Batman hit the mark precisely. "I suspect, at the very least, a pair of Jokers, three Shillers, and perhaps even a few other infamous figures from Arkham Asylum are among their ranks."

"I cautioned you that selecting a high-tier instance was an act of self-inflicted agony!" Superman lamented. "What coherent design could such lunatics conceive?"

"I must concede, the level's architecture is remarkably well-executed. The directional cues are unambiguous, the objectives sharply defined, and there's a palpable degree of openness, taxing both the player's intellect and endurance. Candidly, I would assign it a score of seven," Batman assessed.

"You are utterly deranged!" Superman blurted out. However, he quickly retracted, feeling a pang of regret, and added, "My apologies, that was not my intent, but whenever you calmly crack jests amidst adversity, it invariably brings to mind that peculiar green chewing gum."

"When I find myself in less than ideal circumstances, I require a diversion," Batman remarked. "Let us delve into speculation regarding the plot. The orchestrator behind our presence here likely did not convene us merely to dismantle their mechanisms."

"I have contemplated that very notion," Superman interjected. "Do you perceive, akin to the narrative in 'Saw,' that we were brought here to impart a lesson, or perhaps as a form of retribution?"

"Were we each assigned specific roles, that hypothesis would hold considerable weight. However, the instance has imposed no such limitations upon us. Why, pray tell, do you imagine I consistently address you by your given name, Clark?"

"Ah, I had assumed you were in high spirits," Superman responded. "When your disposition is jovial, you address me by name, eschewing the moniker 'Superman.'"

"Hmm, it's possibly a habit," Batman conceded. "However, the primary reason was to ascertain if there were any identity-specific restrictions in this scenario. Thus far, it appears there are none. We haven’t received any intel regarding our respective backgrounds either, so the punishment hypothesis doesn't hold water."

"Clark, if any part of me warrants punishment... then what about you? I cannot fathom what justification Jigsaw would possess to punish someone like you. You cherish life, you are inclined to aid others, intelligent, capable, benevolent, and unassuming. If an individual such as yourself were apprehended by Jigsaw, then he would truly be the villain."

"Oh, Batman, you're causing me to blush with such lavish praise," Superman offered with a shy smile. "But in my estimation, he also has no legitimate reason to apprehend you, Batman. You have accomplished feats beyond the capacity of ordinary individuals, single-handedly saving Gotham on numerous occasions. What is there about you to condemn?"

Batman, however, paused momentarily. He slowly shifted his weight, using his other leg for support. Superman perceived that something was weighing on Batman's mind and inquired, "What troubles you, Bruce? Is there something you feel unable to confide in me?"

"I believe there is a basis for it." Batman cast a glance at Superman before quickly averting his gaze. "I must confess, Clark, I have not been entirely transparent with my associates. I harbor my own suspicions, and I maintain a degree of caution. If he were to question me on this matter, I truly would have nothing to say."

"I see." Superman exhibited a look of helplessness. "Consider the nature of your companions. An extraterrestrial powerhouse, a demigod hailing from Mount Olympus, an interstellar law enforcement officer from the Green Lantern Corps, a psychic prodigy from Mars, a technological wizard with unparalleled hacking skills, the sovereign of Atlantis... And you, merely a volunteer officer possessing the physique of a normal human. To be entirely unguarded around them would simply signify your foolishness."

"From my own vantage point, I concur that it is essential. I am not so conceited as to believe myself invincible. Should the day arrive when someone were to control me and compel me to lay waste to the Earth, then the safeguards you have implemented could preserve the planet, and in turn, save me. For if I were genuinely manipulated into destroying the Earth, I fear I would never find it within myself to forgive my own actions."

Superman turned to the side and addressed Batman, "Believe it or not, Batman, everyone in the Justice League is aware of this fact – our ability to live so comfortably and without constant worry on Earth, amidst ordinary citizens, is entirely thanks to your role as the ultimate failsafe. Otherwise, considering the frequency with which Earth faces peril, I would certainly never dare to reside within the Solar System; it would be far too simple for me to be turned into a weapon by those who seek to invade our planet."

Batman grew silent, maintaining his usual stoic demeanor, neither affirming nor denying, as if engaged in a silent act of defiance. However, Superman clearly possessed an unyielding resolve to achieve emotional consensus.

"You hesitate to confront this because you perpetually feel misunderstood..."

"No." Batman suddenly interjected. "I merely feel that if you all are so understanding, my debt to you increases all the more."

Batman was uncertain if this was the first instance he had articulated a sense of indebtedness in Superman's presence. He found the subject distasteful, yet if he remained silent, it would inevitably lead to another monologue from Superman.

He anticipated Superman might respond with something along the lines of, "You owe us nothing," but to his surprise, Superman stated, "Then let us hold mutual debts. We feel we owe you, and you feel you owe us; in this manner, the Justice League shall remain eternally united."

Batman appeared profoundly taken aback. He remained silent for more than ten seconds before finally asking, "Who imparted such wisdom to you?"

"Bruce, you still fail to grasp that in my endeavor to comprehend you, I have genuinely exhausted every avenue, even attempting to understand the dynamics of the Madmen of Gotham. You all seem to eschew conventional affectionate relationships. You incur debts with one another, inflict harm upon each other, or perhaps both. If you find such dynamics more familiar, then I readily accept them."

"No, Clark, absolutely not." As Batman began to lose a measure of his composure, his voice deepened. "You are Superman; you are not a Madman from Gotham."

"Yet, you seem predisposed to invest greater emotional energy into them." Superman pointed out with sharp insight. "My willingness to incorporate certain morbid elements into our dynamic does not signify a descent into malevolence. I am merely adapting to a friend's inclinations. This, precisely, is a demonstration of my affection."

Batman's expression finally contorted with a visible hint of pain. He used his hand to push himself up, slowly turning onto his side. Superman, startled by this movement, quickly extended his arm to steady him, saying, "Did you not mention that repositioning yourself might render you unable to rise again? Bruce, remain conscious. Are you alright?"

"I am not alright," Batman admitted. "However, it is unlikely due to excessive blood loss, Clark. This infernal mechanism malfunctioned at such an inopportune moment."

"Loki! Loki!" Thor enveloped his brother in a tight embrace. The instant the mechanism ceased its operation, Loki immediately slumped over. Based on Thor's intimate knowledge of Loki, he was undoubtedly utterly depleted.

Truthfully, Loki's endurance up to this point had already defied Thor’s expectations. Aware of his brother’s injuries and heightened sensitivity to pain, which was undeniably taxing, Thor had assumed he wouldn't last long. Yet, both of them had managed to persist for over ten minutes, a duration far exceeding any initial projections.

Thor carefully turned Loki over, assessing his condition. Thankfully, Loki remained conscious, albeit utterly spent and incapable of movement. He gently placed Loki flat on the ground, allowing him some much-needed rest.

"I understand," Loki mumbled, his voice weak. "This is also part of the trial."

"What do you mean?" Thor inquired.

"When individuals are… weary and in agony, they are more inclined to reveal their… true feelings, and also… find it harder to regulate their emotions," Loki articulated with great effort, each word punctuated by gasps as he spoke for an extended period. "They become mentally stimulated… developing a stronger urge to confide…"

Indeed, Thor's heart was still racing. This was a recognized side effect of extreme exertion. He felt remarkably clear-headed, and despite his profound fatigue, he had absolutely no inclination to sleep, feeling instead an enhanced desire to converse further with Loki.

"But is there any detriment to this?" Thor questioned.

"For us, there is no harm," Loki stated. "Because between us, any lingering conflict has long since dissipated. It's only during those rare moments when you've abandoned me, or placed yourself in perilous situations, or consistently disregarded my counsel…"

"Alright, alright, Loki," Thor interrupted, wiping his face. "If you continue in this vein, the conflicts within other teams likely wouldn't compare to the sheer volume we've encountered."

"Precisely. Fundamentally, if their rapport isn't sufficiently robust, or if it is initially good but harbors unspoken resentments, these intense moments become fertile ground for eruption. Even if such dramatic outbursts don't occur, the mere act of heartfelt confession, with its significant emotional turbulence, is profoundly draining. Furthermore, many reckless pronouncements made during these critical junctures can become indelibly etched in one's mind, inevitably clouding subsequent rational judgment."

"This is precisely why I maintain you have no need to exert yourself attempting to mend it," stated Greed, crossing his arms and fixing his gaze upon Stark. "Superficially, it appears the system has malfunctioned, necessitating a halt to the ongoing process, but in reality, this presents yet another formidable trial for their emotional fortitude. Observe, even Batman nearly succumbed, did he not?"