Chapter 999: High Tower Battle (33)_1

"The capital you possess places you above the common folks you sympathize with in terms of class, granting you far more power than they have. You hope to use this power responsibly, creating happy livelihoods for them."

"However, the general public's happiness doesn't result from a capitalist's efforts, nor does it need a capitalist's involvement to come about."

"Capitalists create nothing. They only exploit layer by layer, constantly sucking the blood of the people striving to create happier lives."

"You believe that since you possess such immense power and have not recklessly abused it, you've done your utmost for the welfare of the people. Yet the power you have attained is built right upon the exploitation of the people."

"That is why there are no benevolent capitalists in this world. The wealth they use to exhibit philanthropy is drained from the veins of the proletariat, including yours, Batman."

"The enormous wealth you've amassed, the high-tech gear you possess, and the resources you've invested in saving people, it all essentially comes from the people."

Shiller positioned himself across Batman and, as their grey and blue eyes locked, it resembled waves crashing against a dam's high barrier.

Shiller looked at Batman and said, "I once told you that you needed to devote your entire wealth to saving humanity, helping them achieve ultimate happiness."

"You made this difficult decision, thus perceiving yourself as incredibly noble, with a dedicated spirit."

"However, you're not noble, and this is not dedication. Everything you've sacrificed is what the people rightfully deserve."

"Just like now, you, along with the demons, have claimed the mines, have ousted the rule of the Rotting Heart General, you've become the new mine owner, thereby possessing more power. But this should not be solely yours. It must belong to every demon who has poured labor and shed blood during this process."

Shiller slightly tilted his head and, looking into Batman's eyes, said, "Your gaze tells me you're unconvinced."

"You're thinking that without you, they would have never awakened. You're thinking of how you too bled and battled on the frontlines, even achieving more victories than they did."

"Indeed, you have acted as a guide and naturally deserved rewards. But is the reward so immense that it entails claiming the fruits of everyone else's labor?"

Shiller leaned in slightly, looking into Batman's blue eyes, he said,

"I believe, Batman, your mind should now be filled with various negative emotions towards my conclusions."

"So, answer me, Batman. Are these negative emotions stemming from your greed for capital or arrogance towards the people?"

"Let go of me!" Batman growled. It was rare for him to raise his lips, revealing his teeth, looking like a defensive beast. He repeated, "Let go of me! Joker! Or you will surely die!"

Shiller took two steps back, showing a bright smile. He said, "Do you see it? Can you feel it?"

Batman's forehead vein bulged as his arm muscles swelled. He had loosened the chain's buckle, but then he suddenly froze.

Panting continuously as if exhausted, he eventually calmed down and with a dazed expression inquired, "…Why?"

"What do you want to ask?" Shiller asked patiently.

But Batman fell silent. He hung silently against the stone pillar like an obstinate slab of meat left untouched in the corner of a butcher's shop for far too long.

"I believe you've found the answer." Shiller's tone softened as if he were a true teacher. He said, "You must understand why we're unwilling to discuss this topic with you."

"It's not because you're now a capitalist, but because, from the very beginning, you've been disinclined to join the working class."

"You've been in fear of this identity." Shiller assessed, "Perhaps it's not because of your greed for capital or your arrogance towards the people, but once again due to your past psychological trauma that makes you fearful of the idea of 'powerlessness'."

"You resent facing the tragedy of your parents' death, feeling helpless all over again, not desiring to once again feel helpless when confronted with such a situation."

"You believe that the working class is powerless, lacking knowledge, wealth, and weapons, having nothing. The more you understand the cruelty of reality, the more you feel they are unable to resist... you fear this predicament."

Batman hung his head, remaining silent, while Shiller said, "The feeling of powerlessness often comes from low or depleted intrinsic motivation, increasing which requires a sense of security."

Shiller sighed, "I really don't want to say this because it sounds like a cliché from the last century, but it suits your situation."

"Money, technology, equipment, none of these can offer you a true sense of security. Capital cannot be your only hope. Capital cannot be anyone's only hope."

"You need concern, understanding, and trust, to be loved by someone, and to have someone to love."

Batman closed his eyes, staying silent. Shiller didn't plan to pester him into speaking. He just tilted his head towards the demon at the entrance, who stepped forward and untied the chains. Shiller shrugged and said,