Chapter 165: The Long Easter (Part Five)_3

Upon arriving in Gotham, outsiders discovered that the city wasn't quite as they had imagined it to be. Previously, their perception was of a city embroiled in perpetual gunfights, characterized by rampant looting. However, upon their arrival, they realized that Gotham had order.

Compared to other regions, Gotham was indeed peculiar. The keepers of order here were the mob, who were firm in their stance, violent in their means, savagely erratic, yet the order borne out of violence was still order.

When the entire city was caught up in the fervent atmosphere of a joint venture, the disadvantages that came with the violent order were well hidden, while the benefits, such as efficiency and stability, were intriguing.

Using the term "stability" to describe such a city may sound absurd, but that was the reality. Outsiders discovered that the order established by the mob was, in fact, stable, at least during times of financial abundance and when everyone had work.

There is no shortage of desperadoes in this world ready to risk their lives for money. Word of profitable opportunities in Gotham quickly spread, and numerous such individuals started to venture to Gotham to try their luck.

The influx of more and more outsiders sparked an interest in the internal affairs of Gotham, which began to be noticed and discussed. The mysterious veil of this City of Sin started to be gradually lifted, as reports about the city began appearing in major media and newspapers.

Many perceived it as a barbaric land where monsters feasted on blood, others saw it as the City of Crime where sin flourished, but what most people saw from these reports about Gotham was a chaotic, yet affluent, metropolis.

Here, the mob leaders drove luxury cars, smoked cigars, and tossed bundles of money from the rooftops. Rock musicians sang heavy metal amidst showers of money, while colorful graffiti adorned the background. Neon lights reflected off the ceaseless flow of vehicles on the roads, with crowds of people shouting excitedly from the sidelines...

Just like Shiller, people began to recognize that this was not only a city of crime but also a city of geniuses. It was a city of sins, but also a city of art.

No city in the world shares Gotham's absurd and peculiar aesthetic. It is the breeding ground for performance art, a haven for misunderstood madmen.

Many even found resonance in this kind of temperament. They began trying to deconstruct the reasons and current status of such a unique city. Subsequently, they were infected by the overflowing madness here, becoming spiritual residents of the City of Sin.

Artists worshipped madness, intellectuals cried out for freedom, fools lived absurd lives while the intelligent amassed piles of wealth. The chaos of Gotham bred countless distinctive souls, unparalleled individuals whose like could not be found anywhere else.

As this kind of temperament gradually became recognized, the image of Gotham transformed from a city of human depravity into the root of sin with a hint of divinity and mystique.

It's hard to say whether it's a good change, but at least there is a change.

This shift in the city's external image led to other changes as well, such as a ringing phone line at Gotham University's admission office. Young people seeking rebellion and novelty began to include Gotham University in their list of schools to apply for.

However, the teachers at Gotham University hardly had any time to answer queries. The freezing of Gotham had, of course, also affected the teaching facilities at Gotham University. The main problem was the cracked roads, which were a huge headache.

Due to widespread cracking in the campus square and playground, students couldn't use these facilities. The teaching building had also become unsafe overnight due to foundational damage and no one dared to enter, leading to a temporary halt in teaching activities. There weren't enough personnel to assist either, so teachers and students had to do the work themselves.

Almost all the plans for the activities preceding Easter were canceled. An entire corner of the restaurant building had collapsed, so there could be no question of organizing any banquets. It was as if everyone had forgotten about Easter, as they were all engrossed in rebuilding the campus.

Shiller, leading a few students, hurried through the corridor and arrived at the door of a large classroom. Upon seeing him, the students quickly shouted, "Professor! Over here! We can hardly hold him down!"

Shiller rushed over, as several students were trying to subdue a male student who was struggling wildly, convulsing and foaming at the mouth, reminiscent of a mental breakdown.

Shiller said, "Restrain him first, then carry him to the car, and take him to the hospital."

After following the car to Arkham Psychiatric Hospital, before he could begin treatment, he received another call. Victor was saying on the other line, "Another student has taken ill in Dormitory Building 2. It's a sophomore girl, what on earth is going on?"

"It could be a complication from getting caught in the rain. I have to conduct a thorough check-up. In case there are more cases, just take them directly to the hospital," Shiller replied.

After hanging up the call, Shiller went to the room of that ill male student. Through the observation window, he saw the young man scurrying fearfully to one side of the bed, shouting meaninglessly. Shiller shook his head and softly said, "These symptoms are somewhat unusual…"

He called Victor again and asked, "Have these students encountered anything unusual recently?"

"Didn't you say it was due to…"

"The symptoms are slightly different from those caused by getting wet in the rain. Although convulsions and excitement are common in both, there are subtle differences in the details."

"Encountered something..." Victor sounded puzzled over the phone, "I'll help you ask around. These two students were from different grades... Oh! Wait! What did you say? Damn it... another person has taken ill! Where are they? Quick, take me there…"

Then, while running, Victor spoke into the phone, "Another student has taken ill. Once I find a common factor, I'll let you know..."