958

"You keep emphasizing your weakness, even going so far as to have me double your dosage of tranquilizer, implanting in us the illusion that you are unable to resist or escape using physical means."

"However, I have seen the reactions of those who have overdosed on tranquilizers-- they lose almost all logical thinking, unable to act in their drowsiness and sluggishness, unlike you, who still has the energy to taunt us."

"After creating the illusion that you're on our side and very weak, you begin to spin words to create an image of a powerful enemy, as if he is the hunter and we are the prey, trying to put pressure on us."

Scott shook his head and said, "However, quite the opposite is true. His first two attacks not only failed to harm any of us, but exposed his own position and way of thinking."

"The strategic shift we initially made was not about running away. In fact, we wouldn't have bothered if it wasn't necessary to ensure your safety."

"After the so-called harrowing ordeal, you began to dictate more and more affairs. To the ordinary person, they would fall into your trap by now, thinking you're just a harmless strategist able to resolve the current crisis and that the only way to escape is to depend on and trust you."

"However, in reality, all these illusions and assumptions are traps you've constructed. Among the criminals we've arrested, this trick has been used countless times."

Scott approached Shiller and said "I dislike dealing with some highly intelligent criminals, as every single word and action of theirs is for the purpose of setting a trap for me…"

Unexpectedly, Shiller skillfully interjected, speaking as if half asleep, "And you know, the best way to deal with them, apart from ignoring them, is to use violence to shut them up."

Scott's fist, raised mid-air, halted as Shiller tipped his head back, eyes lowered. Through his half-closed eyelids, he watched Scott, then revealed a triumphant smile, saying,

"How do you know that my objective of setting up this series of traps is to escape rather than to die here?"

Shiller closed his eyes, his voice lowering, "You know well that I am a renowned psychologist. Even if you administer a full dosage of tranquilizers, I can use self-hypnosis to bring my heart rate down to an extreme state."

"At this point, if subjected to violent stimuli, I might go into shock directly. I'm sure, you have no means to resuscitate me." Shiller, on the edge of consciousness, emitted a low, deep chuckle before saying,

"Do you want to try and continue swinging your fist? Hit me once, let me cry out in pain, then gamble that the heart-rate monitor on my wrist will forgive your impertinent behaviour?"

Scott rubbed his eyes. His fist in mid-air clenched and unclenched. In the end, he waved his hand dismissively and lowered his arm.

He bent down, supporting himself with his hands on his knees, bringing his face near to Shiller's and staring into his eyes as he spoke.

"Professor, even amongst the cunning criminals I have encountered, rancorous and desperate as they may be, you still astound me the most."

"But I must remind you, such tricks won't work in Washington with its comprehensive medical facilities."

"Thank you for your reminder, Mr. Agent." Shiller lowered his head once again as if falling asleep, and murmured, "I should also remind you, your fist will lose its effectiveness before my tricks do."

"Bang! Bang! BANG!!!"

"Intruder! Intruder!!!"

"Whizz! Bang! Boom!"

"Oh! What is that?! My God! Monster! A monster!!! Help!!! An alligator monster has stormed in!!!"

Scott turned around in an instant, and he saw a massive figure jumping out from the central of the three passages. The roadblocks and coils intended to stop this figure failed to serve their purpose; they were flattened almost immediately.

In the interior lights, Scott saw that it was a giant half-human half-alligator monster. The regular firearm rounds only left a series of sparks on his alligator-like armor--Agent Laurena, who was about to shoot, was swept away by the creature's giant tail.

Following closely behind was a shadow. He wasn't as strong or tall as the alligator monster, but he was more lethal.

Any agent who came face to face with him was floored in one round. Scott saw that from his pitch black armor came a series of electric sparks, instantly knocking out any agent that came in contact with them."

The duo's infiltration was too fast; the remaining agents didn't have time to equip the powerful automatic weapons. Seeing them charge directly towards Shiller, Scott subconsciously drew his military knife from his waist and held it against Shiller's neck.

In an instant, the man in black stopped. Scott narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Whoever you are, I know what your target is. Put down your weapon, tell your companion to stop, or I'll kill him on the spot."

Scott's hand was clasping Shiller's neck, the blade's tip against his Adam's apple. Because of this, he felt the faint vibration from Shiller's vocal cords, "He didn't bring a gun, hence he can't drop it."