Chapter 2086: Knight's Terrifying Night (28)_1

Jason eyed Shiller warily as he suddenly appeared by the doorway, noticing that the man made no sound as he walked.

This was clearly a learned technique, a traceable stealth skill that hinted at a concentrated effort from Shiller, making his motives a subject of deep thought.

But Jason did not display any signs of panic. Instead, he fixed his gaze on Shiller, with his body slightly leaning forward and stepping over the gap of the sofa. His movements, somewhat resembling a mongoose discovering a predator at the door, were filled with tension and caution.

With his index finger, he lifted the edge of a drawing on paper. Shiller spoke, "It's not very polite to touch other people's belongings."

"Can't I admire your work?"

"I hope you will ask that question next time before touching it." Shiller approached, his movements and strides devoid of any distinct aggression.

Jason retracted his hand; this was a fairly successful test that confirmed Shiller didn't plan to resort to any aggressive actions just yet.

Indeed, he is different from the Joker, Jason thought, not for the first time. And now, he started to ponder the reasons behind this difference beyond his initial impressions.

The most apparent difference lay in their appearances. Jason had met the so-called 'master of comedy' prior to being kidnapped by the Joker at Arkham Asylum. The moment he laid eyes on him, he knew him to be a attention-seeking madman.

Every part of the Joker - his unruly green hair, pale skin, wide, grinning mouth - shouted, "Look at me, I'm different!"

However, this Dr. Shiller was too ordinary. Jason knew that the reason he felt so out of place in the Batcave was not himself, but rather, by normal standards, he was the odd one out among the oddly-dressed individuals.

Without engaging in deeper conversation, Jason could see that Shiller was a high-class individual of certain social standing. His expensive and eccentric suit was in line with his image and personality.

The Joker's manner of speech was always frenzied, and he said things intentionally difficult to comprehend. Shiller, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. So far, Jason hadn't heard him say a word that was hard to understand.

Shiller spoke slowly, articulating his words very clearly. His grammar and vocabulary were impeccable, as if suited for a children's reading example. It seemed his goal was to be understood by all, including children.

The most striking thing to Jason was that this seemingly pretentious manner felt more genuine than Shiller himself. He believed that if he peeled back a layer of skin, he would find muscles more standard than those of an average person.

So he wouldn't attempt such a test. It wasn't a key to survival.

Jason sat on the sofa across from him. The painting was right in front of him. He glanced at it when he sat down, then looked at Shiller and said, "I think we need to talk."

Shiller unbuttoned his suit jacket, placed his hands on his legs, and said, "I'm glad you're taking such a proactive approach, but I'm afraid we only have half an hour."

"What are you so busy with?" Jason asked in surprise.

"Something that doesn't concern you," Shiller replied calmly, looking at Jason. "At least not yet."

Jason heaved a sigh, trying hard to suppress the feeling of being rushed. He said, "It's not coincidence that you brought me here, and it's not coincidence that I came. I didn't come here because I'm afraid of you or Batman."

"When I realized I couldn't communicate directly with Batman, I chose to sit here. Maybe he will hear. Maybe you can convey it to him. That is, regardless of what he wants to do, I won't change my opinion."

Shiller picked up a notebook from the side, took out a pen from his suit pocket, and began noting down what Jason was saying.

"Just in case, Jason, I think you should repeat your point of view to me once again. You've never done that," Shiller said as he laid his writing arm on the notebook, sat straight, and looked at Jason. "I don't want to misinterpret your argument as a simplistic and biased desire to 'kill all criminals.' Can you explain this in detail?"

"You sure are professional," Jason said, with a trace of sarcasm. "It's a pity that others can't utilize their professionalism to reach your position because they feel they can but in reality, they can't."

"I never intended to kill all the criminals in the world." Jason's deep, raspy voice became somewhat sharper as he said, "You make a person's point of view more extreme to provoke the disagreement of others. That way, it's easier to refute. That's what Batman does."

"I assume he's never listened to your detailed thoughts."

"I spoke, but he didn't respond. So, I stopped speaking."

"Is his response very important to you?"

"His lack of response made me realize that what I say or do means nothing to him. I can't change him."