He went to retrieve the torch that was hung on the wooden rack before, and Batman stood up, reaching out to him. Merkel hesitated for a moment, but eventually handed him the torch.
Batman went over to fetch a piece of raw lumber and two discarded iron sheets next to the derelict mine cart, then settled back down at the table. He whittled the wood as he listened to Shiller explaining the current situation.
Shiller pointed at the representation of the Desolate Continent on the sand table and said, "At present, Astro has declared war on Beelzebub. Their territories share borders to the northeast and the southwest, situated on the eastern side of the Desolate Continent."
"The territories of Azazel and Belial are located on the southeastern side of the Desolate Continent, sharing borders north and south, and Belial's territory, because it's closer to the center, borders Astro's territory east and west."
"In other words, Belial's position is vital in this war."
"If he chooses to participate in the war, he can choose to ally with Beelzebub who are farther away to counter the closer Astro and Azazel, or he can choose to align with Astro on this side to contain Azazel so that Astro can confidently attack Beelzebub."
Having outlined four territories on the sand table, Shiller placed his finger on the land of Belial and said, "According to the information I got from the supervisor, our current location is at the eastern side of Belial's territory, which means it's closer to Astro's territory."
"This is the second largest mine in Belial's territory, providing over 30% of the metal ore resources for Belial's army and equipment."
"Demons working here are of two types. One is the natives who lived here even before the area became a mine. When Belial's army occupied the region, they naturally became miners under Belial. "
"The other category are slaves brought here by the Sandworm, just like us. Speaking of that giant sandworm, one cannot miss to mention the master of this mine, the Rotting Heart General, who is also known as the 'Beast Tamer'."
Alfred and Shiller exchanged a glance, and at this point, Batman had finished making the oil lamp frame. He removed the fuel-soaked cloth from the torch and placed it on the iron sheet in the center of the frame, then lit it again, placing the lantern in the middle of the table.
"It's quite a rarity," Shiller began. "Batman, you haven't offered any strategic options or intelligence. Don't you intend to join the discussion?"
Batman shook his head, staring intently at the sand table on the table, said, "Actually, I've always been curious about your so-called revolution. I didn't experience that era, I don't know how it all happened."
"When I was contemplating Gotham's future in the slums, I considered how the October Revolution, which established that nation happened. Why has Gotham been in decay for so many years and still lacks such conditions, and why, you clearly also want to improve Gotham's conditions and are more knowledgeable about these theoretical ideas than I am, but chose not to take that path?" Batman asked Shiller.
Shiller shook his head and said, "Perhaps, you'll discover the reasons soon enough."
Alfred glanced at Batman, appearing somewhat hesitant, but ultimately, he kept silent.
"In that case, I want to see how all this will unfold," Batman said. "I'll help as much as I can, but I won't express any opinions, nor will I use any powers beyond those of ordinary humans."
"You know what, Batman …" Shiller looked him in the eyes again and said, "If you'd learned to keep your mouth shut sooner, you would have graduated with high honors."
"If I'd learned to keep my mouth shut earlier, perhaps, I would have earned that status from another professor," Batman retorted, clearly recalling his first encounter with Shiller.
Shiller just shook his head, similarly reflecting upon their shared past. His attention returned to the sand table on the table. Using the light of the oil lamp, he erased the map of Hell and redrew the map of the Seven Mountains Mine, before he began to speak:
"Our first operational target is to liberate the Seven Mountains Mine. This may seem to be a piece of cake, but truthfully, it might be the hardest step among all of our plans since it's only the four of us right now... no, perhaps three and a half... or even, two and a half."
"Now, I will announce the first mission. Alfred and I have infiltrated among the supervisors. In the next couple of days, we will continue our interactions with the supervisors to get more intel, especially getting the low-down on the Beast Tamer, the Rotting Heart General, who controls all the sandworms."
"Meanwhile, Batman and Merkel, you two are responsible for going into the lower levels, starting with your roommates and work pals, to figure out the bottom-line situation among the mine-slave workers: what they have, what they lack, and what they want the most."
Shiller glanced at Batman and Merkel, then continued, "I think this won't be too difficult for you two, so I have another requirement."
"Because in Hell, there are many different races. Unlike humans, these races differ greatly from each other, some have props and flops."
"In the next couple of days, you also need to understand, as much as possible, the status of all the races in the mine, who are enemies and who are on good terms. Not only understanding their racial relationships, but for the people around you, also work out the details of their personal relationships."
"I hope, that in two days, we can all complete our respective tasks and bring the best news back here."
As the lantern gradually extinguished, the only light shining on the sand table now was the flickering spot from the distant volcanic eruptions. The entire mining site, just like the sand table, sunk into silence.
Batman stood at the entrance of the abandoned mine in the middle of the mountain, overlooking the desolate land. The quieter and darker it was, the more it reminded him of the hustle and bustle of Gotham.
After Shiller and Merkel left, Alfred was the only one to approach. This time, he didn't just stand behind Batman, but instead chose to stand at his side.
"Do you find this absurd?" Alfred still spoke in his usual warm tone, but this time, Batman heard a resolution in his words.
"We're seeking justice for the demons here in Hell, just like what you've been doing in Gotham."
"In this world, there's no life that doesn't deserve to be saved, the ugliness, disorder, and stupidity are all caused by a common enemy."
Batman turned to look at Alfred, his eyes reflecting the fiery light from the distant river of lava.
"If we can save demons in Hell, then undoubtedly you can save the Gothamites in Gotham, Batman…" Alfred looked at Batman, speaking with a firm tone, "
"You're not fighting alone."
Then he exhaled a breath, his head turned back, looking down on his feet and said,
"Neither am I."