In the corridor of the Tower of Thought, DC Schiller was looking up at the situation unfold on the surface of consciousness. He turned to the Superego next to him and said:
"So, you've been waiting for him here. But then again, the superheroes of Marvel are more serious. They should've thought sooner that to handle a mental patient, some forceful measures are needed."
Superego was leaning on the railing, saying, "If greed can be healed, or the situation can be improved, it would be a huge stride on our path to recovery."
"Compared to that, that bit of energy doesn't matter."
DC Schiller laughed, "That kid is really scared. He's been hiding in the hospital room for the past few days."
Superego turned around, saying:
"I'll go and comfort him."
Watching Superego's departing figure, DC Schiller could tell that he was somewhat angry about Greed's actions.
However, the Superego is the collective will of a personality; he doesn't need to be harsh to his other selves. But from his level of anger, it seemed like Marvel Schiller was bound to face serious trouble this time.
Just as DC Schiller had deduced, Marvel Schiller was now in deep doubt.
He thought he might be suffering from a hallucination due to overwork, or might've been tricked by some illusion technique. Otherwise, why would he dream such a ridiculous situation where everyone was ignoring him?
What Schiller couldn't understand was, whether for personal gain or emotional needs, his friends had no reason to push him away.
He had such strong earning ability, such a solid will to lead the human race forward, and their friendship was so strong. Why was he suddenly ostracized?
Schiller was also a mental patient, so he also had some self-ignorance, a condition common in people with mental disorders. He thought his behavior was entirely normal.
Schiller helped accumulate capital for S.H.I.E.L.D., helped the Holy Sanctuary conduct business, helped the Stark Group elevate their status, helped Asgard address potential futures crisis...
Whether from motive, process, or result, he did everything perfectly. He didn't think that any other transmigrator could do a better job than him.
After all, Schiller felt that his series of plans considered both profit and emotional needs, enhanced both individual and racial strength, healed personal psychological traumas, and reconciled many conflicts between people.
In the end, he would use the power of the system to fill in all regrets. Shouldn't this lead to a scenario where everyone is delighted? Why did it fail at the last step?
Schiller couldn't accept this outcome. He had already taken 99 steps, so why did it go wrong at the last step?
The first thing Schiller thought of was, had he done a bad thing with good intentions?
For example, after reviving Howard and Eugene, they started arguing with their sons again, leading to Stark and Strange becoming even angrier and thus ignoring him.
But Schiller looked at his medical records and the psychological tests he conducted on Stark and Strange. They both had similar attitudes when it came to dealing with blood relatives.
Although they had a few small conflicts with their relatives due to personality differences, overall, they still loved their family members.
So, these two had no reason to take their grievances to Schiller. And for everyone else, it's even more unlikely.
Someone like Nick, who's always dissatisfied, how could he possibly fire his best financial advisor? Loki knows a crisis might closely threaten Asgard, why then would he not want Schiller's power?
Schiller thought about it for an entire day in the clinic, but he couldn't figure it out. He still didn't want to give up. He believed there were still good people in the world, so he called Matt, only to find out that Matt and Erica had gone to Japan together.
Indeed, they had not reached an agreement on issues of marriage and education yet, but they found a solution on their own.
That is to align against a common enemy, and then defeat him, until all the enemies are gone. This way, not only can they enhance their bond through fighting side by side, but also create a safe environment for their future child.
When Schiller called, Matt seemed to have just woken up. From Matt's tone, Schiller knew that they must have stayed late into the night. Schiller didn't want to ask any more questions, so he hung up the phone.
Next, Schiller called Peter. But what shocked him more was that Peter had volunteered to go for an internship in the Andromeda galaxy with his good friend Harry.
Initially, Magneto was angry that the fight between Stark and Strange affected his daughter, Polaris. But when Peter approached him, he wavered.
Peter suggested that as long as he took classes in the Andromeda Galaxy for a while, the conflict between mutants and the Stark Group would be resolved.
Magneto agreed reluctantly, but Professor X was overjoyed. Everyone knew Spider Man was a gem. Perhaps he isn't the best in some aspects, but he is very well-rounded.
He was intellectual, skilled in combat, and had impeccable character and morals, not to mention his looks. If he didn't already have a girlfriend, Professor X would've played matchmaker for him.
After Peter's visit, on one hand, he could offer classes to the newly selected young mutants, supplementing their theoretical knowledge in modifying Sky Island. On the other hand, his character was far better than most mutants; with him as a guide, the younger mutants wouldn't stray off track.
Professor X didn't mind him taking along Little Green Demon. The young master of the Osborn Group probably wanted to see if there were any worthy investment opportunities in the Andromeda Galaxy. Familiarity would be helpful for future business collaborations.
So, Professor X cheerfully took his two treasured students to the Andromeda Galaxy. Before departure, he didn't forget to take along the troublemaker Magneto and his family, to ensure they wouldn't stir up any trouble and disturb Schiller's recovery.
Professor X also learned about Schiller's condition from Stark and was even more resolute in his decision. He had a better understanding of psychology and mental disorders.
Professor X knew that solely comforting and pacifying a mentally ill patient doesn't help much.
Many people might think it's inhumane for psychiatric hospitals to forcefully medicate their patients. However, a lot of mental patients, when not having an episode, consent to being medicated. After all, they can't control themselves during an episode, feel extreme pain, and need someone to help them.
In Professor X's view, Schiller is in a similar situation, currently in a state of unawareness. Hence, using some forceful measures seemed reasonable. Although it might cause him short-term pain, it would be beneficial in the long run.
Professor X knew how much Schiller had done for mutants. He assured Stark that mutants fully supported Schiller's treatment plan, and he would cooperate fully if there were anything he could do to help.
Knowing that Peter and Harry had resolved their conflict and had started a new adventure in the Andromeda Galaxy, Schiller felt relieved yet somewhat adrift. Like a father witnessing his child walk without assistance for the first time.
Nonetheless, Schiller didn't plan on giving up. He called S.H.I.E.L.D., challenging the efficiency of their financial report optimization.
The person who picked up the call was Natasha. In a business-like tone, she told Schiller on the phone:
"Schiller, after an internal investigation by S.H.I.E.L.D., it's confirmed that you've leaked a large amount of S.H.I.E.L.D. intel to Hydra. As the deputy director of S.H.I.E.L.D., I hereby announce your removal from the agency and note that we reserve the right to hold you accountable...
Schiller hung up abruptly, redialed, and called Nick's private secure mobile phone. As soon as the call connected, he heard Nick's voice from the other end:
"Doctor, it's confirmed from an internal Hydra investigation that you've sold a large amount of Hydra intel to S.H.I.E.L.D. As the head of the Hydra American Division, I declare your dismissal, and we reserve the right to hold you accountable …"
Schiller ended the call, threw his phone to the floor and smashed it.
Amid the flying pieces, he took a deep breath on the couch, using his arm to block his eyes.
Yet Schiller wasn't about to give up so easily. I may not be needed by the superheroes, he thought, but can't I switch sides?
Schiller began counting on his fingers, trying to see which villains he could rely on now.
The 'Spiderman' series was eliminated first. The villains in the Spiderman series are more down-to-earth. The Sinister Six each have their own special abilities, which can be fully utilized in today's world. They're all doing well in their respective posts, and there's not much need for Schiller's help.
The 'Captain America' series was definitely out of the question; neither Hydra nor the Skrulls depicted in the films posed a threat anymore.
The 'Iron Man' series also had to be eliminated; Obadiah was hospitalized, Whiplash was in Russia participating in a confidential project. Schiller's bombing resulted in casualties from both the military and Congress. The newly promoted were busy stabilizing their positions with no time for trouble.
The largest villain in the 'Thor' series, Loki, was now lost in the interstellar space. With Odin still alive, Hela and other villains daren't step outside, fearing the wrath of Thor.
In the 'Supreme Magician' series, Strange no longer had a chance to get into a car accident. Modu was busy with Dark Dimension's annual financial report. The other mages, who were supposed to turn traitor, were now customer service representatives at the Holy Sanctuary, having lost their chance to become villains.
Schiller had neither the contact information nor a full understanding of the villains that other superheroes confronted. After much deliberation, Schiller decided to focus on 'The Avengers' series.
Of course, the first half of the Avengers film was about the civil war. However, as the spark of the war, the Howard couple, have now been revived, dwelling on past conflicts makes no sense as neither side has the desire to fight anymore.
But thinking about the second half of the Avengers' story, gave Schiller a new train of thought.
How about Thanos? Maybe I should help him out!