"Conformity..." Magneto subtly pronounced the term. However, these were just literal words without any profound understanding.
At this point, Magneto had not grasped the intricacies. Shiller provided timely guidance, explaining:
"When everyone around says 'no', an individual is also more inclined to say 'no'. If the judgment about something is generally negative, even if you haven't personally experienced it, chances are that you will also hold a negative opinion."
"This is not a human weakness. Rather, it is a side effect of the human race domesticating itself, and building collective consciousness since the establishment of social living."
"People not wanting to be different from others doesn't imply they lack individuality. It's simply that their instinct dictates, the majority's choice is likely to pose less danger."
"And when applied to you, it means that hardly anyone except me has sincerely praised you. My views are in opposition to the masses. Since you've already accepted the majority's viewpoint, naturally, your first response to my dissent is rejection."
"It's not because you're insecure or suspicious, but because you've sided with the masses."
Magneto's expression instantly froze. For the first time, someone told him he was siding with the masses. He sneakily scoffed, "This joke isn't amusing at all."
"Do you think you're a nonconformist, avoiding the run-of-the-mill?" Shiller asked further.
Magneto didn't respond verbally but his gaze said it all.
If Magneto was indeed good at blending into the society of ordinary people, he wouldn't be alone in the Andromeda Galaxy now.
As soon as this thought crossed his mind, Magneto realized that Shiller had meticulously set a catch-22 trap, though it required many steps.
If he admitted he's unlikable and unworthy of someone's genuine praise, it would mean that he agreed with the majority's view. As someone who loathes the commoners, Magneto would rather die than flow with them.
And if he wanted to disagree with the majority, he would have to think of himself as deserving of love and praise. That would align his views with Shiller's. In other words, he would have to accept Shiller's praise, admit his kindness was not self-serving but genuine.
Magneto had never sincerely accepted praise from anyone or recognized others' kindness in his life.
No matter which path Magneto would choose, it necessitated a step he had never taken before.
Magneto narrowed his eyes while staring at Shiller. Then, with a peculiar intonation, he said, "It seems like you've done this before, Doctor."
Unexpectedly, instead of constantly pressuring him for an answer like before, Shiller simply picked up his cup of water and after a sip, he said:
"Erik, the tea's getting cold. Have it while it's warm."
Magneto didn't pay any attention to the cup. His focus remained on Shiller as his reaction was beyond anticipation.
Shiller's words were akin to eliminating the trap he had set. Magneto could use this to shift the conversation instead of making that catch-22 decision.
What puzzled Magneto was that Shiller had done this intentionally. He gave Magneto a dignified way out: A change of subject, rather than utilizing the carefully crafted linguistic trap to push Magneto to take a new step.
This made Magneto question Shiller's motives further. It seemed like a perfect opportunity to breach his psychological defenses, why hold back when the blade was already against his forehead?
Suddenly, Magneto paused. He turned his gaze to the tea cup, considering his recent actions.
Previously, when Shiller had depicted him as a defeated dog being kicked off the Earth, he had controlled the tea cup to hover at Shiller's forehead.
Indeed, he could have controlled the tea cup to spill and splash water on Shiller's face.
Or kept the teacup immovable, even if Shiller tried touching or pulling it, it would not budge. It wouldn't harm Shiller but just cause a little embarrassment. However, he chose not to do so.
Similarly, when Shiller had a metaphorical blade against Magneto's head, crafted with words, he could have continued pressuring him for an answer, forcing him to make a choice.
This would not have harmed Magneto psychologically, it would just showcase him as someone who fell into the language trap without realizing.
Only at this point did Magneto realize that every action and every word that Shiller had used since entering the room was meaningful, even the recent statement: "Your tea is cooling down, have it now."
Not only was that a way out, but it also acted as a cue signaling the reveal of the correct answer.
If you're not going to respect me despite your power, I won't pressure you with my wordy victory.
Then Magneto wondered, why hadn't Shiller responded when he had the tea cup hovering against his forehead?
Magneto was convinced that Shiller had the capacity to avert that crisis elegantly.
Yet, Shiller had done nothing except wait silently. Only when the surface of the water had calmed down did he decide to take the next step, cautiously.
Magneto thought about how since entering the room, Shiller had never put the object in his hand on any surface other than the floor, an action that required overcoming the innate social instinct.
A question started swirling in Magneto's mind – Shiller didn't need to behave this way, so why had he chosen to do so?
Why was Shiller being exceedingly courteous while dealing with a terrorist?
If it was just Shiller's instinct, he surely was terrifyingly noble. If it was a special treatment for Magneto, what virtues of his deserved it?
Could it be that Shiller truly had a different perception of Magneto compared to ordinary people? That he didn't find Magneto annoying and hard to approach?
Could Shiller genuinely believe that making extra effort to show kindness would reap rewards?
Magneto let out a long sigh. Before this, nobody had ever heard Magneto sigh. He had always been cold, serious, and imposing.
But when Shiller picked up the tea cup and took a sip, the tea no longer tasted bitter due to being slightly cool. On the contrary, it was heated to the perfect temperature to sip.
As the steam rose, the aroma of the tea filled the room. Shiller raised his cup towards Magneto slightly.
He seemed to have prepared some words to say, but he lowered his head when he opened his mouth and modestly said:
"Just because you enjoy old wine doesn't mean you can't appreciate new tea, right?"