Shiller climbed up the steps of the bus and before he could fully step up, he saw two pitch-black figures reflected in the glass. Without guessing or thinking, he knew that they were two Batmans.
Someone definitely blew the black whistle, Shiller thought. Otherwise, how could he accurately be placed among more than 600 people with the Joker and Batman in just two games? And this time, there were two of them?
Natasha also looked surprised when she came up.
What are those black things across from her? And what are those identical pointed ears? She had never heard of superheroes going out to fight crime dressed as cats. Could this really deter criminals?
Just as Natasha was puzzled, Shiller cleared his throat and said, "Batman."
That's a bat???
Natasha was even more confused. Compared to a bat, it looked more like a black cat, didn't it?
Looking at that sexy chin and stubble, the developed biceps hidden under the tight-fitting suit, the strong thighs and powerful calves, Natasha couldn't help licking her lips.
Since the two boarded the bus together, their plan to pretend not to know each other was ruined. Shiller had to get on the bus with Natasha.
The driver's seat of the bus was blocked by a partition, so they couldn't see the driver's face. Shiller walked a few more steps forward, finally noticing that behind one of the Batmans sat a young man wearing a black and blue uniform. Wasn't that Nightwing?
Could it be that a certain team was made up of members from the Batman family? Which universe's Batman family could it be? What was the story with the other Batman who didn't bring Robin?
Just as Shiller was pondering, the lone Batman eyed him and said, "Good afternoon, Doctor Shiller."
Shiller's pupils narrowed slightly, then he lightly raised an eyebrow, and replied to the Batman, "Good afternoon, Batman."
From his appearance, this should be the Batman of the prime universe.
The Batman next to him immediately turned his head to look at the other one of him who had just spoke. The prime universe Batman introduced succinctly: "Doctor Shiller, the chief physician of Arkham Mental Hospital and the psychological consultant for the Wayne Family."
The other Batman immediately looked at Shiller, and Shiller was also observing him, speculating about which universe's Batman he was.
First of all, the figure of this Batman was slightly leaner than the prime universe's Batman, but it could also be due to the prime universe's Batman's muscles being so perfect that they were almost exaggerated. This Batman seemed to look more normal in comparison.
Additionally, his tight suit wasn't completely made of thin, smooth fabric. There were quite a few protrusions for decoration, including on his chest plate, arm guards, and leg guards. It looked quite technologically aesthetic.
Secondly, the edges of the wings on the bat symbol on his chest were straight lines. This was the decisive factor - The Batman before him was the famous "Beihan" who starred in the trilogy.
Christian Bale played Batman in three movies, the three movies are "Batman: The Mystery of the Bat", "Batman: The Dark Knight", and "Batman: The Rise of the Dark Knight".
That's right, in "Batman: The Dark Knight", he played against the famous Heath Ledger, who was touted as the most accurate portrayal of the Joker in film history.
Shiller slightly raised the corner of his mouth. He knew there was a good show to watch. A rather cold fact is that Beihan does not have a strict no-kill policy. His famous line is "I won't kill you, but I won't save you".
And his character isn't as serious. He perfectly recreated the playful playboy, and could even be described as gentle and rational at times. He did not have the style of the Batman that the majority of people had a fixed impression of, the one who doesn't smile. All in all, he was a decent person.
Of course, this also had to do with Beihan's age at the time. He was relatively young then, but compared to him, the prime universe's Batman was already very "Batman".
Shiller had to stop his thoughts because Natasha kept poking his back with her finger. He heard the female agent's excited but suppressed voice from behind him:
"Damn, those two are hot! Where's the nearest bed?!!!"
Shiller turned his head slightly and also lowered his voice to say: "Can't you be a bit more tense? If you are eliminated, your body will explode."
"Then I hope to splash both of them simultaneously."
Shiller was left speechless. After Natasha's psychological treatment last time, her mental state had improved, but it was a bit too improved. Nick's only criterion for recruiting agents now was that they couldn't be too handsome, otherwise they couldn't withstand the widow's catastrophe.
Shiller led Natasha further into the bus. Beihan's gaze rested on him the entire time, and Shiller and Natasha sat in the row in front of the two Batmans.
Shiller speculated that the two Batmans definitely had some unspoken disputes over who should sit in the last row. Letting Nightwing sit at the back was probably a compromise.
As Shiller crossed them to take his seat, he took the opportunity of turning his head to take a close look at Nightwing, who was sitting in the back, and then realized that this young bird didn't look like the Robin of any Batman present.
But unlike the unique Batmans, the Robins in different universes didn't look too different. Even in movies and video games, they looked similar in terms of appearance, character setting, and personality. Thus, it was hard to tell which Batman's bird this was, just based on his appearance.
No sooner had Shiller and Natasha taken their seats when the bus started. Natasha, sitting on the inside by the window, turned her head to look at the scenery of the road and took the initiative to say: "This doesn't look like any of the famous highways, or even a highway in America. It might be in Canada."
"We are currently in the Southern part of Canada." Beihan took the initiative to speak, "I think we should take this opportunity to introduce ourselves in case we don't have time when the game begins."
"I am Batman." The Primary Universe Batman closed his sentence and didn't speak any further. He half-closed his eyes, looking like he was taking a nap.
"I am Shiller, a chief physician at Arkham Mental Hospital in a certain universe. This is Natasha, an agent from S.H.I.E.L.D., code-named Black Widow."
Natasha gathered up her wind-blown hair, turned her head towards Beihan, and sent him a sidelong whistle.
Beihan looked somewhat helpless, crossing his arms, he said, "I am also Batman, and I don't know how to define the difference between us because that guy refuses to say anything."
Shiller laughed and said, "Don't worry, I once undertook some of the Batman Family's education. I know the real identity of Batman. You don't have to worry about being exposed."
Beihan looked surprised, sizing Shiller up and down. Before he could say anything, Shiller asked, "Mr. Wayne, how are the Robins doing lately?"
Beihan suspected him of bluffing, so he didn't answer. But the silent Batman next to him said, "They have been involved in the urban planning of Gotham City. Thomas thinks that Tim has a particular talent in this area."
Shiller nodded in understanding. He knew the primary universe's Gotham had been ruined from the numerous gang fights led by Thomas and Martha and was probably being rebuilt.
However, the amount of information revealed in the two's conversation shocked Beihan. This secretive doctor seemed to know Batman's identity, and moreover, the very experienced-looking Batman beside him admitted it.
And what's with Thomas? What's the problem with the city planning of Gotham?
Beihan wanted to ask, but he wasn't sure how without giving away his situation, so he could only think briefly before turning his gaze to Natasha.
"You're an agent? Ma'am."
Natasha nodded, "I have been since the Soviet Union period."
"S.H.I.E.L.D..." The Primary Universe Batman repeated the word and Shiller, understanding what he meant, explained, "S.H.I.E.L.D is an organization that manages superheroes and combats super villains in a certain universe. Lady Natasha here is also a member of a superhero team, mainly responsible for intelligence work."
Beihan silently took note of this information and then asked, "What kind of game do you think we will be participating in this time? Why do we need to take the bus to the game site?"
"I've only participated in one game round myself and didn't find any special patterns. Besides, the game I participated in before was a wisdom-based one, different from courage ones."
Shiller slightly turned his body towards Beihan, saying," Fortunately, I had a clever teammate. He believes that the name of the game type isn't indicative of the game content; wisdom games test more than just wisdom. Therefore, courage games probably test more than just courage."
Beihan nodded. He had participated in two game rounds before and reached the same conclusion as Shiller, but he didn't expect this doctor to share his information so freely.
"Being able to gain the trust of Batman means that this doctor must be standing on the side of justice," Beihan speculated.
After all, he was also Batman and knew who Batman was likely to befriend. For instance, Gordon and Harvey, though different in character and career, all had one thing in common: a heart for justice.
Plus, the doctor's way of expressing trust and goodwill was very ordinary-starting topics proactively, sharing some information, expressing the intention to fight together in unity. Just like every hopeful person in Gotham that Batman had ever met.
Should he form an alliance with him?
Just as Beihan was pondering, a clear reminder echoed in the bus.
"The game rules will be announced now. Please listen carefully, all Duelists."
The bus was quiet with no one saying a word.
"The game-'Ten Days Talk' is about to begin."
"The duelists are advised to take the designated bus to ten specific locations and spend a day and night at each. Survival means victory, there is no limit to the total number of survivors, but those who fail to get on the bus within 30 minutes of its arrival will be executed."
"Ten terrifying killers will relentlessly pursue the duelists at the ten special locations. If you fail to survive the pursuit, you are automatically out of the game. The killers have special and powerful capabilities. Be careful."
"Special rule: All duelists participating in the game will have their capabilities adjusted to the 'Human Physical Fitness Template 13-Horror Movie Protagonist'. All other special abilities cannot be used."
"The effectiveness of healing class medication is reduced by 50%, mental stability class medication effectiveness is reduced by 30%, the damage rate of firearms is increased by 50%, and hunger and thirst values are increased by 30%."
Murmurs followed the announcement of a string of figures; no one was listening anymore.
The Primary Universe Batman and Natasha simultaneously and swiftly moved to the seats furthest away from Shiller, causing shock from both Beihan and Nightwing, who were left staring.