Days as a Spiritual Mentor in American Comics

"Is it legal?" Natasha frowned and asked.

"It is still legal as of now." Her subordinate thought for a moment and said, "But the word from Washington is that the President is planning to legislate on financial reforms, so who knows if it will remain legal in the future."

"I see," Natasha said. "To undermine the legitimacy of someone's policy, you first need to undermine their legitimacy. Gossiping about an affair with a suspected foreign spy is just perfect."

"The military doesn't seem to support this decision either," her subordinate said. "The financial sector can provide quite a bit of funding for national defense."

"That's not important," Natasha shook her head and said. "What Batman decides, no one can change. Congress is already practically a façade, they're just putting up a dying struggle."

Another agent rushed in and said, "Boss, Lex Luther is in Gotham!"

Natasha sprang to her feet. "Where is he?"

"The Stagg Navigator Building. He's most likely here to meet with Lee Stagg, the nephew of former Stagg Pharmaceuticals CEO Simon Stagg."

"Five minutes, I need evidence of this guy's treason."

"Wait." Shiller's voice came from the door. He entered wearing a tactical jacket, and the agents behind him were fully armed. He looked at Natasha and said, "They might be waiting for you to walk right into it. Don't be so impulsive."

"What can he do to me?" Natasha sneered, "Do you think their little squirt guns can trouble me?"

"They aren't bringing guns, but reporters." Shiller took out a stack of photos, placed them on the table, and slid them toward her with his finger. Natasha looked skeptical and glanced up at Shiller, who kept his eyes lowered. Then she picked up the stack of photos.

The photos showed several cars, and through the reflection of the side windows, you could see the profiles of several people. The photos below were the frontal and profile pictures of famous reporters from the Gotham Daily and Metropolis Daily—upon closer inspection, they were the same people.

"If things go as expected, the only person you'll catch rushing in will be Stagg. While Luther will pretend to stand up for his partner and confront you. No matter what you say, your appearance, tone, and voice will all be broadcasted."

"So what?"

"Your background can't withstand scrutiny," Shiller shook his head. "Finding nothing is the biggest issue. They'll think it's the President clouded by lust, willing to clear your KGB background just to have you close. This could severely damage his reputation."

"Batman doesn't care about that."

"True, but what I fear most is that they may actually do something to you. Not like the minor scuffles before, they might mean real business this time."

"What are they going to use to take me down?"

"What did I use to take you down?"

"But that time..."

"It will be the same, madam," Shiller seemed a bit impatient. He said, "If you're determined to go, I don't mind taking you down once more."

"Then try it," Natasha said, growing angry herself.

Shiller stepped aside, and Natasha thought he was going to make a move. She instinctively reached out to block, but Shiller didn't do anything aggressive. He just took a step, revealing a red-and-blue figure behind him — it was Superman.

Natasha's eyes enlarged. "How did you let him out?"

Shiller sighed and said, "He's a person, not a tool, and not a game character. If you talk to him properly, he understands. I briefly explained the current situation, and he feels obligated to help clear Batman's false accusations. The first thing is to prevent you from being exposed to the media."

"Sorry, ma'am," Superman said. "I understand you have your duties, but I also have mine. I've dealt with Luther for a long time. He's smart but also very deceitful. It's best not to engage with him rashly."

Natasha hesitated on the spot. If it weren't for Superman, she might have tried to make a break for it. But now, with Superman standing less than two meters away, not even Black Widow could escape, let alone a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

"Alright, what do you propose?" Natasha asked, looking at Shiller.

"You first stay in Superman's interrogation room for a while. I'll go meet Luther. Whether they're trying to lure you in or draw you away, being with Superman means absolute safety."

Superman gave Natasha a friendly smile. Natasha sighed and said, "Alright, I hope you guys can actually make some progress."

"Both of you head to Wonder Woman's interrogation room," Shiller said. "Moon Knight has set up a magical barrier there. Not only can people not get out, but it also blocks electronic signals, essentially creating a sealed room, much safer."

"You're being overly cautious," Natasha said, though she started walking out the door. "I'm really getting more curious about your professional background."

When Natasha and Superman were put in Wonder Woman's interrogation room together, Wonder Woman clearly looked confused. But Shiller had no intention of explaining to them. He slammed the door shut from the outside, locked it, and told his subordinate, "You two stay here; don't open the door for anyone."

"Uh, what about water and food?"

"No need to deliver. They're not normal people; they won't die of thirst or hunger, and they don't need the bathroom. Don't talk to them."

After instructing, Shiller zipped up his tactical jacket and said, "Get all the cars running, and find a rental agency to hire drivers. Occupy every legal parking space within two miles of the Navigator Building. Don't leave a single one free. Then call the city police and tell them the FBI is giving them a big job."

Shiller moved quickly, walking down the stairs and getting into a car with two subordinates. He said, "Get me the fire department's number."

They drove straight to the front of the Navigator Building. As he got out, he told one of his subordinates, "Find a way to slip into the building across the street." Shiller pointed to the building opposite the Navigator Building, which was about five stories taller, and said, "Go up to the rooftop."

"What for?"

Shiller pulled a small mirror from his jacket pocket, handed it to the agent, and said, "You don't need to do anything, just use this mirror to signal to the top floor of the Navigator Building every 15 minutes or so."

The agent nodded and walked across the street, soon disappearing into the crowd. Shiller watched him skillfully chat with the receptionist in the opposite building, quickly entering the elevator.

Shiller, too, entered the Navigator Building. He pulled out his credentials from the breast pocket of his jacket and flashed them at the building's receptionist. "FBI Detective Rodriguez, invited by the GCPD to investigate the murder of Wayne Enterprises' head of information security. We've discovered that the deceased was in contact with Lee Stagg, current president of Stagg Group, about a week before his death at a banquet. We hope Mr. Stagg can assist in the investigation."

"Sorry, but our president is in a meeting..."

"This isn't a discussion, miss," Shiller said as he gave a look to his two subordinates. Behind him, the agents began cordoning off the entrance. He looked at the receptionist and said, "I'll wait until their meeting is finished."