A Full House at Arkham

Gotham, a city once shrouded in chaos and violence.

Under the unremitting efforts of Commissioner Gordon, the light of justice, talents from the justice system were successively locked up in Blackgate Prison and Arkham Asylum.

And beneath the tranquil facade of many years, the deepest darkness brewed, and the wildest madness fermented.

Arkham Asylum, with its high walls, housed many criminals that citizens feared.

Of course, Arkham Asylum was a well-known medical institution, not only detaining notorious lunatics but also treating psychiatric patients from all walks of life.

Penguin, known as Gotham's little zebra and the ruler of both the underworld and the legitimate world, had already graduated from Arkham and was now pursuing further studies at Blackgate Prison.

"I am the knight of justice walking in darkness, the embodiment of fear for all criminals. Joker, Scarecrow, Riddler, Two-Face, and many cruel abusers, I will always be watching you, forever."

Beside a cracked windowsill leaned a man clad in a black cape, wearing a bat-shaped mask on his head.

His eyes never left the criminals.

"Allen, time for your medicine."

A plump black nurse, wearing a tight-fitting uniform, pushed a medicine cart over and handed him the day's psychiatric medication.

Allen said righteously, "Beautiful Ms. Catherine, you have the wrong person. I am Batman, the Dark Knight."

"I have to admit, talking to you is truly enjoyable."

Catherine couldn't hide the joyous smile on her face. From childhood, she had been mocked as a "fat girl," and even her partner sometimes used it to humiliate her.

It wasn't until she started working as a nurse at the dreaded Arkham Asylum and met Allen that a smile gradually appeared on her face.

She knew he was a madman with a mental illness, but she couldn't resist his pleasant words.

Allen, don't steal curtains from the dean's office next time. There are plenty in the storage room. I put them in the first shelf, second compartment. Also, you tore up Dean Quincy's treasured limited edition Playboy magazines. He's furious and might put you in solitary confinement.

Catherine reminded him with concern, not wanting the frail-looking Allen to be punished.

During her work, she found that most patients had violent tendencies, except for Allen, who always played the role of a righteous hero and was always well-behaved.

"Thank you very much for your kind reminder. Your kindness is like the stars in the night sky."

Allen held the curtain cape in one hand, covering his face and revealing only his eyes, striking Batman's iconic pose.

But the problem was that the bat-shaped mask had red bikini patterns around the eyeholes.

"Your little mouth is so sweet. It's a shame, I'm already married with children."

"I don't mind having one more daughter."

"I have a son."

Allen grinned mischievously, which Catherine interpreted differently, and she couldn't help but scold him playfully, "You rascal, take your medicine."

"Ah."

"Such a big boy, and you still need to be fed."

Catherine habitually popped the capsule into Allen's mouth and quickly pushed the medicine cart towards other patients, her face flushed red.

As soon as she was far enough away, Allen discreetly spat out the medicine.

"I won't allow anyone to take away my right to be a fool. No one can."

Allen, whose surname was Ai and given name Lun, was originally a VIP patient at Qingshan Rehabilitation Center. While playing on his attending physician's computer, an electrical accident occurred. When he woke up, he was already in Arkham Asylum.

Of course, Allen wasn't panicking at all. After reviewing classic cases, refining industry-leading strategies, integrating deep-seated thought models, and identifying key breakthrough paths, he concluded that as long as he experienced a physical electric shock, he would travel back to Earth.

His goal to return to Qingshan Rehabilitation Center was clear: to erase the browser history on the attending physician's computer.

As a spirited young man, Allen stated that spending even one yuan to browse Japanese and Korean content was an act of treason.

"Ah! Edward, when did you get behind me?"

Allen exclaimed in fright like a young girl, instinctively covering his chest with both hands and looking at the Riddler, Edward Nygma, still shaken.

"I want to challenge you again, to a duel of wits."

The Riddler clenched his fists, his expression serious, and raised his voice to issue the challenge.

Instantly, the criminals in the activity area turned their gazes, cheering and shouting for a duel.

The guards watching in the hallway were already used to it.

It was another daily session of riddles and brain teasers, which they also enjoyed watching.

"Same old rules."

"No problem."

The stage was set.

The patients wisely kept quiet.

This was a duel between wise men. Mentally ill patients generally believed themselves to be very intelligent, and sometimes they would raise their hands to answer questions posed to the two.

"Ladies and gentlemen."

Arthur's exaggerated gestures drew attention. "I am the referee and commentator for this duel."

He gestured to the left, introducing grandly, "On the left is Batman, the Knight of Justice."

Hmph...

Instantly, the surrounding patients booed in disdain.

Talking about justice in Arkham was as hypocritical as a capitalist doing charity.

Allen paid no mind, leisurely nodding to everyone.

"To our right is Gotham's master of wit, the Riddler, Edward."

Applause.

Whistles.

Some female patients even bared their shoulders, shouting that they wanted to have Penguin's babies as a sign of their affection.

That's more like it, this atmosphere feels right.

In Arkham, criminals were worth idolizing. A group of mentally ill patients were being toyed with by the Riddler.

"The duel begins. The loser asks first."

Arthur gestured towards Edward, indicating it was his turn to ask.

At this moment, Edward pushed up his glasses, his expression turning serious.

"I take you out at night, and bring you back in the day. No one suffers from having me, but they suffer from my absence. What am I?"

A riddle spilled out, and Edward was filled with pride, as if victory was within his grasp.

The curious patients fell into thought, some scratching their heads, some tearing at their hair, some banging their fists on their heads. Their poor CPUs were about to smoke.

"Now, countdown, 10, 9, 8..."

"Sleep."

Allen lowered his voice, saying the answer with a magnetic and sexy tone.

For a moment, silence fell. Pairs of eyes turned towards the Riddler, anticipating the announcement of an incorrect answer.

"You got it right."

Edward admitted dejectedly. It was clear he was frustrated that the riddle he'd thought of all night hadn't stumped his opponent.

"Allen, you're amazing! I want to give you my first kiss."

Poison Ivy Lillian seized the moment, approaching with puckered lips, ready to kiss him.

As a result, Allen raised his fists in front of him, his face sincere as he said, "My ex and my current girlfriend would get jealous. I can't guarantee they wouldn't make a move. Besides, where would you get a first kiss?"

Joking aside, a kiss from Lillian would be fatal. I'd die on the spot from poisoning. How would I use the electric shock to travel back to Qingshan Rehabilitation Center and clear my browser history?

"It's my turn. Please, ask your question."

"A medium-rare steak and a well-done steak are frying in the same pan. Why aren't they talking?"

Allen asked a brain teaser, not a riddle with hints. But there was no rule against using brain teasers from the start.

"Objection! Steaks aren't people, how could they talk?"

"Counter-objection! Are you discriminating against steaks?"

"Objection overruled."

Arthur faced the restless patients, revealing a chilling smile. He threatened them with authority, "Anyone who protests again, I'll turn them into steak."

Arthur, who always kept his word, had a reputation for carrying out his threats, and his deterrence was undeniable. The patients immediately became well-behaved, quietly waiting for the Riddler to provide the answer.

Edward occasionally wiped his mouth, pushed up his glasses, and wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. After thinking for a long time, he answered cautiously.

"They're not familiar with each other."

"Congratulations, you got it right."

The patients cheered loudly, not sparing any praise for the Riddler's exceptional intelligence.

Edward let out a sigh of relief, grateful to have survived the first round.

"If you know me, you'll want to share me. If you share me, I'll disappear. What am I?"

It was still a profound riddle. A normal person might not be able to answer it.

But who was Allen? Before his transmigration, he had read the Riddler's complete collection of riddles and memorized all the answers. The reason he didn't answer immediately was to build anticipation and create a sense of urgency for everyone.

"I'm about to start the countdown."

Arthur's face was filled with malicious amusement. He was intentionally favoring the Riddler, always starting the countdown when it was Allen's turn.

"A secret."

Upon hearing the answer, Edward's pupils contracted. His surprised expression froze for a second before he grudgingly admitted, "The answer is correct."

"I'm going to increase the difficulty. Please, listen to the question."

"A Black woman who doesn't speak English marries a pure American. She goes to the supermarket to buy chicken. After asking the salesperson using gestures, she successfully buys what she wants. The next day, she wants to buy ham sausage and brings her husband along. How does she buy the ham sausage?"

At this moment, everyone's faces showed a knowing, shared smile.

The same expression appeared on Edward's face as he confidently replied, "She points at her husband's..."

Bang!

The sudden explosion interrupted the heated duel.

A group of clowns armed with firearms surged from the corridor, taking control of Arkham Asylum's security personnel.

The Joker's gang, a group with an incredibly low bar, who would pinch instant noodles and grab rice even when shopping at a supermarket, had finally come to welcome their Clown Emperor, Arthur.

At this moment, the silent king awaited his moment to be unleashed.

Along with him, numerous patients escaped, many of whom were dangerous criminals.

"It's time for me to go home."

Unable to find a power outlet in the patient activity area, Allen had been waiting for the right moment. Before making his move, he said to the Riddler, who was eagerly awaiting the outcome, "You lost. Her husband speaks English."

At once, frustration and dejection washed over Edward, making it difficult for him to extricate himself.

After recovering his senses, Edward pursued, only to find a mask and curtain fabric next to a power outlet.

"I don't believe you... you're lying to me..."

In the corridor, the Riddler's unwilling roar echoed.