Jason, who had grown up at the bottom of Gotham, had never feared blood or violence. By the time he returned as the Arkham Knight, he had long since cast aside every moral burden.
Not only was he unafraid of killing, but he also did not care about dismemberment. As long as criminals paid the price, he dared use any method, no matter how bloody.
But cutting open a living person was entirely different.
Especially when the other person was conscious and could feel pain—cutting open their skin, dismantling their bones, reaching into their organs to touch the deepest parts of them—it was an incomparable shock.
Jason clearly saw the Joker's smile freeze on his face. He had actually revealed an expression of pain like an ordinary person.
This wasn't just bloodiness, Jason thought.
But the first time, he had not understood where that shock came from. He quickly got more opportunities, though, because he discovered that even though his surgical skills were atrocious, and Schiller had to finish the cleanup for him, the Joker had not died.
He was still alive, and his missing organs were gradually growing back.
Before Jason could marvel at this medical miracle, the second organ removal began. Jason was still the lead surgeon, with Schiller assisting.
This time, Jason was finally steadier. At least he could focus his gaze on the incision rather than the Joker's face, and his hands no longer shook when he touched those scorching organs.
So Schiller began teaching him.
Naturally, it was legitimate instruction in surgical techniques, though it did not involve much particularly difficult knowledge. He merely pointed out roughly where to cut and how to handle the blade.
But the strange feeling in Jason's heart grew stronger and stronger.
Then came the third time, the fourth time,