Chapter 481

By noon, Ganter arrived at the mansion. When he saw Ethan, he was a little shocked.

The Austin he knew was always quick-witted, strong, and quickly adaptable. They even once argued on the topic of whether curing a patient with schizophrenia meant killing their friend or lover and if there was a way for both to exist.

He thought Austin had remarkable talent and was the chosen one, unparalleled among his peers. However, when he saw Ethan, he realized how naive his assumption had been.

Before going up the mountain, he had asked Simon and the others for information about Ethan, including his age. However, despite having prepared himself mentally, Ganter was still intimidated by Ethan's calm aura and his eyes that seemed to see through his very soul.

He appeared to be about the same age as Austin, yet the pressure he radiated felt as if it came from a mentor, not a peer!

"Dr. Steel, did you come to seek justice for your protege or to settle Stephen's grudge?" Ethan's voice sounded. "Or perhaps both?"

Dr. Steel was shocked. "You know me?"

Ethan replied, "I was introduced to you by a mutual acquaintance."

"Who?" Ganter asked.

"It doesn't matter." Ethan said, "What matters is why you're here today."

Ganter slowly walked forward and placed the gifts he brought on the table. There were fine liquor, premium cigarettes, and some fruits, but from the moment Ganter saw Ethan, he knew those items were insufficient. However, at that point, he had no choice but to put them down.

"I came to talk, in hopes that you could spare Austin and Stephen."

Ethan smiled. "You've got the wrong person. The ones who won't spare them are themselves. Austin has built his own prison, and Stephen has lost the will to go on. You need to persuade them instead, not me."

Ganter's gaze flickered. He finally understood how Austin had become the way he was. He truly could not outmatch Ethan in an argument.

Ganter sat down and said, "I bear no hostility. I sincerely hope they can get better. Austin is still young and has a bright future ahead. He can't stop here. Stephen leads Riveria and can't afford any missteps. I sincerely ask you to show mercy and spare them."

Ganter was a man of high position and capability. He was also a man of character, but in front of Ethan, he had to keep it in check because he knew Ethan was not inferior to him.

Ethan replied calmly, "I've told you. They're the ones who refuse to save themselves."

Ganter fell silent for a while.

He looked at the table before saying, "Whatever you want, just tell me. As long as you're willing to spare them, we'll meet your demands. I'm genuinely trying to save them. They represent the future of this world."

Hearing that, Ethan chuckled. "You used to be the director of a hospital in the capital, right?"

"Yes." Ganter nodded.

"I can help you this time, but on one condition." Ethan smiled faintly.

Ganter's eyes lit up with hope. "What is it?"

Ethan looked into Ganter's eyes, saying, "Become a psychologist in Hill City."

Ganter was stunned. Becoming a psychologist in Hill City would mean he had to give up his status, prestige, and high-paying job in the capital and start over again in Hill City. However, Ganter was already famous, so starting anew would be relatively easy.

"You hesitated." Ethan said, "Does the future of this world still pale in comparison to your ego?"