In the hospital lounge, Adrian quietly observed Lois and Chloe.
"You really don't know where Clark is?" Lois asked first, her tone steady but probing.
"I will not repeat a lie endlessly," Adrian replied calmly. "If Clark wants to hide, no one will find him unless he allows it. He controls what can be found."
Lois hesitated. "Not necessarily. When Clark wore the red kryptonite ring, you located him quickly."
"That's because he wanted to be found," Adrian said simply. He leaned back slightly, dismissing the comment. "Now, let's return to why you called me here. Was it just about Clark?"
"No," Lois said, her gaze sharp, "Clark is only part of it. The main concern… Adrian, you look like a frightened child right now."
Adrian's eyes narrowed. He knew what was coming: another lecture on morality and good versus evil. He felt his interest wane.
Lois continued, undeterred by Chloe's surprised expression. "What you've done has cost lives, Adrian. Look at Gotham. Many believe you were wrong. Violence used to stop violence only breeds chaos and disorder."
"I hope you're right," Adrian said coldly, "but your examples do not convince me. Gotham was already rotten."
"The criminals you mention are not innocent. Their flaws are not excuses. Mistakes have consequences. That is truth."
Adrian's voice was sharp, cutting through the argument. "Compared to those who did nothing, I have less patience, lower tolerance. I act where others have failed."
"You cannot become the ruler of the world, Adrian. This world is full of mysteries and forces beyond comprehension. It will not be controlled so easily."
Lois's words were firm, serious. "Tyranny cannot win public support. You need careful thought, not rash action."
"I have always been calm," Adrian said evenly. "But Lois Lane, if your goal is to convince me to 'turn over a new leaf,' you're wasting your time. If you stand with Clark, you are my enemy. I do not debate paths with my enemies."
Lois opened her mouth to retort, but Chloe gently pulled her back.
"Louise!" Chloe warned softly.
"What?"
"You need to calm down."
"I am calm," Lois said, though her voice faltered slightly.
Chloe held her hand. "We cannot predict the future. Perhaps this isn't just an impulse of Adrian's, but right now, he cannot be swayed. He is no longer the boy from Smallville."
Lois exhaled, a mixture of frustration and reluctant acceptance. "Then we can only act as reporters."
Chloe gave her a faint, understanding smile. "And I have my studies, of course, but…" Her eyes lingered on Adrian's retreating figure. She wasn't truly avoiding responsibility; she simply didn't know how to face him.
Lois glanced at her cousin. "Your main job is being a reporter. Don't try to escape. We stand in the same trench."
Chloe fell silent.
---
Fawcett City
In a quiet park, a boy of eleven or twelve wandered with his phone, speaking animatedly to strangers.
"Hi, my name is Billy Batson. Can I ask you a question about superheroes?" he said, starting a live video call.
The software connected him to random people across the globe. The first was a middle-aged Black man.
"Is this for school or something else?" the man asked.
"Neither," Billy replied, scratching his head. "I just want to know what you think about Homelander's recent actions. Right or wrong?"
Before the man could answer, a group of rebellious girls squeezed into the frame, their piercings and makeup vivid.
"Of course he's right! Homelander's amazing! Being ruled by a superpowered god-like hero would be incredible! Politicians do nothing. If aliens show up next, Homelander should lead us!"
Billy hung up and connected to another stranger, an elderly woman wearing glasses.
"I don't want to comment," she said firmly, frowning at the camera. "They could be watching. Listening. Maybe even spying on me."
Billy blinked, confused, but respected her caution.
Finally, he connected to an older man, scholarly and bald.
"Why?" the man asked.
"Why what?" Billy asked.
"Why are you doing this survey?"
"I… I'm just trying to understand. I'm confused," Billy admitted. He adjusted the phone in his hand. "Don't you think Homelander is going too far? Aren't you worried?"
The man's expression darkened. "Worried? No. I want him to deal with corrupt politicians, warlords who sit idle, and public officials who abuse power. They erode this country. Homelander should act, and quickly."
Billy nodded thoughtfully as the call ended.
Though ordinary in appearance, Billy Batson—known in another life as Shazam—was marked by a fierce sense of justice. Orphaned young and later adopted, he had been chosen by the wizard Shazam to wield magical power in defense of humanity. His curiosity and moral instinct now guided him to understand heroes, power, and the limits of justice.
Milestone
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