Chapter 515: Lex Luthor's Ambition (2)
The Kryptonian Weakness
"See? This is the reality."
Luthor retrieved the green glowing rock and used the dagger to gently slice the muscle tissue, easily cutting off a piece of flesh.
"The Kryptonians' power comes from Earth, from the Sun. They absorb the Sun's energy, which makes them omnipotent. Once they leave..."
Clang!
The dagger landed on the table.
"...They are nothing."
Anders's heart pounded. He couldn't help but ask,
"How did you discover this secret?"
Luthor tossed the muscle tissue into a culture tank. He removed his gloves and carefully washed his hands before speaking slowly.
"During the time I was captured by the Kryptonians, I encountered Superman. He was locked in a cell just like me. At first, I was confused: why didn't he smash the cell and escape? With his power, it would be easy. Then I understood. It wasn't that he wouldn't; it was that he couldn't."
"A certain material on the Kryptonian spaceship weakened his body, preventing him from absorbing solar radiation. It turned him into an ordinary person just like us. I couldn't open the cell, and he couldn't either."
Luthor cracked a smile, the sarcasm unmistakable.
"The god in people's eyes is just a thief who steals solar energy. Without the Sun, he's useless. And when he comes into contact with Kryptonian mineral, he loses his superpowers."
"Congressman, are you still afraid of the Kryptonians now?"
Anders took a deep breath, fighting to control his excitement.
"Mr. Luthor, I apologize for my previous behavior. Amanda was right; you are the smartest person. "He paused, then added, "Where did you get these stones?"
Luthor just smiled, not answering the question. Anders realized his question was too abrupt and quickly changed the subject.
"I believe we can have an in-depth discussion. Please state any demands you have. And, if possible, allow me to see a true Kryptonian warrior in action."
Amanda also issued a warning.
"Weapons must be held in hand. A weapon that cannot be controlled should not exist in the world. The Kryptonians' power is too strong. If it gets out of control, it will cause unimaginable disaster. I hope you understand that."
"I know what to do."
"Follow me."
The three left the laboratory and entered the innermost room. Inside the room was a metal pod. When the hatch opened, cold mist spilled out, revealing a muscular, naked strong man. If Zod were still alive, he would instantly recognize that the strong man was none other than his subordinate, the Kryptonian warrior Non.
His tissue cells were stolen by Luthor and used as a base to create an identical clone.
Luthor started the power and put on a specialized helmet. The strong man inside the metal pod suddenly opened his eyes.
"Congressman, Amanda, greetings."
The voice was different, but the manner of speaking was identical to Luthor's. Then, to the shock of the two observers, the body flashed, suddenly appearing in front of the wall. He threw a punch.
Boom!
A two-meter-wide crater appeared in the concrete wall.
"This..."
Anders was stunned, his eyes wide.
"Kryptonian power, controlled by humanity."
"Congressman, what do you think?"
Anders hesitated. "Are you... are you Luthor?"
"In a way, yes. In a way, no."
Luthor took off the helmet, and the strong man immediately closed his eyes, entering a state of dormancy.
"When cultivating the clone, I added a bit of new technology to its brain. By wearing the helmet, I can use brainwaves to make the clone act according to my will." He handed the helmet to Anders.
"Would you like to try?"
"Can... can I too?"
"Of course. A weapon doesn't need self-awareness. Having a master is enough."
Anders's heart hammered. He took the helmet and put it on his head. Moments later, the strong man opened his eyes, a look of disbelief on his face. He tried walking to the wall and lightly punched a large crater into it.
"Such powerful strength! I feel like I can control it."
"Lex Luthor, you are absolutely incredible. The military's decision to terminate cooperation with you was the most foolish and wrong decision I have ever seen."
"They all deserve to go to hell."
Amanda was also full of admiration. She hadn't expected Luthor to go this far—actually turning a Kryptonian into a weapon. With such a weapon in hand, who would dare provoke the United States? Who would dare provoke Earth?
Anders played with the helmet for a few minutes before reluctantly taking it off.
"How many of these weapons can you manufacture?"
"As long as the resources are sufficient, as many as you want."
Anders extended his right hand and said with a wide smile,
"Mr. Luthor, we need to talk formally."
The Test of Loyalty
Half an hour later, Anders left with a smile, but Amanda stayed behind. She walked to the wine cabinet and poured a full glass of champagne.
"Congratulations. Your experiment was a success."
Luthor raised his glass. "It should be said, our experiment."
"Indeed, our experiment."
Amanda raised her glass and clinked it against his.
"What do you plan to do next?"
Luthor didn't answer. Instead, he asked, "What do you think I'll do?"
Amanda looked deeply at him.
"You want revenge. You always have."
"I have no enemies."
"Is that so?"
Amanda didn't expose him, but said pointedly, "In the interest of our years of cooperation, I advise you not to move against Luke Shaw until you have sufficient power."
"You are very smart, but compared to him, you still fall short."
Luthor's heart sank. The veins on the hand gripping the glass bulged. Luke Shaw and the Kryptonians were his greatest pain. The former destroyed the Luthor Corp he had spent years building, and the latter inflicted the greatest humiliation of his life. He could never forget his experience on the Kryptonian spaceship.
Unfortunately, times have changed. Luke is no longer the young Master Shaw he once was; he has become a great demon king who wields overwhelming power. No one dares to provoke him.
Luthor raised his glass and drained it. "Don't worry, I'm not foolish enough to misjudge the situation."
"How is your investigation into that matter coming along?"
"There is no evidence of an exchange of interests between Luke Shaw and President Nash."
"No proof?"
"No."
"That's what's most frightening."
Amanda frowned slightly. "I don't understand why you're targeting the President. You suspect he's colluding with Luke Shaw, but I've investigated and found nothing. Everything must be based on evidence, not intuition."
Luthor pointed to his bald head. "My intuition has never been wrong, not since childhood. This time is no exception."
"Since the year before last, the White House has denied almost nothing related to Tesla's requests. And a few months ago, the sitting President actually issued mandatory orders to several allied nations for the sake of one company. Is that normal?"
Luthor narrowed his eyes, his rasping voice drilling into Amanda's head like an ill wind.
"If he had a financial relationship with Luke Shaw, it would make sense. But they don't. A President who hasn't accepted a bribe is suddenly breaking rules for the sake of one individual."
"Don't you find that suspicious?"
Amanda shook her head.
"Everything you say is speculation. It proves nothing."
"Then let's test it. Let's test the White House's reaction using ShowMe and Tesla."
"You still want revenge."
"No, just a simple test. It won't leave any trace."
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