Betty and Hanna stood frozen, their eyes fixed on the carbon black model of Adrian's armor. The figure stood just over thirty centimeters tall, its metallic finish sharp and lifelike. Neither of them had ever seen anything so detailed or striking.
The left side of the chest plate was torn open, exposing sculpted skin beneath, crafted with unsettling realism. It captured the aftermath of a brutal battle, the kind that left scars even on someone like Adrian.
"This is a one sixth scale collectible figure," the shop owner said proudly, gesturing toward it. "It is based on the battle between Homelander and General Zod in Metropolis. Thirty three centimeters tall, with more than thirty points of articulation."
He leaned in slightly, clearly enjoying their reaction.
"To recreate the damage from that fight, the artist used advanced layering techniques. The suit has a deep carbon black finish with metallic highlights. You can see the wear across the armor, especially on the forearm, chest, shoulders, and cape. It gives a very realistic battle worn effect."
He pointed to the weapon included in the set.
"It also comes with a staff accessory with LED lighting. That helps recreate the exact combat scene. A true collector's item."
Hanna stared at the model, swallowing before asking carefully, "How much is it?"
She already suspected the answer would not be pleasant.
"Six thousand US dollars," the owner replied. "But I can offer a small discount if you are serious."
Betty let out a low whistle and shrugged.
"It is expensive, but honestly, it is a solid gift. He will definitely like it."
Hanna hesitated for only a moment before nodding. Despite being careful with her own money, she did not mind spending when it came to Adrian.
The owner quickly wrapped the figure and handed it over, smiling to himself. He had no idea that the gift was meant for the real Adrian. If he had known, he might not have dared to even display it. Copyright would have been the least of his concerns. His shop, and possibly his life, would have been at risk.
Still pleased with the sale, he watched as Hanna and Betty left.
They had barely stepped out of the store when a sharp air raid siren tore through the mall.
The sound cut through everything. Conversations stopped instantly as panic spread. People abandoned their shopping and rushed toward the exits.
The memory of the Parademon invasion still haunted Metropolis. The moment the alarm sounded, fear returned just as quickly.
Hanna clutched the packaged figure tightly as she and Betty followed the crowd.
"What is happening?" Hanna asked as they ran. "Is it another alien attack?"
"I do not know," Betty replied, her expression tense. "But I hope not."
The last time had nearly cost her life. She had only gone out searching for inspiration and ended up being chased by Kalibak and a swarm of Parademons. If not for the intervention of the Metropolis authorities, she would not have survived.
Hanna glanced up at the sky.
Far above, green lights flickered into view. They pierced through the clouds, streaking downward like comets.
Betty shielded her eyes, squinting.
"Those are not meteors," she said.
The lights curved as they descended, changing direction mid air. No natural object moved like that.
"To City Hall," Hanna said immediately, grabbing Betty's hand.
Instead of running away like everyone else, they pushed forward against the flow of people.
At the same time, inside the Daily Planet building, Lois sat at her desk, typing steadily. The quiet office amplified the sound of the keyboard.
Dressed in a fitted blue suit and white skirt, she looked composed, though fatigue lingered behind her eyes.
Her phone rang.
"Dad?" she answered.
General Sam Lane's voice came through the line.
Lois reached toward her drawer, instinctively searching for cigarettes, then paused. She had quit. With a small sigh, she closed the drawer again.
"If this is about the photos," she said, "I already told you. I take the shots. I do not control what gets published. You should talk to my editor."
Her tone carried a hint of irritation.
General Lane had not been pleased with her decision to publish images of Adrian's battle with Kalibak. From his perspective, it complicated matters involving Adrian's public image.
"Editor in Chief Blair is your guy," Lois added. "Though he is probably busy proposing right now, so good luck with that."
She stood and began searching through a filing cabinet.
There was a brief pause on the line before her father spoke again.
"We will discuss that later. Do you know General Swanwick?"
Lois slowed slightly.
"Yes, but not well. Why?"
"He is missing. And it may be connected to the President."
Lois stopped flipping through the files.
"The superhuman prison," her father continued. "There was a nuclear level energy spike detected above that area. Do you know anything about it?"
Her expression tightened.
"I know there was a riot. People died. That is all I have. I am not Adrian's personal reporter, Dad."
A knock interrupted the conversation. Lois glanced up to see Chloe standing at the door.
"I have to go," Lois said, cutting the call before her father could continue.
She set the phone down as Chloe entered.
"Meeting memo," Chloe said, handing over a folder.
"Perfect timing," Lois replied with a faint smile. "You just saved me from a long lecture."
Chloe laughed softly.
"At least your family talks about work. Mine keeps asking about my love life."
Lois signed the document and handed it back.
"That is because Jimmy is always hovering around," she said casually.
Chloe rolled her eyes and walked to the coffee machine.
"Have you heard from Clark?" Lois asked.
Chloe shook her head.
"No. He could be anywhere. If he does not want to be found, we will not find him."
A trace of sadness crossed her face.
"I wonder when he will come back to Smallville."
"That depends on Adrian," Lois replied simply.
Chloe took a sip of coffee, then straightened.
"Anyway, I want to write a report about the demon invasion. I could use your help."
"Like your vampire article?" Lois said dryly.
Chloe smirked.
"Blair might not care right now. He has bigger problems. His girlfriend wants him to quit smoking before she marries him."
Lois glanced briefly toward her drawer again, then looked away.
"Everyone has something," Chloe continued. "I need coffee. You like good looking men."
"I like strong, good looking men," Lois corrected.
Chloe nodded thoughtfully.
"Fair enough."
She then clapped her hands lightly.
"Get your things. We are going to Smallville."
"Why?"
"It is Adrian and Clark's birthday. I always go."
Lois blinked, then grabbed her bag.
"Right. I forgot."
Moments later, they were on the road.
As they drove, Chloe suddenly looked up.
A blur shot across the sky with a sharp sonic boom.
"Did you see that?" she asked.
Lois frowned, eyes narrowing.
"That is not Clark. Not Adrian either. That was a woman."
She turned on the radio.
"Air raid sirens have been activated across Metropolis," the announcer said. "An unidentified flying object has been detected approaching City Hall."
Chloe's expression shifted immediately.
"We need to turn around."
Lois did not argue. She hit the brakes, spun the car around, and accelerated back toward the city.
Above Metropolis City Hall, Adrian hovered in the air, arms crossed. His cape moved steadily in the wind.
On either side of him stood Wonder Woman and Shazam.
Below them, others remained grounded. Flash, the Wonder Twins, Bart, Mera, and the rest stood ready, unable to join the aerial confrontation.
The incoming figures slowed, then stopped.
Green light faded as a group of Green Lanterns hovered in formation.
At the front stood Kilowog.
"Homelander," he called out, his tone measured.
"The Guardians request your presence on Oa. They wish to speak with you."
Adrian did not move.
"My schedule is full," he said flatly. "If they want something, they can come here."
Kilowog held his position, though tension ran through his stance.
"I am under orders," he replied. "I would prefer this to remain simple."
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