"But you decided to join the Guardians without even understanding what it is?"
Lucas looked at Layla and said calmly,
"For all you know, it could be a very evil organization."
Layla replied confidently,
"I don't need to investigate it. As long as you are there, I believe there can't possibly be anything evil."
"Oh~?" Kara drew out the sound teasingly and glanced at Lucas.
"Looks like you've gained yourself a little fangirl."
Lucas simply smiled, though his gaze toward Layla carried a hint of appreciation.
In truth, Lucas had invited Layla to join the Guardians partly because he wanted firm control over the alliance.
If someone created an organization but couldn't keep it under control, that would be a complete failure.
Currently, the Guardians consisted of:
Lucas
Superman — Clark
Iron Man — Tony
Deadshot — Floyd
Supergirl — Kara
Batman — Bruce
And now there was a new member:
Blue Beetle — Layla
As for Bruce…
Lucas already knew what was going through his mind the moment he asked to join.
Someone like Batman would definitely try to gather detailed information about every member of the Guardians.
And he would certainly prepare countermeasures in case any of them suddenly turned against humanity.
Lucas wasn't worried about letting Bruce join.
After all, most of the team members were basically his people.
And honestly, Lucas was curious to see how Bruce would even attempt to manipulate them.
Tony clearly didn't get along with Bruce.
Deadshot had no interest in people like him.
Kara was Lucas's woman and obviously stood with him.
Layla was practically Lucas's fangirl.
If Bruce still managed to sway them somehow…
Lucas would just give him a thumbs-up—and then beat the hell out of him.
---
"The Guardians exist to protect," Kara explained.
"Each Guardian chooses a city or place that they wish to protect."
Layla thought for a moment.
"But I don't really have a place I want to protect."
"After all, this town—and even Philadelphia—already has Mr. Lucas."
"There's nothing for me to worry about."
Lucas understood her reasoning.
In America, states existed before the nation itself, and many people had very strong attachments to their hometowns.
Sometimes even neighboring counties felt like completely different countries.
Kara seemed slightly surprised, but she nodded.
"Then is there something you want to protect?"
"Maybe a person, a cause, or something meaningful to you."
Layla frowned slightly in thought.
Then her face lit up.
"I know now! I know what I want to protect!"
Kara smiled and nodded.
"Good. That means you already have the most important foundation for becoming a Guardian."
"If you ever encounter difficulties, you can ask other Guardians for help."
"As long as your request isn't evil, doesn't endanger innocent lives, and doesn't threaten humanity or Earth."
"But if a city already has its own Guardian and they don't want you interfering, you should respect that."
"If something feels suspicious, tell Lucas or me first. We'll handle it."
Layla nodded seriously.
"I understand."
Kara seemed satisfied.
Lucas had a good eye for people—Layla had the potential to become an excellent Guardian.
However, Kara added sternly,
"But if you ever betray the Guardians…"
"You will be hunted down by every member of the Guardians."
Lucas couldn't help but feel a little speechless.
When did the Guardians end up with so many rules?
"That's only natural," Layla said firmly.
"I'll follow all the rules."
Kara extended both hands.
"Then… welcome to the Guardians."
---
Lucas walked to a cabinet and took out a rectangular box.
He placed it in front of Layla.
Inside were three retinal terminals—one primary and two backups.
"This is the newest retinal personal terminal," Lucas explained.
"It allows you to connect directly to the internet and communication networks."
Layla looked at the device, which resembled a contact lens.
Then she asked curiously,
"What if it runs out of power? How do I charge it?"
Kara laughed and explained,
"It runs on your body's bioelectricity."
"And it uses your brain's neurons as its processor, so it requires almost no energy."
"In simple terms—if you're alive and your brain works, it will keep running."
Layla stared in amazement.
"That's incredible."
She opened the small container and, under Kara's guidance, placed the terminal onto her eye.
Immediately she blinked in surprise.
"I… I can see more clearly!"
Kara nodded.
"That's right. It enhances your vision."
"It also monitors the moisture level in your eyes and stimulates tear production if necessary."
"With it, you'll never need glasses again."
"It can also zoom, shrink images, and even provide a 360-degree panoramic view."
"Although if you're not used to it, don't activate that feature too quickly—it might make you nauseous."
Layla then noticed something else.
In the center of the box lay a tiny chip—less than one millimeter in diameter.
When magnified, the surface was covered with incredibly complex circuitry.
Kara explained further.
"That's the Guardian identification chip."
"It's the unique key that allows your retinal terminal to access the Guardians' network."
"The way to use it is simple—swallow it."
"It will dissolve into an information stream and integrate into your brain."
"That way only you can access the system."
"Unless someone completely strips away your consciousness."
Lucas added,
"Oh, right. In three days we'll hold a Guardians meeting."
"Make sure you attend. We'll introduce you to everyone."
"Understood, Mr. Lucas," Layla replied immediately.
Lucas shook his head.
"Don't call me Mr. Lucas."
Layla blinked.
"Then what should I call you? I can't just use your name."
Lucas thought for a moment.
"Good point."
"From now on, just call me Captain."
"Yes, Captain!" Layla responded immediately.
Lucas nodded.
"Alright, eat before the food gets cold."
Now that Layla had relaxed, she suddenly realized how hungry she was.
She quickly picked up her utensils and started eating enthusiastically.
"Slow down," Kara laughed as she poured her another glass of water.
"Don't choke."
"This is so delicious!" Layla said after swallowing a piece of braised pork.
"Captain… can I come here often in the future?"
"Of course you can," Kara replied before Lucas could answer.
"Lucas's house is always open to you."
Lucas, meanwhile, stared silently at the large dish of braised pork that had originally been enough for twenty people.
Layla had already eaten half of it by herself.
He couldn't help feeling a little speechless.
...
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