DC: Crystalizing

Adrian had heard of Lex Luthor—who hadn't? The man who once challenged Superman, only to pivot into a new identity as a benevolent billionaire philanthropist. It was a cute story, the kind people liked to believe about second chances. 

Adrian didn't buy it for a second. 

No such thing as a selfless billionaire. And the fact that Luthor was connected to Cadmus just reinforced his suspicions. 

Guardian walked beside him as they exited the prison, the heavy doors clanging shut behind them. Adrian couldn't help but glance over his shoulder at the gray, grimy walls of Slabside South. It hadn't been long, but something about that place already felt like it was clawing at his soul. 

"Not a fan of the decor," Adrian muttered, half to himself. 

Guardian ignored him, his pace steady and deliberate. 

Adrian stuffed his hands into his pockets as they moved across the lot. "So, Goldilocks," he said casually, his tone light, "you always the errand boy for Lex? Or is this a special occasion?" 

Guardian didn't respond, his helmeted gaze fixed straight ahead. 

Adrian tilted his head, feigning thoughtfulness. "You know, you're kind of an enigma, man. Shield, shiny armor, strong silent type. What's your deal? You a volunteer, or does Lex have dirt on you too?" 

Guardian's jaw tightened, but he said nothing. 

"Right. No chit-chat. Got it," Adrian said with a smirk. "Must be a blast at parties." 

When they reached the vehicle waiting outside, Adrian whistled low. A sleek black Cadillac One gleamed under the pale light of a nearby streetlamp, its windows tinted darker than night. The thing looked presidential—hell, it probably was. 

Adrian ran a hand along the hood as Guardian moved to open the door. "Damn," he said, grinning. "Am I about to meet Lex, or did I accidentally get elected president?" 

Guardian ignored the comment and opened the door with a smooth, practiced motion. 

Adrian stepped inside and froze. The interior was nothing short of opulent—black leather seats, polished wood paneling, and an array of amenities that screamed excess. A small refrigerated compartment sat between the seats, stocked with caviar, wine, and other luxuries Adrian couldn't name. 

Guardian nodded toward the compartment. "Help yourself." 

Adrian raised an eyebrow, pulling out a tin of caviar. He inspected it briefly, then scooped a small amount onto his finger and tasted it. His face twisted immediately. 

"God, this tastes like shit," he muttered, wiping his tongue on the back of his hand. 

"I agree," a soft, smooth voice said. 

Adrian's head snapped toward the sound as a screen slide up from the front console. On it, a live feed displayed Lex Luthor, seated at a sleek desk with a backdrop of pristine bookshelves. 

Luthor was as composed and intimidating as Adrian had imagined—bald, with piercing green eyes and high cheekbones that gave his face a sharp, almost predatory look. 

Adrian leaned back in his seat, still grimacing. "Thanks for the backup, Lex. Seriously, why do people eat this crap?" 

Luthor's lips curved into a faint smile. "It's about perception. Exclusivity. People eat caviar not because it tastes good, but because it signifies power. Wealth. Refinement." 

Adrian nodded slowly, tossing the tin back into the compartment. "So, basically, rich people pretend they have good taste. Got it." 

Luthor's smile widened slightly. "Something like that." 

Adrian glanced at Guardian. "Hey, while we're on the subject of good taste, any chance we can swing by a drive-thru? I could go for some wings." 

Without hesitation, Luthor inclined his head. "Get this fine man some wings," he said smoothly. 

Guardian tapped the console, and Adrian chuckled. "See? You're not so bad, Lex." 

"Flattery," Luthor said, his tone almost amused, "is wasted on me." 

Adrian leaned forward, his gaze narrowing. "Speaking of wasted time, why don't you tell me why I'm here? And maybe why Cadmus has been screwing with my life?" 

Luthor's expression didn't falter. "Cadmus operates with purpose, Adrian. If there were a more ethical way to do what we do, I assure you, I'd pursue it. But humanity's survival requires sacrifices. Hard decisions. And innovation often walks hand in hand with pain." 

"Right," Adrian said dryly. "So all that torture I went through was what—your idea of progress?" 

"If humans want to fight gods," Luthor replied, his tone sharp but measured, "we must be willing to push boundaries. Superman alone has shown us how powerless we are. Do you think that's sustainable?" 

Adrian tilted his head, his grin fading. "So this is about Superman?" 

"Not just him," Luthor said, leaning forward slightly. "The world would be better off without superheroes. Their existence undermines our growth, our independence. Humanity should decide its own fate—not gods who fly above us." He paused, his green eyes locking onto Adrian's through the screen. "I'm sure you'd agree. After all, no hero saved you from Cadmus, did they? Humans did. Humans like me." 

Adrian's expression hardened, his tone losing its usual levity. "You can cut the self-righteous bullshit, Lex. Don't act like you're the savior in this story." 

Luthor's brow arched faintly. "And why not? You're alive because of me. Because of what Cadmus made you." 

"No," Adrian shot back, his voice low and sharp. "I'm alive in spite of you. All the pain, the nightmares, the parasite you shoved into my body—you don't get to play the hero here. So tell me: what's the real reason you do all this? Is it fear? Power? Or are you just trying to prove you're better than Superman?" 

For the first time, Luthor's smile faltered, his eyes narrowing. "You'll understand in time, Adrian. The bigger picture. The stakes. For now, consider this an opportunity." 

Adrian leaned back, crossing his arms. "Opportunity for what?" 

"To be more," Luthor said simply. "More than you ever thought possible. But only if you're willing to work with me." 

The car slowed as it approached the drive-thru, the faint hum of the engine filling the silence. 

Adrian smirked, though the tension in his jaw betrayed him. "Guess I'll have to sleep on it." 

"Take your time," Luthor said, his voice smooth again. "But don't take too long. The world is changing. And whether you like it or not, you're part of that change." 

The screen went dark. 

Adrian stared at his reflection in the black glass for a long moment, his mind racing. 

Then, with a deep breath, he turned to Guardian. "Extra spicy wings, by the way. Don't cheap out on me." 

[ Lex Luthor ]

Author's Note:

If you're enjoying the story and want to read ahead or support my work, you can check out my P@treon at [email protected]/LordCampione. But don't worry—all chapters will eventually be public. Just being here and reading means the world to me. Thank you for your time and support