DC X LOTM: A Beyonder in DC

The dream was simple—establish a company, build a future, and create a front for his growing power. But reality was far from simple.

Alex sat in front of a desk at the Metropolis Business Registration Office, his fingers tapping against the surface as he stared at the older man behind the counter. The man, with his graying mustache and tired eyes, barely looked at him as he flipped through the documents Alex had spent the last week preparing.

"You're too young," the man finally muttered, adjusting his glasses.

Alex forced a polite smile. "I understand, sir. But I've met all the legal requirements, haven't I?"

The man sighed, setting the papers down. "Technically, yes. But practically…" He leaned forward, lowering his voice. "You need a legal guardian to register a company at your age. You also need… well, let's just say the process moves faster when you know how things work around here."

Alex clenched his jaw. He knew exactly what the man meant—bribes.

The weight of corruption hung in the air like a thick smog, suffocating any dreams of fairness. He had heard stories of businessmen having to pay off officials just to get their papers processed, but experiencing it firsthand was something else.

"How much?" Alex asked, keeping his voice steady.

The man glanced around before scribbling a number on a piece of paper and sliding it across the desk. Alex picked it up, his eyes narrowing at the outrageous amount.

"This is ridiculous," Alex said.

The man shrugged. "Welcome to the real world, kid. You either pay, or your application stays at the bottom of the pile for the next year. Maybe two."

Alex took a slow breath. He didn't have this kind of money. His personal savings, even with his intelligent investments, weren't nearly enough to cover the bribe and still leave enough for initial business expenses. He needed help.

A Father's Sacrifice

Later that night, Alex sat across from Jonathan Kent in the dimly lit kitchen of their farmhouse. His father listened quietly as Alex explained the situation, his face unreadable.

"So, they want a bribe," Jonathan finally said, his voice laced with disappointment.

Alex nodded. "I don't like it, but it's the only way to move forward."

Jonathan leaned back, exhaling slowly. "I had hoped things had changed since my younger days, but corruption is still the same beast."

Silence hung between them for a moment before Jonathan stood up, walked to an old wooden cabinet, and pulled out a small locked box. He set it on the table and opened it, revealing a few neatly folded documents and a small bundle of cash.

"I was saving this for emergencies," Jonathan said. "For the farm, for you and Clark… but if this is what you need, I won't hold it back."

Alex stared at the money, a mix of gratitude and guilt washing over him. "Dad, I can't—"

"You can," Jonathan interrupted firmly. "And you will. I know you, son. This isn't just some business idea. It's a foundation for your future. And if this is what it takes to give you a chance, I'll do it."

Alex swallowed hard. He wasn't used to feeling this… emotional.

"I'll pay you back," Alex promised, his voice firm.

Jonathan smiled, ruffling Alex's hair. "I know you will."

Sealing the Deal

The next morning, Alex returned to the office, this time with Clark by his side. His brother hadn't been thrilled about the whole bribery thing, but he understood the necessity of it.

"I hate this," Clark muttered as they walked in.

"Welcome to business," Alex replied dryly.

They met with the official, who, upon receiving his "processing fee," miraculously found time to approve the application on the spot. Within hours, the paperwork was finalized, and Aeternum Industries was officially registered.

Walking out of the building, Alex felt an odd mix of triumph and bitterness. He had won, but at a cost.

Clark nudged him. "You really think this company will work?"

Alex smirked. "Oh, it'll do more than work. It'll change everything."

The Kent brothers walked down the street, unaware that in the shadows, someone was watching.

Now, Alex has his company, but the road ahead will be anything but smooth.

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