Arthur lay on the beach, gasping for air. Wonder Woman's relentless attacks had left him battered and nearly immobile. Pain flashed across his eyes as he watched Adrian approach, each step measured and unyielding.
"Sometimes, people truly need the leadership of gods and aliens," Adrian said coldly, his voice cutting through the desert wind. "Did you think I couldn't hear your private mutterings? Arthur, you broke your promise. Don't put on that victim act now."
"I… I will never agree to your terms!" Arthur spat, struggling to rise.
"Oh really?" Adrian's eyes were icy. "Then watch your people dry up like fish in the sun. I'm sure they'll thank you in their final moments."
"You…" Arthur's grief and anger collided in his gaze as he stared at Adrian. "You can't do this! This isn't just about us. Don't drag an entire race into your war!"
"No, Arthur. You are wrong," Adrian replied, voice sharp. "War between races is simple—one survives, the other is annihilated."
Arthur's chest heaved. "You're still so naive! I am not someone to be pushed around, whose words can be ignored. I fight for every detail!"
Adrian glanced at the city rising from the desert sand, his expression unreadable. "I haven't killed you yet. Consider that my mercy."
Arthur clenched his fists, jaw tight, unwilling to submit.
"You will agree to my terms," Mera's voice came softly from behind.
Arthur's eyes widened, glancing at Mera. "A hostage?"
Mera stretched casually, seeming unfazed. "As a bridge between Atlanteans and humans, this is just a role I must play. I'm not your subject, Arthur. Don't carry guilt over me."
Even as her words soothed some of Arthur's immediate fear, they did little to ease the pain in his heart. His feelings for Mera ran deep, though she had not yet taken the title of queen in his eyes. Now, seeing her agree to be a hostage, the ache in his chest worsened.
Arthur looked down at Atlantis shimmering in the desert, then at Adrian. Helplessly, he lowered his gaze.
"Very well, Arthur. It seems you understand your position now," Adrian said. "Since you agree, you can swear allegiance."
Arthur's blood-red eyes locked on Adrian, a storm of conflict inside him. Slowly, after a long pause, he bent one knee, acknowledging the terms.
Adrian's expression shifted slightly. "Forget it." Before Arthur could respond, Adrian turned and began walking away. "Your eyes show me the villain you think I am, and I doubt the sincerity of your oath. I will return Atlantis to its rightful place. Remember today's terms. Betray them next time, and I won't be so lenient."
Arthur exhaled, a long sigh escaping his chest. Mera followed Adrian without hesitation, her expression thoughtful as they departed.
Chloe, watching from the helicopter, blinked at Lois. "Did you see that? The man in the golden breastplate knelt before Adrian. What is happening?"
"Yes, I saw it," Lois replied, lowering her camera. "I even photographed it. Everything we're seeing is probably orchestrated by Adrian."
"And the Atlantean forces? They disappeared instantly. It seems they received a command and vanished into the ocean," Chloe added, studying the unfolding events.
Her gaze narrowed. "Everything here is connected to Adrian. Whenever he appears, chaos or miracles seem to follow him."
Lois's eyes widened as she pointed. "Wait… didn't I see that man kneeling somewhere before?"
Before Chloe could respond, the city itself began to move. Adrian lifted the entire metropolis effortlessly into the sky. Sunlight reflected across its surfaces, casting ethereal colors across the desert.
"Holy… wow," Chloe breathed. She had never imagined anyone could move an entire city with such ease. The sight made her feel slightly dizzy from its sheer scale.
Lois continued snapping photos, exhilaration in her voice. "I regret not bringing Jimmy. He could have captured even better shots. This is incredible. Even if someone claimed he was a god, no one could deny it now."
"A god?" Chloe murmured softly, watching Adrian guide the city as it drifted into the horizon. She never imagined her former classmate could achieve something so extraordinary.
Lois smiled at her cousin. "You were the one who didn't bring Jimmy."
Chloe shook her head. "Of course not."
Lois's grin widened. "I did it for you. Jimmy has a crush on you, and he's always trying to get close. I made sure he couldn't. Consider it my favor. Besides, you can't forget Clark, can you?"
Chloe sighed, her thoughts torn. "I don't even know where Clark is anymore. And now Adrian… he's become something else entirely."
Lois leaned toward the pilot, signaling him to increase speed. "He may be a scoundrel, but he's the kind who makes headlines. Admit it."
"News?" Chloe whispered to herself, eyes still on the city. "He is the news."
Evening settled over Smallville. After resolving the conflict with the Atlanteans, Adrian led his team back to the Justice Society. He was about to strategize with Wonder Woman and the others about formalizing the treaty with Atlantis when his phone rang. Martha Kent was on the line, asking him to return to the farm.
Adrian arrived at the farm, opening the door to find two familiar faces: Chloe and Lois.
"So, you two asked Mom to call me?" Adrian frowned.
"No," Lois said quickly. "We just came over to chat with her."
Martha, brewing coffee, added, "Yes, they just happened to visit. Adrian, I saw the townspeople talking. What happened today?"
"A minor incident," Adrian replied calmly. "Those Atlanteans tried to wage war on the land. I stopped them, pulling their city out of the sea and placing it safely in the desert."
"I knew it!" Lois exclaimed, eyes sparkling. "I suspected it was the Atlantean city. I thought it was a legend—who knew it actually existed? And the one with the trident—is he their leader? Where did they come from? What powers do they have? Are they like Plato described?"
Adrian raised an eyebrow. "Lois, right now you sound like a primary school student full of questions, not a reporter."
"Then enlighten me," Lois said confidently.
Adrian poured a cup of coffee, speaking slowly. "Strictly speaking, we should be enemies."
Lois chuckled. "Not contradictory. Homelander and I are enemies, but you and I are friends. Chloe too." She glanced at Chloe, sharing a quiet smile.
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