💖 If you enjoy my work, consider supporting me on Patreon! I'm offering advanced chapters there as a thank-you to readers.
--------------------
Check out advanced chapters on : patreon.com/Veni_V
---------------
This book completed in patreon ... Full book Available in patreon.....
Go check it out ...
After leaving the Solar System under Clark's threat, the Phoenix Force wandered aimlessly through the cosmos. It began its usual existence as a Phoenix fragment: drifting through the universe and absorbing the emotions of living beings.
When it encountered races with particularly negative emotions, the Phoenix would succumb to their influence and destroy them.
But this time, the fragment sensed something was wrong. It began to instinctively reject these feelings, as if they were unnecessary.
"I didn't expect to be discovered," a strange voice suddenly echoed in the Phoenix's consciousness. It was a language it knew well: English from Earth.
"A human? A human consciousness is inside my body!"
Before the Phoenix fragment could fully react, the Phoenix Force acted on its own. The power of the Phoenix can control matter at a subatomic level, so it began creating carbon-based flesh from nothing. It molded a thin but muscular body with an iconic white bald head.
"Hmph! As expected, it's more comfortable to be in my own body."
This person was Lex Luthor. During Clark's battle with the Phoenix, fragments of Luthor's nearly shattered consciousness were present. Although his ability to think had almost vanished, his survival instinct kept his consciousness clinging to the Phoenix fragment.
Distracted by its battle with Superman and its subsequent attempt to possess Clark's body, the Phoenix didn't notice that the weakened Luthor had entered its body. After the battle was over, Luthor slowly regained his sanity and went into hiding, quietly building up his strength.
And now, it was time.
"You bastard, get out of here!"
The Phoenix Force had always controlled its hosts, but now, a majority of its power was being controlled by another consciousness.
So, the Phoenix used the same trick it had used on Clark: it gathered the emotions of an entire world and bombarded Luthor's mind. But unlike Clark, who had shown a pained expression, Luthor simply closed his eyes, a hint of enjoyment on his face.
"How is this possible! This man isn't affected by these emotions at all!" Even the Phoenix was shocked. As the very embodiment of emotion, it couldn't understand why anyone would be immune to such a powerful onslaught.
In reality, the emotions were affecting him, but in Luthor's mind, these feelings of sadness and pain held no meaning. He found them boring, like watching a dull play.
"Well? Are you done resisting? I have to remind you, I am not Superman. I don't have a heart that can sympathize with gods or humans. What do the pain and sadness of these pathetic creatures have to do with me?"
This was why Luthor could endure these emotions. In his eyes, the thoughts and feelings of others were irrelevant. The only thing that mattered was his own will. In a way, Luthor's psychology was like the Phoenix itself—a chaotic, unpredictable force. However, unlike the Phoenix, Luthor had his own principles, which allowed him to withstand the emotional impact.
"Hateful!"
Gradually, as Luthor gained control of more and more Phoenix power, the fragment's voice grew weaker. Finally, the Phoenix's voice disappeared completely, and golden Phoenix wings suddenly sprouted from Luthor's new body.
Luthor couldn't help but laugh, feeling the immense power within him. "Hahaha! Superman, now I'm the same as you! But it's not enough."
Even though his consciousness was weak during the battle, Luthor had seen that Superman had won in a direct confrontation. He knew that relying on just this Phoenix fragment wouldn't be enough to prove he was better than Superman. Even in this new universe, his desire to be superior to Superman remained unchanged.
"There must be other protections in this strange universe. Soon, Superman, I will find you!"
With that, Luthor flapped his new wings and flew into the depths of the universe. "Let's start by exploring the true universe!"
A New Era for Mutants
Back on Earth, the mutant nation of Krakoa had been built to a significant degree. Other nations, recognizing its development, sent representatives for diplomatic talks.
While called diplomacy, these visits were primarily for observation, to determine the best course of action.
Since the country was founded on land raised by Superman himself, countries were hesitant to take any radical measures, unsure of his true intentions.
This hesitation gave the new mutant nation the most precious resource: time.
This was the last bit of help Clark left for the mutants.
After seeing Krakoa build an entire residential area in just one week, nations around the world realized how valuable mutant powers were. Their abilities were not just for destruction; they were also for creation.
More importantly, mutants now had a sanctuary. Any mutant who didn't actively commit crimes could join Krakoa at any time. This meant that if other countries continued to persecute mutants, they would simply be pushing this valuable resource directly into Krakoa's hands.
Realizing this, nations began to shift public opinion. The "mutant threat" narrative disappeared as if it had never existed. This manipulation of public opinion was distasteful, but it worked. Clark, for his part, chose not to interfere any further.
Now, he sat at home, talking with his son, Ben.
"Dad, now we can bring Uncle Richard and Aunt Mary back," Ben said, not surprised that Clark knew about Richard's disappearance. He knew his father was capable, but he felt they needed to discuss the matter carefully.
"Bringing Richard back isn't the problem," Clark said. "The question is, Ben, can you see through the disguises of those people?"