After sending Arthur crashing into the ocean, Adrian moved with relentless speed, catching him mid-fall and lifting him into the air effortlessly. His expression was grim as he fixed Arthur with a piercing gaze.
"Are you trying to show me your strength?" Adrian asked, his voice cold.
Arthur gasped, clutching his chest where Adrian's earlier punch had left a dull ache. "No, it's not like that! I don't know what's happening!"
"You are the King of Atlantis, yet your words make me doubt you," Adrian said. He struck again, the impact sending Arthur staggering backward. Before Arthur could recover, Adrian was on him again, seizing him by the neck and lifting him.
"I know you're hiding the truth." Blood trickled from the corner of Arthur's mouth as Adrian continued, his tone icy. "Since you started this conflict, I'm eager to see it end on terms I decide."
Turning briefly, Adrian addressed his allies. "Green Lantern, stay and handle the aftermath. Diana, Shazam, Rachel, come with me."
Without hesitation, the three followed as Adrian shot skyward with a roar.
"Where are we going?" Shazam asked, keeping pace.
"Atlantis," Adrian replied, his voice firm.
Shazam's eyes widened. "Atlantis? Can we even go there? I never imagined I'd see a place like that. Do you know the way?"
"Of course," Adrian answered, accelerating through the water and breaking the sound barrier as they flew toward the legendary city.
Beneath the ocean, Atlantis thrived in a harmony of vibrant lights and futuristic design. Residents swam gracefully through streets lined with glowing towers, some enjoying leisure, others immersed in work. Atlantean soldiers patrolled the periphery, armed with distinctive weapons, maintaining order with precision.
Adrian, Rachel, Diana, and Shazam hovered above, taking in the city's beauty.
"Wow! It's incredible!" Shazam exclaimed. "Exactly like in the comics I read as a kid."
Rachel was equally mesmerized. "It's hard to believe people live here underwater, yet it's so vibrant. The water only enhances its beauty."
Shazam teased her lightly. "You know, Rachel, growing up isn't about age. Sometimes it's instant. I've experienced that."
Rachel rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her envy. She wondered when she would gain the strength to transform like Shazam, from a child into a mature hero.
Adrian had already reached the city's foundation. "I'm going to lift this city. Diana, Shazam, you two form a protective shield with me. Rachel, can you handle your part?"
"I can!" Rachel responded, determination bright in her eyes.
"Good. Let's move," Adrian commanded, descending toward the city.
Atlantean guards quickly spotted the intruders and surged forward. Humans trespassing in Atlantis faced harsh punishment: expulsion or death. But before they could approach, Adrian unleashed his Heat Vision. Soldiers were disintegrated instantly, their blood staining the surrounding waters red.
"Let's continue," Adrian said calmly, retracting his heat vision.
He pressed downward, using the soft seabed as leverage. With Rachel's assistance and the unique 'biological field' within his template, he began lifting the massive city. Shazam and Diana added their strength, their combined effort rumbling through the ocean floor.
"Waaahhh!" Shazam roared, muscles straining as his divine power lifted part of the seabed.
Wonder Woman's eyes burned with exertion, her teeth gritted as she contributed all her strength.
Rumble. The sound rolled through Atlantis like an underwater quake.
Residents felt the tremor immediately. A mother clutched her son tightly as buildings shook, a sense of dread flooding their hearts. The city where generations had lived was slowly ascending.
Screams erupted as some buildings collapsed, trapping residents. Chaos reigned.
"Mom, what's happening?" the child cried.
"We must get home!" the mother replied, swimming frantically toward safety.
The city finally broke through the ocean surface, water cascading like a torrential rain. Adrian, still lifting Atlantis, flew toward the Mojave Desert in Nevada. With full control of the Homelander and Doomsday Templates, the task was formidable but manageable.
Once the city settled on the desert floor, Adrian hovered above, observing his work. Diana and Shazam landed beside him, astonished at the audacity and precision of his actions. Rachel, exhausted from her protective role, flew to his side, panting.
"Phew! I did it," she said, looking at him for acknowledgment.
Adrian smiled faintly, stroking her dark hair. "You did well, Rachel."
Far below, Arthur and Mera watched in horror.
"What… what has he done?" Arthur gasped.
"He placed your city in the desert to demonstrate his power and anger," Mera replied gravely.
Arthur clenched his fists. "But the soldiers who attacked humans weren't sent by me!"
"It doesn't matter. In Adrian's eyes, they are your people. Whether you can control them is irrelevant," Mera said, glancing at the newly exposed city.
Arthur swallowed, knowing the truth. "I never imagined he would go this far."
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