Chapter 564: The Ruse
The Danger of Parallax
Linda's blunt remark made Luke extremely embarrassed. While he did harbor that thought, saying it aloud and keeping it to himself were two different things.
Diana looked at the Kryptonian girl and sternly stated,
"The original purpose of the Justice League is mutual assistance and the defense of Earth. Luke sealed Parallax three years ago. Now that its counterpart is coming for him, regardless of the reason, we must stop it."
"This is our responsibility."
Linda turned her head, slightly confused. Whether it was her imagination or not, she felt like Diana was deliberately targeting her.
Luke gave Diana a grateful look. Their eyes met in the air, sparking a fierce romantic connection.
Clark added,
"If Sinestro's target is Earth, then stopping him is our responsibility."
"Exactly,"
The others agreed one after another to participate in the fight. Barry asked curiously,
"How strong is Sinestro?"
"Very strong. Unusually so. In a head-on fight, we might not have the upper hand,"
"Stronger than H'El?"
Luke nodded, his expression slightly heavy.
"Parallax is the physical manifestation of one of the seven emotional powers: Yellow Fear. It represents a universal constant. Once it merges with a host, it can influence reality through that constant. H'El cannot be compared to it."
Everyone frowned simultaneously. Even the ill-tempered Linda became serious.
H'El's power was clear for all to see. He had speed and strength far exceeding that of a Kryptonian, along with teleportation, telekinesis, and molecular disintegration. If even H'El couldn't compare to Sinestro, then how strong must Sinestro be?
The Justice League had just formed, only to face an unprecedented powerful enemy.
J'onn spoke up,
"If he is truly that powerful, we must select the battlefield carefully. We can't fight in a city like Metropolis, like last time."
That last remark hit a nerve with Clark.
"I agree with J'onn."
"Me too,"
Barry raised his hand. Diana also nodded,
"It's best to lure him into a desert. That way, we can fight without holding back."
Luke shook his head. "You are all wrong. The best battlefield is outer space."
"You haven't felt the power of Parallax; you don't know how terrifying it is. Let me put it this way: it only needs to use one percent of its power to plunge every normal human on Earth into fear. Once people fall into fear, yellow particles will spill out from their bodies. These particles are Parallax's food. The more it devours, the stronger it gets. If we fight on Earth, humanity will be its energy source. Even if we win, Earth's civilization will be utterly destroyed."
The statement left everyone feeling suppressed. They had never imagined such a bizarre creature existed.
Barry hesitated. "Boss, how did you defeat it three years ago?"
The others instantly realized the implication. Such a powerful Parallax was sealed—didn't that mean Luke was stronger than Parallax?
Luke sighed helplessly.
"I only encountered a small bug that had just escaped a seal. The one on Sinestro is different. According to Oa's intelligence, it has devoured at least six planetary civilizations."
"The small bug has turned into a giant monster. Its power is increasing exponentially. If I meet it again, I might be the one who dies."
Linda sneered. "At least you have some self-awareness."
Luke was left speechless.
Diana slammed her hand on the table. "It's settled. Outer space it is. We cannot let them land on Earth."
J'onn nodded. "That is the best plan."
Clark had no objections either. Outer space was a Kryptonian's main battleground; with ample sunlight, they could fight all out.
Barry, however, clutched his hair, a mix of excitement and distress. Outer space has no air and is zero-gravity. He wasn't sure if the Speed Force would still work.
Diana looked at Luke. Though she didn't speak, her eyes communicated everything. Luke understood her meaning and said,
"Don't worry, Barry. I'll design a space suit for you that maintains your ability to run freely. As for the rest of you..." He looked at Clark and J'onn, shrugging slightly. "I don't think you'll need one."
Barry was consumed by envy and jealousy. His speed was his strength, but his power and defense were his weaknesses. Among those present, only Luke was in the same class as him, but Luke was a mage, and his Thundercloud Storm made people drool.
After settling on the battlefield, the next steps were planning the layout and strategy. The group discussed for several hours in the unfinished hall before leaving as the sun set.
Luke's Calculated Breakup
Linda tried to run away, but Luke grabbed her first.
"Come back with me."
"No."
"Then where are you planning to go?"
"None of your business."
"Stop fooling around, come home with me."
"Let go!"
The girl stared at him coldly, as if looking at an enemy. Luke gave a bitter smile and slowly released her hand. "I was wrong about that. I was too greedy. I didn't consider your feelings."
"Having both of you is impossible. I have to make a choice eventually. Unfortunately, I realized it too late." He sighed heavily and continued, "Go, Linda. Take the Conquest and leave Earth. Don't come back."
The girl's eyes widened. "You... you're kicking me out?"
Luke silently nodded. "Carol and I grew up together. We've known each other for over a decade. Our feelings are too deep. I can't let her go."
"You..."
The girl was stunned. Her vision blurred as various emotions flooded her heart. After a long moment, she calmed down. "Fine. You said it. I'll go. I'll never come back."
"Luke Shaw, you are an absolute bastard."
Boom!
The ground beneath her dipped. The figure shot into the sky, disappearing into the night with a series of sonic booms.
Diana, who had been waiting nearby, walked up, looking quite exasperated.
"Is that your so-called solution?"
Luke spread his hands. "She's still a child."
Siobhan Sees Through the Plan
After leaving, Linda became increasingly angry. She flew to the desert to vent her rage, punching the ground repeatedly. Numerous deep pits appeared. Dust flew everywhere, red light scattered across the sky, sand turned to lava, and hills were pulverized.
After half an hour of venting, Linda returned to her rented small house and crawled onto the bed, sobbing uncontrollably.
She had never imagined this ending. She had lost, lost to Carol Ferris.
Why?
What did Carol have that she didn't?
The more she thought, the angrier and more wronged she felt. She wanted to confront Luke, but the thought of his cold expression made her lose all courage instantly. As far as she could remember, this was the first time Luke had ever been angry with her. Was it all for that woman?
Vile!
Linda punched the bed.
Rumble!
The bed, along with the entire floor, collapsed. The girl climbed out of the rubble. Ignoring the stunned young couple who lived there, she turned and walked outside.
It was now night. Standing on the street corner, the girl once again felt the sting of loneliness.
The Earth was vast, but there was no place for her. She was homeless.
Tears flowed against her will. Linda pulled out her phone and sent a text message to her friend. A short while later, a sweating Siobhan rushed over.
"What happened to you?"
Linda shook her head, tears streaming down.
Siobhan seemed to understand.
"Come on, let's go somewhere else."
In the hotel, after listening to Linda's whole tearful accusation, Siobhan frowned.
"Are you sure he wants you to leave?"
"He said it himself! He couldn't let go of Carol Ferris and told me to get lost."
The girl wiped her tears, her heart aching. Siobhan, however, grew increasingly perplexed.
"Based on your own story, Luke Shaw is about to face a very powerful enemy, right?"
Linda nodded. Siobhan continued,
"Then here's the question: at such a crucial moment, what does he need? He needs help. You are the person he trusts most, and your the most powerful help he has. Why would he kick you out at this very moment?"
The girl froze, her face filled with confusion.
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