Chapter 15: Something Is Coming

In a high-rise penthouse, Lex Luthor lounged on his sofa, sipping a glass of wine while staring at a holographic display of the captured parademon, his finger twirled the kryptonite knife between his fingers.

"Disappointing," he muttered, swirling the glass in his hand. With a tap on his console, he severed the connection to the creature, rendering it utterly inert.

A faint smile crossed his lips. "Well, it served its purpose. Besides..." He glanced at a sleek new suit of armor displayed in the corner of the room, its surface gleaming with alien alloys.

"...I got what I needed."

In his private lab, the hum of high-tech machinery filling the sterile, dimly lit room. In the center, a massive cylindrical pod glowed faintly with life.

Inside, a figure floated, barely formed but brimming with potential.

Years of work had led to this moment, and the culmination of his efforts was almost within reach.

Luthor turned to Professor Ivo, whose brilliance was matched only by his obsession with pushing scientific boundaries.

"Two years, Ivo," Lex said, his voice cold and calculated. "Two years of meticulous work, gathering every shred of that alien DNA, every molecule of Superman's blood... and my own. A trinity of perfection. Do you understand the magnitude of what we're creating here?"

Ivo smirked, adjusting his glasses as he monitored the data streaming across the lab's holographic interface. "Of course, Mr. Luthor. But creating a living weapon capable of matching Superman and surpassing him? That's more than science. That's art. Project Amazo will be a masterpiece once it's complete."

Lex's gaze lingered on the figure in the pod, the swirling mass of genetic material beginning to take on a humanoid shape. "The Justice League... They think they're untouchable, don't they? A team of heroes united. But what happens when they face something that knows no fear, no weakness, and no restraint?"

Ivo's fingers danced over the console, tweaking the energy infusion levels. "When this is ready, it won't just match them—it will exceed them. A being with their combined powers, bound by our will."

Luthor grinned, stepping closer to the pod. He placed a hand on the glass, watching as the creature's features started to solidify. -Project A-1 Doom-

Ivo hesitated for a moment, glancing at Luthor. "And what if batman or the others discover this?"

Luthor laughed dryly. "Let them. By the time they figure out what's happening, it will already be too late. Besides..." He gestured to the pod. "This isn't just a weapon. This is evolution. My evolution. Their end."

As the lab filled with the sound of whirring machines and the bubbling of the pod, Luthor's smirk grew wider.

His ambition, coupled with the genius of Professor Ivo, had given birth to something terrifying.

Project Amazo was no longer an idea—it was a reality on the verge of waking up, and so is the alien infused DNA, Doomsday.

While batman was doing his job, back at the bakery ever peaceful.

"Should I expand the store?" Rimuru mused, leaning on the counter while observing the bustling bakery. "More space means more customers... but that also means more employees to hire."

"Master, you have plenty of funds," Ciel reminded, her voice echoing in Rimuru's thoughts.

"True," Rimuru replied, tapping a finger on the counter. "Money's not the issue. It's the vibe. I don't want the place to feel... too big, you know? Cozy is key."

After a moment of contemplation, Rimuru clapped their hands. "Alright, it's decided. Expansion it is."

A quick call to a local construction company set things in motion.

"Master," Ciel interjected, "a little magic could complete the expansion in an instant. Why bother with conventional methods?"

Rimuru smirked. "Ciel, we shouldn't rely on magic for everything. Plus, this way, the local economy benefits. Everyone wins."

The construction was scheduled to start next month. Until then, it was business as usual.

"Wait, you're here? Don't you have to, uh... babysit—I mean, take care of Veldora, Ramiris, and Milim?"

-Ciel has left the chat💀

The blazing sun outside was merciless, but customers entering the bakery sighed in relief the moment they felt the cool embrace of the air conditioning.

Anna, ever the cheerful host, greeted them with a bright smile. "Welcome! Here to beat the heat and treat your taste buds?"

A sweaty young man chuckled. "Anna, you're the real treat here. How do you stay so cheerful in this weather?"

Anna laughed, waving him off. "Oh, stop it! If you think flattery will get you a discount, you're wrong."

The man grinned sheepishly. "Worth a shot."

An older woman approached the counter, fanning herself dramatically. "Anna, do you have anything colder than this heatwave?"

Anna leaned closer conspiratorially. "Well, Mrs. Turner, we're thinking about adding cold drinks to the menu. I'll put in a word to the boss." She gestured back to Rimuru, who was now retreating to the back room.

"Tell her I'll pay double for an iced latte!" Mrs. Turner called out.

Rimuru, leaving the front to Anna and Lucas, headed upstairs to his room.

Flicking on the TV, he began flipping through channels.

"Live news..." Rimuru muttered as the screen showed footage of a raging fire.

The Flash darted in and out of the flames, saving civilians with blinding speed. "Good job, Barry."

Click.

Cartoons. Click. News again. Click. Drama. Click. Cartoons.

"Nothing good on," Rimuru sighed, slumping onto the bed. "How does anyone watch TV these days?"

2 Months Later

The Justice League's communication channels crackled to life, Batman's voice cutting through the static with his usual grim tone.

"This is Batman. I need everyone to assemble immediately."