CHAPTER 137

The League arrived at the sprawling estate of LexCorp, a place shrouded in an aura of secrecy. Amidst the imposing structures, one peculiar building stood out, its significance emphasized by the formidable security detail stationed around it. Aquaman's reduced league involvement was understandable, given the weight of his responsibilities ruling his underwater kingdom.

"Security measures are formidable," Superman observed, deploying his X-ray vision to scan the compound's layout. Meanwhile, Flash darted around, deftly disabling exterior security cameras.

"There's something strange about this compound," Superman mused.

"Strange? Explain," Wonder Woman queried.

"I've encountered an area that resists my vision, like it's shielded with lead," Superman explained, his brow furrowing in concentration.

"Oddly, I can sense the presence of individuals, but they're obscured from my psychic probing," Martian Manhunter added, frustration edging his voice.

"Without a doubt, Luthor is concealed within," Batman concluded. "Flash, Cyborg, Wonder Woman, and Martian Manhunter, neutralize the outer guards and advance cautiously towards the enigmatic room. We can't overlook the possibility that this 'mystery room' is a diversion meant to seize our attention."

"Agreed," Green Lantern chimed in.

"Superman, Green Lantern, and I will infiltrate from an alternate angle, progressively advancing towards the room. This pincer movement will ensure Luthor has no escape route," Batman outlined, his strategic mind at the forefront.

"Okay guys, move out." Superman commanded and everyone immediately went into mission mode, the idea was to take the guards by surprise from both sides and leave Lex no other option but to surrender. 

… 

[Lex Luthor's POV] 

At last, my meticulously devised plans had been set into motion, and the lowlife criminals posing as villains and arch-nemeses to heroes danced like puppets to my strings, all while I controlled them effortlessly, without a single coin exchanged.

The seductive allure of power swirled around me like an intoxicating mist. Tonight marked the culmination of my careful plotting, a night where a rendezvous with one of the world's most influential figures would unfold. My intentions? To implant thoughts deep within his mind, my influence an unbreakable bond.

As discussions flowed and schemes were hatched, a report soured the air. "Sir, we are under attack."

RAT-TAT-TAT-TA!!!

Gunshots echoed through the phone, the guard's voice trembling, before it was abruptly silenced. Who could possibly trace me here? My fingers danced across the keyboard, trying to access security feeds, only to end up unable to connect to them.

Stalking to my desk, I dialed the head of security. "Explain this ruckus," I barked, rage boiling beneath the surface.

"Sir, the Justice League is breaching our defenses. Remain composed; we'll resist them," came the reply, a futile promise that amused me. There was no chance in hell they could thwart the League's might.

Yet, the situation favored me splendidly. The League's intrusion would allow me to puppeteer their minds and assimilate them into my collection.

Hahaha ha!!!

A diabolical laugh erupted, a toast raised with my guest. We reclined, exchanging sinister chuckles as we outlined grander schemes. Amidst a cacophony of gunshots and falling bullet casings, an abrupt silence descended. Eyes fixed on the available security feed, I observed Batman, Wonder Woman, Superman, and their comrades advancing toward me, fury etched across their expressions.

They were drawing near. The perfect moment had arrived.

A camera in my office flickered to life, capturing my guest's visage as he initiated a public broadcast.

"Greetings, fellow Americans." He addressed the camera, projecting an air of authority. "Serving as your president has been an honor. However, I fear for my life now, as the so-called heroes have turned against me without explanation." He cleared his throat, locking his gaze on the lens.

Seated back, I manipulated his words, crafting a tale of deception more persuasive. "Regrettably, the Justice League has betrayed us all. They attacked me, but I managed to escape their clutches. Neither my safe haven at Camp David nor the government bunkers were secure; their might was overwhelming."

My eyes flicked back to the feed, catching Batman as he disabled my cameras, one by one, signaling the approach of my guests of honor. Anticipation danced in the air; my trap was nearly sprung. 

"Seeking refuge, I found solace in a private LexCorp residence. Mr. Lex Luthor extended his hand in aid, sheltering me as we strategized against the rogue League. Alas, their pursuit led us to this broadcast. I implore the military and every citizen to stand against this dire threat."

With the League's arrival imminent, Superman, Green Lantern, Flash, Wonder Woman, and Batman burst through the wall, anger radiating from their forms. Superman, a scarlet glow in his eyes, took the lead.

"My God, they're here!" The president faltered, terror seizing him, captured vividly by the camera. Just before they could respond, I silenced the feed. The world would not witness the truth, nor comprehend my manipulation of the president.

"Mr. President?" Batman inquired, as Superman approached me with palpable fury. "Tired of scheming and failure?"

I endeavored to bend Superman's mind using technology refined by my scientists, bolstered by Grodd's psychic prowess. "Kneel before me, all of you," I commanded. But their defiance was swift, Batman's fist an unforgiving reminder.

"Why's your mind trickery failing?" I questioned aloud, perplexity coloring my tone. Their ears, adorned with discreet tech, thwarted my bid for control.

"Mind games won't work," quipped Flash, his smugness hidden beneath his cowl. "You're outmatched."

"Peacefully come with us," Green Lantern advised, as Martian Manhunter attempted to assist the president, his offer rejected.

It became clear that the president was under my sway. Best they knock me out and provide him the necessary device to free his mind. However, my final surprise awaited.

"Incoming," Superman warned, his super hearing alerting him to incoming helicopters and reinforcements. A smile curled on my lips—my backup forces had arrived, bolstered and prepared to crush the League.

"I've got this," Superman declared, rushing toward the president. "We'll ensure your safety." His gaze flicked to the League before him.

Click!!!

According to my earlier plan, I had the president hold onto a kryptonite-laden bracelet, a customized creation from LexCorp. The hero hesitated, baffled.

"Get down!" Batman's voice cut through, grenades rolling into the room. Superman seized them, but as the explosion dispersed kryptonite gas, he faltered, choking within the haze before collapsing.

Clank!!!

Flash's leg was ensnared by a power-dampening device, rendering him powerless. Extraction teams swooped in, claiming the president, as Batman's eyes scanned the room, realization dawning.

"Where's Luthor?"

"Can't sense him anymore," Martian Manhunter confessed, his psychic search thwarted. My retreat had been cunningly executed.

"Retreat," Batman's command echoed, and the remaining heroes dissolved into the dark embrace of the night.

With LexCorp's skilled hands at work, the footage of that incident was meticulously molded, crafting a narrative that painted the Justice League as intoxicated by their own power, consumed by the desire for control. Distorting and weaving the clip, harnessing it to earn the admiration of the masses and secure global recognition was a task as effortless as snapping my fingers.

The world would awaken to a headline of unparalleled intrigue, a sensation that promised to captivate their attention. I merely needed to tie up a few loose ends, and my carefully orchestrated masterpiece would come to fruition.

Embracing this path demanded the removal of the new variable, Ace, who had emerged on the scene. His psyche teetered on the precipice of derangement, his danger level surpassing that of most villains. While his true motives remained shrouded, prudence dictated treating him as a villain. Converting him to an ally, even through mind control, held potential if circumstances demanded it.

As it stands, this world is ripe for my dominion. The mantle of supreme ruler shall rest solely upon my shoulders, crushing adversaries beneath the indomitable weight of my mastery.