Chapter 72

Lex Luthor stood uneasily in front of the door. Over the past few days, he had observed the changes in the suicide ghetto, the rules that had been implemented and the brutal, domineering reputation that surrounded Bardi.

Lex believed the time had come to change his destiny.

He wouldn't stay in the suicide slum forever. He despised this place, loathed it to his core. Even though Bardi had improved conditions and brought order, Lex felt no goodwill toward him or the slum.

He clutched the tape recorder hidden in the pocket of his black sweater, took a deep breath to calm his nerves, and opened the door to walk in.

As soon as he entered, the sunlight streaming through the room illuminated Bardi's figure. Half bathed in light, the other half shrouded in shadow, Bardi seemed both divine and demonic. The contrast of light and darkness gave him an otherworldly presence that made Lex's body stiffen involuntarily.

This was a murderer, a tyrant—a man who could easily kill anyone without a second thought. Yet, in the same breath, he was revered as a god by the people of the suicide slum. Bardi had used the chaos of the slum to elevate himself, commanding worship and adulation from those who feared him.

Lex shut the door and walked toward the sofa opposite Bardi. However, he didn't dare sit down. He had seen what happened to a gang member who casually sat in Bardi's presence, he was thrown dozens of meters and died on the spot.

Bardi demanded discipline. In front of him, everyone had to abide by the rules.

Bardi was the sole arbiter of those rules, he alone had the right to establish them or break them. No one else was allowed to act outside his authority.

Lex stood stiffly, his posture rigid, like a child who had been caught misbehaving. His head hung slightly, but he still stubbornly met Bardi's gaze.

At only thirteen years old, Lex was still just a boy.

Bardi downed the last of his hot cocoa in one gulp, savoring the rich, bittersweet flavor that lingered on his tongue. Setting the cup down, he glanced at Lex.

"Is something wrong?" he asked, his tone indifferent.

Lex took a deep breath. His stiff body trembled slightly. He knew that if he angered Bardi, he could be killed on the spot.

But according to his observations and psychological analysis of Bardi's behavior, he estimated there was a 90% chance his gamble would succeed.

Lex had done extensive preparation. He had studied Bardi's movements, demeanor, and tendencies, believing he had a grasp of the man's mindset.

Steadying his nerves, Lex gritted his teeth and said, "I want to join Barmulodi."

"Sure."

Bardi's response was immediate, and his tone was calm and casual. He didn't even hesitate to agree.

Putting down the empty cup, Bardi looked at the young Lex Luthor with a faint smile.

Lex froze in place.

It was that easy?

He had prepared countless arguments, detailed plans, and backup strategies to prove his value. He had even devised long-term strategies for managing the slum, expanding Barmulodi's influence, and eventually invading the Metropolis. He had thought through every way to demonstrate his intelligence and worth.

Yet, before he could say a word of it, Bardi had agreed.

Lex's lips moved as if to ask why, but in the end, he held back. He had achieved his goal, there was no need to question it further.

This was how a smart person acted.

Bardi's eyes gleamed with faint admiration as he spoke again, answering Lex's unasked question.

"The tape recorder in your pocket contains recordings of Barmulodi meetings," Bardi said casually. "Specifically, the one where we discussed the suicide of the slum police chief. Of course, the police chief has already been burned to ashes. It also contains evidence of the murder of thirty-six others."

Lex's body stiffened, his pupils shrinking in shock.

He had been found out.

"This was your way of showing your cleverness," Bardi continued, smiling faintly. "I appreciate that. But in case you're wondering, the incriminating documents you sent to the post office two hours ago, those have already been intercepted as well."

Lex's breath caught in his throat. His hands trembled, sweat dripping from his brow. He lowered his gaze, not daring to meet Bardi's eyes.

"Your plan was simple," Bardi said, his tone light but pointed. "If Barmulodi didn't accept you, you'd take the evidence to the upper-class families in the Metropolis, using it as your ticket out of the slum. Clever, really."

Lex's body began to shake uncontrollably, fear rising like a tide in his chest.

"And let's not forget the contingency plan you prepared," Bardi added. "You had a friend carry another set of documents out of the slum in case something went wrong. Don't worry—your friend is alive and well."

Bardi stood, his tall figure looming as he stepped closer to Lex. His presence was overwhelming, a flood of pressure that suffocated the boy.

Lex's legs felt like they were about to give out as Bardi's shoes came into view. His breath quickened, and he dared not lift his head.

Then, a hand clapped gently on his shoulder.

Lex flinched as if he had been struck.

"Do you think I'm just a brute with strength and no understanding of technology?" Bardi asked, his tone low and calm. "Is that why you wanted an escape route? To latch onto the upper class and make a name for yourself in the Metropolis?"

Lex Luthor pursed his lips tightly, his fearful eyes betraying the thoughts churning in his mind. He was smart enough to know that brute strength alone couldn't compete with the high technology of the future. The path forward required more than physical power, it required foresight, strategy, and development.

Bardi suddenly gave Lex a light push on the back, his smile unsettling yet casual.

"Go back and pack up. Today we're heading to the central city of the Metropolis. From now on, you're a member of Bamulodi."

Lex nodded, his steps trembling as he walked out the door. His breaths were heavy, and a bitter smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Every shred of his supposed bravery and wisdom had been stripped away in that room. He had been left exposed, his mind shaken and his body trembling uncontrollably. Even now, his legs wobbled beneath him as he walked.

Exiting the luxurious building, Lex stepped into the sunlight. He tilted his head up, letting the sun's rays hit his face. The light felt almost piercing, stinging his eyes, but it grounded him.

The discouragement and fear began to fade, replaced by something new, a fragile determination.

He stepped forward, the heaviness in his chest lifting slightly with each step.

Fear or trembling, it ends today. I am no longer a part of this place.

I… I got out of here!

---

Bardi stood at the floor-to-ceiling window, watching Lex leave. From the balcony, he observed as the boy exited the building.

When Lex stepped into the sunlight, his posture changed slightly. He straightened his spine, lifted his head, and walked forward with newfound resolve.

"Lex Luthor," Bardi murmured to himself.

Don't let me down.

A faint smile curled his lips as he continued watching Lex disappear into the distance.

I look forward to the moment when you betray me.

With that thought, Bardi turned away and summoned Mike.

"I'll be leaving the suicide slum today," he said, his tone decisive. "The rest is up to you."

Mike stood straight, awaiting orders.

"You'll lead the operation to destroy the Gambino Mafia," Bardi continued. "No cooperation. Use the fastest means possible to erode their territory and eliminate their influence."

"I'll be heading to the Metropolis to meet with the intergang alliances. A hundred talks, all focused on a single question, whether they'll surrender or not."

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.

"As for the 'family,' don't worry about them. I'll deal with that myself. Your priority is recruiting mercenaries to secure the suicide slum."