chapter 6

Chapter 6: The Price of AmbitionMetropolis – A Taste of PowerLazarus Kent stepped out of a black luxury sedan onto the gleaming streets of Metropolis. The city pulsed with energy, the towering skyscrapers symbols of ambition and power. He had been coming here more frequently, securing business deals, meeting investors, and laying the foundation for his company, Kent Innovations.

Today was different.

Today, he was meeting Bruce Wayne.

Inside the high-rise conference room, Bruce sat at the head of a long table, his sharp gaze assessing Lazarus as he walked in.

"You're younger than I expected," Bruce said.

Lazarus smirked. "And you're exactly what I expected."

Bruce's lips twitched in amusement. "Lex Luthor speaks highly of you."

"I wouldn't take Lex's word on anything," Lazarus replied, taking a seat.

Bruce leaned forward. "Smart answer. So, tell me—why should Wayne Enterprises invest in Kent Innovations?"

Lazarus met his gaze without hesitation. "Because I'm not just looking to build another tech company. I'm looking to redefine energy, security, and infrastructure. Affordable, clean technology that isn't controlled by corrupt corporations. Your mission aligns with mine."

Bruce studied him for a moment. Then, with a small nod, he said, "You have my attention."

Lazarus knew this was just the beginning.

Smallville – The Distance GrowsBack in Smallville, Clark noticed Lazarus's growing absences. His brother was spending less time at home, missing football games, and skipping out on their usual late-night talks in the barn.

One evening, Clark found Lazarus in his room, typing furiously on his laptop.

"You missed dinner," Clark said.

Lazarus barely looked up. "Had work."

Clark frowned. "You're always working now."

Lazarus sighed, shutting his laptop. "Clark, I'm building something here. Something that will change lives."

"And what about your life? What about Mom and Dad? They miss you."

Lazarus rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm doing this for them. So they don't have to struggle anymore."

Clark shook his head. "They don't want your money, Lazarus. They want you."

Lazarus's jaw tightened. "I can't just stay here forever, Clark. I'm not meant for Smallville."

Clark exhaled. "I just don't want you to lose yourself."

Lazarus softened. "I won't. I promise."

But deep down, he wondered if he was already starting to.

The Luthor Mansion – An Unexpected PropositionA few days later, Lazarus found himself standing in Lex Luthor's office.

Lex poured himself a drink, then gestured toward Lazarus. "You've impressed a lot of people. Including my father."

Lazarus tensed. Lionel Luthor was not a man he wanted to be in debt to.

"I'm not interested in working with your father," Lazarus said flatly.

Lex smirked. "Neither am I. But he made an offer."

Lazarus raised an eyebrow. "What kind of offer?"

Lex stepped closer. "A partnership. He sees potential in Kent Innovations—and in you."

Lazarus scoffed. "And what would I owe him in return?"

Lex's smirk didn't fade. "Everything."

Lazarus clenched his fists. "I don't sell my soul, Lex."

Lex chuckled. "Then maybe you're not ready for the big leagues."

Lazarus stared at him for a long moment before turning to leave.

"I'll build my empire without the Luthors."

Lex's voice followed him. "We'll see, Lazarus. We'll see."

Kent Farm – A Choice to MakeThat night, as Lazarus stood on the porch, staring out at the fields, Jonathan Kent joined him.

"You okay, son?"

Lazarus hesitated. "I turned down Lionel Luthor today."

Jonathan smiled, nodding in approval. "Good."

Lazarus exhaled. "But what if I made a mistake? What if I need that kind of power to make a difference?"

Jonathan placed a hand on his shoulder. "The only power that matters is the kind you don't have to sell your soul for."

Lazarus looked at his father and, for the first time in a while, felt grounded.

Maybe he didn't need to rush. Maybe he could build something his way.

But he also knew one thing for certain—this was just the beginning.

And the world had yet to see what he was truly capable of.