chapter 8

Chapter 8: UnbreakableKent Innovations – The First TestThe underground testing facility beneath Kent Innovations buzzed with activity. Engineers and scientists stood at attention as Lazarus Kent examined the sleek, black alloy Lex had provided. It was stronger than steel, lighter than aluminum, and nearly indestructible—nearly.

Lazarus smirked, stepping into the reinforced testing chamber. A massive slab of the metal stood before him, gleaming under the bright lights. His engineers had run calculations, simulations, even stress tests using industrial equipment.

Now it was his turn.

His Viltrumite blood thrummed with energy as he cracked his knuckles. He took a deep breath, then—

BOOM!

His fist slammed into the metal, sending shockwaves rippling through the chamber. Alarms blared. Engineers ducked for cover as the entire facility trembled.

When the dust settled, Lazarus stood before the alloy. A deep crater marked the impact point, but the metal still held.

He let out a slow whistle. "Not bad."

One of his lead engineers, Dr. Avery, approached hesitantly. "Sir, with a few modifications, we could integrate this into next-gen armor, even advanced construction materials."

Lazarus grinned. "Then let's get to work."

Smallville High – A Rift GrowsClark had seen less and less of Lazarus lately. His brother was always in Metropolis, barely coming home, missing school events.

So when he spotted Lazarus in the hallway, he didn't waste time.

"Laz!" Clark called out, stepping in front of him.

Lazarus sighed, pocketing his phone. "What's up, Clark?"

"What's up? You tell me. You're barely around anymore."

Lazarus crossed his arms. "Clark, I have a company to run."

Clark frowned. "And what about family?"

Lazarus exhaled. "I'm not abandoning anyone, Clark. But I won't pretend I'm like everyone else. I need to do this."

Clark shook his head. "You sound like Lex."

Lazarus smirked. "Maybe Lex has a point."

Clark stared at him, stunned. "You really believe that?"

Lazarus met his gaze evenly. "Lex sees potential where others see limits. You might want to think about that."

With that, he walked away, leaving Clark standing there, more worried than ever.

Luthor Mansion – A Dangerous PropositionThat evening, Lazarus met Lex at the Luthor Mansion.

Lex poured two glasses of scotch, sliding one across the desk. "I hear your tests went well."

Lazarus took a sip, nodding. "The alloy is incredible. We're already working on applications."

Lex smirked. "Good. Because I have another proposition for you."

Lazarus raised an eyebrow. "I'm listening."

Lex leaned forward. "Lionel's been watching you. He sees Kent Innovations as a threat. If you keep expanding, he willcome for you."

Lazarus chuckled. "Let him try."

Lex smiled. "That's the spirit. But I have something better—inside information. Leverage."

Lazarus studied him. "And what do you want in return?"

Lex leaned back. "Just… trust. A real partnership."

Lazarus thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, Lex. Let's see where this goes."

Kent Farm – Jonathan's Last WarningThat night, Lazarus returned home to find Jonathan waiting on the porch.

"You keep meeting with Lex," Jonathan said, arms crossed.

Lazarus sighed. "Dad, it's just business."

Jonathan shook his head. "It's never just business with the Luthors."

Lazarus met his father's gaze. "I know what I'm doing."

Jonathan studied him for a long moment before sighing. "I just hope you don't lose yourself in the process."

Lazarus looked away, his father's words lingering in his mind.

Because deep down, he knew—he was already changing.

And there was no turning back.