chapter 11

Chapter 11: Power & PurposeThe Mansion on Kent Farm

The early morning sun cast long shadows over the Kent Farm as heavy machinery rumbled across the land. Construction crews moved with practiced efficiency, laying the foundation for the massive mansion rising beside the old farmhouse.

Lazarus stood on a temporary platform, arms crossed as he surveyed the work. The design was elegant yet powerful—modern glasswork blended with strong, rustic architecture that still honored the farm's roots. This would be more than a home; it would be a statement.

Jonathan Kent watched the progress from a distance, hands on his hips. "I still don't know about this, son."

Lazarus smirked. "Come on, Dad. We've talked about this. I'm not tearing down the farm—I'm expanding it. A state-of-the-art facility, workers to keep things running smoothly. You won't have to break your back anymore."

Jonathan exhaled. "I appreciate that, but I never minded the work."

Lazarus placed a hand on his father's shoulder. "That's the difference between you and me, Dad. I love work, but I believe in working smart."

Just then, a brand-new, top-of-the-line John Deere tractor rolled onto the property, followed by a convoy of workers in Kent Innovations uniforms.

Jonathan's eyes widened. "Lazarus… what did you do?"

Lazarus grinned. "Consider it an upgrade. You run this farm better than anyone, so I'm giving you the best tools to do it."

Jonathan opened his mouth to protest but found himself speechless. Martha, standing nearby, simply smiled.

"You've certainly got your father's stubbornness," she said.

Lazarus chuckled. "Runs in the family."

A Gift for ClarkLater that afternoon, Clark returned home from school, only to find something unexpected in the driveway—an obsidian-black Dodge Viper.

His jaw dropped. "Lazarus… whose car is this?"

Lazarus tossed him the keys. "Yours."

Clark caught them instinctively. "Wait, what?"

Lazarus leaned against the car. "You're my brother. You deserve something nice."

Clark hesitated. "Laz, this is… too much."

Lazarus shrugged. "I have billions, Clark. This? This is pocket change."

Clark still seemed hesitant, but a grin slowly spread across his face. "You really bought me a Viper?"

Lazarus smirked. "Drive it before I change my mind."

Clark laughed, getting into the driver's seat. As he turned the engine over, the powerful roar filled the air.

Jonathan sighed. "I feel like I've lost control of my own household."

Martha chuckled. "Welcome to the future."

The Supernatural LoomsThat night, Lazarus received an urgent call from Chloe.

"Laz, we need your help," she said, her voice tense.

Lazarus raised an eyebrow. "What happened?"

"We have a meteor freak situation. Someone's been draining people's energy, leaving them unconscious. Clark's trying to track them down, but… we might need backup."

Lazarus exhaled, already pulling on his leather jacket. "I'm on my way."

Minutes later, he arrived at an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of Smallville. Chloe and Pete stood outside, looking nervous.

"What are we dealing with?" Lazarus asked.

Chloe handed him her laptop. "Some guy named Samuel Tanner. He disappeared after the meteor shower and just resurfaced. Witnesses say he touches people and—bam—they collapse."

Lazarus frowned. "Absorbing energy?"

Chloe nodded. "And he's getting stronger."

Just then, Clark burst out of the warehouse, skidding to a stop. His clothes were torn, and he looked drained.

Lazarus caught him before he collapsed. "Clark!"

Clark groaned. "He's… strong. He took my energy, Laz."

Lazarus set his brother down gently, his expression darkening. Then he turned toward the warehouse.

"I'll handle this."

Chloe grabbed his arm. "Wait—you don't have Clark's powers."

Lazarus smirked. "I don't need them."

With that, he stepped into the shadows, ready to remind Smallville that power wasn't just about abilities—it was about control.