Perhaps because some truths had already come to light, Billy Batson's days suddenly became unusually quiet.
Lorien had been watching him closely. Even the slightest change in Billy's demeanor never escaped Lorien's notice.
"Boss, I've figured it out!"
One day, Billy Batson's spirit seemed to return. He admitted that saying he missed his family had been a lie. In truth, he was just a child without parents, moving from one foster home to another.
Now that Lorien had taken him in, life didn't seem all that different from before. Realizing this, he gradually calmed down.
"I'm going to live well in this world."
Billy spoke with renewed excitement, brimming with energy.
Watching him, Lorien shrugged. "You're a big kid now. It's good that you can make your own choices. I'm not here to plan your life."
"As long as my money stays mine, that's enough. I don't need help—I'll take responsibility for my own future."
His wages were essential to maintaining his quality of life. Until he figured out what to do next, he was determined to keep staying with Lorien.
Though they'd originally agreed on just a month of work, who could refuse a kid like him? He always managed to find a way.
Billy Batson was the kind of child whose face made his thoughts completely transparent. Lorien merely gave him a quick glance and could immediately tell what he was thinking.
He didn't respond further—just looked once, then returned his attention elsewhere. Whether this boy would eventually join the Justice League or follow the original storyline, Lorien wouldn't interfere.
After explaining a few things clearly to Billy Batson, Lorien turned his gaze back to the book in his hands.
Billy asked curiously, "Boss, are books really that interesting? Just looking at words gives me a headache. People say God closed the door to wisdom for Billy Batson..."
Lorien always thought that was nonsense. Knowledge was something anyone could gain just by reading, wasn't it?
"Maybe you should try it yourself."
With that, Lorien casually picked up a simple introductory book from the desk and handed it to him.
Billy accepted it politely, flipped through a few pages, and quickly set it down.
"I don't get it."
And he clearly didn't enjoy it either.
"Since you've decided to live properly in this world, and you're only twelve," Lorien said seriously, "I'll have to find you a school."
"Um... I have a stomachache."
After finally getting out of school, Billy Batson had absolutely no desire to drag himself back inside. He was completely resistant to the very idea of going to school, so he immediately used his stomachache as an excuse to leave.
Lorien watched his hurried retreating figure, then calmly returned his gaze to the book in his hands. He had no intention of forcing Billy to attend school. If the boy truly didn't want to go, Lorien wouldn't insist. After all, everyone had the right to choose their own path in life—Billy included.
After leaving the counseling room, Billy didn't head straight back. Instead, he sat down not far from it, resting his chin in his hands as he watched the steady flow of people walking back and forth in front of him.
Why had he come to this world in the first place?
It was because of a wizard in a black robe. That person gave him a strange sense of familiarity, one that stirred a bold thought in his mind. But the thought lasted only a second before he shook his head and dismissed it.
"Impossible," Billy muttered under his breath.
Straightening his back, he glanced toward Lorien, who was still quietly reading not far away. Lorien really was a good person. Without him, Billy might have fallen back into the same miserable life he once knew. Even thinking about those days made his stomach turn. He was truly thankful that he hadn't lost his way.
"Thief! Someone help! Catch the thief!"
The sudden angry shout broke through the calm.
Billy immediately jumped to his feet and looked across the street. Two men dressed entirely in black were sprinting ahead, each carrying a large bundle in their arms. Behind them, someone kept shouting for help—but this was Gotham City.
Hardly anyone stepped in. In fact, the bystanders didn't just ignore it—they were watching the chaos with amusement, exchanging mocking comments.
"Hey, man, you think that guy's gonna get away?"
"He seems to know the area. Must be a local. No doubt he'll lose the people chasing him!"
"Haha, yeah, I think so too."
Billy shouted "Shazam!" and in an instant transformed into an adult. As he passed by the onlookers, he stuck his tongue out at them playfully.
"What's wrong with that guy? Is he crazy?"
The bystanders were furious. No one liked being mocked for no reason, and his behavior only made him look foolish.
"Freeze! Hand over what you're holding."
Billy appeared in front of the two thieves in an instant, blocking their escape. The thieves hadn't expected anyone to intervene.
"Mind your own business and get lost!" one of them shouted, reaching out to shove him aside. But no matter how hard they pushed, they couldn't move Billy an inch.
...
Lorien, who hadn't seen Billy return even after work ended, stepped outside just in time to witness the commotion on the street. A few thieves again?
It looked like Billy wanted to play hero once more.
Lorien sighed, slightly exasperated, but didn't pay much attention to it. He withdrew his gaze, slid his hands into his pockets, and started heading home.