Superman Clark's mouth twitched twice.
Not alive? What, does that mean he's dead?
This kid really doesn't know how to talk.
He only thought that to himself, though. It wasn't worth taking seriously. Instead, he asked the question he'd already prepared.
"Do you want to join my organization? The Justice League..."
"The Justice League—is that a group that punishes evil, fights villains, and does good deeds?"
Billy Batson lit up the moment he realized Superman was inviting him to join his team. His excitement spiked as he eagerly asked what kind of group the Justice League really was.
"You could say that."
If he explained it in detail, a kid like this wouldn't understand anyway. Keeping it simple was better.
Hearing that, Billy suddenly felt a rush of importance," he thought, "I really am someone that matters."
A group that does good deeds—how could he possibly turn that down?
"I've decided. I'm joining the Justice League!"
But wait—what about his job? If he joined the League, he couldn't just quit working out of nowhere, right?
That thought made his gaze drift toward Lorien, who stood nearby.
"I still have work. I can't just drop it all of a sudden, can I?"
He wasn't particularly attached to his job as a junior assistant in the counseling office, but as a working man, some lines shouldn't be crossed.
"What's there to worry about? As long as your boss agrees, it's fine. I'm sure he won't stop you," Clark said, turning toward Lorien. "Right, Lorien?"
Billy's eyes flicked back and forth between Lorien and Clark, confusion written all over his face.
"Why are you asking him about my business? Don't tell me—you both know who I really am?"
Billy's startled tone left both Lorien and Clark silent for a moment.
His attempt at hiding his identity was laughable—he'd literally shouted Lorien's name in front of everyone just moments ago.
Did he really not notice he'd already given himself away?
"Clark, you can take him with you now. As for you, Billy, come by my workplace tomorrow morning—no, next Monday—and I'll settle your pay."
Lorien had first considered telling Billy to come by his place but realized it was unnecessary and quickly changed it to meeting at work on Monday.
Billy was still dazed, trying to figure out how he'd blown his own cover. He honestly thought he'd kept it well hidden.
If he believed that, it was almost funny. He'd exposed himself in front of everyone—what was left to hide?
The sky had darkened, and night was setting in. The once-empty streets were lively again. People's eyes fell on Lorien and the others, curious and scrutinizing.
Lorien hated being stared at like that. Without hesitation, he looked away, said a quick goodbye to Clark and Billy, and turned to leave.
Rest days always brought a rare kind of happiness. Staying home was its own kind of comfort.
"Should we go to the aquarium?"
Weekend outings had become their routine, and both Gwen and Wanda were looking forward to it.
"Sure, you decide."
Lorien didn't really care where they went.
"But the aquarium's in Fawcett City. We'll have to drive there."
They could teleport, sure, but on weekends they liked to live like normal people—to experience ordinary life. It was oddly enjoyable.
After spending time with Lorien, they'd picked up some of his habits and learned how to enjoy life the way he did.
"Then let's rent a car."
Buying one in Gotham was a terrible idea—cars there got wrecked or stolen no matter who you were.
"Maybe we could ask Bruce Wayne to lend us one. I'm sure he wouldn't mind..."
Bruce Wayne's cars were among the few in Gotham no one dared to steal. They were too recognizable—and packed with tech.
"Then it's settled."
The next day, Lorien called Bruce Wayne.
Since Bruce was his patient, their relationship was fairly good. When Bruce heard Lorien planned to take two girls to Fawcett City and wanted to borrow a car, he didn't hesitate to offer one of his prized vehicles.
"My treatment's shown results, and I owe you for that. So go ahead—pick any car from my garage."
He led Lorien, Gwen, and Wanda into the garage with a smile. "If you like them all, take them all."
Lorien wasn't picky about cars—as long as it ran, it was fine. But when he saw Bruce's collection, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
When it came to taste, Bruce Wayne was unbeatable.
"This one," Wanda said, choosing a low-profile car. Gwen nodded in agreement.
Lorien had left the choice to them, and he agreed—it was a good pick.
Bruce had wanted to invite them to dinner, but Lorien and the others declined. They didn't want to waste time. Dinner with friends could wait—they preferred spending the day together.
"That's a shame. I hope one day you'll have time to let me treat you to a meal. I truly owe you all."
Bruce's tone was sincere.
"Of course. If we get the chance, we will."
Lorien smiled faintly, though his expression stayed calm. Clearly, that dinner wasn't happening anytime soon.
Bruce didn't insist. He personally saw them off.
Only after watching their car disappear down the road did he finally turn back.