People whose true nature can't be discerned always draw attention.
"Psychiatric clinic? You mean my boss, right? When I first ended up in this world for no reason, that's where I started working. At the beginning, I was nervous, but the boss turned out to be a really good guy. He helped me a lot. After I started working there, he never restricted me. Even when I slacked off a little, he just turned a blind eye. Oh, and I've done plenty of heroic deeds too! My name's famous all over Gotham City—just mention me, and people get scared!"
The more Billy Batson talked, the more excited he became.
"Even though my boss looks like just an ordinary psychologist, he's not that simple. Others might not notice, but I've worked by his side for almost a month—I can tell."
He shook his head with a sigh. "I just don't get why he's hiding his identity here in Gotham. The city's got terrible security."
Still, it was exactly because Gotham was chaotic that he had a place to shine. Every time people looked at him with admiration, his day felt worthwhile.
During their time together, Billy did most of the talking, while the wizard Shazam simply listened.
Seeing Billy living well eased Shazam's mind. As long as the boy was doing fine, all his earlier worries had been unnecessary.
"I'll find somewhere nearby to stay," Shazam said seriously. "I don't plan on leaving anytime soon. If you run into any trouble, you can come find me anytime."
"Alright, got it."
As Shazam turned to leave, Billy took a few steps forward, hoping he might stay and chat for a while. But the wizard didn't seem interested and left soon after.
Once he was gone, the rest of the Justice League quickly gathered around.
Their first words were filled with curiosity.
"Who was that? Can you tell us who he is? If not, just forget we asked—we won't press you."
They were curious, yes, but careful not to push too far.
Billy didn't think there was any problem sharing.
"That man's name is Shazam. If not for him, I never would've become the kind of hero I am now. So in a way, I'm grateful to him."
He gave a quick summary of his past experiences. His words came fast, and within moments everyone understood the situation.
Hearing his story, the others couldn't help but admire the wizard Shazam.
While they were still discussing it, another figure appeared.
The moment he arrived, Bruce Wayne immediately stepped forward to greet him.
"Lorien, what a surprise. You showing up here is rare."
Given Lorien's usual habits, this was his off-hours. Even arranging to see him during that time was nearly impossible. Yet, at this very hour, he had come to them on his own.
"I didn't come specifically for you."
Lorien didn't like wasting his off-work hours. But he'd calculated the situation carefully.
If he didn't come today to clarify certain matters, the Justice League might soon face something disastrous—perhaps even catastrophic.
This world was already a merged one, disconnected from the specific timelines and events that once should have happened.
"A Dr. Sivana came to me," Lorien said lightly. "Normally, that wouldn't be worth mentioning. But something about him is clearly wrong. He might have a connection to the people you've been looking for."
A connection to their targets?
They'd been tracking those same individuals all this time. And the only thing Lorien knew about was the theft incident.
"Where is this Dr. Sivana now?"
Bruce Wayne and the others grew tense and alert. Though Lorien had helped them before, their previous targets were cunning—they'd nearly lost them. Now that a new lead had surfaced, none of them could ignore it.
"How can you be so sure he's connected to the thieves? Do you have any solid proof?" Bruce asked, his tone careful and direct.
"If I weren't sure, I wouldn't have come."
Lorien leaned back slightly, recalling the scene. "He released a monster in my therapy room. The thing wrecked quite a few of my things."
He'd tidied up afterward, but the damage still annoyed him.
"A monster?" Bruce frowned. "I remember when we fought those two thieves—they released a monster too. Weak, but bold."
Billy, who had been listening from the side, jumped in eagerly.
"If that doctor released one too, then it's probably connected! There's no way that's a coincidence. Shouldn't we find this Dr. Sivana immediately?"
The thought of another mission clearly excited him.
"No need to get so worked up," Lorien said with a faint smile. "That man was after you."
Billy froze, crossing his arms over his chest, eyes wide with confusion and suspicion. "What? Why would he be looking for me?"
He didn't even know anyone named Dr. Sivana.
"Remember that giant robot you defeated?" Lorien said, watching his puzzled expression. "That Dr. Sivana was nearby at the time. I noticed him right away."