NOVEL WEB Chapter 112: Chapter 112
"Based on Jor-El's recorded trajectory from Krypton, it is estimated to be within the 62°14' north latitude region of Greenland."
Hera responded efficiently. Her professional skirt and sharp demeanor made her exude an air of modern elegance, though a rare trace of concern appeared in her expression.
"Master, it may not be safe there. That spacecraft is under his control."
"Understood."
Bardi acknowledged her words. Regardless, he had to send someone to investigate.
The AI systems and technology within the Kryptonian spacecraft far surpassed anything on Earth. Securing its resources would be invaluable in establishing Metropolis as his stronghold.
His eyes held a fierce determination, though fatigue lingered beneath them.
He had spent the entire night conducting experiments, using kryptonite to repeatedly test his body's reactions, fluctuating between weakness and strength.
The constant shifts between mortal frailty and god-like power, combined with the hallucinatory side effects, had taken their toll. Vomiting, cardiac arrhythmia, overactive brain synapses crashing into dormancy too quickly, his brainwaves had momentarily stalled, leaving an uncomfortable sensation lingering in his mind.
Now, though, with the kryptonite removed, the green substance in his body had reverted, converting back into solar energy absorption. His cellular electrical reactions had reactivated, filling him once again with power.
But that psychological feeling, an eerie instability remained.
He could suppress it through sheer willpower, but it wouldn't truly be erased… not until Jor-El was completely eradicated, and the Codex of Life was in his hands.
---
Bardi left the underground laboratory.
As he passed the glass-sealed incubation chambers, his gaze lingered on his growing clone, now over a meter tall.
It wouldn't be long before it reached full size.
Originally, the clone was meant to handle tasks still too dangerous for Bardi to risk himself.
But now, with Jor-El's presence confirmed…
It would serve a new purpose, a test subject to probe the edges of Jor-El's plans.
---
Bardi exited the underground levels and headed directly to the thirteenth floor.
This floor was arranged as a temporary office and conference space until his personal headquarters was fully constructed.
Starting from the tenth floor, the building housed administrative offices and business-related personnel.
From the thirteenth floor onward, access was strictly restricted, entry forbidden without Bardi's direct authorization.
The deep red carpet absorbed the sound of his footsteps, leaving faint imprints as he walked. The office was furnished with a luxurious yet solemn aesthetic, an expensive leather sofa, a dark conference table, and a crystal chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
It wasn't opulent, but rather dignified, exuding an atmosphere of control and calculated ambition.
---
Inside, thirty-seven of Bardi's subordinates stood at attention, their postures rigid, their expressions disciplined.
There were no casual smirks or relaxed demeanors among them.
Bardi demanded order.
Subordinates who disregarded discipline, who behaved with arrogance, who carried themselves as if they were untouchable, those who thought they could challenge his authority while reaping the benefits of power and wealth…
They had long since fed the sharks.
His harsh, unwavering discipline had not instilled fear, it had forged belief.
His subordinates did not merely follow him.
They were loyal to him.
Because Bardi had given them power.
And in return, they obeyed.
---
Even among the thirty-seven, clear factions had formed.
Bruno's men—from the former Intergang.
Tobias's people—remnants of Organization 100.
Leon's followers—from the Suicide Slums, those who sought to conquer the world under Bardi's banner.
The diehards—led by Andy, who had endured torture at Deathstroke's hands without breaking. These men were fanatically loyal.
Mike.
Technically, there should have been one more faction.
Lex Luthor's father.
But the man was a weakling. His ego outstripped his competence, and though he had grand ambitions, his actual ability was lacking.
Bardi had placed him in a minor leadership role, but had no intention of wasting further effort on him.
---
Tonight, Bardi wasn't here for a meeting.
Instead, he would call them in one by one and give his orders directly.
First up were Bruno and Tobias.
"Bruno, I've given you a body stronger than any human, steel-like and unyielding. In three days, take your men and, according to my plan, establish your foothold in Star City. Stay hidden."
"Tobias, I've granted you the strength of a giant. In three days, take your men and, according to my plan, settle in Coast City. Remain in the shadows."
Bruno and Tobias exchanged glances, an unspoken fire igniting in their eyes.
With Bardi's plan in hand, they left the thirteenth floor without hesitation.
Their presence in Metropolis would now be absorbed into Bardi's larger reorganization efforts.
---
Then, one by one, Bardi began issuing orders.
"Burlingham, you will go to New York and establish a tech company. It will become the world's largest computer and internet corporation."
"Hume, you will dominate trade and transportation in Los Angeles, California."
"Herman, you will build a financial empire in Chicago. Establish a bank."
"Myers, you will create a weapons company in Nevada. Soon, it will collaborate with the U.S. military."
"Justin, you…"
"Andre, you…"
Bardi called each man by name.
Every individual had a place in his plan.
Each assignment carried weight, and his subordinates could feel it, the magnitude of their roles burned into them, driving them forward with unshakable resolve.
Their eyes gleamed with fervent loyalty.
---
Nearly thirty cities were now marked with Bardi's influence.
Each location had been strategically selected, key industries, future corporate powerhouses, and connections that would ripple across the world.
But Bardi wasn't just planting seeds in the business world.
Some of his men were sent into war-torn nations, infiltrating military factions, seizing power, or establishing new regimes.
By the time the world recognized the corporate titans and political figures emerging from his network, those individuals would have already been gradually replaced by others under Bardi's control.
It would be an invisible empire one where Bardi controlled everything, yet no one could trace it back to him.
---
The large office space was now nearly empty.
A black desk sat in the center, its deep-wood design evoking an air of strict efficiency.
The stack of documents before Bardi had dwindled only a few remained.
Now, he called in the last of his subordinates.
"Andy."
Bardi's voice was calm, yet weighted.
"Your finger was cut off by Deathstroke. I regret that.
"After escaping me, Deathstroke will be moving into Africa, consolidating with a rising faction. Eventually, they will come for us."
"I'm going to strengthen you, implant the most elite combat programs, train you in the most advanced warfare tactics."
"Your task: build an army in Africa.
Train elite soldiers.
Prepare for war.
Lay the foundation for our future."
Andy did not hesitate.
His eyes burned with fierce determination as he left, already preparing to head for Africa.
---
"Leon."
"Take a team and relocate to Central City.
Within three months, I want a complete dossier on the city's power structure, criminal organizations, aristocrats, businessmen, politicians, and metahumans.
Find a child named Bartholomew Henry Allen.
Do not interfere.
Simply locate him."
Leon nodded, then left without another word.
"Mike."
Bardi's tone sharpened.
"Go to Bern, Switzerland. Investigate an organization called the Cult of Cold Flames or the Order of Cold Flames.
See if they possess magic users.
Search for the names Zatara, Sargon, and any other unusual figures linked to magic.
If you find nothing, go to New York and search for the surname Constantine.
Find the great magician, Giovanni John Zatara."
Mike absorbed the instructions carefully.
He would track down magic.
---
Finally, Bardi summoned Lex Luthor.
"Lex, assemble an Arctic expedition team."
"I'll be joining them.
We're going to the North Pole."
---
His plans were unfolding at a relentless pace.
Jor-El's emergence would not slow him down.
Jor-El had his own strategy.
But so did Bardi.
He would not lose.
This was his world.
His battlefield.
He knew Earth's hidden powers and he would harness them all.
Magic.
That was his greatest trump card.
With magic, Kryptonians would have no defense.
In the end, Mike returned with disappointing news, he had found no trace of the Order of Cold Flames.
Perhaps magic was simply too well hidden.
Or… perhaps it had yet to be fully formed.
But what he did find was Constantine.
And the great magician, Giovanni John Zatara.
***
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