DC: Rise Of The Kryptonian Tyrant

Bardi took another crucial step forward, his thoughts turning as he strategized his next moves.

Gaining Bori's trust was proving to be a valuable asset. Bori's willingness to help, fueled by his greed and self-interest, could be exploited further. Next, Bardi would need Bori to either speak favorably on his behalf to Slade or distract him entirely, both actions were critical to his plan.

In the Kryptonian culture that Bardi had carefully fabricated and introduced, it was customary for lovers to bathe in the sunlight together before fully committing to their shared lives. This symbolic ritual, akin to a religious practice, was a process of purification and renewal before embarking on a future built on mutual ambition.

Bardi had subtly woven this "tradition" into his conversations with Jenny over time, shaping it into a belief that seemed intrinsic to Kryptonian customs. In a society like the West, where individual freedoms and beliefs were respected, such a tradition was unlikely to be questioned, making it the perfect cover.

Every word and action Bardi took was calculated. Everything he said about basking in the sunlight served one ultimate purpose: to secure a reasonable opportunity to absorb solar energy.

To Jenny, it all appeared selfless and romantic—a lover yearning to honor their bond.

But Bardi knew Slade remained an obstacle.

"I'll have to avoid Slade as much as possible," Bardi thought to himself. Even though Slade's vigilance had somewhat relaxed, there was no chance he would permit Jenny to take Bardi anywhere near sunlight, especially a restricted part of the base.

There was only one place in the underground facility where sunlight could reach: a research lab located on the second level. It was equipped with multi-layer composite glass designed to study the electromagnetic spectrum of sunlight, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, ultraviolet, and infrared light.

Nominally, it was a space for weapon research, particularly on spectral rays and energy conversion. But for Bardi, it was the closest he could get to true sunlight without leaving the base.

From Jenny's conversations and his own observations, Bardi had learned that the underground facility was composed of four levels. He was being held on the lowest, most secure level: the fourth subfloor.

On two occasions, Slade had escorted him to the third level for research on neutrino-related projects. During those trips, Bardi had carefully memorized the pathways, security protocols, retinal scanners, and guard rotations between the fourth and third floors.

However, unrestricted access to the first and second levels was reserved for only three people: Jenny, Bori, and Slade.

Closing his eyes, Bardi leaned his head back against the cold steel of his wheelchair. The pulse radiofrequency needle piercing his spinal cord remained an ever-present reminder of his confinement.

Suddenly, a pair of soft, slender hands reached from behind him, gently massaging his temples. The cold professionalism of the base was replaced by Jenny's warm voice, now tinged with concern. "Are you tired?"

Bardi opened his eyes, letting a trace of warmth flicker across his face as he felt her comforting touch. "No," he replied softly, "I was waiting for you."

Jenny ignored his answer, knowing he didn't need a massage. She moved to the front of the wheelchair, gently pulling his hands away from the armrests and letting them hang limp.

Without hesitation, Jenny sat down on his lap, her graceful figure settling against him as her legs crossed beneath her. One knee rested on the armrest of the wheelchair, while her back leaned against the opposite side.

She adjusted his arms, one draping over her thighs while the other rested against her chest. Her slender hands guided his limp fingers, their warmth almost brushing against her skin.

Jenny nestled against him like a bird seeking shelter, pressing her face to his shoulder. She inhaled softly, taking in his scent as her body melted into his.

"Can you feel anything?" she asked, her voice carrying a mix of hope and tenderness. She didn't seem to care about the surveillance cameras in the room, her affection unrestrained.

The sweet fragrance of her hair filled Bardi's senses, and the warmth of her body against his was almost enough to make him forget his precarious position. He chuckled lightly. "Yes," he replied, his tone teasing. "Didn't you notice?"

Jenny's eyes widened briefly in surprise before she realized what he meant. She patted his chest playfully, her face flushing as she muttered, "You've done so much for them, why can't they give you a proper room?" Her hand lingered on his chest, kneading it absentmindedly.

"Miss Jenny," Bardi said with mock seriousness, "are you eager to invade the body of an alien?"

"Yes, I am, Monsieur Barmulodi," Jenny replied boldly, straightening her back as she leaned closer. Her chest pressed against his, and her lips found his in a kiss that was both passionate and possessive. She poured every ounce of her feelings into it, savoring the sweetness of the moment.

Bardi returned her kiss with equal enthusiasm. This was a routine between them now, a nightly ritual that often ended with Jenny staying by his side until he fell asleep.

During these intimate moments, Bardi subtly steered their conversations, drawing out details about her work and gathering tidbits of information about the staff and the base itself. It was a slow, methodical process, but each piece of information was another step toward his eventual freedom.

Tonight, however, one detail she mentioned sent a chill down his spine.

"Your cells are a bit strange," Jenny murmured, resting her head on his shoulder. "They show subtle changes under infrared light. Is it the light causing the changes? Or the heat?"

Bardi's heart skipped a beat. The heat transmitted by the sun, primarily through infrared radiation, was what activated his Kryptonian genes. In essence, it was what made him stronger.

Maintaining his composure, he asked casually, "How are you handling it?"

Jenny sighed, still leaning against him. "I'm continuing to expose the cells to infrared light. I've also added a gene serum catalyst to see what reaction occurs by tomorrow."

Tomorrow.

Bardi's heart sank. By tomorrow, the results would be visible not only to Jenny but also to the other researchers, including Bori and Slade. Once they realized his cells could respond to sunlight, there would be no turning back.

Even though the base's artificial infrared rays weren't as potent as real sunlight, prolonged exposure would still produce noticeable effects. And knowing how meticulous researchers were, they would test every possible spectrum of light to uncover the truth.

Jenny's brilliance was a double-edged sword. While her love for Bardi was genuine, her talent and curiosity could inadvertently unravel everything.

"No," Bardi thought, his mind racing. "I need to act before they discover the truth."

The plan he had been carefully crafting for months would have to be executed earlier than anticipated. It wasn't perfect yet, but he couldn't afford to wait any longer.

"Jenny," he began softly, tilting his head slightly to rest against hers. "Tomorrow… can you take the day off and accompany me to bathe in the sunlight?"

Jenny froze, her breath catching. She understood the significance of his request. In Kryptonian culture, as Bardi had explained countless times, basking in the sun together was a sacred ritual, a declaration of love and a prelude to marriage.

Tears welled in her eyes as she pulled back to look at him. Overwhelmed with emotion, she moved from his lap to her knees, wrapping her arms around his head and pressing him tightly against her chest.

"I will," she whispered through her tears. "Bardi, I will."

She kissed the top of his head, her voice trembling with emotion. "Bardi, I love you."

"No matter what happens, I love you."

"Even if it costs me my life, I'll protect you."

Bardi closed his eyes, his face pressed against her chest, feeling the faint lace of her clothing against his skin. Her scent filled his senses, warm and intoxicating.

But in his heart, there was only cold resolve.

"Yeah?" He thought silently, his expression unreadable.