DC: Rise of the Kryptonian Tyrant

Metropolis, South.

Located in the Perlantas District, this southern area of the city is a bustling hub of entertainment and indulgence. Renowned as the metropolis's premier entertainment zone, it boasts Disney Park, Ocean Park, a thriving gambling industry, world-class shows like Cirque du Soleil, luxurious five-star dining, art exhibitions, and theater performances. Perlantas is widely celebrated as a paradise of pleasure and art.

Yet beneath the glamour lies a darker world. This district is also the stronghold of Tobias Whale's criminal organization, "The 100." Over decades, The 100 has entrenched itself as the undisputed force controlling the south of Metropolis. Tobias oversees numerous illegal enterprises, including underground casinos, nightclubs, arms trafficking, and drug operations.

Even internationally renowned entertainment companies must pay hefty "security fees" to operate here. If they refuse, they risk a series of unfortunate accidents—property vandalized, operations disrupted. Everyone involved, from CEOs to investors, understands that it's better to cooperate than to challenge the local power.

The influence of The 100 runs so deep that even a "strong dragon" might struggle to suppress this "local snake."

But now, Tobias Whale has bent the knee to Bardi.

In every sense of the word, Bardi has become the de facto ruler of this district, capable of making or breaking any major player in the region. Soon, however, the management style of the southern district will change. Bardi intends to consolidate all of Tobias's power and begin shaping the district into a crucial part of his larger strategic vision for Metropolis.

---

The golden light of dawn began to stretch across the horizon, illuminating the city as morning broke.

A cool breeze swept through the streets, brushing past Bardi's skin as he stood amidst the waking world.

Perlantas, normally alive with entertainment and revelry, was uncharacteristically quiet. Early risers, bundled in windbreakers, walked the streets, their steps crunching over fallen autumn leaves. The breeze made them shiver, tugging their coats tighter as they braced against the morning chill.

The atmosphere was calm, subdued. Only the rustling of leaves and the faint sound of distant movement accompanied the golden light spilling over the city's skyline.

Bardi stood on the balcony of a luxurious hotel room, his face neutral. Neither sadness nor cold detachment could be read in his expression. Instead, there was a quiet stillness about him, as though his thoughts were held steady by a calm resolve.

The sunlight bathed his body, accentuating the flawless lines and contours of his form.

His eyelids twitched slightly before opening, allowing the sunlight to reflect in his sharp, clear eyes.

At his side, a silver-white ring danced across his fingers as he absently toyed with it. The ring's surface glinted under the sunlight, its movements smooth and deliberate as it rolled between his fingertips.

Bardi's gaze remained fixed in thought. The light played against his face, highlighting his sharp jawline and defined cheekbones, making him appear like a figure carved from stone.

Jenny's actions lingered in his mind.

He hadn't anticipated the extent to which she'd worked to deceive General Vic, nor the risks she'd taken to protect his identity. Even in her final moments, she'd fought to ensure his survival.

Her choices spoke volumes. She hadn't sought to drive a wedge between him and Deathstroke. She hadn't acted out of selfishness or resentment. Instead, it was clear she had been trying to bridge the gap between herself and him, between Earth and the alien world he represented.

Perhaps she had been plagued by doubts. Perhaps she feared he would one day abandon her, or that her trust in him had been misplaced. These insecurities, compounded by her physical transformation, must have been unbearable.

Her desire for strength, her longing to stand beside him as an equal, had driven her to unimaginable lengths. But the serum had betrayed her.

Deathstroke's transformation had left him stronger and more capable, yet still human. But Jenny had been cursed by the serum's failure, her body twisting into something monstrous.

The pain had been constant, a relentless assault on her body and mind. To stop enduring, even for a moment, meant collapse.

Bardi let the ring fall from his fingers before catching it again and closing his hand around it. His gaze shifted upward, his face illuminated by the sunlight.

He would use her loss as a lesson, a reminder of the cost of power and loyalty.

The next step in his plan would take him to Central City, where he would continue his ascent.

---

A knock echoed through the hotel room. The door opened to reveal a young hotel staff member, wheeling in a breakfast cart. She glanced around the lavish room, her gaze quickly drawn to the open balcony.

The morning breeze fluttered through the room, rustling the curtains and casting soft shadows across the plush red carpet.

Her eyes landed on Bardi, standing tall on the balcony, his figure framed by the morning light. His calm, composed demeanor exuded a quiet strength, and his sculpted features seemed almost otherworldly.

"Sir," she said with professional politeness, though a small smile tugged at her lips.

"Please don't lie on the roof naked again."

***

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