Homelander: New Legacy

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Life in the hospital, to be honest, was a bit dull.

Once Roger confirmed that sun exposure could restore his abilities, Clara often wheeled him out to the hospital courtyard for some fresh air.

However, Roger made sure not to overdo it.

Since he still underwent routine checkups every day, some involving blood tests, he had to be cautious. If he fully recovered his steel-like body from soaking up too much sunlight, the doctor's needles wouldn't even penetrate his skin.

That would certainly cause quite a stir.

So, after recovering sufficiently, Roger reduced his outdoor activities and spent more time in his ward reading books and playing games.

Luckily, his childhood friend Dan brought over all his gaming gear during one visit, enabling Roger to play games even in his hospital room.

Of course, he couldn't play all the time. A certain young nurse kept a watchful eye on him, strictly enforcing rest periods and limiting his gaming time. As a result, Roger was eager to be discharged.

"Wow, not gaming for once?"

Dan joked when he visited again and saw Roger lying on the bed, ignoring the console nearby.

Roger sighed and replied, "That nurse… she's almost like my mom. If I play for more than an hour, she barges in and forces me to rest. And right now…"

He raised the book in his hand and continued, "… it's rest time."

"She's just doing her job. You only woke up recently, after all. Gaming all day would take a toll on your body."

"Were you always this naggy?"

"What do you mean, naggy?"

"Like an overbearing mom."

"Hey, you little punk—"

Dan smacked a stack of papers onto Roger's head and teased, "Fine. When you're out of here, we'll pull an all-nighter. Whoever crashes first is the loser!"

"You won't beat me."

"Wow, Roger, you've gotten cheeky since waking up! Daring to talk to your 'dad' like that."

They bantered back and forth until Dan turned serious, pointing at the papers he'd brought and asking, "By the way, why'd you want these comics?"

"I've been curious about DC comics, so I thought I'd give them a shot."

"..."

Trying to shift the subject, Roger picked up a comic and asked, "Speaking of which, you're into comics. What do you know about Darkseid? Does he have any weaknesses?"

"Weaknesses? Why do you ask?"

Dan gave Roger a suspicious look, puzzled by his sudden interest.

Roger chuckled and said, "Just making conversation. Saves me the trouble of reading. DC comics are a mess, and it gives me a headache."

Squinting, Dan studied Roger for a moment before answering, "That depends on which version of Darkseid you're asking about."

"The movie version."

"Can't say for sure about the movies, but if they're sticking close to the comics, his weakness would probably still be 'Radion.'"

"Radion? What's that? Sounds like 'relic' or something."

"No, it's Radion. Like 'radiation' and 'ion.'"

"And why would Darkseid fear that?"

"Because he's a New God, and all New Gods are vulnerable to it."

Once Dan got talking about his favorite topic, he became unstoppable, explaining Darkseid's origins, his identity as a New God, and his weaknesses.

However, he also noted that these were just the comic book versions. Movie adaptations often change character traits for various reasons, so there was no guarantee the movie Darkseid would share the same weaknesses.

Moreover, DC's power levels were notoriously inconsistent—entirely dependent on the narrative. If the writers wanted, even Batman could defeat Darkseid single-handedly. Conversely, even the entire Justice League might struggle against him.

"So, none of the Justice League could stand up to him…"

Roger fell into thought after hearing Dan's explanation.

If this were true, defeating Darkseid would likely require assembling power from other worlds—provided Roger could still travel between them.

However, Dan added, "That said, while movie Darkseid is powerful, he's probably not as absurdly overpowered as the comic version. I've heard online discussions that the original film's ending was supposed to show Wonder Woman leading the Amazons, Aquaman leading the Atlanteans, and Superman and Flash rallying humanity to defeat Darkseid.

"If it were the comic version, Darkseid wouldn't go down so easily."

"Got it."

Roger nodded thoughtfully.

Dan burst out laughing. "What do you mean, 'got it'? It's not like you're going to jump into the movie and fight Darkseid yourself."

"Don't overthink it. This is all speculation. Whether Snyder's Justice League gets a sequel is still uncertain. For now, it's all just wishful thinking."

"True. DC's biggest enemy has always been Warner Brothers."

"Yep. Such a shame."

As a die-hard comic fan, Dan sighed deeply.

The lack of continuation for the DC Extended Universe disappointed Dan more than anyone. When the original Justice League movie came out, he eagerly dragged Roger to the theater. Later, he was one of its harshest critics online.

Years later, when Zack Snyder's cut of Justice League was finally released, Dan practically celebrated, watching the four-hour movie three times in one week.

But after the euphoria came a lingering sadness, as Dan knew a sequel was unlikely.

After chatting a while longer, Dan checked the time and prepared to leave, saying, "Alright, I'm heading out. I'll visit again tomorrow. Oh, and if you're jobless after discharge, let me know. Work's hard to come by these days."

"Got it. Thanks."

Due to certain uncontrollable circumstances, finding a job was particularly challenging for the average person.

Having been in a coma for over a year, Roger's previous job had long since been terminated. Once discharged, securing a stable job would be one of his top priorities.

Dan, a game designer who owned a small studio, had hinted that Roger could either work for him or invest as a partner.

For now, Roger decided to think it over. After all, there was still plenty of time before his discharge.

After Dan left, Roger flipped through the comics he'd brought.

Roger needed to figure out how to return.

Jean, Thor, and the others were still waiting in the DC world. Roger had a responsibility to ensure they made it back to their respective worlds safely.

Even though he was now back in his original world with extraordinary abilities, and despite the uncertainties of returning, Roger knew he had to go back.

Responsibility demanded it.

Once you bring someone out, you must also bring them home.

Although he had once avoided burdensome responsibilities, Roger now understood that some duties couldn't be shirked.

He might not be a villain, but his conscience wouldn't allow him to abandon Jean and the others.

"People would call me foolish if they knew," Roger thought as he flipped through the comic.

But no matter how foolish it seemed, Roger would find a way.

He resumed his routine—reading comics, gaming, and rehabilitating—while planning for the challenges ahead.

Half a month later, with his recovery progressing unusually well, Roger was finally discharged.

His father and Dan came to pick him up, planning to celebrate with a meal.

"Mom and Alice couldn't come?"

"They're stuck in their city under quarantine. Don't worry about them for now," his father casually replied.

Roger nodded, understanding the strained family dynamics at play, and didn't press further.

At a nearby hot pot restaurant, Roger finally enjoyed a hearty meal.

During his hospital stay, he'd been restricted from eating greasy or spicy foods, and his gaming time was limited. He'd nearly gone stir-crazy.

Now, savoring a long-overdue feast, Roger felt an overwhelming sense of freedom.

"Dude, your eating is over the top," Dan remarked, watching Roger devour food like a man starved.

Between mouthfuls, Roger mumbled, "You don't get it. That nurse wouldn't let me touch anything oily or spicy. I've been surviving on bland hospital food for a month. I almost thought I'd joined a monastery."

"She was just doing her job."

"I know, I know. I'm not blaming her. Anyway…"

...

Roger's movements suddenly froze, his chopsticks halted mid-air with a piece of meat poised above his plate.

Seeing this, Dan grew concerned. "What's wrong? Are you okay?"

Roger quickly reassured him, "No, no, I'm fine. Just need to use the restroom. You guys keep eating—I'll be right back."

He shoved the meat into his mouth, set down his chopsticks, and hurried off.

Of course, the restroom excuse was a cover. Moments earlier, Roger had heard something unsettling—violent arguments and anguished cries.

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