Metropolis, LexCorp.
After finishing his work for the day, Lex entered his private elevator and pressed the button for the third sublevel, heading directly to his special laboratory.
This was the floor where he kept his most secret experiments.
Since secretly bringing in the Kryptonian corpse a few days ago, his researchers had been working overtime on the body. Today, Lex decided it was time to check on the progress of the research.
"How is the experiment progressing? What have you found so far?"
As soon as he entered the laboratory, Lex strode across a table cluttered with bottles, jars, and various instruments. He walked up to a glass wall.
Through the wall, he could see a room resembling an operating theater, with the Kryptonian body lying on an operating table. Several scientists were busy conducting research around it.
A middle-aged researcher with a Mediterranean hairstyle approached Lex and said, "Mr. Lex, so far, we've found that the only thing that can harm the subject is the green meteorite. So, we've remade all our scalpels using green meteorite material."
Lex smiled. "Green meteorite? Very good. I've collected many green meteorites from the crash sites. It seems it's time to use them to create a batch of weapons."
For Lex, the idea of humans being powerless against beings of superior strength was intolerable. He couldn't imagine a day when he might be driving down the street, only for some invincible being to pick up his car and throw it at another monster.
Having now discovered a weakness in such a powerful being, Lex felt it was essential to capitalize on it.
"Continue. You've been researching for so long, so there must be more discoveries!" Lex pressed.
"Of course, Mr. Lex," the researcher replied. "Although the subject is dead, his cells remain dormant. We attempted to crack his genetic sequence to uncover the source of his power, but it's a very challenging task. It won't be accomplished in just a moment."
"Additionally, I found that the cells of the subject responded very weakly to sunlight. Based on this, I hypothesize that if we expose him to enough light and inject him with a sufficient amount of biological agents, perhaps we can revive him?" the Mediterranean researcher said excitedly.
Lex frowned and glared at the researcher. "What? You want to bring him back to life?"
"No, no, Mr. Lex! Please, let me explain," the researcher stammered. "My idea is this: He already has a biochip implanted in his brain that establishes a conditional connection. If we activate his cells to their maximum potential, then place him under simulated sunlight at three hundred times the normal intensity, we might be able to turn him into the most loyal warrior, one who will follow our every command! Of course, all of this is just a theory, and actual implementation would require your approval."
The researcher spoke quickly, nervous that Lex might think his plan was too far-fetched and shut him down before he could finish.
But Lex did not interrupt him. He was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled. The smile was sinister. He patted the Mediterranean researcher's face and said, "You want to create a loyal attack dog for me? This idea is dangerous! But I like it! I want you to present a feasibility study and risk assessment for this plan on my desk tomorrow morning. Is that clear?"
Clearly, Lex was intrigued by the Mediterranean researcher's idea, which caused the researcher to become very excited. He quickly promised, "No problem, Mr. Lex!"
Later, Kaius returned to Queen Industries, only to find that Diana was missing, and even Felicity was gone.
He asked Oliver, and he said they had both gone shopping.
"I hope Felicity can get along with Diana," Kaius said, feeling a headache at the thought of Diana's issues.
After all, Diana had just come out of an isolated island and didn't know much about modern life. Kaius was worried that if something happened, Felicity might not be able to handle it alone.
"Maybe I can get her a tutor to teach her about modern life," Oliver suggested with a smile, lounging in his boss chair.
Kaius poured herself a cup of coffee from the coffee maker in Oliver's office. "I'll give her some lessons, but Diana is quite stubborn, and she can be particularly difficult."
"You asked me to help Diana with her ID card. I've already taken care of it, and it should be ready in a day or two. Her status will be listed as an Israeli immigrant. She'll be considered as someone who previously settled in Star City. What do you think?" Oliver asked with a smile.
On the matter of identity, Kaius had no objections, but the position of investment consultant...
"Oliver, you should know that Diana doesn't understand anything about investments; she can't even do basic work," Kaius felt it was important to mention this in advance.
"Of course, I know. The position of investment consultant is more about the prestige. Diana just needs an identity right now... Speaking of which, Kaius, have you ever considered staying in Star City? I would love for you to join my team."
This was the second time Oliver had invited Kaius to join the Arrow team. After seeing Kaius's abilities the previous night, Oliver was even more determined to recruit him.
He imagined that during future missions, Kaius would be a lifesaver in a crisis.
"Thank you for your kindness, but I must go back to the town. There are still things waiting for me to take care of," Kaius gently declined Oliver's offer.
Diana and Felicity's shopping trip was surprisingly harmonious. Perhaps every woman has a natural talent for shopping, as they bought a lot of things in large bags.
That evening, a large crowd gathered around the cutting-edge technology laboratory in Central City.
Reporters were covering the upcoming particle accelerator test, and most people present were against it. Protests erupted throughout the scene.
At the Central City Police Department's appraisal section, Barry was processing the latest evidence when a woman with brown hair and a nice figure walked in.
"Hi, Barry, you're still busy? Didn't you ask me to come to the scene today to see the particle accelerator test start?" The girl walked up to Barry and smiled.
"Iris, I don't think we can go today, but it doesn't matter... what's more important..."
Barry's gaze softened as he thought about what Kaius had told him earlier that day. Then, summoning up his courage, he walked over to Iris and said seriously, "I love you, Iris."
Iris smiled and gave Barry a hug. "I love you too, Barry."
Barry realized that Iris had misunderstood his words. After all, in the United States, whether it's a friend or a family member, it's common to say "I love you." However, the meaning he wanted to convey was certainly not that of friendship.
"Iris, I mean, when we were kids, we didn't understand what love was, but I've loved you for a long time..."