The ruins of the League's stronghold still smoldered in the distance. Clark stood on a ridge overlooking the wreckage, his arms crossed over his chest. The battle was over—for now. But the war? That was still far from finished.
His body still ached from the fight. The mist had sped up his recovery, but his powers were still returning at an unpredictable rate. One moment, he felt like his old self—the next, his strength wavered. His heat vision had ignited without warning during the battle, but flight still felt unnatural. His body was adjusting, realigning itself.
Behind him, Batman approached, his cape billowing in the wind.
"She got away." His voice was low, cold.
Clark exhaled. "I know."
They both knew Talia wouldn't run forever. She was regrouping, planning her next move. She still had the serum. That meant she still had a shot at reshaping the world in the League's vision.
Batman stared at Clark for a long moment. "How do you feel?"
Clark flexed his fingers, feeling the energy coursing through him. "Better." He looked up at the sky. The red hue had nearly faded completely. "Stronger."
Batman nodded. "Good. We're going to need that."
Elsewhere – Talia's Plan Unfolds
Deep within an underground bunker, far from prying eyes, Talia al Ghul stood in front of a reinforced vault. The air was cold, sterile, and the dim light cast long shadows across the metallic walls.
She ran a hand over a containment pod—the last batch of the Super Soldier Serum. The last hope for the League's future.
A voice echoed behind her.
"We lost the compound. Many of our best warriors are gone."
Talia turned, unfazed. "Sacrifices are necessary for rebirth."
The assassin before her hesitated. "But the Kryptonian—his power is returning."
Talia smirked. "Yes, it is."
She traced a finger along the pod's glass surface, where a vial of the serum pulsed with an eerie glow.
"But he's not the only one evolving."
Clark and Diana – A Moment of Peace
Back at the Kent Farm, Clark stood on the porch, staring at the fields stretching toward the horizon. The golden glow of the sun washed over the landscape, and for the first time in years, it felt like home.
Diana stepped beside him, her arm brushing against his. She held two cups of tea, handing him one.
"You're thinking too much," she said, a knowing smile on her lips.
Clark chuckled softly. "You know me too well."
She sipped her tea. "You've been fighting since you were sixteen, Clark. You've spent your whole life carrying the world on your shoulders. It's okay to take a moment. To breathe."
He exhaled, taking in the warm scent of the drink. "I know." He glanced at her, his eyes softening. "But you and I both know this peace won't last."
Diana nodded. "No. It won't."
She reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. "But we'll face whatever comes next together."
Clark squeezed her hand gently. After everything, after all the battles, betrayals, and sacrifices—this was the one constant in his life.
Her.
The War is Not Over
Clark knew Talia was still out there, preparing for her next move. He knew his powers were still stabilizing, still incomplete.
But one thing was certain.
The world wasn't ready for what was coming.
And neither was Talia.
Because by the time they faced off again—
Superman would be back.
TO BE CONTINUED...