Flames surged outward, spreading into a raging inferno.
The Martian Manhunter let out piercing screams that grew increasingly desperate. Adrian showed no sign of stopping. He ignored the pleas, continuing to burn him without hesitation, as if mercy had no place in his mind.
Not far behind Adrian, Mera and the Ice Queen stood watching. Their expressions were tense, layered with unease and uncertainty.
The crackling fire mixed with Martian Manhunter's agonized cries created a suffocating atmosphere. Adrian remained still, expression cold and unmoved, as he carried out the attack. No one present could decide how to react.
Green Arrow, eyes bloodshot, suddenly tried to charge forward to save his teammate. He was quickly restrained by Black Canary and Nightwing.
"Stop! Stop!"
His voice cracked with anguish. Just hours earlier, Martian Manhunter had been speaking to him like a trusted ally. Now he was being burned alive.
"We have to leave, Oliver!"
Deathstroke clutched his chest as he spoke. His tone remained controlled despite the chaos. While the scene was shocking, he refused to let emotion dictate his judgment. He focused only on survival and the best possible outcome.
"We need to go, Oliver," Black Canary added, gripping his arm. Her eyes were wet, but she forced herself to stay composed. "Captain Atom and Martian Manhunter gave their lives for this. Don't waste it."
Nightwing, barely holding himself together, pulled Green Arrow back. He understood the danger better than anyone. If they hesitated, even for a moment, none of them would leave alive.
By the time Martian Manhunter fell silent, his body no longer moving, Adrian turned his attention toward the fleeing group.
He moved instantly, activating his super speed to pursue them.
But just as quickly, something stopped him.
Boom!
The ground trembled as a figure descended from the sky.
"Adrian! Stop!"
Clark Kent landed in front of him, blocking his path. His expression was conflicted as he faced his younger brother.
A second figure landed moments later. Amy followed close behind, empowered with a portion of Clark's abilities.
Not far off, Chloe Sullivan and Lois Lane ran toward them, both catching their breath after being carried in.
"I'm not doing that again," Lois muttered, holding her stomach. "Flying sounds great until you actually experience it. I feel like I'm about to throw up."
Chloe exhaled, steadying herself. "I don't mind it. What bothers me is Clark dropping us off at the edge like we'd just go home. He really underestimated us. This is exactly where reporters should be."
She glanced at the ruined battlefield and sighed. "Still, we might be too late."
Lois crossed her arms, scanning the destruction. "Clark said there was a nuclear-level explosion above this place. What kind of fight causes that? It's insane."
Chloe's expression darkened. "Whatever happened here, it involved both of them. And neither backs down."
Lois glanced at her. "So who are you worried about?"
"Clark," Chloe answered immediately. "He's always struggled when it comes to Adrian. That hasn't changed."
Lois gave a small nod, her concern mirroring Chloe's.
Nearby, Mera studied Clark with growing interest. This was Superman, the one figure believed capable of standing against Adrian.
And more importantly, he was Adrian's brother.
That realization only made the situation more compelling.
Green Arrow and Nightwing, though unaware of their relationship, recognized what Clark's presence meant. Hope.
Nightwing's gaze fixed on him, filled with expectation. This was the man who had faced General Zod and survived.
Clark stepped forward, his eyes briefly shifting to Martian Manhunter's lifeless body before returning to Adrian.
"This ends here," he said firmly. "Let them go. They're not a threat to you."
Adrian's expression remained cold. "And you're saying this as what? My brother, or their ally?"
Clark inhaled slowly. "You're hurt. I should have done more. I should have stopped this sooner."
Adrian's gaze sharpened. "You don't have that responsibility, Clark. There's no one here who needs saving."
"We've been here before," Clark replied, his voice steady. "When I lost control, you came for me. Now it's my turn."
Adrian let out a quiet scoff. "You still don't understand. I'm not like you were."
"Maybe not," Clark said, "but you've still changed into someone we don't recognize."
"Then you never understood me to begin with."
A faint glow built in Adrian's eyes.
Clark held his ground. "If that's what it takes, I'll bring you back."
Adrian's lips curled slightly. "So you're here to stop me."
"Yes."
Silence fell between them.
Then, without warning, Adrian fired.
A blast of Heat Vision struck Clark, sending him crashing into the ground.
The impact shook the area, leaving a deep crater.
Gasps spread through the onlookers. Even Chloe and Lois were caught off guard by the sudden attack.
Clark pushed himself up slowly, pain etched across his face.
"You've gotten weaker," Adrian observed.
Clark steadied himself, his eyes beginning to glow in response. "That doesn't matter."
Energy surged forward as Clark unleashed his own Heat Vision.
Adrian answered in kind.
The two beams collided midair, erupting into a violent clash of energy. The air trembled as the force pushed outward, but Adrian's power quickly began to overpower Clark's.
The balance shifted, inch by inch, until it broke entirely in Adrian's favor.
Clark shouted as the blast overwhelmed him.
With a thunderous impact, he was thrown backward, his body carving a deep trench through the ground before finally coming to a stop.