Smallville.
"Mr. Jino, I have no intention of interrupting your conversation with Mr. Lex."
Singer's virtual image popped up on the phone. A humanoid figure made of blue particles flickered as it stared expressionlessly at the boy.
"What is it, Singer?"
Jino ended his call with Lex. Just moments ago, Lex had called to say that he had discovered a peculiar crystal.
Jino's attitude toward it was one of cautious observation.
"According to the latest information Mr. Bart sent from Justice League Hall."
"Ms. Diana, who was supposed to report for duty at Justice League Hall before Monday, has not appeared."
Because of the Justice League's unique nature, they usually took turns standing watch at its headquarters.
Batman would not be late.
Clark would play video games with Bart.
As for Diana,
as an Amazon who revered strength and order,
even if Batman might be late, she would not be.
"I have a bad feeling about this."
The boy ended the call and looked up at Clark, who was sitting across the table wolfing down a steak. "Something's not right."
Hearing Jino's words, Clark's hand holding the fork trembled slightly. He helplessly swallowed the steak in his mouth and rolled his eyes at Jino. "Honestly, you should've waited until I finished eating before saying that."
Clark sighed. "Look, now that I know this, even the steak in my mouth doesn't taste good anymore."
Well, after spending so much time with Jino, Clark's tastes had become much more refined too.
"I know what you mean."
Jino sighed. "But that's just how our universe is."
"It faces major events at every moment, because stories are the key to this universe's continued existence."
"Without stories, it will perish."
Jino stood and patted Clark on the shoulder. "Come on. Let's go take a look