Urgent, Urgent, Urgent, Urgent?

At Kent Farm, Clark drove the truck home, bringing back the cow that had just had its hooves trimmed.

There was no surveillance equipment in the vicinity, so after parking the truck, Clark simply picked up the cow and carried it down.

Off to the side, Martha asked softly with a gentle smile.

"When Jonathan was still with us, he and I argued often, but you know, Clark, Jonathan loved me deeply, and I loved him too.

So, every time after a quarrel, we would find our own way to let go of the unpleasantness between us.

Back then, I always liked to put on my leather pants and ride my horse around the flower fields. Whenever I brushed past the scent of the flowers, my mood would lighten.

As for Jonathan, what he loved most was trimming the hooves for the livestock. Whether it was a horse or a cow, whenever we had a fight, he would always insist on giving all the animals on the farm a brand-new set of shoes."

At this, Martha rested her hand on Clark's broad shoulder.

Holding her son close, Martha continued with a look of deep nostalgia.

"Clark, I can feel that you've been full of heavy thoughts lately.

So, I wanted to share Jonathan's way of relieving stress with you, hoping it might bring you some help."

"I..."

Hearing his mother's words, Clark was slightly taken aback, then lowered his head.

Seeing that Clark's mood seemed even worse, Martha appeared to understand something, so she sighed and said.

"Compared to Smallville Town, our farm is too small.

Compared to Metropolis, Smallville is too small.

And compared to the United States, what is Metropolis? Even Gotham next door has a population over ten million more than Metropolis.

So, compared to the whole world, how could my son have only seen the likes of tiny Smallville!"

As her words faded, Martha put on a radiant smile and gave Clark's back a firm pat.

"You've been an adult for a long time now, and you finished your college courses ages ago.

Such a fine young man shouldn't keep looking for trivial odd jobs around the house to get by.

If you don't want to work at the gas station, just quit. I support you in going out to explore the world.

Although your mother doesn't have much money, I can still provide an old car. Isn't there a Ford in the garage? Take it and go. Drive it out and see the world, how about that?"

"I'm worried about leaving you home alone, Martha!"

Truth be told, even though Clark was worried about Downton, who was fast approaching Smallville, he was deeply moved by Martha's words at this moment!

Clark was only twenty-three years old this year. He had spent the first half of his life hovering between Metropolis and Smallville; how could he not want to go out and explore?

But, just as he had said, he couldn't find peace of mind if he left Martha home alone!

There were too many dangers in the world, and even though Clark considered himself the greatest danger of all, he was terrified of other threats befalling his mother.

Watching Clark's concern for her, Martha smiled with gratification and patted Clark's arm again.

"What silly things are you saying, child? I've spent my whole life in Smallville.

Around our farm, is there any neighbor who doesn't know me?

Don't let the fact that I'm a woman fool you; I'm excellent with a shotgun. Your father taught me himself, and I've surpassed the master.

If any blind thief dares to break into our farm, I'll show them what a Kansas Cowgirl is capable of!

Since when is it your turn to take care of your mother, Clark?"

"But..."

"No 'buts.' It's settled. A young man needs to go out and broaden his horizons.

Think it over; we have plenty of time. Tell me your decision when you've made up your mind.

As for now, let me see... hmm, this veterinarian did a decent job on the cow's hooves, though it still doesn't compare to Jonathan's work.

What would you like for lunch? Beef stew with potatoes, does that sound good?"

"Of course, as long as you're the one making it, Martha."

Clark smiled and hugged his mother, then continued to lead the cows back to their shed.

As he led the cow, Clark looked at Martha's retreating figure, biting his lip in worry.

He hoped that Downton wouldn't bring any trouble to Smallville, otherwise...

Clark clenched his fist slightly; he would not allow anyone to hurt his mother.

On the other side, in the Philharmonic Cafe in Smallville Town, General Lane's walkie-talkie crackled to life.

"Report, General. Downton is driving a stolen Maybach S680, heading toward Smallville. He is about fifteen minutes away from the cafe!"

"Received."

After responding, General Lane raised his hand and tapped Lois on the shoulder.

"Lois!"

General Lane spoke to her with earnest gravity.

"Believe me, there is no need for you to see him again. Sticking to our original plan is the best choice!

As soon as he reaches the first ambush point outside of town, my men can knock him out instantly. Having him appear before you will only bring more trouble.

What if he kidnaps you again?

What if he even harms you?

If you were to suffer any injury, I would have no face left to see your mother, Lois Lane!"

"But that is my promise, Father!"

Listening to General Lane, Lois Lane replied with unwavering resolve.

"I know this is willful, but I truly want to conduct an exclusive interview with Downton.

Even though Gotham is the city with the highest crime rate in the nation, rarely does a criminal act as brazenly—or even as dashingly—as Downton!

Besides, he is of Asian descent, and possibly even an illegal immigrant to Gotham. From that perspective, his motives are highly likely to win me the next Pulitzer Prize; those judges love that kind of news!"

"But no award can be compared to your safety, Lois Lane!"

General Lane ruthlessly cut her off, then gave his daughter's shoulder a heavy pat.

"Promise me you will sit obediently in this café and not go anywhere.

Once I have captured Downton, I will petition Congress to grant you an opportunity to visit and interview him, just like the interviews I've arranged for you in the past!"

With those words, General Lane left the café decisively and headed to the command vehicle with his men.

Watching the array of surveillance feeds inside the cabin, General Lane locked his gaze onto the speeding S680.

On the other side, inside the Maybach.

Downton steered with one hand while using the other to check the navigation on his phone.

The reason he was driving himself was that after arriving in Metropolis, he had sent Bartel back to Gotham.

Although he didn't care about so-called traps, Bartel certainly wouldn't be able to withstand one—after all, this was the military.

Not to mention Bartel, even Batman, who hadn't been active for long, wouldn't have the ability to deal with a regular army on an endless plain.

After sending Bartel away, he had found a decent shop, kidnapped the clerk while surrounded by police, and then borrowed the shop's bathroom to take a shower.

Once he had changed his clothes, he was taken out by the Metropolis police, whose efficiency and awareness far surpassed those of Gotham.

This time, he had respawned in a villa within Metropolis.

This Maybach belonged to the owner of the villa; he had to admit, the Maybach drove quite well. He was even tempted to drive it back to Gotham...

Bang!

With a dull thud, Downton felt the steering wheel in his hands shake violently.

The next moment, the fine Maybach began to skid, spinning in circles before coming to a stop on the road.

Downton couldn't help but roll his eyes. A blown tire? Was Lane's method really that cliché?

Was he going to be hit with a tranquilizer dart the moment he stepped out of the car?

Thinking this, Downton opened the door and stepped out, phone in hand.

"Guys, you're being way too impa-pa-pa-pa...?!!!"

Before he could finish his sentence, his freshly styled hair stood on end, and he began to twitch uncontrollably as he was struck by an inexplicable surge of electricity!

Back in the command vehicle, seeing that Downton hadn't vanished the moment he was hit by the current, General Lane clenched his fist in excitement!

"Initiate the operation!"

He shouted into the communication channel, exhilarated!