No matter which world it was, no matter whether Superman had turned evil.
Mon-El's disregard for Superman was the only thing Shane currently found abnormal.
"He was your closest friend when you were young. You said you'd been awake for over a decade, drifting through the Phantom Zone to survive, enduring humiliation and hardship while waiting for a chance to turn the tables..."
No matter how miserable or stifling his life had been, he had never once asked after his supposed best friend in all that time.
That boy had grown up, found a job, built a life, and even become a superhero.
Besides, Mon-El had used the word "Superman" earlier. That at least proved the two had been in contact before the Superman of the Injustice world turned evil.
"Or do you and I have different ideas of what the word 'friend' means?"
As that offhand jab fell, Mon-El abruptly released his grip on the helm and staggered backward uncontrollably.
Shane immediately took a discreet step sideways, keeping Mal and Mia firmly behind him.
All three quietly watched the change come over Mon-El.
The prince of Daxam clutched his head with both hands, his eyes shifting between bewilderment and confusion as he sank into an inexplicable state of turmoil.
This reaction went somewhat beyond Shane's expectations. A moment later, Mon-El's eyes reddened, and he began muttering under his breath, as though questioning himself-or pouring out his heart.
"Why... why did I never think to ask about him...?"
"It's been more than a dozen Krypton years since the Phantom King woke me. To stay alive after waking up, I had no choice but to lie low, developing all kinds of technology for him and helping him build his forces."
"Later, I seized a chance to escape the castle. Ever since,