The elderly Aquaman stepped forward and lightly touched the figure's shoulder with the tip of his trident. After confirming that it gave no further response, he withdrew the weapon. "It's not moving."
"Its suffering has ended," the Monitor said with a sigh.
"Perhaps that's a good thing too." Smallville Superman lowered his fist and looked down at his knuckles. Residue from the grayish-white film had formed a thin layer over his fist. It was slowly peeling away, its edges curling slightly to reveal clean skin beneath.
He shook his hand, and the residue fell from his fist. Before it hit the ground, it turned into tiny grayish-white particles and dispersed into the air.
Diana sheathed her sword at her waist. "Its reaction speed was indeed faster than that of ordinary individuals, but its range of motion had been confined to fixed patterns. It couldn't adjust according to changes in the battle. It retained many of its original combat skills, but once its rhythm was disrupted, it couldn't return to its original state."
Wally stood at the rear of the group, his eyes fixed on the figure's outline. "It won't come back to life?"
"No." The Monitor said, "Its structure has been destroyed. The corrosive covering cannot repair itself once damaged. It's over."
Ian stepped forward and crouched beside the figure. Part of its facial contours remained recognizable. Cracks in the grayish-white film had formed grooves of varying depth across its surface, exposing the eroded tissue beneath. Ian reached out and touched the edge of the film, confirming its thickness and texture. It felt dry and brittle, ready to crumble along the point of contact at the slightest touch, its edges slightly curled.
Ian rose to his feet. "Let's keep moving."
The group re-formed and continued onward. The figure lay behind