"Really, it's nothing."
The rustle of papers turning came from the other end of the phone. The secretary seemed to be using the task of organizing documents to hide something.
After a brief silence, Locke spoke.
"If there's anything I can help with," he finally said, "have Lionel call me. No need to stand on ceremony."
"Mm."
"Beep, beep, beep~"
The call ended, and Locke started walking toward the distant tower.
"Sir."
But a small force suddenly tugged at the hem of his clothes.
Turning around, he saw Zatanna looking up at him, her emerald eyes brimming with pitiful pleading.
"Take me with you. I don't know this place at all."
"..."
Stopping, Locke fell silent for a moment, his gaze lingering on her face—or rather, on her magic wand.
A few seconds later, the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "It's not impossible."
Zatanna's eyes lit up.
"However," Locke added slowly, "you have to do me a favor first."
Five minutes later...
The top floor of LionelCorp Tower.
Inside the heavy fire door of the emergency stairwell.
"Urgh... Let, let me catch my breath..."
The golden light faded, revealing Zatanna's figure. Her face was deathly pale. One hand clutched the cold concrete wall while the other covered her mouth, desperately suppressing the nauseating churn in her stomach. Her voice was weak.
"This time, my magic power... was drained too much. The backlash... feels awful..."
Nodding, Locke quickly and warily scanned their surroundings.
Good.
They were neither awkwardly embedded in a wall nor dangling dangerously in midair.
This time, they had truly arrived at their destination safely, with both feet firmly on the ground.
And...
He had gotten more magic power again?
Sensing the powerful current within him grow once more, a faint relaxed smile crept onto Locke's lips.
Looking