"So it was potions after all. Back when you were still a baby, I had Adjutant examine you. The results showed some genetic defects that left you weak even when breathing. Repairing them would have involved enormous risks."
Deathstroke cut the steak on his plate, setting aside a small piece for Strangle to taste, while speaking to the young man.
"There wasn't any good solution at the time, so we put it aside for the moment. I've since acquired some new abilities and thought I might be able to help you, so I came to find Howard. I didn't expect your good news to come even earlier—you no longer needed my help. Heh."
"It was just a fortunate coincidence, Uncle. At first, my doctor only used potions on the off chance they might work. I never expected them to actually be effective for me." Arno humbly waved a hand and smiled toward his parents. "And it was thanks to my parents being wealthy. Otherwise, just gathering the ingredients for all those potions would have been a huge problem. I was lucky."
Lying in bed for decades had not turned him into a madman or a paranoid. Arno was now very mature in his thinking and possessed a rare sense of humor.
Unlike Tony's sort of humor, which came from making fun of others, Arno's jokes were more easily accepted by ordinary people. He also looked very much like Howard.
"Oh, my child, don't say that. Those painful days are behind us. Our family will only get better and better from here on out. When the time is right, you can meet your younger brother too. Tony is really just a little mischievous. He has a good heart, and the two of you will definitely get along."
Maria smiled and held