Luthor nodded thoughtfully, his mind beginning to race.
"Then I think I understand the logic behind it."
Luthor adjusted his glasses and guided him patiently.
"Once you finish this meal, focus hard on wanting to return to that cave, then shout 'I want to go back.' That should trigger the teleportation."
Billy nodded repeatedly, feeling that this clever gentleman made perfect sense.
He ate faster, polishing off the remaining fried chicken like a whirlwind.
He wiped the grease from his mouth, stood, and took a deep breath. Just as he was about to try, Luthor suddenly reached out and grabbed his thick forearm.
"Take me with you."
Luthor looked straight into Billy's eyes, his tone sincere and firm.
"I need to see what's inside for myself. Only once we're there can I find a way to undo this magic and restore you to a normal ten-year-old. Otherwise, you might have to spend the rest of your life in this body."
Billy gave it no further thought. All he wanted now was to turn back into that poor kid who didn't need to eat so much.
He closed his eyes and began muttering as though chanting a prayer:
"I want to go back, I want to go back, I want to go back..."
One second, ten seconds, a minute passed.
The fast-food restaurant remained quiet. Apart from a few employees staring at them as though they were lunatics, no miracle occurred.
Billy opened his eyes, looking a little dejected.
"It's not working, sir. It seems like it stopped working."
Luthor showed no irritation. He knew all too well how to manipulate a child's emotions.
He merely patted Billy's arm, gentle but with a hint of pressure.
"Billy, you can't just say it. You have to truly want to return to that