At that critical moment, the hoarse voice pierced his mental defenses like an icy steel needle.
"Calm down. It's not time yet."
Lex Luthor shuddered violently. The dazed look in his eyes, brought on by the demon's temptation, vanished in an instant, and absolute reason and clarity returned.
He took a deep breath, forcibly suppressed the wicked thoughts and fervor surging within him, and stuffed the Demon's Eye into his pocket without hesitation.
He turned around, adopting a gentle, concerned expression.
"Are you all right, kid?"
Billy shook his head furiously. He looked at Sivana, who stood motionless, then at the unruffled Lex Luthor, and suddenly understood:
"Just now... was that you? Right! You're from Vought International. You're a superhero too! I was so scared I almost forgot!"
Billy let out a long sigh of relief. His taut nerves relaxed, and he casually tossed the Staff aside before dropping onto the cold stone floor.
Lex Luthor's gaze passed over Billy and settled on the Staff on the floor. An almost imperceptible smile curved his lips.
"Good news, Billy. I've found a way to change you back."
Looking into Lex Luthor's deep eyes, Billy instinctively shivered. He shrank back two steps without thinking and asked warily:
"You... you don't want my powers too, do you?"
Lex Luthor chuckled, his voice full of sincerity.
"Listen, kid. You're too young right now. This power is far too great for you. Not only can you not control it, but it'll keep attracting terrifying dangers like today's. As a Vought superhero, I have a duty to keep you safe. I can hold on to this power for you, and once you're grown up, I'll return every bit of it."
Billy knitted his brows tightly. Young as he was, he had scraped by on the streets.