DC: Rise of the Kryptonian Tyrant

Bardi stood in thought, his gaze fixed on the vials of hidden subconscious-guiding spores in front of him. The spores resembled dandelion seeds, microscopic in size, contained in a small green bottle, no larger than half a fingertip.

There were only twenty-seven bottles. These spores were a type of micro-brain cell homomorphic spore, capable of merging seamlessly with brain cells. After extracting blood from the intended host and having Hera constantly monitor the temperature and environment, simulating the conditions of a human brain, he had successfully cultivated them.

After a moment of contemplation, Bardi input the commands he wanted to imprint onto them.

He understood the kind of impact future U.S. presidents could have. Some of them could wield immense power, far beyond ordinary means.

For instance, organizations like the Eye of the Sky or highly classified locations like Area 51 and the Red Room, if they were to make significant discoveries in the future, there would be no way for that knowledge to escape his control.

As for the current president, Bardi didn't need to intervene. If everything proceeded as expected, he already had enough people positioned within Congress. He was also paving the way for himself to eventually take the presidency.

When that time came, the entire United States would be under his grasp.

Decades of preparation had ensured that, no matter how many superheroes existed, none would be able to unravel his influence.

Instead, every superhero under the jurisdiction of the U.S. would inevitably fall under his watch.

Bardi had no interest in playing games with self-righteous heroes, his ambitions stretched far beyond that. He wanted the entire planet.

With that in mind, he began selecting key figures in the military and government. While he was well-acquainted with past U.S. presidents, given their historical prominence, he had little information on future generals, high-ranking officials, and influential members of Congress.

For that, he relied on Sam Lane's memories and his own strategic foresight, investing in promising young leaders, those with the potential to rise to power in the coming decades.

Particularly figures like Steve Trevor and Amanda Waller—individuals Bardi deeply respected. However, they were still too young. It would take time, likely until the Justice League officially formed and Wonder Woman stepped out of Themyscira before they truly made their mark on the global stage.

By the time he had completed setting the inputs, two hours had passed.

Yet, the process was still far from finished. These subconscious spores needed to be introduced into their targets' bodies, administered orally before they could fully take effect and shape the course of the future.

With the foundational work complete, Bardi let out a slow breath. He glanced at Hera, noting that the blood samples from Bruno and Tobias were still being analyzed, with simulations running to refine the process.

Since this step would take time, Bardi left the second basement level and took the elevator up to the first underground floor before ascending to the surface.

---

Waiting just outside the elevator stood his secretary—posture straight, expression serious.

However, she wasn't alone.

Seated nearby was Lex, waiting patiently.

After two weeks of relentless work, Lex had come to a sobering realization, his so-called brilliance wasn't nearly as impressive when compared to the forces at play. No matter how intelligent he was, he had yet to reach a level where he could fully grasp the complexities of Bardi's operations.

Even so, he was adapting.

What had initially overwhelmed him had now become a challenge to overcome. Though still exhausted and running on little sleep, his mind was gradually sharpening, becoming more accustomed to the intricate, high-stakes world he had been pulled into.

When Bardi stepped out of the elevator, Lex immediately stood up and approached, his tired eyes betraying his sleepless nights.

For a brief moment, Bardi felt like he was abusing a child.

But before Lex could speak, Bardi's gaze flicked to his secretary.

"Tomorrow night, come to my room."

His secretary, caught completely off guard, stared at him in shock.

This wasn't a subtle, hidden suggestion.

This was a direct, blatant order.

Her lips parted in disbelief. "Boss… what do you mean?"

There wasn't even the usual pretense of using work as an excuse.

Even Lex froze for a moment, stunned by the suddenness of it.

He had known Bardi long enough to understand that his actions were never random or meaningless.

There was something wrong with this secretary.

Lex's gaze shifted toward her, studying her carefully. She was beautiful, no doubt—tall, curvaceous, and exuding an undeniable allure.

Too tempting.

And too deliberate.

In that instant, Lex understood.

She wasn't just a secretary.

She was a threat.

Bardi's lips curled into a light smile. "Didn't your contract specify that your duty is to serve your boss at all times, physically and mentally?"

His secretary's face flushed instantly, both from anger and embarrassment.

She pointed a slender, trembling finger at him, her chest rising and falling in outrage. "You… you… this is sexual harassment!"

Bardi remained unfazed.

"Good. Then go prepare now. Dress up. Look beautiful, be seductive, make yourself tempting. If I don't see you tomorrow night, then you don't have to show up here ever again."

His words were delivered with a calm, knowing smile.

The secretary's body shook with anger, her high heels clicking furiously against the floor as she stormed off.

Bardi watched her leave with amusement.

By tomorrow night, she would come crawling back, likely with a rehearsed excuse, something along the lines of 'I can't afford to lose this job' or 'I have no choice.'

That was exactly what he was counting on.

She would expose herself.

Lex narrowed his eyes, watching her retreating figure. He waited until the sound of her footsteps disappeared before speaking. "She's compromised, isn't she?"

Bardi placed a firm hand on top of Little Luthor's head, ruffling his hair with a chuckle.

"No, I just felt like indulging in my desires for once."

Lex didn't believe him for a second.

"Sometimes, you need to learn to observe for yourself."

Bardi's tone was casual, but his words carried weight.

Lex was undoubtedly gifted in business, strategy, and even science but he was still young.

When it came to dealing with professional infiltrators, assassins, and spies—he lacked the experience to see through their disguises.

Bardi reminded himself not to expect too much too soon.

Lex Luthor was not yet the man he would one day become.

Bardi smirked and shook his head, ruffling Lex's hair once more.

He still had growing to do.

Lex nodded thoughtfully. The more he interacted with Bardi, the more he realized just how vast the man's knowledge and power truly were.

"Mike has news. Regarding the task you assigned him."

Lex suddenly changed the subject.

Bardi's smile vanished instantly.

His body froze for a moment.

Then, in the next instant, it was as if a sleeping tyrant had awakened.

An overwhelming pressure filled the room.

His eyes burned with undeniable excitement, an intense, almost primal hunger.

Jor-El.

Your son has arrived on Earth.

Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

***

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