DC : The Template System

Max didn't care much about his identity being known—he had no glaring weaknesses to exploit. The mask was more about keeping his life private, avoiding constant attention, and preventing inconvenient situations like the one he was currently facing.

Sliding open a drawer, he pulled out an old-fashioned phone and searched the internet until he found the number for LexCorp. With a decisive breath, he dialed.

---

High above Metropolis, in the sleek, glass-paneled office atop Lex Tower, Lex Luthor stood staring out at the city's sprawling skyline.

The door slid open softly, and Mercy stepped inside, her tablet cradled in one arm.

"Sir," she said, "you've received a meeting request—from a very... special individual."

Lex didn't turn immediately. "From whom?"

"Tobi himself. He's also asked that Amanda Waller be contacted and invited."

A slow smile crept across Lex's face as he finally faced her. "Perfect timing. Just as I was devising a plan to reach out to him, he's beaten me to the punch."

He paused thoughtfully. "Seems I'm not the only one who knows his true identity."

"Indeed," Mercy replied. "Shall I finalize the invitation and send word to Waller?"

Lex nodded, his eyes gleaming. "Cancel everything else on my schedule. I'm not exactly a fan of Waller's, but this will be a gesture of goodwill towards our new hero... and a strategic move."

Mercy arched an eyebrow. "You seem unusually eager for this meeting."

Lex chuckled softly. "How could I not be? We're talking about someone who could rival Superman. The implications are enormous. And I suspect this meeting is more than just a social call."

"His identity?" Merci asked.

"More than that," Lex said, his voice low. "It's about setting clear boundaries. We know who he is if we provoke him, things could spiral out of control."

"And your next move?" Merci pressed.

Lex's smile faded as he considered the question. "And besides, something tells me he isn't a hero… so we have to tread carefully," Luthor said, leaning back in his chair.

"Why do you think so?" Mercy asked, eyebrow raised.

"Think about it. We'd never heard a single thing about him before that day—neither heroic nor villainous. Which leads me to believe he only exposed himself because he was being threatened by Darkseid."

"You mean he's just a neutral party who doesn't want to be bothered?" Mercy asked.

"That's the probabl possibility. I may be wrong—although I rarely am—but regardless, he's no hero. And if he ever decides we're a thorn in his side, he might just remove us."

"I never thought I'd hear such words from your mouth," Mercy said with a smirk.

"As unsavory as it is, I'm not a fool," Luthor replied coldly. "I know my capabilities, and I can recognize a threat I cannot yet handle. For now. But who knows about the future."

"Do you think he even has a weakness?" Mercy asked.

"I'm one hundred percent sure he does," Luthor said confidently. "And I'll find it in due time."

"Let me guess—because he's a threat like Superman?" she said with mock sarcasm.

"Of course he is. For all we know, he could be an alien too. That 'transformation' we saw might not even be a transformation at all—it could be his true form."

"Well, the DNA we pulled from his mask says he's one hundred percent human," Mercy countered.

Luthor ignored that detail entirely. "Speaking of his DNA, what have the scientists discovered so far?"

"Well… nothing extraordinary has turned up yet."

"Tell them to keep searching," Luthor ordered. "There's something they're missing."

"I'll notify them," Mercy replied, turning to leave.

Luthor sat alone, hands steepled, his mind already working three steps ahead.

THE NEXT MORNING

Three black cars rolled in a tight convoy through the streets of Metropolis, pulling up in front of LexCorp. Civilians slowed their pace, whispering and glancing curiously. The doors opened, and men in sharp black suits stepped out. One moved swiftly to the rear car, opening the door for Amanda Waller.

She stepped out, eyes locked on the LexCorp tower, face unreadable. Without a word, she marched toward the glass doors, her guards flanking her in perfect formation.

Two LexCorp security officers moved to block the way.

"Ma'am," one said with a polite but firm tone, "Mr. Luthor's orders—only you may enter. Your guards will need to wait outside."

Waller's eyes narrowed. "That's not how I work. My security detail goes where I go."

"Orders are orders," the other guard replied. "Mr. Luthor was very clear."

She let the silence hang for a moment, her stare heavy enough to make both men subtly shift their stance. "Do you two know what happens to people who try to dictate my movements?"

"Yes, ma'am," the first said, not breaking eye contact, "but we're under his roof. If you don't like the rules, we can reschedule your meeting."

Waller's jaw tightened, but she glanced briefly over her shoulder at her men. "Hold position," she ordered.

The guards stepped aside to frisk her. Waller allowed it, though her glare never left their faces. Once satisfied, they waved her through.

From the top floor, Luthor watched the exchange with his hands clasped behind his back.

"She's here," Mercy said, entering the office.

"And our guest of honor?" Luthor asked without turning.

"He hasn't shown up yet."

"Then let's welcome our government friend in the meantime," Luthor said with a thin smile. "You go wait for him."

A swirl of leaves erupted in the middle of the road outside, drawing gasps from bystanders. When the motion stopped, Max stood there in a spotless white tuxedo, his trademark white mask reflecting the morning sun.

Phones shot up instantly.

"Oh my god—it's Tobi!" a woman exclaimed.

Within seconds, the crowd began to swarm, people shoving forward to snap photos and record video. Max increased his pace, weaving through the throng until he reached the LexCorp entrance. He raised his arms to allow the security team to search him—only to be waved through.

"No need, sir," one guard said.

Mercy was already waiting just beyond the doors. "Good morning, Mr. Tobi. This way, please."

Max nodded and followed her inside.

As they stepped into the lift, Mercy pressed the top-floor button. The doors slid shut, and the hum of the rising elevator filled the silence.

"I have to admit, I'm surprised you came in a tuxedo," Mercy said, glancing at him.

"It's a meeting," Max replied casually. "Got to look like I'm going to one. My usual outfit wasn't necessary. Besides—" he turned his masked face toward her, "—there won't be any fighting. And even if there is, I won't need it."

"You've got quite the attitude, Mr. Tobi," Mercy said with a faint smirk.

"Not attitude—facts," Max countered. "Or do you disagree?"

"For now… I don't."

The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open. Mercy gestured to a set of imposing double doors at the end of the hall.

"Luthor and Waller are inside."

Max started forward, then paused at the threshold. "I'll be waiting for the day when you do," he said, his voice low but deliberate, before pushing the doors open.

"Glad you finally made it, Mr. Tobi," came Luthor's smooth greeting from within.

End of chapter .

What's up, everyone!

I just wanted to apologize in advance if you spotted any mistakes in this chapter. I'll admit, I'm not the best when it comes to writing character interactions — but I did my best! 😅

If there's anything you think should be changed or improved, let me know in the comments and I'll consider rewriting the chapter if necessary.

Thanks for your understanding and support as always!