More than two million light-years away from the Milky Way lay the galaxy humans had designated M31—the Andromeda Galaxy.
On one of its upper spiral arms existed a void that could not be detected by any conventional means.
Countless asteroids formed a vast, shell-like barrier, completely blocking and devouring all light coming from outside the galaxy. None of them reflected light at all, rendering the region invisible even to infrared detection.
Even gravitational waves were distorted and disrupted by this dense asteroid field.
Yet if one were to pass through this belt of asteroids, they would witness a sight that utterly defied astronomy and physics.
At the very center of this hidden region floated an unimaginably massive planet.
Even more bizarre, a strange miniature star revolved around this planet—not the other way around.
If Earth's astronomers and physicists were to witness such a scene, it would drive them utterly insane.
This planet was called Ysmault.
Across its surface stood vast structures built by advanced civilizations, evidence of countless forms of life having once thrived there.
At the very apex of Ysmault rose a towering metal structure over a thousand meters tall.
Its exterior was engulfed in roaring red flames, burning like a colossal torch.
Upon a throne within sat a massive, powerfully built man several meters tall. Around his throne flowed streams of molten metal, glowing with heat measured in thousands of degrees—yet to him, it was no more threatening than ordinary water.
His skin burned crimson, as though molten magma flowed beneath it, emitting a terrifying red glow.
Below him stood—or knelt—numerous beings of vastly different shapes and species.
Though clearly not of the same race, they shared one common trait: each wore armor radiating a deep crimson light, as if their very bodies were perpetually aflame.
At the center of the hall lay a humanoid figure, gravely wounded, his body already beginning to wither.
"Atrocitus… forgive my recklessness. I can no longer remain by your side."
The man upon the throne—Atrocitus—rose to his feet. Towering like a living mountain, he descended the steps slowly.
"Scrooge. You defied my command. You betrayed the purpose of the Red Lantern Corps."
"You do not deserve to live."
Atrocitus's furious voice echoed throughout the hall—and across the entire planet.
His body erupted with searing flames, the Red Lantern emblem on his chest blazing with terrifying intensity.
Blood spilled from Scrooge's mouth as he spoke weakly,
"I know… That is why I came here. To die by your hand, and atone for my sins."
Atrocitus let out a thunderous roar and extended his hand.
Scarlet flames instantly ignited upon Scrooge's body.
Within seconds—amid screams of agony—Scrooge was reduced to nothing but ash.
Only one thing remained.
A ring, glowing with deep crimson light, floated silently in midair.
Its light pulsed, as if searching… sensing something.
"Go," Atrocitus commanded coldly.
"Find your next bearer. Bring him to me."
With a flick of his hand, the Red Lantern ring streaked out of the hall as a beam of red light.
Atrocitus returned to his throne, his eyes burning with unending rage.
---
On Earth.
The next morning, after breakfast, Lucas saw Clark and Kara off, then dropped Elaine and Carrie at school.
Returning home, Lucas sat back down on the sofa.
It was time to prepare for the next stage of his plan.
For example—
It was time to obtain the Space Stone.
But before that, preparations had to be made.
The Infinity Stones were unimaginably powerful, each possessing unique properties. Touching them without safeguards would be reckless.
With that in mind, Lucas took out his phone and made a call.
"Hey, Lucas," came Lex Luthor's voice, light with amusement.
"You really stole the spotlight during that Atlantean war. The entire internet is practically worshipping you."
"Spare me the flattery," Lucas replied flatly.
"I might believe others, but coming from you, it sounds fake."
He continued,
"How are the things I asked you to handle?"
Lex's tone shifted back to business.
"The new gravity chamber is already under modification. It'll be ready in three days."
"This one supports up to fifty times gravity, and we added several auxiliary systems. You'll understand once you try it."
Lucas nodded.
"Good. What else?"
Lex hesitated, sounding oddly conflicted.
"Lucas… why exactly are we jointly acquiring a cosmic signal receiver?"
"That's hard to explain right now," Lucas said.
"Just trust me."
Lex snorted.
"You make it sound like I'm some nagging housewife."
"I invested a lot of money into this. I have the right to know."
"And don't even get me started on that guy you sent—Phastos."
"At first I thought he was some authoritative expert, a real asset."
"Turns out he's just freeloading in my lab!"
"And his theoretical foundations are completely different from ours!"
"If you're different, go build your own lab! Instead, he dragged half my researchers into his workspace and filled their heads with nonsense theories!"
"Now they're constantly talking about bizarre concepts and asking me to build machines I can't even explain. My head is about to explode!"
Lucas quickly tried to placate him.
"Alright, alright. How about this—once he produces results, I'll split part of the profits with you."
Lex immediately replied with righteous indignation,
"Do I look like someone who lacks money?"
"I'm saying you should take him away before my entire team collapses!"
"Fine, fine," Lucas sighed.
"I'm already setting up a separate laboratory. I'll arrange it soon."
"…Ahem. Sorry. Lost my composure for a moment," Lex said, regaining his usual elegance.
"Everything you requested—the ultra-nutrition solution, compressed solid high-protein rations—it's all done."
"But I have to ask," Lex added suspiciously.
"I know you eat a lot, and it technically follows energy conservation… but can your digestive system really handle things ordinary humans can't even touch?"