PROJECT: NULL (DC)

Lex Luthor sat in his grand office on the top floor of LexCorp Tower. The walls were adorned with modern art, and the city skyline stretched out beyond the massive windows behind him. Seated before his imposing desk was a nondescript man in a dark suit—one of Luthor's unaffiliated operatives, known only as Carlson.

Carlson held a tablet, scrolling through a list of items as he spoke. "Mr. Luthor, as requested, I've compiled a list of supernatural artifacts and their known capabilities. Many have regenerative properties or the ability to modify biology, but as expected, they come with their share of complications."

Luthor steepled his fingers, his piercing gaze fixed on Carlson. "Go on."

Carlson nodded and continued. "The Philosopher's Stone, for instance, is rumored to grant regenerative abilities, but its last known location is under heavy guard in a classified government facility in Belgium. The stone's use also comes with a high risk of destabilizing the user's molecular structure."

He scrolled further. "The Hand of Glory is said to grant temporary invincibility and enhanced healing, but it's currently held by a private collector in the occult community. Acquiring it would require significant negotiation—or force."

Luthor's lips curled into a faint smile. "Negotiation rarely suits my style. Continue."

"The Shroud of Lazarus," Carlson said, "is one of the more promising artifacts. It's believed to heal not only wounds but also genetic defects, potentially stabilizing biological modifications. However, the shroud is held by a sect deeply entrenched in supernatural lore. Their members are zealots and would die before letting it fall into the wrong hands."

"How predictable," Luthor said, his tone laced with disdain. "And the cons?"

Carlson's expression darkened. "Most of these artifacts are either safeguarded by international governments or closely monitored by individuals and groups whose sole purpose is to deal with supernatural phenomena. Additionally, many of these items come with side effects that could be catastrophic if mishandled."

Luthor leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Duly noted. You've done well, Carlson. Your time is appreciated. You may go."

Carlson stood, nodded respectfully, and exited the room without another word. Once alone, Luthor pressed a hidden button on his desk. A large screen descended from the ceiling, flickering to life with the image of Amanda Waller, seated in what appeared to be another high-security facility.

"Luthor," Waller greeted, her tone as sharp as ever. "To what do I owe this interruption?"

"An update," Luthor replied, leaning forward slightly. "One of my operatives has compiled a list of artifacts that might aid in our little endeavor. Many have regenerative or biologically modifying properties. However, most are heavily guarded or in the possession of individuals who specialize in the supernatural."

Waller's expression didn't change, but Luthor could see the wheels turning in her mind. "I take it you have a plan to retrieve them?"

"Always," Luthor said smoothly. "But I need to know if you've assembled your team yet. Will your Suicide Squad be up to the task?"

Waller's lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile. "I've recruited two members so far: Harley Quinn and Deadshot. Both criminals, as expected, but effective in their respective fields."

Luthor raised an eyebrow. "And they're doing this willingly?"

Waller chuckled, leaning back in her chair. "Willingly? Not exactly. I did consider implementing miniature explosives in their necks to ensure compliance, but that felt a bit… old-fashioned. Instead, I opted for a more refined approach. Each of them has a series of micro-bugs implanted in their brains, lungs, and hearts. These devices allow me to administer anything from a painful shock to an instant detonation, depending on their behavior."

Luthor's chuckle mirrored hers, though his was colder. "Ingenious. I'd expect nothing less. Very well. Keep me informed of their progress. We'll need them when the time comes."

Waller nodded. "You'll have your updates, Luthor. Just make sure you hold up your end."

"Always," Luthor replied. With that, he ended the call, the screen retracting into the ceiling.

Standing, Luthor moved to the balcony that overlooked Metropolis. The city's lights sparkled below, a testament to humanity's ingenuity and ambition. Yet, in his mind, it was all just a foundation for something greater—something only he could bring into existence.

He placed his hands on the railing, staring out at the city as a cold wind swept through the night. A faint smile played on his lips as he whispered to himself, "Soon."