Lex is usually highly observant, but since arriving to Baedal he's had a bit of tunnel vision. The gradual changes of the city go unnoticed as he buries himself in his work both personally and professionally, striving to make a name for himself as fast as he can at the office and then coming home to work on building renovations. It's all a long process but one he knows he'll be satisfied with later.

The other downside to busying himself in such a way is that Lex hadn't allowed himself much time to spend with his friend from back home. He is treating Clark to a meal at a restaurant with an outside patio when the swarms of birds begin. He dives under the table for cover and pulls out his knife instinctively, doing what he can to hack at the birds but he knows it's a poor defense for their current situation.

"We're not far from where I live," he calls to Clark over the swarm, "at the soonest opening we need to make a break for it."