DC Universe (Earth-2609th)
1990, Smallville, Kansas
The sun rose gently over the rolling fields of Smallville, casting long, warm rays that bathed the Kent farm in a soft, golden glow. The air was crisp with the promise of a new day, and the world seemed to be waking up slowly, savoring the last remnants of dawn. Inside the modest farmhouse, a young boy stirred in his bed, already attuned to the rhythm of the farm and the life that awaited him outside those walls.
Clark Kent, physically a four-year-old boy, stirred up from slumbered as sunlight streamed through the window, energizing him.
As Clark soaked in the morning sun, his mind raced with plans. Although his memories are fragmented, he still knew the DC Comics world inside out—the heroes, villains, and challenges ahead. He had to carefully balance being the Kents' beloved child and the future Superman, Earth's protector.
The Superman Supporting System (SS system) had activated the year before, and since then, it had been guiding him, helping him manage the incredible powers that were slowly awakening within him. The SS system was his constant companion, offering advice, monitoring his progress, and ensuring that he stayed on the right path.
Every day, Clark could feel himself getting stronger, his senses sharper, and his mind clearer. But with each new ability came the need for greater control, for he knew that even a small misstep could have dire consequences.
Downstairs, the smell of breakfast wafted through the house, drawing Clark from his thoughts. Martha Kent was in the kitchen, her hands busy with the morning routine that had become second nature over the years. Despite the extraordinary nature of their son, she and Jonathan were determined to give Clark the most normal childhood possible.
"Clark, breakfast is ready!" Martha called up the stairs, her voice warm and inviting.
Clark smiled to himself as he climbed out of bed, careful not to move too quickly or with too much force. His body, though small, held immense power, and the SS system frequently reminded him of the importance of restraint.
"Coming, Mom!" Clark called back, his voice a mix of the innocence of a child without showing the wisdom of someone far older.
As he descended the stairs, Jonathan Kent entered the kitchen from the back door, wiping his hands on a towel after finishing up some early morning chores. His face lit up with a smile as he saw Clark.
"Morning, sport. Ready for another day?" Jonathan asked with the kind of fatherly warmth that made Clark feel safe and loved.
Clark nodded enthusiastically, sliding into his seat at the table. "Yep! What are we doing today, Dad?"
Jonathan chuckled softly, reaching out to ruffle Clark's dark hair. "Oh, the usual," he replied, his tone light. "There's always something to be done on the farm. But remember, slow and steady, alright?"
Clark grinned, understanding the underlying message. "I will, Dad. I promise."
The Kent farm was built on hard work and self-reliance. Jonathan and Martha believed that teaching responsibility came through hands-on experience, giving children meaningful tasks suited to their age. But with Clark, they knew they had to be careful. His strength and abilities were far beyond other kids, and they needed to ensure he understood the importance of using them wisely.
When Clark turned four, he had become increasingly eager to help Jonathan with the farm chores. His bright eyes followed his father's every move, and he constantly asked if he could lend a hand. Jonathan, knowing his son's abilities were growing, had hesitated. The work was tough, even for adults, and Clark was still just a child.
But after much thought, Jonathan and Martha agreed that letting Clark help—with supervision and care—could be a valuable learning experience. They would start small, easing him into tasks that wouldn't put him or anyone else in danger. Teaching him responsibility was important, but even more important was ensuring he learned to control the strength that lurked beneath his innocent exterior.
Martha placed a plate of pancakes in front of Clark, her eyes soft with affection. "Make sure you eat up, Clark. You've got to keep your strength up, you know," she said with a wink, fully aware of the irony in her words.
After breakfast, as the sun climbed higher into the sky, Clark followed Jonathan out to the fields. The routine was familiar, comforting in its predictability, but today, Clark felt a surge of energy unlike anything he had experienced before. The SS system hummed in the back of his mind, monitoring his vital signs and sending subtle reminders to keep his strength in check.
As they reached the barn, Jonathan handed Clark a small bundle of hay. "Think you can handle that, son?"
Clark grinned, grasping the bundle with both hands. It was light as a feather to him, but he made sure to pretend it required effort. The SS system urged him to maintain the facade of a normal boy, even as his body pulsed with the growing energy of a Kryptonian.
"Good job, Clark," Jonathan said, nodding approvingly. "You're getting stronger every day."
Clark beamed at the praise, but deep down, a flicker of worry lingered. What if I mess up? The thought gnawed at him, but he pushed it away. He would be careful and concentrate.
"Remember, son," Jonathan continued as they worked side by side, "it's not about how strong you are. It's about doing things the right way."
Clark took his father's words to heart. Every day, Jonathan taught him more than just how to work the land; he was teaching him values that would one day define Superman—patience, humility, and the importance of using his strength for good. These lessons were just as valuable as any physical training Clark might undergo.
As the day went on, Clark continued to help with the chores, his every movement calculated and precise. The sun shone brightly, its rays filling him with energy, but Clark remained focused, careful to keep his strength in check.
---
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the Kent farm, Clark quietly slipped away from the house. Now, as the sky turned shades of orange and pink, he sought solace in his favorite spot—a secluded area behind the barn, nestled between a cluster of trees. It was a place of peace, where the only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the distant calls of birds settling in for the night.
Clark found a comfortable spot on the soft grass and sat down, feeling the last warmth of the sun on his skin.
Earlier this year, the SS system had upgraded to Level 2, a significant milestone in Clark's journey. The upgrade had unlocked a new feature that had piqued his curiosity from the moment it became available: a comprehensive database of information about the DC Universe. It was like having a library in his mind, filled with everything he needed to know about the world he was now a part of.
"SS, let's access the database," Clark thought, his mind focused on the task ahead.
[Acknowledged. Database access initiated. Please specify the subject of inquiry,]
the SS system responded with calm efficiency.
Clark considered his options. He had already spent hours poring over the geography of this world, learning about the key locations that would one day become central to his story—Metropolis, Gotham, Central City. He had also studied the history of this universe, noting the key events that had shaped it. But tonight, he wanted to focus on something more immediate, something that felt closer to home.
"Let's dive into the character profiles. Start with those closest to Smallville and expand from there," Clark instructed.
[Understood. Accessing character profiles relevant to Smallville and surrounding areas,] the SS system replied.
As the data flowed into his mind, Clark could see detailed profiles forming—names, faces, histories. He studied the familiar names with a sense of anticipation: Lana Lang, Pete Ross, Lex Luthor. These were people who would play significant roles in his life. But the SS system provided more than just surface-level information. It dug deep, offering insights into their motivations, their struggles, and their potential futures.
[Lana Lang: Childhood friend, potential love interest in early years. Strong moral compass. Key to maintaining a connection to Smallville and normalcy. Advise close observation of her relationships and emotional state,]
the SS system noted.
Clark smiled. In all of Superman storylines, Lana had always been kind to Clark Kent, even when he had trouble fitting in. He made a mental note to stay close to her in the future, to be the friend she needed, knowing how much she would mean to him in the years to come.
[Pete Ross: Loyal friend, confidant. High level of trustworthiness. Willing to protect Clark's secret if revealed. Advise cultivating this friendship as a support network,]
the SS system continued.
Pete, in comics and TV series, was always one of Clark's closest friends. They spent countless hours together, whether it was playing in the fields or working on school projects. Clark knew that Pete's loyalty would be invaluable in the future, especially when the weight of his secret became too heavy to bear alone.
Then the system moved on to a name that carried a different weight—one that made Clark's heart beat a little faster.
[Lex Luthor: Intelligence off the charts. Potential ally or adversary. High risk of developing into a major antagonist due to environmental influences and personal ambitions. Advise careful monitoring and strategic engagement,]
the SS system advised.
Clark frowned. He knew the story—knew that Lex Luthor was destined to become one of Superman's greatest enemies. But he also knew that things could change, that his actions now could influence Lex's path. Could he steer Lex toward a different future? The thought both intrigued and troubled him.
"SS, what's the probability of altering Lex Luthor's trajectory?" Clark asked, his tone serious.
[Calculating... Probability of altering trajectory: 23%. Significant external influences, including paternal pressure and personal ambition, reduce likelihood of change. However, early positive interactions could increase probability by 10-15%.]
The SS system responded.
Clark sighed. It wasn't much, but it was something. He would have to tread carefully around Lex, balancing the need to keep his identity hidden with the hope of steering Lex away from the darkness that seemed inevitable.
"Alright, keep me updated on any changes in Lex's behavior. I'll do what I can," Clark decided.
[Understood. Monitoring initiated. Updates will be provided as significant developments occur,] the SS system confirmed.
-----
As Clark continued to review the profiles, the sun began to sink lower, casting long shadows across the farm. He shifted his focus to the most significant change since the SS system's upgrade—his increased rate of solar energy absorption. Each day, the sun fueled his growing powers, making him stronger, faster, and more resilient. It was exhilarating, but also overwhelming at times.
Sitting there, basking in the warmth of the fading sunlight, Clark noticed something new on the system window that had appeared in his mind earlier that day. One term caught his attention: "KP."
"SS, what's KP?" Clark asked curiously, tilting his head. He hadn't seen it before, and its importance eluded him.
[KP stands for Kryptonian Potential,] the SS system responded promptly.
[It measures your current power level relative to the maximum potential you can achieve as a Kryptonian under Earth's yellow sun.]
Clark raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "So, it's like a power gauge? A way to track how much of my full potential I've tapped into?"
[Correct. KP represents the percentage of your overall Kryptonian abilities that are unlocked and accessible to you. The higher your KP, the closer you are to reaching your full potential as Superman.]
Clark mulled over this, excitement and caution mixing in his thoughts. "And how do I increase my KP? Just by absorbing more sunlight?"
[Solar energy absorption is a key factor,] the system explained.
[However, physical and mental training, as well as your ability to control and apply your powers, also play significant roles. As you grow and gain more experience, your KP will naturally increase.]
Clark nodded, the concept beginning to take shape in his mind. "So it's not just about getting stronger. It's about learning how to use that strength the right way, right?"
[Precisely. Raw power alone isn't enough. Mastery of your abilities is essential to ensure they are used wisely and effectively. Mismanaging your KP could lead to unintended consequences for you and those around you.]
Clark couldn't help but smile at the system's ever-serious tone. "You're really big on the whole 'with great power comes great responsibility' thing, huh?"
[The importance of control cannot be overstated. Failure to manage your KP properly could result in disastrous outcomes,]
the system replied, missing—or perhaps ignoring—the humor in Clark's remark.
Clark chuckled softly. "Okay, I get it. So, where am I at now? How much of my KP have I unlocked?"
[As of the most recent assessment, your KP is at approximately 18%. This is normal for your current age and developmental stage,]
the system reported.
Clark leaned back against the tree, processing the number. "Only 18%? That doesn't sound like much," he said, slightly surprised.
[It is an appropriate level for someone of your age and experience. As you mature and gain more control, your KP will increase steadily. However, with each increase, the challenges you face will also grow more complex, requiring greater discipline.]
Clark nodded thoughtfully. "I guess it's good that it's not all unlocked at once. I'm still getting used to things as it is."
[Gradual progression ensures that you develop the necessary mental and emotional maturity to handle your powers. Immediate access to your full potential could result in physical and psychological strain.]
Clark shuddered at the thought. The last thing he wanted was to lose control and hurt someone—or worse. "So, what's the plan? How do I boost my KP without overdoing it?"
[Continued training is crucial. Focus on enhancing your physical strength, speed, and sensory abilities through controlled exercises. In addition, prioritize mental discipline and emotional stability. Meditation and focused breathing will help regulate your energy output and prevent accidental surges in power,]
the system advised.
Clark smirked, imagining himself sitting cross-legged like a superhero monk. "Meditation, huh? Never thought that'd be part of the training."
[Mental clarity is as important as physical strength. Emotional control is critical, especially as your KP increases.]
Clark sighed, though the smile never left his face. "Alright, I'll give it a shot. Just make sure to remind me to stay calm when things get tough."
[Affirmative. Monitoring will continue, and reminders will be issued as necessary,]
the system assured him.
Clark felt a wave of reassurance wash over him. Knowing the SS system was guiding him, he smiled. "Thanks, SS. I think I'm starting to get how this works. I've got a long way to go, but I'm ready to keep pushing forward."
[Progress is on track. Continued effort will yield positive results. Rest and recovery are also key components of your training,]
the system reminded him.
Clark chuckled as he stood up, glancing toward the farmhouse. The KP was just a number, but it symbolized much more—the potential to become the hero he was destined to be.