Chapter 3: Strength in Vulnerability
DC universe (Earth-2609th)
1992, Smallville, Kansas
The realization that he had altered the timeline weighed heavily on Clark Kent. His actions, however well-intentioned, had far-reaching consequences, and the responsibility of safeguarding the future now felt even greater. But that responsibility also sparked something else within him—a determination to be ready for whatever the future might bring.
Clark knew that while his powers made him formidable, they also came with weaknesses. If he was to protect those he loved and safeguard the timeline, he needed to confront those vulnerabilities head-on. The SS system had provided him with vast knowledge, but it was up to Clark to put that knowledge into action.
The first step was understanding his weaknesses fully. The SS system had already begun compiling data on the various vulnerabilities associated with being a Kryptonian under a yellow sun. Clark spent hours reviewing the information, determined to find ways to mitigate or eliminate these weaknesses.
"SS, show me everything you've got on Kryptonian vulnerabilities," Clark commanded, his tone serious as he sat cross-legged on the barn floor, hidden from the world. He had made it his secret hideout—a place where he could train and reflect without interruption.
[Affirmative. Displaying known Kryptonian vulnerabilities.]
The familiar holographic interface materialized in front of him, listing his weaknesses one by one.
Kryptonite: The most well-known weakness, kryptonite, was a radioactive mineral from his home planet, Krypton. It had the power to weaken him, strip him of his abilities, and even kill him if exposed for too long. Clark knew that while kryptonite was rare, it could be weaponized by those who meant him harm.
"Yeah, I remember that one from the comics," Clark muttered to himself, furrowing his brow. "But how do I protect myself against it?"
[Possible countermeasures include lead-lined clothing or armor to block radiation exposure. Alternatively, avoidance of known sources is recommended.]
Clark nodded thoughtfully. "Lead-lined suits, huh? I guess it's a start, but I need something better—something that doesn't make me look like a walking tin can."
Magic: Another significant weakness was his vulnerability to magic. Unlike physical or energy-based attacks, magic could bypass his invulnerability entirely. This was particularly concerning given the existence of powerful magic users in the DC Universe.
"Magic… that's a tough one," Clark mused. "It's not like I can just avoid it. There are too many magical threats out there."
[Suggested countermeasures: Seek materials known to resist magical influence, such as Nth Metal, Orichalcum, or other rare substances. Additionally, consider training with or forming alliances with trusted magic users to learn defensive techniques.]
Clark's eyes lit up at the idea. "Maybe I should take a trip to Gotham—or one of those mystical places. And teaming up with someone like Zatanna… that could be useful."
Red Sun Radiation: Under the light of a red sun, Clark would lose all of his powers, becoming as vulnerable as any ordinary human. While red suns were rare, the possibility of encountering one in the future couldn't be ignored.
"That one's a bit out of my control," Clark said, shaking his head. "I'll need a backup plan. Maybe something tech-based."
High-Pitched Frequencies and Toxins: Certain sound frequencies and alien toxins could disorient or harm him, bypassing his enhanced senses and invulnerability.
"...Maybe I can develop some kind of ear protection or filter system," Clark thought aloud. "SS, can you help me with designs?"
[Design protocols for protective gear can be initiated. Specifications for sound dampening and toxin filtration can be incorporated into future training and equipment plans.]
Clark felt reassured. "Good. It might not be glamorous, but it's something we need to do."
Psychological and Emotional Vulnerabilities: Clark also recognized that his greatest strengths—his compassion and love for others—could be turned against him. Those who knew his true identity could exploit his connections to his loved ones.
This vulnerability troubled Clark the most. He cared deeply for his parents, for his friends, and for the world he was slowly beginning to understand as being under his protection.
"SS, how do I protect them?" Clark asked quietly, his voice tinged with concern.
[Maintaining secrecy regarding your identity is paramount. Additionally, developing contingency plans and defensive strategies for those you care about is advisable. Emotional resilience training is recommended to prevent exploitation of your attachments.]
---
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the Kent farm, Clark sat in the barn, while spent hours assessing his vulnerabilities with the SS system.
"We need a plan," Clark thought, his voice filled with the resolve that had been building ever since he realized the weight of the burden he carried.
[Affirmative. Initiating plan formulation. Please specify priorities.]
Clark took a deep breath, thinking through everything he had learned. "Let's start with the most immediate threats—Kryptonite and magic. They're the ones that could hurt me the most, especially since I don't have much experience dealing with them."
[Kryptonite and magic prioritization acknowledged. Formulating countermeasures.]
The SS system's holographic interface displayed a series of potential strategies, each designed to minimize the impact of these threats. Clark studied them carefully, his sharp mind absorbing the details with the focus of a seasoned strategist.
"For Kryptonite, we'll need to start with lead-lined protection," Clark mused. "But it has to be something I can wear without drawing attention. Maybe we could design something that looks normal but has the protection I need."
[Designing prototype for lead-lined clothing. Specifications will include discreet appearance, flexibility for mobility, and maximum radiation shielding.]
Clark nodded, satisfied with the first step. "Good. And for magic… I think I need to start looking for those materials you mentioned earlier—Nth Metal and Orichalcum. But they're rare, right? I'll need to figure out where to find them."
[Correct. Nth Metal and Orichalcum are rare and often closely guarded. Locating sources may require extensive research or the assistance of allies with knowledge of mystical artifacts.]
Clark's mind raced with the possibilities. "If I could find someone who knows about these things—maybe even someone who could teach me how to use them—then I'd have a better chance of protecting myself against magic. But who?"
[Potential contacts include individuals with expertise in magical artifacts or connections to mystical communities. Zatanna Zatara, Dr. Fate, and John Constantine are known to have extensive knowledge in these areas. However, reaching them will require careful consideration of timing and approach.]
Clark sighed, realizing how far he still had to go. "They're not exactly going to listen to a six-year-old kid, though. I need to get stronger first—prove that I'm someone worth helping."
[Agreed. Strengthening your abilities and building connections with trusted individuals will increase your chances of gaining assistance from key figures in the mystical community.]
Clark felt a surge of determination. He was already planning ahead, thinking of ways to improve—not just physically but mentally and emotionally. His mind buzzed with ideas for training and gathering the resources he needed.
"And for red sun radiation… that's a tough one," Clark admitted, scratching his head. "I can't exactly carry around a red sun filter, but maybe I can develop some tech that could help me if I ever get stuck under one."
[Developing technology to simulate yellow sun conditions or provide temporary protection under red sun exposure is possible but will require advanced resources and technical knowledge. Initial research can begin, but practical application may take time.]
"Time I might not have," Clark murmured, but he quickly pushed aside the doubt. "It's worth trying. Even if it takes years, I want to be ready."
The SS system continued to present options, and Clark considered each one carefully, prioritizing what he could start working on immediately and what might have to wait.
"And then there's my emotional vulnerability..." Clark paused, feeling a pang as he thought of his parents—Jonathan and Martha Kent. They were his rock, the reason he faced each day with hope and determination. But he knew that as his life became more dangerous, so would the risks to them.
"I need to protect them, too," Clark thought fiercely. "I can't let anyone use them against me."
[Suggesting contingency plans for the protection of your loved ones… Options include securing safe locations, preparing emergency protocols, and developing non-lethal defensive measures to neutralize threats.]
Clark nodded, already picturing what needed to be done.
As the SS system compiled the final details of the plan, Clark felt a surge of accomplishment. He was gaining control, turning his weaknesses into strengths. The journey would be difficult, with many obstacles to overcome, but with the plan in place, he felt more ready than ever.
[Strategic plan formulated. Next steps include initiating training protocols, securing resources, and developing protective measures. Continuous monitoring and adjustment of the plan will be necessary as new information becomes available.]
"Let's get started," Clark said, his voice firm with resolve. "I'm ready."
---
With his plan in place, Clark Kent wasted no time putting it into action. The next few weeks were a blur of training, research, and resource gathering, all aimed at turning his vulnerabilities into strengths. Every moment he wasn't helping his parents on the farm or attending school, Clark was working on his plan—becoming the hero he knew he needed to be.
The barn, once his secret sanctuary, had transformed into a makeshift training facility. It was here, hidden from the world, that Clark pushed his limits, testing his abilities and refining the strategies he had laid out with the SS system.
Lead-Lined Protection
The first priority was crafting lead-lined clothing to shield him from Kryptonite's deadly radiation. Clark knew subtlety was key—he couldn't walk around in bulky armor, especially as a child. With the SS system's guidance, he began experimenting with different materials and designs, focusing on flexibility and concealment.
[Suggested materials: Thin, flexible lead mesh combined with lightweight, durable fabrics. Prototype designs can incorporate standard clothing styles with concealed lining.]
Clark went to gather the lead materials which, unsurprisingly, could be found in LuthorCorp Warehouse. With guidance of SS, Clark successfully sneaking through the security system and stole a number of materials. Given LuthorCorp bad reputation, Clark wouldn't feel much guilty for doing this.
Back at home, Clark spent hours stitching fabric and lead mesh, creating prototypes that looked like ordinary shirts, pants, and jackets but offered the protection he needed. The work was tedious, and he pricked his fingers more than once, but his determination kept him going.
"SS, how's the radiation shielding on this one?" Clark asked, holding up a newly completed shirt.
[Lead mesh coverage is 85% effective. Additional reinforcement on the chest and abdomen is recommended.]
Clark frowned, inspecting the shirt. "I'll need to make the lining thicker in those spots. Maybe double up the mesh there."
[Agreed. Prioritizing vital organ protection is essential.]
He set to work, reinforcing the shirt. Protecting himself wasn't just about surviving—it was about being ready for the threats he knew would come. As he worked, the thought of someone weaponizing Kryptonite against him made his resolve even stronger.
---
Combat and Stealth Training
Next, Clark focused on his combat and stealth training, honing instincts that would one day make him tactical as well as powerful. The title "Dark Knight Superboy" was more than a name—it was a reminder that he needed to blend strength with strategy, like Batman.
[Engage in hand-to-hand combat training. Focus on precision strikes and quick takedowns. Simulate urban environments for enhanced stealth training.]
Clark moved with speed and agility, his young body adapting to the rigorous training. Day by day, his strikes became sharper, his movements more fluid. The SS system provided real-time feedback, correcting his form and suggesting improvements.
"These moves… they're different from what I'd imagined," Clark thought, wiping sweat from his brow. "But I can see how they'd work—being quick, quiet, and effective."
[Correct. Strategy and stealth are just as important as raw power. Balancing these skills will allow you to approach challenges from multiple angles.]
---
Resource Acquisition: Nth Metal and Orichalcum
Finding mystical materials like Nth Metal and Orichalcum was far beyond what a six-year-old could typically handle. But Clark wasn't just any six-year-old. With the SS system's guidance, he began researching possible locations and individuals who might have access to these rare resources.
[Suggested locations include mystical sites such as the Himalayas, ancient ruins, or locations tied to powerful artifacts. Potential contacts: Zatanna Zatara, Dr. Fate, and other magic users with connections to mystical realms.]
Clark knew he wasn't ready to embark on such a journey yet, but he could start laying the groundwork. He studied maps, devoured every book he could find on ancient history and mythology, and absorbed all the information the SS system provided about these mystical materials.
"I'll need to find a way to reach them when I'm older," Clark thought, his eyes scanning a map of the Himalayas. "For now, I'll keep this information safe and be ready when the time comes."
---
Mental and Emotional Resilience
Finally, Clark focused on strengthening his mental and emotional resilience. He knew his compassion and love for others were his greatest strengths, but they also made him vulnerable. The SS system had suggested strategies to build mental fortitude, and Clark began incorporating them into his daily routine.
Each morning, he spent time in quiet reflection, meditating as the SS system guided him through mental exercises designed to enhance focus, discipline, and emotional control. He practiced calming his mind in the face of stress or fear, imagining scenarios where he would need to protect his loved ones while staying composed.
[Emotional resilience is key to maintaining control in high-stress situations. Practicing mindfulness and mental exercises will strengthen your ability to manage emotional responses.]
Clark felt the difference immediately. His thoughts became clearer, his emotions more balanced. He was learning to harness his compassion, using it as a source of strength rather than weakness.
[Your progress is commendable, Clark. Continue building on these foundations, and you will be prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.]
---
Clark stood in the barn, his training for the day finished. He was tired, his muscles sore, and his mind buzzing with everything he had learned. Yet, despite the fatigue, there was an underlying sense of fulfillment. The plan was in motion, the training was rigorous, and the execution was relentless. He was progressing each day—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well.
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