Part 2
Kent's Farm
As the sun dipped low on the horizon, casting long shadows across the Kent farm, Clark flew back home, still riding the high of his recent breakthrough in flight. The exhilaration of soaring through the sky, free and untethered, was something he'd never forget. But as he approached the farmhouse, his keen super hearing, recently developed, picked up on a conversation between his parents that quickly dampened his mood.
Clark hovered just above the roof, carefully listening in as Martha and Jonathan Kent sat at the kitchen table, their voices low and filled with worry.
"We've done everything we can, Martha," Jonathan said, his tone heavy with frustration. "But the yield this year… it's just not enough. The crops aren't growing like they used to, and the animals aren't faring much better. We can barely make ends meet as it is."
"I know, Jonathan," Martha replied, her voice soft but strained. "But what else can we do? The prices for feed and fertilizer keep going up, and LuthorCorp keeps pushing everyone to sell. Some of the neighbors are already thinking about it. I don't want to lose this farm… it's been in our family for generations."
Jonathan sighed deeply. "I don't want to sell either, but if things don't turn around soon… we might not have a choice."
Clark's heart sank as he heard the pain in his parents' voices. They had always worked so hard to keep the farm running, to provide for him and make sure he had everything he needed. But now, it seemed like everything was falling apart. And it wasn't just his family—Clark knew that many of their neighbors were struggling too, with some even considering selling their land to LuthorCorp and moving away to find other ways to make a living.
The thought of LuthorCorp buying up the land and driving away the families who had lived there for generations made Clark's blood boil. He couldn't let that happen. Not to his family, and not to his neighbors.
Clark's mind raced as he landed quietly behind the barn, out of sight. There had to be something he could do, some way he could help. He had powers that no one else had, and now, with the guidance of the SS system, he knew he could do more than just protect people—he could make a real difference in their lives.
---
Clark paced back and forth behind the barn, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew he couldn't just jump into any odd jobs around town—he was only 9 years old, and the laws were clear about child labor. The last thing he wanted was to draw unwanted attention by doing something illegal or reckless. But the situation was dire, and his parents needed help, fast.
"SS, we need to come up with a plan," Clark said, his tone firm. "Something that doesn't just solve our problems right now, but something that can set us up for the future. I'm talking about building something big, like what Queen, Luthor, and Wayne have done. Something that can make a real difference."
[You're correct, Clark,] the SS system responded, its tone thoughtful. [Given your age and the current restrictions, we must think strategically. The foundation you lay now should be one that can grow over time, eventually allowing you to amass the resources and influence needed to protect your family and secure your future.]
Clark nodded, feeling the weight of the decision. "So, where do we start? What can I do now that will set us on the right path?"
[We should begin by leveraging your unique abilities in ways that can generate significant value without attracting attention. This involves discreetly improving the productivity of your farm and others in the area, as well as exploring opportunities in fields that are less regulated and can be operated behind the scenes.]
Clark's mind raced as he considered the options. "What if we focus on the farm first? If I can increase the yield, that'll give us the money we need to start investing in other opportunities."
[That's a solid starting point,] SS agreed. [By using your abilities to enhance the farm's productivity, you can create a reliable source of income. From there, we can look at reinvesting those profits into other ventures, such as property acquisition or small-scale investments in local businesses. Eventually, these investments could grow into something larger, providing you with the capital needed to expand further.]
Clark felt a surge of excitement at the possibilities. "But we need something more… something that can give us a real edge."
[Indeed,] SS continued. [In addition to improving the farm, we should also explore the potential of developing new products or services that are unique to your abilities. For instance, you could begin experimenting with creating a specialized fertilizer or crop strain that is far superior to what is currently available on the market. These innovations could be patented and eventually sold to larger agricultural firms, providing a significant source of income.]
Clark's eyes lit up at the idea. "That could work. If I can develop something unique, something that only we have, we could really start to build something big. But how do I do that without anyone finding out?"
[Secrecy will be paramount,] SS advised. [You'll need to work in the early hours of the morning or late at night when no one is around. Your speed and strength will allow you to complete tasks quickly and efficiently, ensuring that your activities remain undetected. Additionally, any research or experimentation should be done in small, controlled batches to avoid drawing attention.]
Clark considered the plan, a determined smile spreading across his face. "So, we start by making the farm the most productive one in the area, then use the profits to invest in new opportunities. And along the way, we develop something that can really set us apart."
[Correct,] SS confirmed. [This is just the beginning, Clark. By thinking strategically and planning for the long term, you can create a foundation that will not only secure your family's future but also give you the resources you'll need to protect others on a much larger scale. Remember, the greatest empires start with a single brick.]
Clark felt a deep sense of purpose as he absorbed the plan. This was more than just about money—it was about building a future where he could truly make a difference. "Thanks, SS. Let's get started."
---
As the weeks passed, Clark quietly set his plan into motion. Each night, under the cover of darkness, he slipped out of the farmhouse and into the fields, moving with the stealth and speed that only he possessed. The farm was silent, save for the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant call of an owl, as Clark worked in secret, transforming the land around him.
Using the knowledge provided by the SS system, Clark began by enhancing the soil's fertility. He created a specialized blend of natural fertilizers, mixing it with precision and spreading it across the fields with superhuman speed. He knew that this new blend, designed to nourish the crops in ways conventional fertilizers couldn't, would yield results that would surprise even the most seasoned farmers.
As the crops began to thrive, Clark turned his attention to the farm's irrigation system. With careful adjustments, he redirected water sources to ensure that every inch of the fields received the optimal amount of moisture. Where the soil had once been dry and cracked, it was now rich and fertile, absorbing the water like a sponge and feeding the growing plants. To protect the crops from pests, he used his heat vision to carefully eliminate harmful insects, all without damaging the plants themselves.
Every night, Clark repeated the process, working tirelessly until the sun began to rise, signaling the start of a new day. His efforts were not limited to his own family's farm; he quietly extended his work to the neighboring farms, enhancing their soil and irrigation in the same way. He knew that if the entire community prospered, it would be harder for LuthorCorp to pressure anyone into selling.
The results were nothing short of miraculous. As the days turned into weeks, the Kents' farm transformed before their eyes. The crops, which had been struggling just a month earlier, were now taller, greener, and more abundant than ever before. The once-wilted corn stalks stood proudly in the fields, heavy with golden ears, while the vegetable garden overflowed with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, and squash.
Jonathan and Martha were astounded by the sudden change in their fortunes. They had worked the land for years, enduring droughts, pests, and poor harvests, but they had never seen anything like this. The farm was thriving, and with it came the promise of financial stability that had seemed so distant not long ago.
"What do you think happened?" Martha asked Jonathan one morning as they surveyed the fields, her voice filled with awe.
"I don't know," Jonathan replied, shaking his head in disbelief. "But whatever it is, it's a blessing. Maybe the weather just turned in our favor, or maybe the soil finally decided to cooperate. Either way, we're going to make the most of it."
The neighbors began to notice the change as well. One by one, the other farms in the area started to experience similar boosts in productivity. Where there had been talk of selling to LuthorCorp, there was now renewed hope. The community banded together, sharing resources and knowledge, and supporting one another as they worked to improve their land.
Clark watched all of this unfold with quiet satisfaction. Every day, he went about his usual routine, helping his parents on the farm and attending school, never letting on that he was the one behind the sudden turnaround. He listened with a smile as his parents marveled at the harvest, thankful for the unexpected good fortune.
But the work wasn't over. Clark knew that this was just the beginning. The money from the bountiful harvest was more than enough to pay off debts and save for the future, but he had bigger plans in mind. He had already started researching ways to invest the profits, looking for opportunities to grow their wealth and expand their influence, all while staying under the radar.
With each passing day, Clark grew more confident in his ability to make a difference—not just with his powers, but with his mind. He was building something that could last, something that would protect his family and ensure that they were never at the mercy of powerful forces like LuthorCorp again.
---
The School Field Day
The bright, cheerful sounds of laughter and excited chatter filled the air as students, parents, and teachers gathered on the wide, grassy field behind Smallville Elementary School. It was Field Day, an event eagerly anticipated by the entire school community. Colorful banners fluttered in the breeze, and rows of game stations were set up across the field, offering everything from sack races and tug-of-war to egg-and-spoon relays and water balloon tosses.
Clark Kent, now in 3rd grade, stood with his classmates, a wide grin on his face. He loved Field Day—the chance to run, jump, and play without worrying about homework or tests was something he always looked forward to. The fact that his parents were there to watch made it even better, though he was careful not to show off too much.
As the events began, parents mingled at the edges of the field, chatting as they watched their children race around. Among them were Jonathan and Martha Kent, who were enjoying the beautiful day and the chance to catch up with other parents. The conversation inevitably turned to the recent changes in the local farms.
"It's been a miracle, I tell you," one farmer said, shaking his head in amazement. "Just a month ago, we were worried about losing the farm. Now, the crops are coming in better than ever. I don't know what's changed, but I'm not complaining."
"Same here," another parent agreed. "The corn's never been this tall, and the tomatoes… well, they're practically bursting off the vines. We've even started talking about expanding next season. It's like someone flipped a switch."
Martha smiled, exchanging a knowing look with Jonathan. "We've noticed the same thing," she said, her voice warm. "It's like the land decided to give us a second chance. I'm just grateful we can stay on our feet."
Jonathan nodded, though he kept his thoughts to himself. He had his suspicions about what might have caused the sudden turnaround, but he didn't voice them. Whatever the reason, they were in a much better position than before, and for that, he was thankful.
Meanwhile, Clark was fully immersed in the games. The first event of the day was the sack race, and Clark found himself hopping down the track with his classmates, trying hard not to go too fast. He easily could have won, but that wasn't his goal today. Instead, he subtly adjusted his pace to match his friend Pete Ross, giving him just the right nudge to cross the finish line first.
Pete laughed as he stumbled across the line, thrilled with his unexpected victory. "Did you see that, Clark? I actually won!"
Clark grinned, patting Pete on the back. "You were awesome, Pete! You totally deserved it."
Next up was the three-legged race, and Clark was paired with Lana Lang. They both giggled as they awkwardly tied their legs together, trying to figure out the best way to move in sync. As the race began, Clark subtly adjusted his pace, making sure Lana's steps matched his perfectly. They quickly pulled ahead of the other teams, crossing the finish line with ease.
"We did it, Clark!" Lana cheered, throwing her arms around him. "That was so much fun!"
Clark laughed, enjoying the moment. "We make a great team, Lana!"
As the day went on, Clark continued to enjoy the games, always careful to stay just below his true potential. Whether it was the egg-and-spoon race, where he subtly steadied his friends' hands, or the tug-of-war, where he quietly reinforced his team's strength, Clark found ways to help his classmates win without drawing too much attention to himself.
But not everyone was fooled. Principal Stevens, a sharp-eyed woman who had seen her fair share of Field Days, watched Clark with a curious expression. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something about the way Clark moved, the way he seemed to guide the events without overtly participating, that made her wonder if there was more to the Kent boy than met the eye.
Still, as the games continued and the laughter of the children filled the air, Principal Stevens decided to let it slide. After all, it was Field Day, a time for fun and games, and if a little boy wanted to help his friends win, well, there was no harm in that.
The day wrapped up with a final event—a relay race that had the entire school cheering from the sidelines. Clark's team was trailing behind when it was his turn to run. He could have easily closed the gap, but instead, he ran just fast enough to catch up and pass the baton to the final runner with a smile. His team didn't win, but they were thrilled with how close they came.
As the sun began to set and the families packed up to head home, Clark felt content. He had enjoyed the day with his friends, helped them stand out, and managed to keep his abilities hidden—well, for the most part.
Martha and Jonathan Kent caught up with him as he was leaving the field. "You did great out there today, Clark," Jonathan said, ruffling his son's hair. "But I couldn't help noticing you were holding back a bit."
Clark grinned, looking up at his dad. "Just wanted to make sure everyone had fun. Winning isn't everything, right?"
Martha chuckled, putting her arm around Clark's shoulders. "You're right, sweetie. It's about having fun and being a good friend. We're proud of you."
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