1995, Smallville, Kansas
The Kryptonite Bunker
Deep beneath the earth, hidden away from prying eyes, lay Clark's secret practice base—the Kryptonite Bunker. The dimly lit space, fortified with lead-lined walls and equipped with advanced training equipment, had become his sanctuary, a place where he could hone his abilities in absolute secrecy. Here, Clark was free to push his limits, refining his skills and preparing for the challenges that awaited him in the outside world.
Today, like many other days before, Clark was immersed in a rigorous training session. His body moved with a fluid grace as he practiced a complex set of martial arts moves, each one meticulously designed and refined by the SS system.
"Torquasm Rao and Vo," Clark murmured under his breath as he transitioned from one stance to another, his movements smooth and deliberate. These ancient Kryptonian disciplines, focused on mental and physical combat, were at the core of his training. SS had adapted these techniques, combining them with Earth's most effective martial arts, such as Muay Thai's powerful strikes, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's grappling, and the fluid motions of Tai Chi. The result was a hybrid martial art that was uniquely suited to Clark's abilities and potential.
As he executed a series of powerful kicks and punches, Clark could feel the immense energy coursing through his body, every muscle and sinew responding with perfect coordination. The meditation techniques he had learned, rooted in both Kryptonian wisdom and Earthly practices, helped him maintain focus and calm, even as his heart raced with exertion.
Despite months of daily practice, Clark knew he was still only scratching the surface of what these moves could do. He had reached just 15% proficiency, according to SS's assessments, but even at this level, the impact on his combat abilities was staggering. In the past few months, his efficiency in hand-to-hand combat had increased fivefold, making him a formidable force in Gotham's dark alleys, where he had been quietly fighting crime on the weekends.
The difference was clear every time he confronted a criminal. His movements were faster, his strikes more precise, and his ability to anticipate and counter his opponent's actions had improved dramatically. The criminals of Gotham had no idea what hit them when the young, mysterious figure clad in shadows took them down with effortless grace.
But Clark was not satisfied. He was driven by a desire to master these techniques fully, to unlock their true potential. The 15% proficiency he had achieved was a good start, but he wanted more—he needed more.
As he transitioned into the final sequence of his training, a complex pattern of strikes and blocks, the SS system suddenly interrupted his focus.
[Clark, There's unusual movement at the LuthorCorp facility in Smallville, specifically at the branch managed by LexCorp. The activity is irregular and may be related to the presence of kryptonite.]
Clark froze mid-strike, his heart rate still elevated from the intensity of his practice. His eyes narrowed as he processed the information. LuthorCorp had always been on his radar, but he hadn't expected something to happen so soon. "What kind of movement are we talking about?"
[It appears that there are increased security measures being put in place, as well as shipments of materials that contain unusual radiation signatures. This warrants further investigation.]
Clark nodded, already making up his mind. "I'll check it out tonight. If they're up to something, I need to know what it is."
[Agreed. But proceed with caution, Clark. We still don't know the full extent of what's happening, and it's important not to reveal yourself prematurely.]
With that, Clark finished his training session, his mind now focused on the task ahead. Tonight, he would investigate LuthorCorp's activities, uncover whatever secrets they were hiding, and ensure that they posed no threat to Smallville—or the world.
---
In The Sky Above The LuthorCorp
The night was still, the air cool and crisp as Clark hovered high above the Smallville branch of LuthorCorp, concealed by the darkness and the clouds that drifted lazily across the sky. Below him, the sprawling facility was quiet on the surface, but Clark knew better than to be deceived by appearances.
His super hearing picked up the faint hum of machinery and the low murmur of voices, but it was his X-ray vision that Clark relied on as he began to scan the building from a distance. He focused, his eyes piercing through the walls of the facility, searching for anything out of the ordinary.
From his vantage point, Clark could see the usual security measures—guards patrolling the perimeter, surveillance cameras scanning the area, and motion detectors strategically placed to catch any intruders. But as he delved deeper into the building's interior, he noticed something that set his senses on high alert.
There, in the basement of the facility, was a chamber lined with lead. It was the only area in the entire complex that his X-ray vision couldn't penetrate. Clark frowned, knowing that lead shielding was often used to block harmful radiation—or to hide something. The fact that this chamber was the only one protected in such a way made it all the more suspicious.
"SS, what's your take on this?" Clark whispered, keeping his voice low even though he was miles above the ground.
[It's highly probable that the lead-lined chamber is being used to store something dangerous, potentially kryptonite or another hazardous material.]
SS responded, its tone analytical.
[The increased security and the unusual radiation signatures we detected earlier suggest that whatever they're hiding is not something they want easily discovered.]
Clark's eyes narrowed as he continued his surveillance. "Can you identify the type of radiation coming from the chamber?"
[Unfortunately, the lead shielding is too effective at blocking our scans.] SS replied.
[However, based on the energy patterns detected around the facility, there is a strong possibility that kryptonite is involved. The radiation signature matches that of previous encounters with the mineral.]
Clark's stomach tightened. Kryptonite—the one substance that could weaken him, possibly even kill him. If LuthorCorp was stockpiling it, that could spell serious trouble. But why would they have it in the first place? And what were they planning to do with it?
Clark's mind raced with possibilities as he continued to scan the facility. Moving from room to room, he noticed several other oddities—a series of crates marked with the LuthorCorp logo, but with no indication of their contents; a group of scientists working late into the night, their faces tense and focused; and a heavily guarded vault that, while not lead-lined, was clearly off-limits to all but a select few.
But what really drew Clark's attention were the unusual energy readings. Far below the facility, near the lead-lined chamber, was a network of connected tunnels. These tunnels emitted faint yet undeniable energy signals, unlike anything Clark had ever encountered on Earth. That unfamiliarity alone made them dangerous.
"SS, what are those energy readings? Have you seen anything like that before?" Clark asked, trying to remain calm despite the growing sense of unease.
[These energy patterns are unfamiliar, but they bear some resemblance to the experimental energy sources we've observed in other advanced technological research,] SS replied.
[It's possible that LuthorCorp is conducting experiments with unknown energy types, potentially combining them with kryptonite to create new weapons or technology. This would explain the increased security and the secrecy surrounding the facility.]
Clark's fists clenched at his sides. "If they're weaponizing kryptonite… this could be really bad. Not just for me, but for everyone."
[Indeed. However, before making any moves, we must gather more information. We need to fully grasp what LuthorCorp is up to, and that demands caution. Acting too hastily could reveal your abilities or provoke a reaction from LuthorCorp that we're not ready to face.]
Clark nodded, even though he felt a burning desire to swoop down and confront whoever was responsible for this. But SS was right—he needed to be smart about this. He couldn't just rush in without knowing exactly what he was dealing with.
With one last glance at the lead-lined chamber, Clark turned and flew off into the night, his mind already racing with plans for what needed to be done next.
---
Kryptonite Bunker
Clark flew back to the Kryptonite Bunker, his thoughts crowded with the information he had gathered from observing LuthorCorp. As he touched down quietly at the entrance, unease crept over him. The lead-lined chamber, the unusual energy signatures, and the secrecy surrounding the facility—it all hinted at something far more significant than he had first expected.
He entered the bunker, the familiar hum of the SS system greeting him as he made his way to the central console. He needed answers, and he needed them fast. Sitting down, he activated the system, his thoughts already racing ahead.
"SS, we need to go over what we've found," Clark said, his voice serious. "This isn't just about kryptonite, is it?"
[No, Clark, it's not,] SS replied, its tone equally grave.
[Based on the data we've collected, it appears that LuthorCorp's activities are related to something far more significant. My analysis suggests that these experiments might be linked to an ancient and secretive group known as Veritas.]
Clark frowned, the name unfamiliar to him. "Veritas? What's that?"
[Veritas was a secret society formed by some of the most powerful and influential families in the world, including the Luthors,] SS explained.
[The society's primary focus was the pursuit of knowledge related to extraterrestrial life and the protection of Earth from potential threats originating from beyond our planet. They believed in the existence of a being—referred to as the Traveler—who would one day come to Earth and change the course of humanity. The members of Veritas dedicated themselves to preparing for the Traveler's arrival.]
Clark's heart skipped a beat. "The Traveler… you mean me?"
[It's highly likely,] SS confirmed.
[Veritas believed that the Traveler would possess powers far beyond those of ordinary humans—powers that could either save or destroy the world. Given your abilities, it's plausible that LuthorCorp, under Lionel Luthor's direction, is conducting experiments to understand or possibly control the Traveler.]
Clark's mind raced as he processed the information. If LuthorCorp was involved in something related to Veritas, it meant that they were not just interested in kryptonite—they were trying to unlock the secrets of his very existence. And if they succeeded, it could put everything he cared about at risk.
"But why now?" Clark asked, his voice tinged with frustration. "Why are they doing this now, and what exactly are they hoping to achieve?"
[The timing is uncertain, but it's possible that recent developments—such as the increased presence of kryptonite and other anomalies in Smallville—have accelerated their plans,] SS suggested.
[LuthorCorp may be trying to harness the energy of kryptonite to either control or replicate the powers of the Traveler. Alternatively, they could be attempting to use these energies to track down the Traveler's origin or gain an understanding of how to neutralize him.]
Clark's fists clenched as the full weight of the situation hit him. "If they're successful, they could become a threat not just to me, but to the entire world."
[Correct,] SS replied.
[This is why we must be extremely cautious. Any action you take against LuthorCorp must be carefully planned to avoid exposing your abilities or provoking a response that could escalate the situation.]
Clark leaned back, running a hand through his hair as he tried to think. "So what do we do? We can't just sit back and let them continue with these experiments."
[Agreed. However, before we take any direct action, we need more information. You need to learn how to bypass their security systems, including any surveillance equipment, to gather the evidence necessary to understand the full scope of their plans. This will require you to develop new skills, specifically in the area of digital infiltration and hacking.]
Clark nodded, realizing the truth in SS's words. "Hacking… I've never tried anything like that before."
[You have the potential to learn, Clark. I can guide you through the basics of hacking and digital security, providing you with the tools you need to access LuthorCorp's systems without being detected. Once you've mastered these skills, we can plan your next move more effectively.]
Clark took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. "Okay. I'll start learning tonight. We need to be ready for whatever they're planning."
[Remember, Clark, patience is key,] SS reminded him. [We are dealing with a highly sophisticated organization that has been preparing for this moment for decades. Rushing in without the proper knowledge or preparation could be disastrous. Take the time to learn and plan, and when the time is right, we will act decisively.]
Clark nodded, sat back down, and began to immerse himself in the world of hacking and digital security. The threat posed by LuthorCorp and their connection to Veritas was real, but he wouldn't face it unprepared.
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