DC Universe (Earth-2609th)
1996, Smallville, Kansas
The sky above Smallville was a blanket of thick, gray clouds, the kind that promised a steady, soaking rain all day long. Below, the town was peaceful, its streets slick with fresh rainwater, the fields around the Kent farm soaking up the much-needed moisture. But high above those clouds, where the sun's rays still pierced through, Clark Kent and Krypto hovered, absorbing the sunlight that fueled their extraordinary abilities.
At ten years old, Clark had grown accustomed to balancing his human life with the incredible powers that set him apart from everyone else. He'd learned to make the most of sunny days, and on cloudy, rainy days like today, he'd simply rise above the weather, where he could still bask in the sun's energy without disrupting the rain below. After all, he knew how important the rain was to the farmers in Smallville, and he'd never dream of taking that away from them.
As Clark hovered in the sky, feeling the warmth of the sun infuse his body with strength, his mind wandered over the developments of the past few years. It was hard to believe how much he had grown, both physically and mentally, since discovering the full extent of his Kryptonian heritage. His powers had grown exponentially—his strength, once limited to lifting a few tons, now more than 20 times stronger, allowing him to perform feats of raw power that would have seemed impossible just a few years ago. His speed had accelerated to the point where he could outrun the wind, moving so fast that the world around him often blurred into a haze of colors and shapes. His senses, once merely heightened, had sharpened to near perfection; he could hear the faintest whispers from miles away, see through solid objects with crystal clarity, and perceive details that no human eye could detect.
But it wasn't just his powers that had advanced. Clark had grown more tactical, honing in on his vulnerabilities and finding ways to conquer them. He dedicated countless hours to training, mastering the control of his abilities with skill and accuracy. He discovered methods to counteract the effects of kryptonite, building resistance to the once-debilitating mineral. Every obstacle he encountered, every setback, only pushed him to improve, strengthening him bit by bit, making him faster and more unstoppable than ever.
And then there was his plan for the future—his vision for building something that would last, something that would ensure his security and that of his loved ones. Under SS's meticulous guidance, Clark had laid the groundwork for a future that stretched far beyond his life in Smallville. He had studied markets, investments, and business strategies, to create paths to wealth and influence. What had started as a simple desire to help his family and the town had grown into something much larger—a calculated, methodical approach to building an empire that could stand the test of time.
Each step he took was carefully planned and executed, a combination of Kryptonian intellect and human ingenuity. He understood that power wasn't just about physical strength; it was about resources, knowledge, and the ability to shape the world around him. And while Clark still held onto the values that Jonathan and Martha Kent had instilled in him, he was also learning to navigate the complexities of a world that was often far less black and white.
Krypto floated beside him, the loyal dog also basking in the sun's rays, his white fur glowing slightly in the light. The two of them had become a great team, an inseparable pair. Krypto wasn't just a pet; he was a partner, a companion in the truest sense, with instincts and abilities that complemented Clark's own.
Working together, they became the silent but vigilant watchers that kept the town safe from threats, both seen and unseen. They moved in the shadows, always careful to keep their activities hidden from the prying eyes of the townspeople. To the outside world, Clark was just a normal boy, and Krypto just a playful dog. But in reality, they were so much more—protectors who watched over the town with unwavering dedication.
When Clark ventured into Gotham on his secret weekend patrols, Krypto stayed behind, standing guard over the Kent farm and the people who meant the most to Clark. The dog's keen senses and loyalty were invaluable, giving Clark peace of mind knowing that his parents were safe while he was away. Krypto would patrol the perimeter of the farm, his sharp eyes and ears alert for any sign of danger. If Martha or Jonathan were ever in distress, Krypto would be there, offering comfort and companionship, his steady presence a source of reassurance.
As Clark drifted in his thoughts, a sudden notification from SS jolted him back to the present.
[Clark, KP has reached 50% (Level 6),] SS announced, its voice tinged with an unusual excitement. [The system has now been upgraded to Level 3.]
Clark's heart skipped a beat. He had been working toward this milestone for so long, pushing himself to unlock more of his Kryptonian potential, and now it had finally happened. "Level 3? What does that mean?" Clark asked, his voice brimming with anticipation.
[The upgrade has unlocked a new function within the system,] SS continued. [Introducing: Simulation Room. This function allows you to simulate anything you wish within your mind—training rooms, battlegrounds, experimental labs, and various scenarios. The simulations are fully immersive, providing realistic sensations of sight, sound, touch, and even pain and exhaustion. Additionally, you can adjust the speed of time within the simulation and include others, such as Krypto, whose loyalty value meets the required threshold.]
Clark's eyes widened, a grin spreading across his face as he processed the information. A simulation room? The possibilities were endless. He could train without holding back, fight enemies without the risk of real-world consequences, and even experiment with new strategies and powers in a controlled environment. This was more than he had ever imagined.
"This is incredible!" Clark exclaimed, his excitement bubbling over. "I can't wait to try it out!"
Krypto, sensing Clark's enthusiasm, barked joyfully, his tail wagging as he hovered beside his friend. The two of them shared a moment of pure exhilaration, high above the world, as they considered the new possibilities that had just opened up before them.
"Let's see what this simulation room can really do," Clark said, his voice filled with excitement as he and Krypto descended back toward the Earth, eager to explore the new potential of SS Level 3.
---
Clark's Bunker
Clark and Krypto touched down softly in the secluded clearing near the entrance to the bunker. The excitement of the new discovery still buzzed through Clark as he quickly made his way inside, with Krypto trotting along beside him. The bunker had become a place of refuge and exploration for both of them, a safe haven where they could push their limits without fear of discovery.
Once inside, Clark wasted no time. The idea of the Simulation Room had sparked a thousand possibilities in his mind, and he was eager to test out this new function. With a quick thought, he activated SS.
"SS, let's try out the Simulation Room," Clark said, his voice brimming with anticipation. "I want to see what it can really do."
[Understood, Clark,] SS responded. [Initializing Simulation Room. Please specify the scenario you wish to simulate.]
Clark paused for a moment, considering his options. There were so many things he could try—combat training, strategic planning, even scientific experiments—but he decided to start with something simple and familiar. "Let's create a training room first. I want to simulate a scenario where I'm fighting a superhuman enemy, using my full strength."
[Simulation parameters set. Preparing training room.]
Clark closed his eyes as the world around him began to shift. The walls of the bunker faded away, replaced by the vast, open space of a high-tech training arena. It was as if he had stepped into another dimension—everything felt so real, from the cool metallic floor beneath his feet to the bright overhead lights illuminating the room.
As the simulation solidified, Clark found himself facing a towering, menacing figure—a superhuman enemy designed to test his abilities to the fullest. The enemy was modeled after Metallo, a powerful cyborg with a kryptonite heart, known in comics for being one of Superman's most dangerous foes. This version of Metallo was even more imposing, standing over eight feet tall, with gleaming metal limbs and a chest plate that pulsed with the eerie green glow of kryptonite. His eyes were a piercing red, scanning Clark with a cold, mechanical intensity.
"Metallo?" Clark muttered to himself, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. He had read about this villain in the DC Database and knew how dangerous he could be. The kryptonite core was particularly concerning, as it could weaken him if he wasn't careful. But this was a simulation—he could push his limits here, experiment with strategies, and learn how to fight without holding back.
The first attack came quickly. Metallo's massive fist shot out like a piston, aiming straight for Clark's head. Clark dodged just in time, the force of the punch creating a shockwave that rattled the simulated arena. He countered with a powerful punch of his own, driving his fist into Metallo's chest. The impact was solid, sending vibrations through Clark's arm, but Metallo barely staggered, immediately retaliating with a sweeping kick that Clark narrowly avoided.
This was no ordinary training exercise. Everything felt incredibly real—the strain in his muscles, the rush of adrenaline, even the sting of pain when Metallo's fist grazed his side. Clark grinned, exhilarated by the intensity of the simulation. It was exactly what he needed—a place where he could push himself to the limit without holding back.
As the battle intensified, Metallo activated his kryptonite core, the green glow intensifying as it emitted waves of radiation. Clark felt the familiar, sickening weakness start to creep in, but he fought through it, using his super speed to create distance between them. He focused his heat vision on Metallo's joints, targeting the weak points in his armor. The metal began to melt under the intense heat, slowing Metallo's movements, but the cyborg was relentless, advancing with a mechanical determination that seemed unstoppable.
Clark realized he needed to change tactics. Instead of trying to overpower Metallo directly, he used his speed and agility to outmaneuver him, striking quickly and retreating before the kryptonite could sap his strength. He targeted Metallo's head, delivering a series of rapid punches that finally cracked the metal exterior. With a powerful uppercut, Clark sent Metallo's head flying off, the body crumpling to the ground in a heap of smoking metal.
Clark stood over the defeated figure, breathing heavily but grinning from ear to ear. The simulation had been a success—he had been able to fight at full strength, and the experience had been as close to real combat as he could imagine.
"This is amazing," Clark said, still catching his breath. "It's like being in a real battle, but without the danger."
[The Simulation Room is designed to provide a fully immersive experience,] SS explained. [You can adjust the difficulty, the environment, and even the flow of time within the simulation. This allows for a wide range of training scenarios, from basic exercises to complex combat simulations.]
Clark's mind raced with possibilities. He could train for hours, even days, within the simulation, honing his skills and testing new strategies, all while only a few minutes passed in the real world. And the best part? He could bring Krypto into the simulations as well, allowing them to train together in ways that weren't possible in the real world.
"I can add Krypto to the simulation, right?" Clark asked, already imagining how they could work together in these scenarios.
[Yes, Krypto's mind can be integrated into the simulation due to his high loyalty value,] SS confirmed.
[You can train together, simulate team-based combat scenarios, or simply explore different environments.]
Clark chuckled, the excitement bubbling up inside him. "This is going to be so much fun. Krypto, what do you say? Want to try out some super cool moves?"
Krypto barked enthusiastically, his tail wagging as if he understood every word. Clark couldn't help but laugh at his companion's eagerness.
"Alright, let's get started," Clark said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "But maybe let's start with something a little less intense. I don't want to exhaust you on the first try."
With that, the simulation shifted again, the intense training arena dissolving into a playful obstacle course designed for both of them. It was filled with ramps, tunnels, and moving targets—a perfect mix of fun and challenge.
As they began running the course together, Clark couldn't help but feel a sense of pure joy. The Simulation Room was a way to explore his potential, to test his limits, and to bond with Krypto in new and exciting ways. The future suddenly seemed even brighter, filled with endless possibilities and adventures waiting to be simulated.
---
Smallville Elementary School
The days in Smallville had a rhythm of their own, a comforting blend of routine and simplicity that contrasted sharply with the extraordinary abilities Clark Kent was learning to master. But even in this quiet town, life had a way of offering moments of unexpected joy and subtle growth, especially for a ten-year-old boy who was anything but ordinary.
It was a sunny afternoon at Smallville Elementary, and the playground was alive with the sound of children's laughter. Clark, now in the fourth grade, was playing with his closest friends: Lana Lang, Pete Ross, Greg Arkin, Abigail Fine, and the newest addition to their group, Emily Dinsmore, who had recently transferred in. The group had quickly become inseparable, their days filled with the innocent fun that defined childhood.
Today, the game of choice was playing house, with the children pairing up as pretend married couples. Clark was "married" to Lana, Pete to Emily, and Greg to Abigail. They had set up their imaginary homes on the grassy patches of the playground, using sticks and leaves to mark out where their "houses" stood.
"Okay, Clark, you have to go to work now," Lana said with a playful authority, hands on her hips. "And don't forget to bring home some food!"
"Yes, dear," Clark replied, trying to mimic the deep, serious tone that grown-ups use when talking about work. He couldn't help but grin, though, the act of playing along with his friends bringing a lightness to his heart.
Pete, meanwhile, was pretending to read a newspaper, holding up a folded piece of cardboard with "NEWS" scrawled across it. "Emily, can you make dinner? I'm starving!"
Emily giggled, pretending to stir a pot with a stick. "Sure thing, Pete! We're having… um… spaghetti!"
"Spaghetti! My favorite!" Pete exclaimed, his eyes wide with exaggerated excitement.
Greg and Abigail were busy building a "garden" out of dandelions and clover. "We need more flowers," Greg declared, carefully placing a clump of grass next to their little patch of yellow blooms.
"I'll get some more," Abigail offered, scampering off to find more dandelions. "We need lots to make it pretty!"
As they played, Clark couldn't help but reflect on how much his life had changed in the past year. His strength had grown to levels he never imagined, and with the new Simulation Room, he was able to train and experiment with his powers like never before. The progress he had made in controlling his abilities and preparing for the future was remarkable, and the simulated scenarios had shown him just how much more he was capable of.
Even now, as he played house with his friends, his mind briefly wandered back to the Simulation Room, where he had mapped out a perfect path to build his wealth and secure his future. He could see it so clearly—how to invest, how to grow his influence, how to ensure that he and those he loved would always be safe. It was a far cry from the simple games he played at school, but in a way, the two were connected. Both required planning, foresight, and a bit of creativity.
But the most pressing thought on Clark's mind was how he would reveal his true nature to his parents. He had simulated the conversation multiple times, experimenting with different approaches, different words. He had practiced how to tell them about his origins, his powers, and the secret life he led when he wasn't at home or school. Each simulation had brought him closer to understanding the best way to approach it, and now, he felt ready to finally do it for real.
As Clark looked around at his friends, he felt a swell of gratitude. They didn't know the full extent of who he was, but they accepted him completely for the Clark they saw—a normal, kind-hearted boy who just happened to be a little stronger, a little faster, a little different. And that was enough for now.
"Clark!" Lana called, snapping him out of his thoughts. "You're supposed to be at work! Don't you know you'll get in trouble if you're late?"
Clark grinned sheepishly and quickly resumed his role. "Sorry, Lana! I'll get back to work right away!"
The other kids laughed, and the game continued, their pretend lives unfolding with all the seriousness and joy that only children could muster. As they played, Clark couldn't help but smile, the weight of his secret life momentarily lifted by the simple, pure happiness of being a kid among friends.
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