In the blink of an eye, Kara was already twenty-seven years old. She had graduated from university at twenty-four, but instead of rushing home or looking for a job in Metropolis, she embarked on a journey.
In fact, by the time Kara set off on her travels, Bruce had already been on his own journey for three years. So, by the time Kara had spent nearly three years exploring the world, Bruce had been on the road for six.
Later, Kara heard that Bruce had encountered another mentor and a helpful group of friends. It seemed they were called the League of Shadows, or something like that.
Kara and Bruce had exchanged phone numbers when they met previously, mainly because Kara had received a lot of guidance from him. Over the years, Bruce had learned almost every fighting technique in the world and had shared with Kara where he had trained, suggesting that she do the same.
The two had become close friends.
However, Kara wasn't interested in the League of Shadows. On the phone, she told Bruce that she had been away long enough and that it was time for her to return home.
After all, if she didn't return soon, her adoptive parents would go crazy with worry.
She had barely returned home before graduating from university, and now she had spent several more years out in the world. Despite being a young woman, her family's concern was inevitable.
But their concerns were unnecessary. With Kara's super strength and near-invulnerable steel-like body, very few beings on Earth could harm her. Unless, of course, it was that one sinister man.
You might think Kara was referring to the Joker or Ra's al Ghul.
Wrong. She was talking about the man she had just been chatting with over the phone—the future Batman, Bruce Wayne.
Many people think Superman's greatest enemies are Doomsday, Darkseid, or perhaps Kara herself, Shazam, or other members of the Justice League.
But the one person who truly defeated Superman with just a mortal body could only be Bruce Wayne.
Sure, Doomsday was powerful, and Superman died alongside him. Darkseid? He was also defeated many times by the Justice League, led by Superman.
But Bruce? This guy stockpiling kryptonite in a warehouse somewhere? Kara would definitely have something to say about that.
He is meticulous, always studying his teammates and striking decisively in critical moments, constantly planning for every possible outcome.
As long as he's given enough time to prepare, this tactical mastermind can defeat all of his teammates.
As for enemies? They wouldn't give him the same chance.
Otherwise, why would Batman still be one of the main pillars, even the leader, of the Justice League despite having no superpowers? He's simply the most brilliant mind.
With this thought, Kara began her journey home. After years of wandering, she finally returned.
The experiences she had gathered were invaluable. Kara, who used to be somewhat arrogant, immature, and quick-tempered, had now become much more composed.
She wore her long, striking hair tied back in a simple ponytail, a casual sweater, and a pair of jeans so worn they had turned white. Only her shoes remained clean, thanks to her ability to float just a centimeter above the ground, avoiding any dirt.
She also wore glasses, though these weren't to cover any vision problems. Kara used them to hide her dazzling eyes and stunning face. This disguise was much like Clark's—enhanced by subtle hypnotic suggestion, making people less likely to recognize her.
Don't underestimate Superman's no-mask approach. The glasses trick works for a reason.
When Kara finally stepped onto the familiar ground and saw the lush farmland stretching out in front of her, she felt an overwhelming wave of emotion. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the familiar scents and listening to the voices of her family inside the house.
There were three distinct voices, indicating that the entire family was home.
Kara opened her eyes again, a large smile forming on her face as she walked quickly towards the house.
When she suddenly opened the door and entered, her family was startled—but it was a happy surprise, not shock.
Actually, it was a bit awkward. Kara's journey had been far from a normal vacation; it was more of a personal quest, and she hadn't been in high spirits for most of it. Naturally, she felt a little embarrassed.
Kara had a bag slung over her shoulder, as though she had just returned from working outdoors. There was no trace of the proud young woman who had graduated from a prestigious school.
"Kara?" Martha looked at her daughter, tears streaming down her face. "Sweetheart, you're finally home."
Kara was moved as well. She smiled and stepped forward to embrace her adoptive mother.
Over the years, Kara had grown taller, now standing at 6'2" with a well-proportioned figure and an aura of calm confidence. Jonathan couldn't help but nod in approval.
He had initially wanted to scold his disobedient daughter for running off without a word. The last time they had spoken, she had been in Antarctica; the time before that, she had been in the North Pole. She had even scaled Mount Everest at one point.
As parents, it was hard for them to be completely at ease.
Fortunately, she was now a mature adult. This journey must have taught her a lot, so Jonathan decided not to lecture her.
"Sister?" A hesitant voice sounded from the side.
Kara turned her head and saw Clark.
He was no longer the little boy she had once known. At seventeen, he was nearly a young man now.
Clark had grown handsome, standing at about 5'9", and he was likely to surpass Kara in height eventually.
After all, he was still a growing boy.
However, there was a complicated look in Clark's eyes as he gazed at Kara. When she had left home, Clark had been just shy of eight years old, and now, at seventeen, they had spent almost a decade apart.
Even for close family, such a long separation could create a sense of distance.
But Kara didn't care. She dropped her bag and stepped forward, pulling Clark into a warm embrace.
Clark awkwardly tried to pull away, but no matter how much he struggled, he couldn't outmatch his sister's strength.
"Clark's grown into a big boy," Kara said, patting him on the head. She finally let him go and asked, "So, how's it going? Do you have a girlfriend yet?"
Martha quickly stepped in, lightly smacking Kara on the back. Clark was only seventeen; she didn't want her daughter planting such ideas in his head.
Kara rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on. Kids at school start dating when they're fourteen or fifteen. If you don't keep an eye on him, the good girls will get scooped up by someone else."
But then again, she thought, Clark's love life was practically predestined—he and Lois were nearly inseparable in the Superman storyline.
So, it didn't seem like there was anything to worry about in that department.
"By the way, why's Clark home today? Shouldn't you be in school? Or did you sense your sister was coming home and decided to welcome me early?"
It was the middle of the school year, so she found it odd that Clark was home.
Upon hearing this, Jonathan and Martha exchanged uneasy glances.
"He got into some trouble," Jonathan said.