Those blue particles that appeared for only a brief moment were noticed solely by Kara, and she could clearly discern that they were not ordinary particles but quantum particles.
Quantum science is deeply mysterious. Some even refer to the quantum field as a form of legendary theology. Many theorize that if humanity were to master quantum power, even the creation of universes could become possible.
This stems from the belief that everything in the world is composed of fundamental molecules and atoms. If one were to fully grasp quantum mechanics, it would theoretically be possible to decompose and reconstruct all material into its most primitive molecular and atomic states.
By extension, this ability could be used to build and construct anything desired.
Whether this is achievable remains unknown, as no one has yet mastered quantum mechanics entirely.
But now, Kara's expression grew grave as she noticed a trace of quantum particles that seemed to possess self-awareness.
What was going on?
"What's wrong?" At that moment, Clark finally noticed Kara's unusual demeanor and couldn't help but ask.
Kara snapped out of her thoughts, smiled, and shook her head. "It's nothing. I was just thinking how my little Clark is finally growing up."
It's often said that an older sister is like a mother, and although the two were not true siblings, they shared the closest bond as cousins.
Given their ten-year age gap and how they initially relied on each other for survival, Kara had naturally taken on a maternal role. In her mind, she had practically raised him as a son.
The only difference was that if Clark hadn't landed in their adoptive parents' yard, Kara really would have had to bear the full responsibility of parenthood.
Clark couldn't argue against her teasing, his usual confidence nowhere to be seen against Kara's overwhelming presence.
The siblings spent hours chatting afterward, discussing everything from personal matters to broader topics. Kara, ever candid with Clark, held back nothing. She detailed all the things she had done in recent years and even revealed the delicate lines across her ten fingers, the symbolic marks of the ten power rings.
She also shared her lingering thoughts about Krypton. Though she wanted to save her homeworld, she feared triggering unforeseen disasters.
Clark listened and understood.
Unlike Kara, Clark didn't feel a strong connection to Krypton. Having been sent to Earth as an infant, his ties to Krypton were tenuous at best. Earth was his home now, and his interest in his heritage stemmed more from curiosity about his biological parents than any loyalty to Krypton.
It was important to note that Clark was the first naturally born child on Krypton in 100,000 years, a miracle of natural creation amidst a culture dominated by genetic engineering.
This unique origin granted Clark a level of autonomy and potential that no other Kryptonian possessed.
Kara, on the other hand, carried genetic markers ensuring loyalty to Krypton embedded within her very being. Fortunately, her soul belonged to a traveler from another world, allowing her to retain some independence from these genetic imprints. Otherwise, she would have single-mindedly resurrected Krypton, ignoring the risks.
Even now, Kara wrestled with these instincts. While she couldn't bring herself to let go of Krypton entirely, she had decided against taking direct action—for now.
"Alright, go enjoy your wandering. It's time for me to head home," Kara said abruptly, her tone teasing as she referred to Clark's journey as aimless wandering. To her, he looked like a drifter.
Clark could only smile wryly at her playful jab.
After bidding farewell to Clark, Kara sped home with a whoosh.
While she rarely used her ability to teleport, Kara disliked revealing that she could fly, so teleportation occasionally served as a convenient alternative.
Upon her return, she joined Martha and Jonathan in running errands around the town. Jonathan drove their old pickup while Martha took Kara to buy new clothes and prepare for a celebratory family dinner.
Sorry, Clark—while you're out roughing it, we're enjoying a feast at home, Kara thought mischievously.
That evening, during dinner, Kara announced her decision to remain at home for a few more days before starting her new job the following Monday.
"I definitely need something to keep me busy," Kara remarked, though her relaxed expression betrayed her love of leisure.
Kara, for all her incredible strength and intellect, often preferred a lazy, easygoing lifestyle. She wasn't afraid of hard work, but she also wasn't one to pass up an opportunity to sneak away when others were occupied.
After dinner, Kara spent some time watching soap operas with her adoptive parents before heading upstairs for the night.
Her plan was to take a shower and get some early rest. But as soon as she placed her hand on her bedroom doorknob, her expression changed.
She sensed something unusual.
Pushing the door open abruptly, Kara stepped into the room, her sharp gaze scanning every corner. Her hands clenched into fists as she prepared to strike.
And then she saw him.
A stranger stood there—a small, glowing blue figure radiating light from head to toe. His skin, if it could be called that, shimmered like liquid energy.
This figure wasn't like the Frost Giants from Asgard or anything Kara had encountered before. His body was not composed of ordinary flesh and blood. Instead, it seemed to be a quantum construct formed entirely of quantum particles.
He had achieved what Kara thought impossible: using quantum mechanics to build a physical body.
Only one name came to her mind.
Dr. Manhattan.
Recognizing him instantly, Kara lowered her fists, though her stance remained defensive. She understood he wasn't an immediate threat; otherwise, he wouldn't have stood there so calmly.
"I apologize," Dr. Manhattan said, his tone measured and deliberate. "I didn't mean to intrude. I stumbled upon this world and your existence while observing the universe. When I overheard your earlier conversation, I decided to pay you a visit."
Kara leaned casually against the doorframe, folding her arms. She tilted her chin slightly upward. "If you truly mean no offense, could you do me a favor and put some clothes on?"
Dr. Manhattan's body, composed entirely of quantum particles, didn't adhere to traditional human norms. He lacked the concept of modesty. Still, Kara's request struck him as reasonable.
With a simple wave of his hand, he materialized a blue suit of quantum energy around his form.
"That's better," Kara muttered, her eyes still scanning him carefully with her Super Vision. She wasn't looking at his appearance but at the flow of quantum energy composing his body. To her, he was an intricate web of light and energy, not unlike a living constellation.
Her caution remained. If Dr. Manhattan showed any signs of instability or hostility, she was ready to act.
Curious, she finally asked, "So, why did you come to me?"
Dr. Manhattan's response was simple yet profound. "I find myself in a state of hesitation. I seek clarity—am I a god or merely a human?"