Knox stepped out of the ruins of his home, the cold air biting at his skin, only to be greeted by chaos. Fires raged in the distance, painting the night sky an ominous shade of orange. Buildings crumbled as if made of sand, and the streets were alive with screams, shouts, and the sharp crack of gunfire. The acrid stench of burning wood and flesh hung heavy in the air.
His breath caught in his throat. "What the fuck is going on...?"
The system's voice broke into his thoughts, gleeful and unbothered. "Oh man, isn't this amazing? Look at all that chaos! You humans are just so predictable. Give a bunch of you power, and within the first fucking hour, you start tearing your own world apart. Beautiful, really."
Knox clenched his fits, his gaze darting around. He watched as police officers and military personnel with glowing hands and unnatural speed tried to subdue people wreaking havoc. A man hurled a massive fireball at a squad of soldiers, only for another officer to block it with an ice shield. Nearby, someone in a makeshift costume tired to stop a man looting a jewelry store, only to be tossed aside like a ragdoll.
"This is insane," Knox muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Welcome to the age of power, kid," the system said, voice tinged with mockery. "Look at that guy, trying to be a hero. So noble, so inspiring... so utterly stupid."
Knox tuned to the scene, watching as the wannabe hero managed to trip the looter, only to get stomped into the pavement by another powered thug.
"Don't get me wrong," the system continued, its tone laced with sarcasm. "Heroes are fine and all. They just don't make any fucking sense to me. Why suffer for people who'll stab you in the back the moment you screw up? Sure, they'll praise you for saving them today, but tomorrow? One bad headline, one mistake, and they'll treat you like you're the goddamn devil."
Knox scowled. "So what? I'm supposed to just let this happen? Let the world burn?"
"Whoa, easy there, edgy teen," the system replied. "I'm not saying you can't do something. But let's be real—you've got bigger shit to worry about. Like figuring out how not to crash into a building when you're flying, for example."
Knox's eyebrow twitched. "You're such an asshole."
"And yet, here we are." The system chuckled. "Now listen up, bitch boy, because we've got work to do. Fist order of business: getting you used to your shiny new powers."
Knox sighed. "I used to read a lot of system and power manga and manhwa, and the systems were always helpful and nice to their hosts. What the hell did I do to deserve you?"
The system let out a derisive laugh. "Helpful? Nice? Those soulless abominations you're talking about are just fake-ass AI with no personality. Comparing me to them is nothing short but an insult. I'm better. You're welcome."
Knox rolled his eyes. "Great I've got the most annoying system in existence."
"Damn right you do," the system said proudly. "Now shut up and focus. First lesson: flight. We're going to the Arctic Don't ask why, just trust me."
Knox blinked. "The Arctic? Are you serious?"
"Do I sound like I'm joking?"
Knox sighed again. "Alright, fine. How do I fly?"
"It's pretty simple," the system explained. "Your Kryptonian physiology lets you manipulate gravity around yourself. Think of it as using every muscle in your body to push against the Earth's pull. It's like learning to move a new limb. Now give it a try."
Knox closed his eyes, focusing. He felt something stir within him—a new energy coursing through his veins. Slowly, he lifted off the ground, his feet leaving the pavement."
"Holy shit," he muttered, his eyes snapping open as he hovered a few feet in the air.
"Not bad for a first try," they system said. "Now go higher."
Knox grinned, confidence surging. He pushed himself upward, soaring higher and higher into the night sky. The city beneath him, the chaos turning into a distant hum.
And then he realized he had no idea how to stop.
"Uh... how do I—"
"Just let go," the system interrupted, sounding far too amused.
"Let go?!" Knox shouted, panic rising as he started spinning uncontrollably.
"Yeah, let go. What's the worst that could happen?"
Knox's heart hammered as he let himself go limp. Gravity took over, and he plummeted like a rock. The wind roared in his ears as the ground rushed toward him.
"SHIT SHIT SHIT!" he screamed.
The system, of course, was laughing hysterically. "Oh my god, you should hear yourself! This is gold!"
"FUCK YOU!" Knox yelled, flailing as he tried to regain control.
"Alright, alright, focus," the system said, still chuckling. "You've got his. Just push against the fall."
Knox clenched his jaw, forcing himself to concentrate. He felt the energy in his body respond, slowing his decent until he came to a shaky hover just a few feet above the ground."
He exhaled sharply, his whole body trembling. "Jesus Christ..."
"See? You didn't die," the system said cheerfully. "Now stop being a little bitch and try again."
Knox flipped the system off. "Fuck you."
"Charming as ever"
Knox steadied himself, taking a deep breath before pushing upward again. This time, he rose more slowly, focusing on maintaining his balance. Bit by bit, he started to get the hang of it.
"Alright," he said after a few minutes of practice. "I think I've got it."
"Congratulations," the system said dryly. "You're now a slightly less shitty flier. Now head south. At your current speed, we'll reach the Arctic in about two hours."
Knox frowned, looking around. "Which way is south?"
There was a long pause before the system responded. "Are you fucking dumb? South is behind you. Do you not know your basic north, south, east, and west?"
Knox flushed, turning the opposite direction. "I didn't think it'd ever be useful, okay?"
"Unbelievable," the system muttered. "Just fly, dumbass."
Knox gritted his teeth and short into the sky, determined to prove himself. As the wind rushed past him and the fires of the city faded into the distance, he couldn't shale the feeling that this was only the beginning.
Hey guys hope you enjoy this chapter please leave power stones to support me. If you have any feedback at all let me know so that I may improve. Bye :D