AM I SUPERMAN?

"Okay, what are you going to do?" Lois tried to steady her breathing, her instincts warning her to be cautious of the handsome young man before her.

"I have some special abilities. This might hurt a little, but trust me. Hold my hand," Clark explained briefly, his voice calm and reassuring.

He gently reached out to undo Lois's frost jacket.

Without the bulky coat, Lois's well-proportioned figure became apparent. Clark quickly averted his gaze, feeling awkward, and focused on the task at hand. His mind resisted the urge to wander—this was no time to be distracted.

"Stay still," Clark instructed, his tone serious.

Fixing his eyes on the wound, Clark unleashed a controlled burst of heat vision. A focused wave of heat seared the injury, cauterizing it.

"AHHHHH!" Lois screamed, the pain sharp and intense, but she didn't resist.

Moments later, Lois lost consciousness from the shock and pain. Clark picked her up carefully, ensuring she was stable, and carried her back to the station beneath the glacier. After ensuring she was safe, he returned to the spacecraft.

That night, as Clark initiated the spacecraft's departure, alarms blared throughout the research station. Sensors overloaded, and the glacier began to crack. Moments later, the massive alien ship—over 300 meters long—emerged from its icy prison.

The spacecraft ascended into the sky, its cloaking technology rendering it invisible. No matter how the scientists adjusted their instruments, they couldn't track its position. It was as if the ship had vanished from existence.

Though Lois wrote a detailed report about the incident, the military classified the event as top secret, ensuring her story never reached the public.

Elsewhere, deep within the Arctic...

The spacecraft landed in a secluded location, its advanced mimicry technology allowing it to blend seamlessly with the icy environment. Earth's technology was far too primitive to detect its presence.

"System diagnostics complete. Guide projection authorized. All systems operational," the spacecraft's AI announced.

Inside, Clark stood amidst the marvel of alien technology. Though awed, he wasn't entirely unprepared—his adoptive parents had already told him he was not of this world.

"Who's there?" Clark called out, scanning the ship's interior.

A three-dimensional hologram materialized before him, revealing a middle-aged man in a gray robe. On his chest was a symbol resembling the letter "S."

"I wish I could see you grow up in person. If only Lara were here to witness this moment," the figure said softly.

Clark's eyes widened. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice trembling with a mix of awe and confusion.

The holographic man smiled. "Kal, I am your father—or, at least, a projection of his consciousness. My name is Jor-El."

"Kal? Is that my real name?" Clark asked, recalling how the ship's AI had referred to him earlier.

Eager for answers, Clark continued, "I have so many questions. Where am I from? Why was I sent here?"

Jor-El raised a hand, and particles in the air coalesced into a glowing projection of a planet.

"You are from Krypton," Jor-El explained, his tone bittersweet. "A world far harsher than Earth in every way imaginable."

"A long time ago, during the era of great expansion, our race ventured into the void, exploring planets and seeking worlds suitable for permanent habitation. This reconnaissance ship is one of thousands sent out to explore uncharted territories.

We established outposts on distant planets, using massive world engines to reshape their environments to meet our needs. Over the past 100,000 years, our civilization flourished, achieving incredible wonders," Jor-El explained.

As he spoke, the particles behind him shifted and formed vivid images of alien planets and advanced Kryptonian structures. But halfway through, Jor-El paused abruptly.

Clark frowned. "What happened after that?"

"Our civilization went astray," Jor-El admitted gravely. "We created artificial systems to control our society, abandoned the outposts of space exploration, and began exploiting natural resources recklessly.

Using genetic engineering, we predetermined the roles of every child—workers, warriors, leaders. But your mother and I believed that this approach stripped away something vital from our people..."

Jor-El paused, his expression somber.

Clark furrowed his brows. "What was lost?"

"Dreams," Jor-El replied solemnly. "The ability to dream and aspire to be something more."

Without dreams, Kryptonians became like fish trapped in stagnant water, living predetermined lives. Workers gave birth to workers; warriors raised warriors; leaders produced more leaders. Krypton had abandoned its drive for exploration and innovation, choosing instead to exist in a cycle of repetition. By then, our civilization was already in decline.

"We depleted our planet's resources, destabilizing Krypton's core. In the end, our military leader, General Zod, staged a coup, but it was too late. Your mother and I foresaw the end. You, Kal, were the first naturally born child in centuries. Our priority was to save you."

Clark was overwhelmed by the revelation. "Why didn't you come with me?"

"We couldn't, Kal," Jor-El said, his voice filled with sorrow. "Your mother and I, like Zod and others, were products of Krypton's flawed system. We were tethered to Krypton's fate.

But you—born free, both a child of Krypton and Earth—embody the hopes of two worlds. It's your mother's and my dream that you will protect and inspire others. You'll teach them to strive for something greater. They may stumble and fall, but they'll learn to stand beside you, under the sun.

You will help them create miracles. That is the true meaning of the symbol of our House of El."

As Clark listened to his father's words, he suddenly thought of Li Ya and chuckled.

"What's amusing, my son?" Jor-El asked, curious.

"I just remembered a friend," Clark replied with a smile.

Jor-El returned the smile warmly. "I'm glad you've made friends on Earth. But you may not see them for a while. I have much to teach you—knowledge, skills, and how to fight. Are you ready to learn?"

"I'm ready. I learn fast," Clark replied confidently.

"Good," Jor-El said. "I will give you all the knowledge Krypton possessed about the 28 known galaxies. In addition to mastering this knowledge, you must also learn to strengthen and control your abilities."

Jor-El gestured for Clark to follow him deeper into the spacecraft. As he walked, he said, "Now, come with me!"

Hearing that he was about to learn about 28 galaxies, Clark couldn't help but groan internally.

You've got to be kidding me... he thought.