AM I SUPERMAN?

However, a series of clang, clang, clang sounds echoed in Chloe's ears, like bullets striking a solid steel plate.

She instinctively touched herself, realizing she was unharmed. Slowly, she opened her eyes. A figure stood between her and the gangsters. He had shielded her from the bullets.

"What... what just happened?"

Chloe wasn't the only one confused. Everyone present was in shock, watching the gangsters fire at the two teenagers.

What no one expected was that the bullets, instead of piercing their targets, ricocheted off with metallic clangs, as if hitting steel armor. It was almost surreal.

"My God, are they wearing body armor?" someone in the crowd exclaimed.

"No, it doesn't look like they're wearing anything under their jackets," another person replied.

"Then... are they made of steel?"

The murmurs and exclamations spread among the onlookers, including the stunned police officers. Even Sheriff James was left speechless, his eyes fixed on Kaius, the self-proclaimed "Avenger."

This can't be right, he thought. How could someone be bulletproof? That's impossible!

Despite his seeming invulnerability, Kaius felt every bullet that struck him. His current strength was only about 40% of Clark's full power, meaning the bullets couldn't pierce his skin, but they still hurt.

"You gangsters are a disgrace to this town!" Kaius bellowed.

With that, he launched himself at the remaining criminals. Using his super speed and strength, he knocked them out with a few swift punches and kicks. Meanwhile, Clark, after confirming Chloe was safe, dashed into the bank to rescue the remaining hostages and disarm the bomb.

With the crisis resolved, the police quickly moved in, cuffing the gangsters and arranging for medical care for the injured.

Chloe turned to Clark, her eyes brimming with gratitude. "You're really Superman, aren't you? Thank you for saving me."

Before Clark could reply, a stern-looking black police officer approached them. "Hey, you two! Leave your contact information, especially you," he said, pointing at Kaius. "You broke that guy's arm. His medical bills are your responsibility!"

Kaius smirked. "That's what insurance is for. Why would you come after me?"

The officer, clearly trying to identify them, was about to respond when Kaius gave Clark a quick glance.

"Run!"

In an instant, the two of them vanished, leaving only a gust of wind in their wake.

The black officer stood there, stunned, patting his face as if trying to figure out what had just happened. Around him, the crowd burst into applause—whether for the heroic rescue or the duo's clever escape was anyone's guess.

Kaius and Clark didn't stop until they reached the Kent farm. They slowed to a walk, laughing and chatting about the day's events.

Clark, clearly elated, said, "Being a hero is amazing. I actually made a difference today!"

On the farm, Jonathan Kent was operating a wheat thresher. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and smiled. "Hey, Clark... Kaius! You're back. Feeling better?"

"Uh... yeah, the cast just came off," Kaius replied, putting on an exaggeratedly weak expression.

Clark burst out laughing. "Sorry, Kaius, I might've told them about your superpowers. Don't worry—they'll keep it a secret!"

Kaius raised an eyebrow. "And you're just telling me this now?"

He didn't seem too concerned, knowing the Kents could be trusted to guard his secret just as they had protected Clark's.

Clark grinned sheepishly. "I was just excited. It's not every day I meet someone with powers like mine."

As they walked toward the barn, Clark suddenly noticed a brand-new truck parked nearby. "Dad, did you buy a new truck? Can I drive it?"

Jonathan chuckled. "Take it easy, son. I didn't just buy it. We've been saving up for a while, and your mom thought it was time."

Clark's face lit up as he examined the truck. For a moment, everything felt normal—just a teenager excited about his first car, even if he was secretly one of the strongest beings on Earth.

Clark's family lived a modest life. Jonathan Kent, his father, was an honest and hardworking farmer with traditional values. He firmly believed that there was no need to buy a new car unless Clark earned it by getting admitted to college.

Many of Clark's peers already had their own cars, and he secretly yearned for one as well. So when he saw a brand-new truck in the backyard, his face lit up with joy.

But Jonathan's expression darkened. "That truck was given to you by the Luthor boy as a thank-you for saving his life. Clark, I need you to return it."

"Why? I saved his life!" Clark protested, baffled by his father's request.

"You shouldn't expect anything in return for helping others. And I don't want you associating with the Luthors."

Jonathan's disdain was mainly directed at Lex's father, Lionel Luthor, a shrewd businessman known for exploiting the townsfolk. Jonathan's firm sense of morality had fostered a deep distrust of the Luthor family.

In hindsight, Jonathan's judgment was spot on—Lex Luthor would eventually become Superman's greatest adversary. But at this moment, neither Clark nor Lex had any inkling of their fateful rivalry.

Kaius stepped in, giving Clark a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Clark, I think your dad's right. Once you start mixing kindness with rewards, it loses its meaning. Besides," he added with a wry smile, "I can't shake the feeling that Lex has a dark side to him."

"Fine. I'll return the truck," Clark relented, albeit reluctantly.

For a rebellious teenager, the advice of a friend was often easier to accept than that of a parent, and Clark was no exception.

Jonathan handed Clark the truck keys and turned to Kaius. "Kaius, if you're free, join us for dinner tonight. It's good to see Clark spending time with a friend like you."

"Sure thing, Mr. Kent," Kaius replied cheerfully.

Clark, still holding the keys, climbed into the truck with Kaius in the passenger seat. Together, they headed to Lex's mansion to return the vehicle.

Clark drove in silence for a while, his fingers brushing over the steering wheel wistfully. Sensing his friend's mood, Kaius patted his shoulder. "If you really want a car, we can start looking for part-time jobs next month. It won't take too long to save up for a used one."

Clark chuckled, flashing his trademark grin. "Isn't being a part-time superhero enough work?"

"Well, robberies don't happen every day. The town's crime rate isn't that bad," Kaius joked.

The day's events had strengthened the bond between the two. Kaius noticed their growing camaraderie, and it brought a small smile to his face. While Clark might one day become Superman, for now, he was just a teenager with dreams and insecurities, much more human than the iconic hero Kaius had always imagined.

"It's nice to watch you grow into the hero you're meant to be," Kaius murmured to himself.

"What did you say?" Clark asked, glancing at him.

"Focus on driving," Kaius quipped. "If you crash this truck, my life's in your hands!"

Clark laughed. "I don't have a license yet, but I've been driving for years. I help my dad take produce to the market all the time."

Kaius shook his head, amused. As they rounded a bend, their view opened up to reveal an expansive estate. In the center of a lush, manicured lawn stood an imposing English-style castle.

"That's Lex Luthor's house?" Kaius gasped, his jaw dropping. "Man, poverty really does limit your imagination. This place is ridiculous!"