Chapter 3: 003 Compete?
"God?"
Clark was surprised.
Dane nodded, not offering further explanations. It was best to avoid diving into complex topics when forging new friendships, especially considering Clark's genuinely good-natured disposition.
"I've been following you for a while, Clark Kent."
This was, of course, a fabrication. Even Dane himself had only recently discovered he was in the DC world. However, Clark, being trusting by nature, believed the information without suspicion.
"Do you know where I come from?" Clark asked with a glimmer of hope, though he didn't expect much. To his surprise, Dane nodded.
"The planet you were born on is called Krypton, a celestial body located in the southern constellation Corvus, about 27.1 light-years away from Earth. The planet once orbited a red dwarf star called RAO."
"This red dwarf star can be observed by Earth's astronomical telescope. Its number is LHS2520. If you are interested, you can look for it."
Clark's excitement rose, and he even considered checking out his "hometown" immediately. However, Dane swiftly tempered his enthusiasm with solemn news.
"Clark, I regret to tell you that your home planet Krypton has been destroyed. It died of resource depletion, and now you can only see the shadow of it from 27 years ago."
While Clark had a vague premonition of this, hearing it confirmed was a heavy blow. Dane consoled him, patting him lightly on the shoulder.
"The reason I tell you this is because I can't bear to see you wandering around, but it's always in vain. Go home and have a look; Martha has always missed you."
Dane's words stirred Clark's guilt about leaving his mother alone at home.
"Also, cherish the present time. I am afraid that such peaceful days will be rare in the future."
Clark raised an eyebrow in confusion. Dane continued, "I have a kind of magic that can roughly predict certain fragments of the future. Clark, I have to say, things are not looking good for the future."
This revelation left Clark anxious. Despite being an alien by blood, he considered himself a human and couldn't help but worry about Earth's fate.
Dane reassured him that it wasn't mere speculation; Zod's invasion was an impending disaster. The Flash had proven in his solo movie that General Zod was nearly invincible without superpowers.
"So when I found you this time, it can be regarded as giving you an inoculation in advance, letting you know what you may encounter in the future."
"The first question we have to face is my people?" Clark asked, uneasy about the prospect of facing his own kind.
"Yes, although I don't know when Zod will come, he can't give up Earth because he wants to restore Krypton. And, he's coming for you."
Dane pointed to Clark's chest. In "Man of Steel," Superman activated a research spacecraft at the North Pole, and Zod, upon receiving the signal, came to Earth. The Flash's solo movie revealed that Superman was captured by Zod before he could grow up.
Dane's warning sank in—Zod might invade Earth again. Clark felt remorseful, knowing he was partly responsible for the looming disaster.
"Don't think so much now; it will take some time before Zod arrives on Earth. You can use this time to strengthen your abilities."
Clark scratched his head, wondering how his abilities could be strengthened. Dane proposed a friendly competition to explore each other's strengths.
"Are we going to fight here?" Clark asked, cautious about causing collateral damage to the Rock of Eternity.
"Come with me." Dane led him through a long corridor to a secret room with countless suspended doors. They entered one, arriving at an empty valley.
Clark marveled at the transition between two worlds through the doorway.
"So that's the meaning of your reminder just now."
Dane confirmed, "Not bad. I plan to set up portals in various natural scenic spots in the world. I can live wherever I want in the future."
"Then shall we begin?" Dane suggested, proposing a friendly sparring match to gauge each other's strengths.
Clark agreed, curious about his limits. Dane led him to the valley, and the two prepared for their battle.
"Are we going to fight here?"
Clark looked around, concerned about the potential destruction in such a delicate environment. Dane reassured him, "Don't worry; this place is specially designed for battles."
The two faced each other, and with Clark's agreement, they readied themselves for an extraordinary clash.
The valley trembled as the titans clashed, Shockwaves tearing through the landscape, and the battle between Superman and Shazam began in earnest.
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