Chapter 4: Shadows of the Future (Part 1: The Awakening)

DC Universe (Earth-2609th)

1992, Smallville, Kansas

It was an unusually warm morning for early spring, the kind where the sun lingered just a little longer, its rays sinking deeper into the earth. As the first light filtered through the curtains of the Kent farmhouse, six-year-old Clark Kent was already awake. By now, he was used to the sensation of the sun's energy filling him each morning, a gentle but powerful reminder of who he was and the future that awaited him.

But this morning felt different. As Clark climbed out of bed and stretched, he could feel a new intensity in the sunlight, a warmth that reached deeper into his core. It wasn't just the usual energy boost he experienced every day—this was something more. It was as if the sun itself was urging him to push his boundaries.

"SS, what's going on?" Clark asked, his voice still thick with sleep. "Why does today feel different?"

[Morning, Clark. The solar energy levels have increased slightly, but that's not the only reason. Your KP has reached 20%, and you've upgraded to Level 3. New abilities are ready to be unlocked. It's time for further training.]

Clark blinked in surprise. The SS system had been guiding him since his arrival in this world, helping him navigate the complexities of his powers and identity. But this was the first time it had mentioned a significant upgrade.

"Level 3, huh?" Clark mused, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. "What kind of abilities are we talking about?"

[Several new features are now available, including enhanced strength, speed, and sensory capabilities. However, these abilities require careful training and control. New skills are also unlocked, and mastering them will be essential.]

"Alright," Clark said, determination building in his voice. "Let's do it. I want to see what I'm capable of."

[Acknowledged. Initializing training protocols. Please proceed with caution as you explore these new abilities.]

Clark dressed quickly and headed downstairs, where the familiar sounds of breakfast greeted him. Martha Kent was at the stove, flipping pancakes, while Jonathan sat at the kitchen table reading the newspaper. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the room, mingling with the sunlight streaming through the windows.

"Good morning, sweetie!" Martha called out, turning to smile at him. "You're up bright and early today."

"Morning, Mom," Clark replied as he slid into his usual seat. "I just felt like getting an early start."

Jonathan glanced up from his paper, his eyes studying Clark. "You've been feeling pretty energetic lately, huh? Everything alright?"

Clark hesitated for a moment but then nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine, Dad. Just excited to help out on the farm today."

Jonathan smiled, satisfied with the answer. "Good to hear. We've got a lot to do, and I could use your help."

Martha placed a plate of pancakes in front of Clark, her gaze full of affection. "Eat up, honey. You've got to keep your strength up."

Clark chuckled inwardly at the irony. If only they knew just how much strength he was keeping up. But he smiled gratefully at his mom and dug into the pancakes with enthusiasm. As he ate, his mind was already racing ahead to the training session he planned to start later.

After breakfast, once the dishes were cleared away, Clark followed Jonathan outside to begin the day's chores. The sun had risen higher in the sky, and Clark could feel its energy buzzing beneath his skin, a steady hum urging him to move.

"Alright, son," Jonathan said, handing Clark a pitchfork. "Let's get these hay bales into the barn before the weather changes."

Clark nodded, gripping the pitchfork with hands far stronger than they appeared. He watched as Jonathan lifted a bale, noting how much effort his father put into the task. When it was his turn, Clark carefully mimicked the action, adjusting his strength so it looked as though he were exerting himself like any normal six-year-old would.

As they worked, Clark's thoughts kept drifting back to the SS system and the new abilities he hadn't yet explored. He could feel the potential building inside him, like a coiled spring waiting to be released. It took all his self-control not to test his limits right then and there.

---

The morning passed in a blur of routine chores and careful self-restraint. The animals were fed, the chores completed, and Jonathan had taken a well-deserved break. It was the perfect time for Clark to slip away unnoticed and explore the new abilities the SS system had unlocked.

After a quick lunch, Clark excused himself, mentioning that he wanted to explore the woods behind the farm—a place he often went when he needed some time alone. Jonathan and Martha, trusting their son's routine of solitary walks, nodded without hesitation.

"Just be careful out there, Clark," Jonathan reminded him. "And don't go too far."

"I won't, Dad," Clark promised, excitement bubbling inside him.

As he stepped outside, the afternoon sun bathed the fields in golden light. Clark could feel the energy coursing through him, urging him forward. He took a deep breath, steadying himself, and walked toward the woods. The rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze was a soothing contrast to the whirlwind of thoughts racing in his mind.

Once deep enough into the woods, Clark stopped in a secluded clearing. It was perfect—quiet, isolated, far from prying eyes. Here, he could finally let loose and explore his powers without fear of being seen.

"SS," Clark thought, anticipation building, "let's get started."

[Beginning training sequence… Initiating enhanced strength testing. Please select an object to lift that approximates your maximum capacity,] the SS system responded, calm and precise.

Clark scanned the clearing and settled his gaze on a large, fallen tree. The trunk was thick and heavy, something that would be a challenge for any grown man. But Clark knew it would be no match for him. He approached it, excitement coursing through him.

"Alright, here goes," he muttered, placing his hands under the trunk. With a deep breath, he lifted. The tree rose easily in his grip, feeling lighter than expected.

[Strength assessment: Current KP level supports lifting objects up to 3 tons. No signs of strain detected. Proceed with caution,] the SS system advised.

Clark grinned, the thrill of power rushing through him. He held the tree aloft for a moment before gently setting it down. His strength had increased significantly since his last test, and it filled him with awe and excitement.

"This is incredible," Clark thought, still buzzing with energy. "What's next?"

[Next, we will assess your speed. Prepare for a short-distance sprint,] the SS system instructed.

Clark positioned himself at one end of the clearing, setting his eyes on a large rock at the opposite end. The energy pulsed in his legs as he prepared to run. With a deep breath, he took off. The world around him blurred as he accelerated, the trees and rocks flying by in streaks of color.

The rush was exhilarating. In a flash, he reached the rock, skidding to a stop, sending dirt and leaves spraying around him.

[Speed assessment: Current KP level supports sprint speeds up to Mach 1. Deceleration technique requires refinement to prevent collateral damage,] the SS system reported.

Clark glanced at the trail he left in the dirt and chuckled, shaking his head.

"What's next?" he asked, eager for more.

[Next, we will assess your heat vision. Please select a target and focus on a steady, low-intensity beam,] the SS system instructed.

Clark scanned the clearing, selecting a large boulder as his target. He had experimented with heat vision before, but only in short bursts. Now, he was ready to push its limits.

He narrowed his eyes, focusing on the center of the boulder. The energy built behind his eyes, a growing heat that intensified with each passing second. With a deep breath, he released it, sending twin beams of red light at the boulder.

The rock hissed and cracked under the heat, steam rising as the beams cut through it like a hot knife through butter. Clark adjusted the intensity, careful not to shatter the boulder entirely.

[Heat vision assessment: Current KP level supports sustained output for 60 seconds at low intensity. Recommend further training to increase duration and precision,] the SS system reported.

Clark blinked, letting the beams fade, and exhaled a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. The boulder was scorched but intact, evidence of how far he'd come in mastering his powers.

"Not bad," Clark thought, a smile tugging at his lips. "But I've still got a lot to learn."

[Correct. Continued training is essential to mastering your abilities. It is recommended that you practice in various environments to simulate real-world conditions,] the SS system advised.

As the afternoon wore on, Clark continued practicing, testing his enhanced senses, experimenting with his strength and speed, and refining his heat vision. Each discovery filled him with both wonder and caution. He was growing stronger, more capable—but he also became increasingly aware of the delicate balance he needed to maintain.

---

By the time the sun began to dip toward the horizon, casting long shadows across the clearing, Clark was both physically and mentally exhausted. He had pushed himself further than ever before, but the results were clear—he was stronger, faster, and better at managing his abilities.

As he made his way back through the woods, his mind buzzed with the day's events. Testing his powers, pushing himself to new limits—it all felt like a step closer to the future he knew was coming. Just as he was starting to relax, the SS system chimed in, its tone carrying a hint of something important.

[Clark, you have successfully completed the initial training sequence for Level 3. A new skill has been unlocked: Run Through Water.]

Clark stopped in his tracks, blinking in surprise. "Run Through Water? What does that mean?"

[This skill allows you to maintain your speed and balance while running across the surface of water. It requires precise control of your speed and momentum, as well as an understanding of fluid dynamics at high velocities. Would you like to attempt a test run?]

The SS system explained, almost eager for the next challenge.

Clark's heart raced. Running across water? It sounded incredible—and, honestly, a bit terrifying. But if there was one thing he'd learned, it was to trust the process.

"Sure," Clark thought, excitement tinged with nerves. "Let's give it a shot."

The SS system immediately calculated the optimal location.

[Nearest suitable body of water: Smallville Creek. Distance: 0.7 miles. Please proceed.]

Clark grinned, adjusting his course toward the creek. Running on water sounded like something straight out of a comic book—then again, that was his life now. He couldn't wait to see if he could actually pull it off.

As he approached the creek, the sound of rushing water filled his ears, blending with the rustling leaves and chirping birds. The creek was wide, its fast-moving water glistening under the fading sunlight. Clark stopped at the edge, heart pounding.

[Clark, you must maintain a specific speed to avoid sinking. Balance is key. Do not hesitate—momentum is your ally,] the SS system advised.

Clark nodded, clearing his mind. He took a deep breath, feeling the familiar hum of energy in his legs, and then sprinted forward. The ground blurred beneath him as he reached the water, and for a moment, it felt like he would sink straight through.

But then something amazing happened. The water firmed beneath his feet, allowing him to skim across it like a skipping stone. Clark's eyes widened in awe as he realized he was actually running on water.

The creek stretched before him, and Clark pushed harder, exhilarated by the sheer defiance of gravity. Water splashed around him, but he maintained his balance, speed keeping him aloft. It felt like flying—except one wrong move could send him plunging into the creek.

[Skill activation successful. You are now capable of traversing water surfaces at high speeds. Be mindful of obstacles and maintain focus,] the SS system reported with a rare note of approval.

Clark laughed, the sound mingling with the rushing water. He felt invincible. But as he reached the far bank and skidded to a stop, the SS system chimed again, this time with something unexpected.

[Congratulations, Clark. You have acquired a new title: 'Dark Knight Superboy.']

Clark froze, heart skipping a beat. "Dark Knight Superboy? What does that mean?"

[The title reflects your growing abilities and unique potential as a protector of both Smallville and the wider world. It acknowledges your affinity for both strength and strategy, similar to the future Batman, the Dark Knight. It signifies your potential to blend the qualities of both Superman and Batman.]

Clark's breath caught in his throat. Batman—the Dark Knight—was a figure he had admired from his past life in the comics. To be associated with him, even in name, was both overwhelming and deeply meaningful.

[This title recognizes your ability to navigate the shadows, protect without being seen, and use your powers strategically,] the SS system continued.

[It also signifies that you are beginning to forge your own path, one that complements the heroes you will one day stand beside.]

Clark stood by the creek, gazing out as he absorbed what the SS system had just revealed. He had always sensed he was meant for something significant, but this title—'Dark Knight Superboy'—felt like both a burden and an honor.

"Wow," was all Clark could manage, his voice filled with awe and determination. "That's… a lot to take in."

[Take your time, Clark,] the SS system replied, almost gentle. [This is just the beginning of your journey. You have much to learn, but you are not alone. You have the guidance of the system, the love of your parents, and the strength within yourself.]

Clark nodded, a renewed sense of purpose settling over him. The title 'Dark Knight Superboy' was more than just a name; it was a promise of the hero he was becoming.