AM I SUPERMAN?

According to Fiora's logic, Kryptonians could impose their will on others without question, but the same did not apply in reverse—no one was permitted to defy them, let alone kill their soldiers.

Kaius, however, had never harbored any illusions about peace talks with Zod. The possibility of persuading him to relinquish Earth and search the vast universe for another suitable planet to terraform under a yellow sun was laughably slim.

For over a decade, Zod had been seeking a new Krypton. Though he had encountered a few promising candidates, none matched Earth's potential. To Zod, Earth wasn't just an option—it was the only viable choice.

In essence, the conflict between Zod and Earth was irreconcilable. Either Zod's ambitions would be crushed, or Earth would be destroyed.

Fiora led Kaius and Clark to the bridge of the Kryptonian ship.

The bridge was vast, its dome open to reveal the golden light of Earth's sun filtering through a transparent protective layer. At the far edge of the room, a man stood with his back to them, gazing out at the blue-and-green planet below. His posture was commanding, his presence heavy with authority.

Kaius and Clark followed Fiora across the bridge. The man turned slowly at the sound of their footsteps. His expression was calm, but his piercing gaze locked onto Clark. A faint smile played across his face.

"At last, Kal-El," the man said, his voice deep and deliberate. "You don't know how long we've searched for you."

"You're Zod?" Clark asked, narrowing his eyes.

The man before them had a weathered appearance. His temples were streaked with gray, and his beard was thick but unkempt. Yet his bearing conveyed an unshakable strength—a man of iron will and military discipline.

Fiora bristled at Clark's directness. "Show respect! You should address him as 'General Zod!'"

Zod raised a hand to calm her. "It's fine, Fiora. Kal is unfamiliar with our customs. Today, we should celebrate, not argue."

Zod stepped forward, his demeanor almost warm. His calm smile and gracious tone could almost convince someone that he was a benevolent leader. But Kaius wasn't fooled. Beneath Zod's charm lurked the heart of a ruthless conqueror.

Kaius inhaled deeply. Kryptonian technology could replicate nearly any environment. In some versions of Kryptonian stories, Superman reacted poorly to the atmosphere aboard their ships, his body rejecting it violently. Yet Kaius felt no discomfort. The air was breathable, though laced with an artificial sterility.

Zod's attention shifted to Kaius. His gaze was sharp, scrutinizing. "And who are you? I don't recall any other Kryptonian survivors."

"He killed two of our soldiers, General Zod," Fiora interjected coldly.

Zod's expression betrayed no surprise, only intrigue. He stepped closer, examining Kaius with open curiosity. "You seem strong. Stronger than most of my soldiers. What race are you?"

"I'm human," Kaius replied with a smirk.

Zod raised an eyebrow, seemingly impressed. "A human? Fascinating. I had underestimated the people of this planet. From what I've seen, their strength is… negligible."

He paused, then offered, "Join me, human. I can make you a captain in my ranks."

Kaius said nothing, his silence laced with defiance. Zod's interest quickly shifted back to Clark.

"Kal-El," Zod began, his tone shifting to one of nostalgic authority. "I was Krypton's military commander. Your father, Jor-El, was our chief scientist. The only time we agreed on anything was when we saw the doom of Krypton coming."

"I fought to save our culture, our people. But my reward was exile to the Phantom Zone, where my loyal soldiers and I were condemned to die."

Zod's voice grew heavier as he continued. "Krypton's destruction freed us. We wandered the void, searching the remnants of our colonies for signs of life, for a place to rebuild. But the universe offered little."

His gaze hardened as he gestured toward Earth. "Until now. This planet, under the light of its yellow sun, holds everything we need to resurrect Krypton. But its people? They stand in the way of our survival."

"Until we intercepted a signal from Earth's outpost," Zod continued, his voice thick with conviction, "I believed our search was hopeless. But when I arrived here, do you know what I saw?"

Clark's jaw tightened, his mind racing as he imagined Zod's revelation. "What did you see?" he asked cautiously.

"Hope," Zod declared, gripping Clark's arm with unsettling fervor. "Hope for Krypton's rebirth! This planet is similar to Krypton in its prime. We can use the World Engine to terraform it, transforming Earth into a new Krypton. Of course, we need one more thing..."

Zod's tone grew intense, his voice almost reverent. "On Krypton, the genetic codes of every unborn child were stored in the Codex, a repository of life itself. Your father, Jor-El, stole the Codex and hid it aboard your ship. Kal, with the Codex, Krypton can be reborn!"

Zod's eyes blazed with fervent determination as he leaned closer to Clark. "Where is your ship? Where is the Codex?"

Clark closed his eyes briefly, wrestling with the gravity of the moment. When he opened them, his voice was steady but resolute. "I understand your desire to rebuild Krypton. But you can't do it here. You can't destroy Earth to save Krypton."

"Rebirth always requires sacrifice," Zod countered coldly. "Destruction is necessary for creation."

"No!" Clark's voice rose, resolute and filled with defiance. "I won't let you harm Earth. And I'll never help you!"

Zod's smile froze, his expression hardening into one of steely resolve. A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth as he signaled his soldiers. "Then I'm sorry, Kal-El."

Two Kryptonian soldiers in black armor stepped forward, seizing Clark with unrelenting force. Meanwhile, Fiora turned her sharp gaze toward Kaius, stepping forward with deliberate grace.

"Defying General Zod is foolish," she said icily. "If you surrender Kal-El's ship and the Codex, the General's offer to you still stands."

Kaius shrugged nonchalantly, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Sorry, I'm not interested in taking orders. But if Zod wants to work for me, I might consider helping him rebuild Krypton."

Fiora's eyes narrowed, her composure cracking as rage flared. Her fists clenched as she advanced, the air around her charged with tension. "You dare insult General Zod? You'll regret those words!"

With a swift motion, Fiora launched herself forward, her fist aimed directly at Kaius's face. The sheer force of her attack sent shockwaves through the air, her reputation as one of Zod's deadliest warriors well-earned.

The Kryptonian soldiers watching from the sidelines smirked, anticipating Kaius's imminent defeat. Few could withstand Fiora's might, and none expected this Earthling to last more than a moment.

But Kaius stood firm. As Fiora's fist rocketed toward him, he adjusted his stance, lowering his center of gravity. With perfect timing, he countered with his own punch.

Boom!

The collision of their fists unleashed a thunderous shockwave that reverberated through the bridge. Both fighters staggered back, their blows perfectly matched.

Fiora's eyes widened in disbelief, her confidence shaken. She had poured all her strength into that strike, yet this Earthling had not only withstood it but had matched her power.

The surrounding Kryptonian warriors stared in stunned silence. They had been so certain of Fiora's victory, yet the Earthling had proven himself her equal.

Zod's expression shifted, a small, intrigued smile crossing his face. "Impressive," he murmured, his tone laced with curiosity. "This Earthling is... interesting. No wonder he dares to speak so boldly."

Fiora's composure returned, her lips curling into a cold smirk. "You may have survived one punch, Earthling. But let's see how long you last."

Kaius adjusted his stance again, his smile unwavering. "I could say the same to you. Bring it on."

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