AM I SUPERMAN?

As the dark clouds dissipated, the first rays of sunshine bathed the ruins of Metropolis, their warmth accelerating the healing of Clark's and Kaius's injuries. The sunlight, absorbed by their Kryptonian physiology, restored their strength almost instantly.

Suddenly, a golden glow flickered in Kaius's consciousness, accompanied by the faint, jubilant voice of the system: "Wow! Golden Legend!" The Superman card in his mind shifted, evolving from a purple hero card to a golden legend card.

The upgrade in Clark's strength immediately enhanced Kaius's own combat capabilities through their shared connection. He smiled, realizing that if he were to face Fiora again, he could defeat her effortlessly—even without resorting to exclusive skills.

As Diana stayed behind to watch over Fiora, Kaius and Clark flew to the world engine above the South Indian Ocean. They recovered the alien device and transported it to Superman's Fortress of Solitude, ensuring it wouldn't fall into the wrong hands.

With this final task completed, Kaius and Clark returned to the temporary military base established in Metropolis. Clark, noticeably eager, likely had his mind on a certain Daily Planet reporter waiting there.

"General, the Avenger and Superman are back!" a soldier shouted, and the news spread through the base like wildfire.

General Swanwick, alongside senior officers like Colonel Lane, rushed out to greet them. Soldiers gathered at the landing zone, their eyes filled with admiration for Kaius and Clark, as if gazing upon saviors.

Swanwick approached with a mix of relief and awe. Suppressing his excitement, he delivered a crisp salute. "On behalf of the United States, thank you for defeating the alien invaders."

But then his gaze shifted to Fiora, who stood behind Kaius. His expression hardened. "Wait… isn't she one of the alien invaders?"

Murmurs spread among the soldiers. One airman muttered, "She tore apart a fighter jet with her bare hands. What's she doing here?"

Swanwick's jaw tightened, but Kaius intervened before panic could take hold. "Relax, General," he said with a reassuring pat on Swanwick's shoulder. "This is Fiora. Thanks to my overwhelming charm, she's seen the error of her ways and has vowed to dedicate her life to serving the people."

Swanwick raised an eyebrow, his unease barely masked. Colonel Lane, however, wasn't convinced. "She's a Kryptonian soldier," Lane said gruffly. "She should be detained and handed over to us for containment."

Kaius smirked. "Are you sure? If you want to take responsibility for her, I'll leave her in your care."

Without missing a beat, Kaius turned to Fiora and gave her a subtle nod. Fiora, ever loyal now, stepped forward with military precision, her gaze unwavering as she approached Swanwick and Lane.

The soldiers around them tensed, raising their weapons. "Stop! Don't take another step!" one shouted.

Fiora didn't falter. She continued walking, her Kryptonian confidence sending waves of anxiety through the gathered troops. Swanwick tried to maintain his composure, but Fiora's intimidating presence unnerved even the stoic general. Her mere proximity felt like standing in the path of a storm.

"Enough!" Swanwick barked, his voice cracking slightly. He glanced at Lane, then back at Kaius. "Mr. Avenger, perhaps we were… hasty. Colonel Lane and I agree it's best if she remains under your control."

"Want to control her? The White House would have you dismantled!" Kaius shot back with a smirk, shutting down Colonel Lane's protests.

"Come back, Fiora," he said lightly. Fiora, unwavering in her loyalty, stepped back behind Kaius with the discipline of a seasoned soldier.

Just then, Lois Lane from the Daily Planet arrived, notebook in hand and determination in her stride. Having heard of Superman's return, she was eager to secure an exclusive interview. Her eyes lit up as she spotted Clark, immediately pulling out her prepared questions.

Colonel Lane scowled, visibly irritated but unable to act against Kaius's authority.

General Swanwick, however, managed a strained smile as he addressed Kaius. "Mr. President just called. I gave him a full report on the situation, and he praised you and your efforts. In fact, he's expressed the United States' willingness to contribute to establishing a headquarters for the Justice League."

Hearing this, Diana, standing nearby, quickly spoke up. "The President is aware of the destruction in Metropolis?"

Swanwick nodded. "Yes, but don't worry. If it weren't for you, the entire planet's civilization would have been destroyed. Casualties are, unfortunately, inevitable in battles of this scale. The President understands and holds no blame toward you or the League."

While Diana seemed relieved, Kaius was more focused on the logistics of the Justice League headquarters. "Can we choose the location for the headquarters ourselves?" he asked, his tone direct.

"Yes, Mr. Avenger," Swanwick replied. "As an independent organization of volunteers, it would be best to build it somewhere away from dense city areas."

Kaius's eyes gleamed with an idea as he gestured toward the ground beneath them. "What about here? This base is in a good location—close to Metropolis, and between Gotham and Central City."

Swanwick froze, noticing the intent in Kaius's gaze. "You… you're not suggesting…"

Kaius clapped his hands decisively. "You've convinced me, General! This base is perfect. The Justice League headquarters will be built here. Move out your aircraft, tanks, and artillery, but leave behind all the electronics—monitoring satellites, communications systems, the works."

He paused for effect. "Oh, and build a structure. Nothing too extravagant, just something around $200 million. Add some greenery, flowers, and other décor. It'll make a fine home for the League."

Swanwick's polite smile faltered, and his mind raced. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Two hundred million dollars? The White House didn't cost that much! He muttered internally, This guy is a devil in disguise.

While Swanwick silently fumed, a more pressing issue emerged. In a shadowed corner of the base, a soldier raised his pistol, chambered a round, and took aim—at Lois Lane, who was laughing with Superman.

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