DC: Rise of the Kryptonian Tyrant

The universe is, in truth, limited.

This limitation does not refer to quantity, but to range, distance, and size.

Most universes exist in a cyclical formation, resembling a circle. Others may take on irregular shapes. Regardless of form, they are immense. Even Mongul, a tyrannical force in the cosmos, who roams the universe aboard Warworld, conquering and gathering alien species for gladiatorial combat, has only explored a minuscule portion. In all his countless years, he has never reached the edge of the universe. It is a testament to how vast the universe truly is. Even beings who can destroy planets are mere explorers in an infinite sea.

Within the multiverse, there exist countless parallel universes. Perhaps only a single minor difference—such as the angle of a butterfly's wing—can spawn a completely new universe. These universes originate from a common point, but diverge into different trajectories. Hence, they are called parallel universes.

In some, Luthor and Superman are friends.

In some, Luthor and Superman are husband and wife.

In others, Superman and Diana are lovers.

In some, Superman has a relationship with Batman.

Some universes are ruled by the Injustice regime.

Some feature events from Dark Nights: Metal.

Some revolve around Zero Hour.

Others are overrun by zombies.

Some experience the Crisis on Infinite Earths.

In some, it is the Justice League versus the Avengers.

Whether it is the Supreme Superman, the 5th Dimensional Gold Superman, Quantum Superman, or any of the infinite variations of Batman, they all exist—real and distinct across the multiverse.

Each parallel universe is identified by a specific frequency. This is why the Speed Force, with its ultra-high-frequency resonance, can traverse these universes with ease.

For most beings, the method of multiversal travel requires identifying a universe's frequency, then creating a wormhole to cross into it.

But no one has ever truly reached the edge of the universe, let alone exited it.

The space between universes is tangible. It is not like the frames of a film, placed side-by-side. The void between them is imperceptible to most.

Beyond the boundary of the universe lies the Blood Domain.

The Blood Domain is a high-latitude flowing medium that wraps around the universe—like water surrounding a sphere. It exists at higher dimensional levels and connects all universes.

Therefore, if someone were to reach the edge of a universe and break through, they would enter the Blood Domain. From there, by traveling through its flow, they could find another physical universe and enter it.

But no one in the multiverse has ever accomplished that. Not even reaching the borders.

Thus, nearly all travelers rely on locating frequencies and opening wormholes to cross universes.

At the top of every universe exists a race that uses powerful time-space traversal technology to travel through the Blood Domain, absorbing its superfluid as sustenance.

This race is known as the Monitors.

The Monitor race has existed since ancient times. Their purpose, passed down from the beginning, is to observe each universe and ensure its proper operation.

Every universe has a Prime Monitor who leads many subordinates. They reside at the upper edge of the universe, where the cosmic membrane intersects with the Blood Domain. There, they establish the Domain of the Monitor to oversee the universe and ensure its normal progression.

When necessary, they will eliminate entities or anomalies that threaten the continuity of the universe, cleansing it of corruption.

However, they do not interfere in matters of love, hatred, or racial survival within a universe. They do not intervene in natural disasters, star collapses, or cosmic phenomena. Such events lie outside their jurisdiction.

At the top of the universe, within the membrane where the universe touches the Blood Domain, the Monitor Hall suddenly erupted with its highest danger-level alarm.

"Director, a rejection reaction has been detected from the universe. The source of contamination is located at its center. This is the highest level of universal rejection," reported an inspector-class Monitor responsible for observing this sector.

This was already classified as a severe threat to universal integrity. Since the moment they began overseeing this universe—aside from the universe's birth, when many gods projected themselves into the material realm to compete for the source—there had never been such an alarm.

Even in the conflicts between divine beings, such a signal had never been triggered. Now, the universe itself was reacting violently, rejecting this contamination.

Nok's skin resembled the bark of an ancient tree, wrinkled and layered. His tall, slender frame was clad in advanced armor. Hands clasped behind his back, he stood in the massive projection chamber like a sentinel of the stars. Hearing the report, his expression darkened immediately.

"Is it Doctor Manhattan?"

His voice carried unease. Something felt off.

It shouldn't be Doctor Manhattan. For the past ten years since Doctor Manhattan had stolen the center of the universe and integrated with the quantum field, he had become nearly indistinguishable from the universe itself. He posed no harm. The universe would not reject someone who helped stabilize and restore it.

However, the Prime Monitor of this universe—his superior—had ordered a hunt for Doctor Manhattan.

Even Nok did not understand the reason. He didn't know why the Prime Monitor wanted Manhattan apprehended, especially since he was a positive force.

But Doctor Manhattan, with his quantum body, existed everywhere within the universe. There were countless versions of him. Even with their superior technology, the Monitors had been unable to locate him, only continuing to search.

"No, the records are inconsistent with Doctor Manhattan's. According to the monitor analysis, this is a natural rejection from the center of the universe, and the anomaly appears to be affecting channels between this and the antimatter universe."

"There are signs suggesting that a single individual is causing massive disruption. The universe can no longer contain it."

"Something may be about to pierce the barriers between the matter and antimatter universes."

The monitor's gaze locked onto the rapidly fluctuating data on the screen. The coordinates indicated severe instability within the core of the universe.

"Deploy scout ships to confirm the contamination source. Send in the destroyers. Have the carrier vessels begin constructing a stable intra-space transport channel."

"Execute immediately!"

"I will report this to Mandrakk."

Director Nok's expression grew solemn. If Doctor Manhattan had not reappeared, it meant something else was happening in the heart of the universe. A new source of pollution had emerged.

With a sweeping gesture, he issued the order, then stepped out of the Monitor Hall.

(To be continued.)