DC: Rise of the Kryptonian Tyrant

"This is impossible!"

Golden Superman's expression changed drastically. That was the Origin Universe—the first universe of the multiverse, a universe where real effects could be actualized.

There weren't many heroes or villains there. It was an ordinary universe, but such an ordinary universe was one among the multiverse.

The existence of the multiverse itself was based on the DC Comics of the Origin Universe.

The Justice League, the Flash, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Cyborg, Green Arrow, Martian Manhunter, Supergirl, Brainiac, Captain Cold, Doctor Manhattan, Mandrakk, and others—including Golden Superman and the Phantom Stranger—all of them were characters in comics. Because comics and information about the Origin Universe existed, they too were born and became real within this multiverse.

But the Origin Universe did not dictate every moment of their existence. It didn't draw them eating, using the restroom, or trimming their nails. Many of these things—they chose and decided for themselves.

Therefore, they were alive, not merely stories.

To the Origin Universe, beings like Golden Superman, the Phantom Stranger, and others with quasi-unique god powers could be perceived. They also vaguely protected the Origin Universe, as it was the beginning of creation, the mother universe of all multiverses. It could not be lost.

To protect the Origin Universe, the strongest Superman, the Superboy-Prime, was forged through the Multiverse Forge and sent to the Origin Universe to guard everything there.

The multiverse, by its nature, could not give birth to a true One God. That was not something DC's editors could draw. For some unknown reason, a One God was born in the multiverse, and this alone was a disaster capable of destroying it.

However, Golden Superman also knew that DC's editors lacked the ability to draw a One God, let alone depict the One God of Death.

"I know."

The Phantom Stranger remained silent. He also understood that even if they informed the Origin Universe and had the Supreme Superman request the editors to draw Barmulodi, it would merely result in some hastily created strange category. It was impossible to draw Barmulodi's death.

"Barmulodi probably doesn't exist in DC Comics. He comes from another story," the Phantom Stranger said calmly, eyes sharp.

"Even the editors of DC Comics from the Origin Universe, who created the entire multiverse, couldn't draw a One God. But they could create a monster to fight Barmulodi and drive him out of the multiverse."

Hearing the Phantom Stranger's words, Golden Superman hesitated, then frowned and gently shook his head.

"I can't agree to that. Stranger, you know how important the Origin Universe is. The Superboy-Prime is guarding it. We can't contact him recklessly. If someone intercepts that information, the Origin Universe could be exposed."

The Phantom Stranger nodded gravely. Only Superboy-Prime and Golden Superman shared a faint connection. The Phantom Stranger himself had no means to contact Supreme Superman from the Origin Universe.

"Things haven't reached the worst point yet. And I hope they never do." The Phantom Stranger closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled heavily, feeling deeply helpless.

"They won't…"

Golden Superman's glowing golden face fell silent mid-sentence. Suddenly, his eyes and pupils shrank, filled with horror.

Bang.

In an instant, Golden Superman exploded into a golden blur, his expression grim. Leaving a golden afterimage in front of the Phantom Stranger, he vanished at the end of the corridor.

The Phantom Stranger felt a jolt in his heart. Seeing Golden Superman's sudden departure, a sense of unease filled his chest.

Superman Universe.

In the vast and dark expanse of space, bright flashes continued to flicker and explode. Dazzling lights blazed like stars.

Far from Earth, hundreds of thousands of light-years away, massive stars exploded, supernovae erupted, galactic systems collapsed, black holes were born, and enormous destruction missiles annihilated everything in their paths.

Suddenly, a rift opened in outer space.

A golden figure appeared in an instant.

As soon as Golden Superman entered the Superman Universe, countless stars, countless races, and countless civilizations cried out in agony. The universe itself wailed. The chaotic killing, fear, and madness penetrated into his mind, igniting a moment of furious rage, which was then extinguished like a bucket of cold water dumped over his body.

Then, Bardi's massive and terrifying figure stood within the solar system. Earth lay before him like a small marble. In his hand, he gripped Louis' glowing silver body, unmoving, and smiled coldly.

"Barmulodi! Why are you here!"

Golden Superman's heart turned cold. His mind nearly froze. His eyes locked on Bardi's massive form, and in his palm was his wife, Louis.

His wife, Louis, had died. When he became a Fifth-Dimensional Golden Superman, he used her DNA to reconstruct and resurrect her.

But in Bardi's hands, this was no ordinary death.

If she were crushed by Bardi and given the singular will of death, then resurrection would be impossible. All DNA and soul data would be erased from the universe. Resurrection would be completely impossible after annihilation.

"It was Mandrakk who told me."

Bardi grinned. His immense divine form loomed in space, smiling like a devil cracking a bone-white grin, chilling and terrifying.

"That's funny, Golden Superman."

Bardi's face twisted into mockery.

"You… kidnapped my wife…"

"Now… your wife is in my hands…"

"I'll say it again…"

"Bring my wife back…"

At the end of his words, Bardi's face turned cruel. He squeezed Louis, forcing her to cry out in agony. Her anguished voice echoed through space.

His massive body, like a terrifying dark demon, loomed over the starry sky, instilling fear.

"You…"

Golden Superman watched Louis crying in pain. His fists clenched tightly, his teeth grinding furiously, but he still held on to reason. He did not leave the Fifth Dimension.

He believed that the moment he stepped out of the Fifth Dimension, Bardi would kill her. He would not be able to save his wife.

"I know what Mandrakk is trying to do. You don't have many options. Bring my wife back."

Bardi's face was cold. His eyes, dark as an abyss, locked onto Golden Superman.

"You have no choice."

Golden Superman gritted his teeth and said angrily, "Fine. I agree. But you must let this universe and my wife go first!"

Bardi sneered.

"You don't have the right to negotiate with me. When my wife returns, I'll order my forces to stop the destruction."

"One more thing, don't interfere with my subordinates."

After speaking, Bardi's colossal form turned away. His abyss-like gaze swept coldly over Golden Superman, then stepped into a wormhole and disappeared.

Only the furious Golden Superman remained.

(To be continued.)