AM I SUPERMAN?

As everyone left the room, Clark stepped forward, visibly burdened. "If you want to scold me or hit me, go ahead. I won't fight back," he said, his voice heavy with guilt.

Kaius raised an eyebrow, surprised by Clark's reaction. "Why would I hit or scold you? Come on, this isn't your fault."

"It is my fault! If I hadn't joined the training, you wouldn't have gotten hurt," Clark insisted, his self-reproach evident.

Kaius took a deep breath and gave Clark a knowing look. "Clark, I know you're different."

Clark froze, his expression shifting to alarm. He instinctively stepped back, his eyes narrowing with wariness. Kaius could almost feel their friendship level dropping like a rock.

"Relax," Kaius said quickly, raising his hands in a calming gesture. "I'm not here to expose you or threaten you. Trust me, Clark. What you have isn't a curse—it's a gift."

"A gift?" Clark scoffed, shaking his head bitterly. "It doesn't feel like one. It's a curse! I've asked my dad so many times why I have to be so... different. I just want to be normal—to live like everyone else, to fall in love, play football, and be a star without having to hide who I really am."

Kaius could see the frustration bubbling beneath the surface. It reminded him of the countless times he'd heard similar struggles from people trying to find their place in the world. He decided it was time for some motivational wisdom.

"Clark," Kaius began with a soft but firm tone, "you can't choose how you were born. None of us can. But what you can choose is how to use your gifts. Natural talents are meant for something. They're never meaningless. Your abilities—your gifts—can make a difference in the world."

Clark frowned, mulling over Kaius's words.

"And," Kaius added, leaning forward slightly, "remember this: the greater the ability, the greater the responsibility."

For a moment, Clark was stunned. Those words echoed in his mind, over and over. "The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility…" he murmured to himself, his expression shifting as he considered the weight of the statement.

Kaius couldn't help but smirk internally. Sorry, Uncle Ben, I borrowed your line. But hey, if it helps the future Spider-Man find his path, it's worth it.

After a while, Clark seemed to piece things together, though there was still a hint of uncertainty in his eyes. "Even if my abilities aren't a curse… my parents won't let me use them. They're terrified of what might happen."

Kaius nodded understandingly. "I'm not telling you to start using your powers recklessly, Clark. Think of yesterday—it wasn't your fault that you have abilities, but it is your fault for not mastering them yet. If you can learn to control your powers and use them without harming others, that's when you'll truly make a difference."

Clark took a moment to absorb the advice. He interpreted Kaius's words as encouragement to sharpen his reflexes and gain better control—maybe even on the football field.

"You're right," Clark said at last, his voice steady. "I'm not ready yet… but I can get there." He glanced at Kaius, his expression softening into a genuine smile. For the first time, he looked lighter, as though a great burden had been lifted.

Kaius could see the shift in Clark's demeanor. No longer guilt-ridden, no longer entirely lost in self-doubt. Clark had found a new sense of direction, and with it came a spark of determination.

Kaius silently applauded himself. Not bad. Just a little nudge, and look at him now.

At that moment, a familiar chime echoed in Kaius's mind.

Ding! Friendship level increased to "Friendliness." Clark Kent character card unlocked.

A brilliant burst of purple flooded Kaius's consciousness. At that moment, all of his previous frustrations—the injuries, the missed opportunity to connect deeply with Lana—vanished. The appearance of the purple card made it all worthwhile!

Purple Card: Clark Kent (Birth Name: Kal-El)

Race: Kryptonian

Abilities: Iron Body, Super Strength, Super Speed, Heat Vision, X-Ray Vision, Freeze Breath, Flight (Unlocked), and more.

Additional Notes: A growth-type card with limitless potential! Card levels will evolve as the individual matures.

"The card upgrades as Little Superman grows into The Superman! From a purple hero card to a golden legend card!"

Kaius's heart raced, his excitement almost overwhelming. He couldn't wait another second. "Equip the Superman card! Replace Whitney!" he commanded inwardly.

The purple card replaced Whitney's position, taking the main card slot.

At that moment, an overwhelming surge of power flooded Kaius's body. As the noonday sun poured through the hospital room's window, he felt as though he was embracing the entire world.

A strange itch prickled his fractured bones. Within moments, the pain vanished entirely.

"Wow, this feels incredible!" Kaius exclaimed, his voice brimming with amazement.

Without hesitation, he leaped out of bed. The recovery was beyond miraculous—it was on par with the legendary Senzu Beans from a certain anime.

Clark nearly jumped in alarm. "Kaius, what are you doing?! Lie down before you hurt yourself!"

Kaius couldn't suppress his grin. "Something amazing just happened to me… Look, I'm completely healed!"

To prove his point, he raised his arm and clenched his fist. With a simple flex, the cast around his arm cracked and fell away, revealing perfectly healed skin and bone beneath.

Clark's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowing in disbelief. He activated his X-Ray vision to scan Kaius's ribs and arm. "How is this possible? I saw your bones broken yesterday!"

Clark had vividly remembered his guilt from yesterday when his X-Ray vision confirmed the damage. Now, just one night later, it was as if Kaius had never been injured.

Suddenly, realization dawned on Clark. His voice carried an edge of excitement as he asked, "I get it! You have powers too, don't you, Kaius? You're like me!"

Clark's excitement was palpable. For so long, he had felt like the only person of his kind—a lonely anomaly in a world of ordinary humans. Discovering Kaius's powers made him feel a sense of belonging and relief.

As a traveler from another universe, Kaius understood Clark's emotions perfectly. Deciding not to hide the truth, he confessed, "Yes, Clark. I have superpowers."

Clark's eyes lit up. "Is your superpower healing?"

"No," Kaius replied, shaking his head with a small smile. "You can think of it as… copying. Clark, I copied your superpowers."

Kaius deliberately framed the system's mechanics in a way Clark could understand, knowing the American mindset valued honesty over secrecy. He didn't want to risk alienating Superman.

To his relief, Clark didn't seem upset. On the contrary, he looked thrilled. "That's incredible! So… you're an alien too?"

Kaius winced internally. Not just an alien, buddy. I'm not even from this universe. Technically, I'm a parallel alien.

Clark leaned closer, his curiosity piqued. "Where's your spaceship? Are you hiding it in a cellar like we do?"

Kaius couldn't help but laugh. "Uh… let's just say my situation is a bit more complicated than that."