"Based on my analysis," J.A.R.V.I.S. reported, "this planet's atmosphere matches Earth's composition with 98.7% certainty. The probability that we are still on Earth is extremely high."

Malrick nodded slightly.

This time, he didn't immediately rely on his super hearing to gather information. Instead, he allowed Tony to rest while he closed his eyes. His focus shifted inward as he used his transcendent ability to reach out—not to the people of this world, but to the higher powers that governed it.

In Marvel, the cosmic entity Eternity represented the consciousness of the universe. DC, however, was different. It contained mythologies steeped in Christian imagery. Here, God was the ultimate creator, above even figures like the Monitor or the Source. Beneath Him were archangels such as Michael and Lucifer, beings who had once shaped entire multiverses.

In comparison, Malrick's power was no more than a flicker—a single spark before a bonfire. Even Dr. Manhattan would be an insect in their eyes. But still, Malrick tried.

He sent his will out into the void, attempting to connect. Minutes passed in silence. There was no response.

God was not interested in speaking with him.

Malrick opened his eyes with a quiet sigh. "So, no shortcuts. I'll have to take this slowly."

---

The Cave's Secret

He shifted his gaze and activated both Super Vision and X-Ray Vision. The cavern walls lit up in his sight, and his brows lifted.

"Kryptonite," he muttered. "What a coincidence."

Embedded deep within the stone were countless crystalline formations, glowing faintly and radiating their unique energy.

The transcendent ability that had guided him here clearly responded to the keyword he'd set before crossing. It had placed him directly beside the very substance that defined Superman's weakness.

Malrick released the armored plating covering his face, letting the radiation brush against his skin. Even from this distance, he felt a strange stir within his cells, like something dormant shifting uneasily.

"J.A.R.V.I.S., bring Tony and follow me."

"Yes, Young Master Malrick."

The armor closed once more, and he advanced into the depths. J.A.R.V.I.S., piloting Tony's unconscious body encased in the Mark armor, followed behind.

After several twists in the tunnel, they emerged into a vast chamber. Stalwart stone pillars held up the ceiling, and mining equipment was scattered across the floor. The walls glittered with embedded crystals, glowing golden.

"Warning," J.A.R.V.I.S. said sharply. "The radiation levels are high. Analysis suggests this is Gold Kryptonite."

Malrick's eyes narrowed. "Gold Kryptonite…"

The AI's tone grew urgent. "In the comics, it permanently strips Kryptonians of their powers. We should retreat at once."

Malrick didn't move. He was thinking.

In most comics, Gold Kryptonite had been a deadly weakness. But in live-action adaptations, things were different. In Smallville and later in Superman & Lois, crystals of golden hue had been called X-Kryptonite. Instead of weakening Kryptonians, it enhanced them and granted powers to ordinary humans.

"Wait," Malrick said quickly as J.A.R.V.I.S. primed a repulsor blast. "I might have misjudged. Stand down."

He focused his super hearing, filtering through countless vibrations until he locked onto voices outside the cave.

"Jordan, Jonathan, good work."

"Actually, it was all Lana's idea…"

Recognition struck instantly. This wasn't just any DC timeline. It was Superman & Lois.

Here, Clark and Lois Lane had two sons, Jonathan and Jordan Kent. After years of Superman's endless battles, the family left Metropolis to settle in Smallville, where Clark had grown up. This town carried the same hallmarks as his classic origins—childhood bullies, his first love Lana, and caves riddled with Kryptonite.

But in this world, the Kryptonite was golden. And instead of weakening Clark, it amplified power.

Malrick reached for the wall and pried loose a shard of the glowing crystal. He commanded his gauntlet to retract, exposing his bare palm.

The golden Kryptonite made contact. Energy surged into him, bathing every cell. His body stirred as if a hidden blueprint had been revealed. He could feel his genes pushing, pressing, waiting for a path forward.

Yet no transformation came. His strength neither increased nor diminished. The Kryptonite seemed to whisper instead, hinting at untapped potential rather than granting it outright.

Malrick frowned. "Strange. In the show, this wasn't how it worked."

"Recommendation," J.A.R.V.I.S. advised, "collect samples for further study."

"Agreed." Malrick sealed the crystal within his inner storage and flew higher into the cavern. He began gathering more shards when suddenly, the entire scene shifted.

---

In an instant, the golden Kryptonite around him turned green.

"What?!"

The glow darkened, bleeding into a sickly hue. Radiation cut through his body like knives. Malrick jerked his hand back, his instincts screaming.

J.A.R.V.I.S. was gone. The AI's signal had vanished.

Malrick rocketed upward, smashing through stone until he burst into open air.

Above him stretched a crimson sky. The sun blazed red, drowning the Earth in its scorching light.

He froze.

"A red sun… No way."

Understanding hit him like a hammer. He hadn't just shifted locations—he'd shifted timelines.

"This is the ending of Superman & Lois Season 2," Malrick whispered. His jaw tightened. "Why does this ability always drop me right at the brink of disaster?"

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