Keywords: Source Earth, Supreme Little Superman
Beginning the Crossover
DC – Earth 33.
Malrick's second stop, also called Source Earth, was the true Earth where the "DC Editorial Department" existed. Here, Supreme Little Superman had been born. On this Earth, all the heroic and villainous figures of the DC Universe existed only as comic characters. Only Supreme Little Superman, Clark Kent, possessed genuine superpowers—and he was Malrick's ultimate objective.
Even in his youth, Supreme Little Superman was extraordinary. As a child, he could defeat every superhero on Earth single-handedly; his speed far surpassed Flash. After each victory, he would arrogantly demand, "Who else is there?"
As an adult, he became the pinnacle of Kryptonian strength. His feats were legendary: shattering three Crisis Multiverses with a single punch, fighting and killing Earth-Two Superman, tormenting Mr. Mxyzptlk, and using reality-altering strikes to destroy The Batman Who Laughs. His genes were a treasure beyond measure for Malrick's research.
Activating his crossover ability, Malrick appeared near Supreme Little Superman. He arrived on a jogging path along the sea, spotting the young hero walking with his girlfriend.
"He looks about thirteen or fourteen, younger than when the story officially begins," Malrick noted.
The DC timeline remained precise. Supreme Little Superman would reach fifteen during the Crisis on Infinite Earths, which was already nearing its end. For now, external crises could not affect this place.
"I've crossed over more than ten years in one leap," Malrick said, impressed by the temporal shift. From 1971 on Earth-1, he had arrived in the 1980s on Earth-33.
Malrick reflected on the young hero's future. Supreme Little Superman would one day stray, darken into a ruthless figure, and only decades later redeem himself. "Since I'm here, I should offer some guidance in exchange for his genes," he murmured, observing Clark's youthful back from afar.
Soon, Clark and his girlfriend, Lori, sat on a long stone bench, gazing at the sunlit sea.
"Let's rest, Clark. Don't look so down. What's wrong? Tell me," Lori asked gently.
Clark's thick glasses hid his resentment. "It's my father. He tore up my comic again. Just… leave me alone for a bit, Lori."
"Again? Let me guess, that Batman issue from last time, right?" Lori caressed his shoulder. "Don't worry. I'll buy it for you."
Clark's cheeks burned. A boy his age did not want a girl buying him comics—it felt humiliating. "No, forget it. I'm fine now." He turned away awkwardly, though annoyance lingered in his eyes.
Lori's brows drooped, unsure how to comfort him. The two quietly watched the sunset. They instinctively gathered by the sea during troubled moments—an unspoken understanding between them.
As shadows lengthened and waves lapped the shore, a tall figure suddenly cast a shadow over them.
"Hmm?" Clark looked up.
It was a young man with an impressive physique, resembling a college student or successful entrepreneur. His muscles strained the high-quality T-shirt he wore.
"Ah… sir, do you… need something?" Clark stammered, stepping protectively in front of Lori.
"You may call me Mr. Lyon, child," the newcomer said, looking down at Clark.
Unlike other children, Supreme Little Superman had yet to awaken his powers, which would not happen until he saw a comet at fifteen. Until then, he was just a nerd who loved comics—and whose father constantly destroyed them.
Nerds usually struggled to interact with confident, outgoing figures like Mr. Lyon. Clark's gaze shifted nervously.
"O-okay, Mr. Lyon. Is there anything I can do?" Clark asked, clutching Lori's hand. He was ready to flee if necessary.
But Malrick's next words froze him.
"Child, your bones are extraordinary. You are a rare genius destined to save the world. Would you like to learn Kung Fu from me?"
"…L-learn Kung Fu?" Clark's eyes widened. In his young mind, Kung Fu was as thrilling as Superman's steel body in the comics.
After Malrick demonstrated a striking feat—launching an object with precision as if hitting a distant bull—Clark immediately bowed, attempting a formal disciple greeting.
Then, inexplicably, Malrick moved into Clark's home. His presence was welcomed by Clark's parents without question.
Thus, Clark Kent—the future Supreme Superman—began, confusedly but obediently, to follow Malrick and learn what he called "Kung Fu."
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