Training Room 7 turned out to be less "room" and more "underground airplane hangar designed by someone with serious trust issues and an unlimited budget."
Connor stood at the threshold, taking in reinforced walls that looked like they could withstand a direct nuclear strike, holographic projectors mounted every few feet along the ceiling, and enough high-tech monitoring equipment to make NASA jealous. The floor was some kind of advanced polymer that felt solid under his feet but gave slightly, like it was designed to absorb impacts that would crater normal concrete.
"Impressive," he said, and meant it. "How deep underground are we?"
"Seven stories," Dr. Desmond replied, consulting her ever-present clipboard. "The entire facility extends twelve levels down. This particular room is designed to contain Class 7 metahuman incidents."
*[ENVIRONMENTAL SCAN COMPLETE]*
*[TRAINING ROOM 7: Reinforced titanium-steel composite walls, advanced holographic combat simulation system, integrated biometric monitoring]*
*[ESTIMATED CONTAINMENT CAPACITY: Equivalent to small tactical nuclear weapon]*
*[HIDDEN FEATURES DETECTED: Emergency lockdown protocols, sedative gas delivery system, electrical suppression grid]*
The system information scrolled past Connor's peripheral vision, and he had to work to keep his expression neutral. These people weren't just training him—they were ready to put him down if he stepped out of line. Good to know.
"Class 7?" Connor asked, playing the curious student while his enhanced senses catalogued every detail of the room's layout.
"Metahumans capable of leveling city blocks," Lex explained, strolling into the room with the casual confidence of someone who owned everything in sight. "Superman would be classified as Class 10—planetary threat level. You, my boy, should theoretically fall somewhere around Class 8 once fully developed."
Connor nodded thoughtfully. "And if I exceed expectations?"
Lex's smile took on a predatory quality. "Then humanity will have exactly what it needs to face any threat, terrestrial or otherwise."
*[QUEST UPDATE: Prove Your Worth]*
*[ADDITIONAL OBJECTIVE: Assess facility security without triggering alerts]*
*[BONUS REWARD ADDED: Basic [TACTICAL ANALYSIS] skill]*
"Shall we begin with something simple?" Dr. Desmond activated a wall panel, and suddenly the room filled with holographic obstacles—concrete barriers, metal pillars, simulated debris. "Basic mobility test. Navigate the course as quickly as possible without causing structural damage."
Connor looked at the obstacle course and felt his new body practically vibrating with barely contained energy. It was like being a sports car that had been stuck in first gear, finally getting permission to open up on the highway.
"Define 'structural damage,'" Connor said, bouncing slightly on the balls of his feet.
"Anything that would require more than basic maintenance to repair," Lex said. "We're testing precision, not raw power. Anyone can smash through obstacles. We need to know if you can thread the needle."
Connor nodded, then launched himself forward—and immediately discovered why they'd been concerned about control issues.
He'd intended to move quickly but carefully. Instead, he exploded off the starting line like he'd been shot from a cannon, covering the first fifty feet in what felt like a heartbeat. The first obstacle—a holographic concrete wall—required him to either go around or over it. Connor chose up, leaping higher than he'd intended and sailing clear over the entire maze.
"Shit," he muttered as he landed heavily on the far side of the room, his feet actually cracking the reinforced polymer floor despite its designed resilience.
*[COMBAT REFLEXES ACTIVATING]*
*[KRYPTONIAN PHYSIOLOGY: Learning curve adjustment required]*
*[TIP: Try thinking in terms of percentages rather than raw effort]*
The system advice appeared just as Connor heard Lex start laughing.
"Well," Lex said, sounding genuinely delighted, "that's one way to complete the course. Time: 0.7 seconds. Very impressive."
Dr. Desmond was furiously making notes. "Subject shows significant difficulty with fine motor control calibration. Strength output approximately 300% higher than anticipated for conscious effort level."
"Sorry," Connor said, jogging back to the starting position with more care this time. "Everything feels... bigger than it should. Like I'm wearing power armor that's too responsive."
"Perfectly normal," Dr. Desmond assured him. "Kryptonian physiology requires a complete recalibration of muscle memory and spatial awareness. Let's try again, but this time, imagine you're trying to move through the course without waking a sleeping baby."
Connor grinned. "I can work with that analogy."
The second attempt went much better. He dialed his effort way down, moving at what felt like a casual walk but was still probably faster than most humans could sprint. He threaded between the holographic obstacles with increasing confidence, his enhanced senses tracking air currents and structural weak points automatically.
*[SKILL DEVELOPMENT DETECTED]*
*[FINE MOTOR CONTROL: Novice → Beginner]*
*[SPATIAL AWARENESS: Beginner → Competent]*
*[SUPERHUMAN ATHLETICS: Unlocked]*
By his fifth run through the course, Connor was moving like liquid lightning—fast enough to blur to normal human vision, but with the precision of a master craftsman. He slipped between obstacles with millimeters to spare, touched down on contact points so lightly they barely registered pressure, and finished the course in 1.3 seconds without disturbing so much as a holographic dust mote.
"Excellent adaptation rate," Dr. Desmond said, looking pleased despite herself. "Most subjects require weeks to achieve this level of control integration."
"Most subjects," Lex added with satisfaction, "weren't built from the ground up to be perfect."
Connor tried not to wince at the casual dehumanization. To them, he wasn't a person—he was a project. A very expensive, very dangerous project that they were proud of the same way someone might be proud of a particularly impressive car.
*[HIDDEN QUEST PROGRESS: The Long Game - 15% complete]*
*[Continue maintaining cover while gathering intelligence]*
"What's next?" Connor asked, genuinely curious about what other capabilities he might discover.
Lex's expression shifted to something that might have been anticipation. "Combat assessment. Dr. Desmond, activate the Guardian protocols."
The room shimmered, and suddenly Connor wasn't alone. Three figures materialized—not holograms this time, but actual solid constructs that moved with mechanical precision. They looked like a cross between classical Greek statues and high-tech battle armor, golden and imposing and very, very armed.
*[GENETIC SIGHT ACTIVATING]*
*[SCANNING... Complete]*
*[SUBJECTS: Guardian Units - Genomorph hybrids]*
*[Species: Artificial construct/Human genetic hybrid]*
*[Enhancements: Telepathic resistance, enhanced strength (baseline human +800%), tactical AI integration]*
*[Threat Level: Moderate (for current subject)]*
*[ABSORPTION POTENTIAL: Telepathic resistance, tactical programming, enhanced durability]*
The information flow was fascinating, but Connor didn't have time to process it fully because the Guardians immediately moved to attack positions, surrounding him in a perfect triangle formation.
"Your objective is simple," Lex's voice came from speakers around the room. "Neutralize all three opponents without causing permanent damage to the units. They're expensive to replace."
"Are they... people?" Connor asked, studying the Guardians' faces. There was intelligence there, but something empty about their eyes that made his skin crawl.
"They're constructs," Dr. Desmond said. "Genetically engineered, but not truly sentient. Think of them as very sophisticated training equipment."
Connor wasn't entirely convinced, but before he could ask more questions, the first Guardian lunged at him with inhuman speed.
His enhanced reflexes kicked in automatically, and suddenly the world slowed to a crawl. He could see the Guardian's punch coming, track its trajectory, even count the individual servos in its artificial joints as they moved. Connor sidestepped with casual ease, letting the punch whistle past his ear.
The second Guardian came from his left, aiming a haymaker at his ribs. Connor caught the punch in his palm, feeling the construct's enhanced strength meet his Kryptonian physiology with a satisfying *crack* of metal against invulnerable skin.
*[COMBAT ENGAGED]*
*[TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Enemies using coordinated attack pattern Beta-7]*
*[RECOMMENDED STRATEGY: Divide and conquer - separate units to prevent group coordination]*
"Interesting," Connor murmured, then grabbed the second Guardian's wrist and used it as a pivot point to swing himself around and kick the third Guardian square in the chest.
The construct went flying backward, crashed into the far wall with enough force to crack the reinforced surface, and slumped to the ground with sparks flying from its joints.
"Oops," Connor said, looking genuinely apologetic. "Was that too much?"
"Guardian Unit 3 is offline but repairable," Dr. Desmond reported. "Continue the exercise."
The remaining two Guardians adapted immediately, switching to a more cautious approach. They began moving in synchronized patterns, one drawing Connor's attention while the other looked for openings. It was actually impressive tactical thinking for artificial constructs.
Connor decided to test something. Instead of overwhelming them with raw power, he focused on technique, using his speed advantage to stay just out of reach while looking for patterns in their behavior.
*[SKILL UNLOCKED: COMBAT ANALYSIS]*
*[Ability to read opponent attack patterns and predict movement]*
*[Current level: Novice]*
After thirty seconds of careful observation, Connor had mapped their entire behavioral algorithm. Guardian Unit 1 favored direct approaches with power attacks. Guardian Unit 2 was more defensive, focusing on counterstrikes and grappling attempts.
"Okay," Connor said to himself, "let's try something different."
Instead of fighting them, he began moving in specific patterns designed to exploit their programming. He baited Guardian Unit 1 into overextending on a power attack, then used the construct's momentum to send it crashing into Guardian Unit 2. Both units went down in a tangle of artificial limbs and sparking electronics.
"Combat complete," he announced, not even breathing heavily. "Though I'm pretty sure I just found a bug in their tactical software."
There was silence from the observation booth for a long moment. Then Lex began clapping, slow and deliberate.
"Remarkable," Lex said, and for the first time since Connor had woken up, his approval sounded genuine rather than calculating. "You didn't just overpower them—you outthought them. Most subjects rely purely on physical advantages."
"Most subjects," Connor replied, unconsciously echoing Lex's earlier phrasing, "probably don't have time to analyze attack patterns while they're fighting."
*[QUEST COMPLETE: Prove Your Worth]*
*[1000 XP Gained]*
*[LEVEL UP! Current Level: 3]*
*[Combat Skills Package Unlocked]*
*[Access Granted: Cadmus Database Level 2]*
*[Bonus Objective Complete: Impress Lex Luthor]*
*[+1 Absorption Slot gained - Total slots: 2]*
The level-up felt like a warm wave of energy flowing through his entire body. Connor could feel his already impressive capabilities solidifying, becoming more refined and controllable.
*[ATTRIBUTE POINTS AVAILABLE: 10]*
*[RECOMMEND ALLOCATION: +3 INT, +3 WIS, +2 DEX, +2 CHA]*
*[This build optimizes for tactical thinking and social manipulation while maintaining physical advantages]*
Connor mentally allocated the points as suggested, feeling his mind become sharper and more focused almost immediately.
"Dr. Desmond," Lex said, "I think our young friend has earned access to the broader facility. Perhaps it's time he met some of his... siblings."
Connor's enhanced senses picked up the slight hesitation before "siblings," and his newly boosted intelligence immediately began processing implications. Other projects. Other experiments. Other potential sources of abilities to absorb.
"Siblings?" Connor asked, playing curious rather than calculating.
"Oh yes," Lex said with that shark-like smile. "You didn't think you were the only one, did you? Cadmus has been busy, and we've made some truly fascinating breakthroughs. Dr. Desmond, escort KR to the observation deck for Project MATCH. I think he'll find it... educational."
*[NEW QUEST: Family Reunion]*
*[Objective: Investigate other Cadmus projects without revealing true capabilities]*
*[WARNING: Multiple absorption opportunities detected]*
*[HIDDEN OBJECTIVE: Determine which abilities would be most valuable for long-term survival]*
As they left Training Room 7, Connor caught a glimpse of maintenance crews already working to repair the Guardians. The efficiency was impressive—these people were clearly used to dealing with the aftermath of superhuman training sessions.
"Dr. Desmond," Connor said as they walked down another sterile corridor, "what exactly is Project MATCH?"
She glanced at him with those sharp, analytical eyes. "Your predecessor, in a sense. The first attempt at Kryptonian-human hybridization. Less successful than you, but... educational."
*[SYSTEM ALERT: Unknown variables detected]*
*[New players entering scenario]*
*[Threat assessment: Potentially catastrophic to current mission parameters]*
*[Recommendation: Prepare for immediate tactical adaptation]*
Connor paused mid-step. "Dr. Desmond, are we expecting visitors tonight?"
She looked surprised. "No, why?"
"Just a feeling," Connor said, his enhanced senses straining to detect whatever had triggered the system warning. "Like someone's watching the building."
Dr. Desmond tapped her earpiece. "Security, this is Dr. Desmond. Can you confirm all perimeter sensors are clear?"
The response came back crackling with static: "All clear, Doctor. No unusual activity detected."
But Connor's newly enhanced tactical awareness was screaming that something was wrong. The very air seemed to vibrate with potential danger, like the moment before a thunderstorm breaks.
"Perhaps we should postpone the facility tour," Connor suggested, trying to sound casual rather than concerned. "I'd hate for something to interrupt my education."
Lex's voice came through the intercom system. "Nonsense, KR. Cadmus security is more than adequate for any conceivable threat. Besides, I'm curious to see how you react to meeting your family."
*[TACTICAL ANALYSIS ACTIVE]*
*[MULTIPLE APPROACHING SIGNATURES DETECTED]*
*[STEALTH TECHNOLOGY INDICATED]*
*[ESTIMATED TIME TO CONTACT: 12 minutes]*
Connor looked at Dr. Desmond, who was still focused on her clipboard, completely unaware that in less than fifteen minutes, her carefully controlled world was about to get a whole lot more complicated.
"You know what," Connor said, settling into his role as the obedient clone, "I'd love to meet the family. Lead the way."
But internally, he was already planning. Whatever was coming—and his enhanced intuition was pretty sure it involved people in masks with serious trust issues—he needed to be ready. More importantly, he needed to figure out how to survive the encounter without blowing his cover or getting anyone killed.
The system had called them "new players," which suggested they weren't part of the original scenario. Wild cards in a game that was already complicated enough.
Connor Smith, formerly mediocre high school student, now genetically engineered superhuman with cosmic cheat codes, was about to get his first real test.
And he was pretty sure it wasn't going to be anything like the training room.
---
*[CURRENT STATUS]*
*Level: 3*
*XP: 200/2000*
*Available Attribute Points: 0*
*[UPDATED STATS]*
*STR: 95/100*
*CON: 98/100*
*DEX: 77/100*
*INT: 63/100*
*WIS: 48/100*
*CHA: 52/100*
*LCK: 85/100*
*[ACTIVE ABILITIES]*
*- Genetic Sight (Passive)*
*- Kryptonian Physiology (Passive)*
*- Solar Energy Absorption (Passive)*
*- Combat Analysis (Novice)*
*- Superhuman Athletics (Competent)*
*- Tactical Analysis (Basic)*
*[ABSORPTION SLOTS: 0/2]*
*[Potential targets detected: Guardian constructs (telepathic resistance, enhanced durability), Lex Luthor (leadership, strategic thinking), Unknown Project MATCH subject]*
*[ACTIVE QUESTS]*
*- Family Reunion (New)*
*- The Long Game (15% complete)*
*- Hidden: Survive first contact with Batman (Unknown parameters)*
—
The observation deck for Project MATCH turned out to be a glass-walled corridor overlooking what Connor could only describe as a medical nightmare disguised as a laboratory.
Below them, suspended in a tank of bubbling green fluid, floated a figure that looked almost exactly like Connor—same dark hair, same general build, same age. But where Connor's features were sharp and defined, this version looked... wrong. Incomplete. Like someone had tried to photocopy a person but the machine had been running low on ink.
"Meet your older brother," Dr. Desmond said with clinical detachment. "Project MATCH. Our first attempt at combining Kryptonian and human DNA."
*[GENETIC SIGHT ACTIVATING]*
*[SCANNING... Complete]*
*[SUBJECT: Project MATCH - Designation: Failed Kryptonian/Human hybrid]*
*[Species: Unstable genetic chimera]*
*[Status: Cellular degradation, neural pathway corruption, chronic organ failure]*
*[Enhancements: Degraded Kryptonian physiology (15% efficiency), cellular regeneration (failing), super strength (inconsistent)]*
*[ABSORPTION POTENTIAL: Cellular regeneration protocols, genetic adaptation resistance]*
*[WARNING: Subject shows signs of terminal genetic breakdown]*
Connor felt his enhanced senses recoil from what he was seeing. MATCH wasn't just flawed—he was dying, slowly and probably painfully, while being kept alive by the machinery surrounding his tank.
"What went wrong?" Connor asked, surprised by how much genuine concern crept into his voice.
"Genetic incompatibility," Dr. Desmond explained, making notes on her ever-present clipboard. "The Kryptonian cellular structure rejected the human modifications. We've managed to stabilize him for now, but..."
"But he's not going to get better," Connor finished, watching the slow rise and fall of MATCH's chest in the fluid.
"No. However, his cellular regeneration attempts have provided valuable data that went into your creation. In a sense, his suffering has made your perfection possible."
The casual way she said it made Connor's newly enhanced moral compass spin like a broken GPS. This was what Cadmus thought of their "projects"—expendable research data, valuable only for what could be learned from their failures.
*[ETHICAL CONFLICT DETECTED]*
*[QUEST UPDATE: The Long Game]*
*[NEW OBJECTIVE: Determine the fate of other Cadmus subjects]*
*[BONUS OBJECTIVE: Find a way to help MATCH without compromising cover]*
"Are there others?" Connor asked, working to keep his voice level and curious rather than horrified.
Dr. Desmond's expression shifted slightly. "Several. Would you like to meet them?"
*[SYSTEM ANALYSIS]*
*[MULTIPLE ABSORPTION TARGETS DETECTED IN FACILITY]*
*[RECOMMENDATION: Prioritize abilities that provide maximum growth potential]*
*[CURRENT SLOTS: 0/2 - Both slots empty and available]*
"I'd like that," Connor said, settling into the role of the interested student while his enhanced mind began calculating possibilities. "It would be good to understand the full scope of what Cadmus has accomplished."
They moved deeper into the facility, and Connor's enhanced senses began cataloguing an increasing variety of unusual biological signatures. Whatever else Cadmus was doing, they weren't limiting themselves to Kryptonian genetics.
The first stop was a containment cell that looked more like a high-tech zoo exhibit than a laboratory. Inside, a young woman with pale skin and silver hair sat cross-legged on the floor, apparently meditating. Her eyes were closed, but Connor could see the air around her shimmering with barely visible distortions.
*[GENETIC SIGHT ACTIVATING]*
*[SCANNING... Complete]*
*[SUBJECT: Unknown designation - Psychic enhancement project]*
*[Species: Human (Heavily modified)]*
*[Enhancements: Telepathic abilities, telekinetic manipulation, psychic shielding, mental processing acceleration]*
*[Threat Level: High (Mental/Psychic)]*
*[ABSORPTION POTENTIAL: Telepathic abilities, mental shielding, cognitive acceleration]*
*[NOTE: Subject appears to have achieved stable integration of enhancements]*
"Project MINDBRIDGE," Dr. Desmond said. "Psychic enhancement through targeted genetic modification. She can read minds, move objects with thought, and process information at roughly ten times normal human rates."
"Is she... happy?" Connor asked, watching the woman's serene expression.
"Happiness is a complex metric," Dr. Desmond replied. "She's functional, stable, and serves her purpose effectively. What more could one ask for?"
*[ABSORPTION OPPORTUNITY: MINDBRIDGE]*
*[TELEPATHIC ABILITIES would provide significant tactical advantage]*
*[Growth potential: Extreme - Mental powers scale exponentially with development]*
*[Recommended for Slot 1]*
Connor nodded thoughtfully while his system analyzed the potential benefits. Telepathic abilities would be incredibly useful, especially if he could develop them beyond their current baseline. But something about the woman's enforced serenity bothered him.
The next stop made Connor's enhanced senses scream in alarm before he even saw what was inside.
The containment unit was different from the others—heavily reinforced, with what looked like energy dampeners built into the walls. Through the reinforced glass, Connor could see a figure that looked mostly human except for the patches of what appeared to be living metal covering roughly thirty percent of his body.
*[GENETIC SIGHT ACTIVATING]*
*[SCANNING... Complete]*
*[SUBJECT: Project UPGRADE - Technological integration experiment]*
*[Species: Human/Artificial hybrid]*
*[Enhancements: Cybernetic integration, technological interface capability, adaptive learning systems, self-repair protocols]*
*[Threat Level: Extreme (Technological/Adaptive)]*
*[ABSORPTION POTENTIAL: Technological interface, adaptive learning protocols, self-improvement systems]*
*[NOTE: Subject shows signs of continuous self-modification]*
"Project UPGRADE," Dr. Desmond said with what might have been pride. "We've successfully integrated living tissue with advanced artificial intelligence. He can interface directly with any technological system, learn new skills at superhuman rates, and continuously improve his own capabilities."
Connor watched as the figure inside the cell casually reached out and touched a wall panel. Immediately, every screen in the area began displaying what looked like diagnostic information scrolling past faster than normal human vision could track.
"He's learning about us right now, isn't he?" Connor asked.
"Oh yes. Every second of observation teaches him something new. We estimate his effective intelligence doubles roughly every three months."
*[ABSORPTION OPPORTUNITY: UPGRADE]*
*[ADAPTIVE LEARNING would provide unlimited growth potential]*
*[Growth potential: Maximum - Self-improving capabilities with no apparent ceiling]*
*[WARNING: May fundamentally alter thought patterns]*
*[Recommended for Slot 2]*
The implications were staggering. If Connor could absorb UPGRADE's adaptive learning capabilities, he would essentially become a living learning machine, able to continuously improve all his other abilities without limit.
But the patches of living metal on the subject's body suggested the enhancement came with significant physical changes.
"Are there any... side effects to his modifications?" Connor asked.
Dr. Desmond hesitated. "Some personality drift. Increased emotional detachment. A tendency to view problems in purely optimization terms rather than considering human factors. But these are acceptable trade-offs for the capabilities gained."
*[ETHICAL WARNING: Subject shows signs of dehumanization]*
*[ABSORPTION RISK: Personality modification possible]*
Connor was beginning to see the pattern. Every enhancement came with costs that Cadmus considered "acceptable" but that transformed their subjects into something less than fully human.
"Doctor," Connor said carefully, "how many other projects are active in the facility?"
She consulted her clipboard. "Seventeen active subjects across eight different enhancement categories. Would you like to see the others?"
*[SYSTEM RECOMMENDATION]*
*[CURRENT ANALYSIS: MINDBRIDGE and UPGRADE represent optimal risk/reward ratio]*
*[TELEPATHIC ABILITIES + ADAPTIVE LEARNING = Maximum versatility and growth potential]*
*[WARNING: Both absorptions will require extended contact time]*
Connor was about to respond when alarms began blaring throughout the facility.
"SECURITY BREACH. LOCKDOWN PROTOCOLS ACTIVATED. ALL PERSONNEL TO SECURE POSITIONS."
Dr. Desmond's calm demeanor cracked like thin ice. "That's impossible. Our security systems are—"
The lights went out.
Emergency power kicked in a moment later, bathing everything in red light that made the facility look like something out of a horror movie. But Connor's enhanced vision had no trouble seeing in the dark, and what he saw through the observation windows made his tactical analysis abilities scream warnings.
Figures in black moving through the lower levels with military precision. Multiple entry points. Coordinated assault patterns that spoke of extensive training and preparation.
*[SYSTEM ALERT: "New players" have arrived]*
*[THREAT ASSESSMENT: Elite human operatives with advanced equipment]*
*[ESTIMATED CAPABILITIES: Batman-level tactical planning and execution]*
*[RECOMMENDATION: Immediate tactical adaptation required]*
"Dr. Desmond," Connor said with carefully controlled urgency, "we need to move. Now."
She was frantically tapping her earpiece. "Security, respond. Security, please respond."
Only static came back.
Connor made a decision that would have far-reaching consequences. Instead of playing the confused clone waiting for orders, he stepped into a leadership role.
"The facility is under attack by professionals," he said with calm authority. "They've neutralized communications and are moving to secure all levels. We have maybe five minutes before they reach this section."
Dr. Desmond stared at him. "How could you possibly—"
"Enhanced senses," Connor said simply. "I can hear them moving through the ventilation system. Three separate teams, military-grade equipment, probably here for intelligence gathering rather than destruction. Which means they want prisoners, not bodies."
*[LEADERSHIP MOMENT DETECTED]*
*[CHARISMA CHECK: Success]*
*[Dr. Desmond is now looking to you for guidance]*
"What do you recommend?" she asked, and Connor realized this was his chance to take control of the situation.
"First, I need to know—can the enhanced subjects defend themselves, or are they just going to be victims when the intruders reach them?"
Dr. Desmond looked torn between protocol and practicality. "Some of them... MINDBRIDGE could certainly protect herself. UPGRADE as well. But MATCH is too unstable, and several others are in various stages of sedation or treatment."
Connor nodded, his enhanced tactical analysis already running through possibilities. This was his opportunity to both fill his absorption slots and potentially save lives, but he needed to move fast.
"I'm going to help defend the facility," Connor announced, surprising himself with how natural the decision felt. "But first, I need to understand the full capabilities we're working with. I want direct contact with MINDBRIDGE and UPGRADE—tactical assessment purposes."
"Connor... KR, that's extremely dangerous. Direct contact with enhanced subjects requires extensive safety protocols—"
"Dr. Desmond," Connor said, letting just a hint of his Kryptonian strength color his voice, "in about three minutes, people with military training and very expensive equipment are going to start breaching these containment areas. We can either work together to protect your research, or we can watch it all get destroyed or stolen while we follow safety protocols."
She looked at him for a long moment, clearly weighing her options. Then the facility shook as something exploded several floors below them.
"Fine," she said, pulling out an emergency keycard. "But if this goes wrong—"
"It won't," Connor said with more confidence than he felt. "Trust me."
*[QUEST UPDATE: Family Reunion]*
*[NEW OBJECTIVE: Protect Cadmus subjects while absorbing key abilities]*
*[TIME LIMIT: Estimated 8 minutes before facility breach]*
*[BONUS OBJECTIVE: Establish leadership role for long-term strategic advantage]*
As Dr. Desmond led him toward MINDBRIDGE's containment area, Connor's enhanced hearing picked up the sound of reinforced doors being systematically breached from below. Whatever was coming, it was thorough, professional, and getting closer.
But Connor Smith, formerly average teenager, now genetically enhanced superhuman with cosmic cheat codes, was about to get his first real test of whether he could be the hero this situation needed.
And with two absorption slots to fill and a facility full of enhanced subjects to protect, he was pretty sure this night was going to be very, very interesting.
*[ESTIMATED TIME TO CONTACT WITH INTRUDERS: 6 minutes, 30 seconds]*
*[SYSTEM RECOMMENDATION: Begin absorption protocols immediately]*
*[CURRENT ABSORPTION TARGETS: MINDBRIDGE (Telepathic abilities), UPGRADE (Adaptive learning)]*
*[WARNING: Absorption requires physical contact and approximately 60 seconds per target]*
Connor looked through the reinforced glass at MINDBRIDGE's serene face and UPGRADE's metal-patched form, then at Dr. Desmond's keycard, then at the red emergency lights flashing their countdown to chaos.
"Let's do this," he said, and stepped forward to meet his destiny.
---
*[SYSTEM STATUS UPDATE]*
*[PREPARATION PHASE: Active]*
*[ABSORPTION SLOTS: 0/2 (Ready for immediate filling)]*
*[TACTICAL SITUATION: Escalating rapidly]*
*[HERO DEVELOPMENT: Beginning true test phase]*
—
**Meanwhile, Seven Levels Above...**
Batman moved through the Cadmus facility like a shadow given purpose and a very specific grudge against illegal human experimentation.
The building's schematics had been accurate—up to a point. What they hadn't shown were the additional six sublevel that extended deep enough to qualify as a legitimate mining operation, the biometric scanners disguised as decorative wall panels, or the fact that every single "maintenance corridor" was actually a kill zone designed to funnel intruders into carefully prepared ambush points.
Fortunately, Batman had been expecting that level of paranoia. Anyone crazy enough to steal Kryptonian DNA and start cooking up clones probably didn't get there by trusting their building's security to standard blueprints.
"Robin, status report," Batman's voice was barely a whisper through the comm system as he disabled his third motion sensor in as many minutes.
"External security is a joke," came Jason Todd's cocky thirteen-year-old voice through the earpiece. "Seriously, B, whoever designed this place spent all their money on the underground bunker and bought their perimeter defense from a discount catalog. I've looped their camera feeds, spoofed their motion detectors, and convinced their computers that tonight is 'Take Your Daughter to Work Day' so nobody's supposed to be here anyway."
"Don't get overconfident," Batman warned, though privately he was impressed. Jason's technical skills had improved dramatically over the past six months. "This is exactly the kind of facility that looks easy to infiltrate until it isn't."
"Nightwing to Batman," Dick's voice crackled through the comm. "I'm seeing some interesting architecture down here. These aren't just laboratories—some of these rooms look like they're designed to contain Class 5 metahuman incidents. What exactly are we expecting to find?"
Batman paused at a junction in the corridor, his enhanced cowl analyzing air currents and detecting at least three different human scents, plus something else his computer couldn't identify. "Unknown. But given the power consumption readings and the level of security, assume anything up to and including Superman-level threats."
"Copy that," came Barbara's voice from deeper in the facility. "Speaking of Superman-level threats, I'm picking up some unusual energy readings from Sublevel 7. Whatever they're doing down there is drawing enough power to run a small city."
Batman processed this information while simultaneously picking the lock on what appeared to be a maintenance door but was probably something much more important. The lock was interesting—not just electronic, but requiring a specific genetic signature to open. Fortunately, he'd come prepared for that eventuality.
"Batgirl, can you access their computer systems from your position?"
"Working on it," Barbara replied, and Batman could hear the rapid clicking of keys through the comm. "Their security is... wow, actually, it's really impressive. Military-grade encryption with some kind of adaptive countermeasures. It's like the system is learning from my intrusion attempts and adjusting its defenses in real time."
That was concerning. Adaptive security systems suggested AI involvement, which raised the question of exactly what kind of resources Cadmus had at their disposal.
The genetic lock clicked open, and Batman slipped through the doorway into what appeared to be an observation corridor overlooking several laboratory spaces. What he saw made his jaw clench with barely controlled anger.
Test subjects. Dozens of them.
Some appeared to be sleeping in what looked like medical observation units. Others were suspended in tanks filled with bubbling fluid that gave off an eerie green glow. A few were in what could only be described as high-tech prison cells, sitting quietly in poses that suggested either deep meditation or profound resignation.
"Team, we have confirmation of human experimentation," Batman said into his comm, his voice carrying the kind of cold fury that made Gotham's criminals check their insurance policies. "Multiple subjects, various enhancement procedures. This is a full-scale illegal research operation."
"How many subjects?" Dick asked.
Batman began counting, his cowl's systems cataloging each individual while simultaneously running facial recognition scans. "At least seventeen visible, possibly more in areas I can't observe from this position. Mixed ages, ethnicities, both male and female. Some appear to be voluntary subjects, others..."
He paused at one observation window. Inside the room, a young woman with silver hair sat perfectly still, her eyes closed in apparent meditation. But Batman's enhanced vision could see the micro-expressions of pain that flickered across her face every few seconds, and the barely perceptible trembling in her hands that suggested whatever was being done to her was not entirely pleasant.
"Others appear to be under duress," Batman finished grimly.
"B, we've got movement on the upper levels," Jason's voice came through with sudden urgency. "Looks like security teams mobilizing. Three groups, heavily armed, moving to secure what looks like VIP areas."
"How long before they reach our positions?" Batman asked, already moving toward the next checkpoint.
"Maybe five minutes if they maintain current pace. But boss, these aren't regular security guards. I'm seeing military-grade equipment, coordinated movement patterns, and what looks like some kind of enhanced body armor. These guys are pros."
Batman absorbed this information while simultaneously analyzing the facility's layout. If Cadmus was mobilizing this level of security, it meant either they'd detected the intrusion or something else was happening that required immediate containment.
"Nightwing, Batgirl, accelerate your timelines. We may not have as much time as we thought."
"Copy that," Dick responded. "I'm seeing increased activity down here too. Automated systems coming online, blast doors sealing, emergency lighting activated. It's like they're preparing for a siege."
Barbara's voice cut through the comm with sharp concern. "Batman, I've broken through their first layer of security, and you need to hear this. They're not just experimenting on random subjects—they've got Superman's DNA. Active Kryptonian genetic material, and they're using it to create..."
Her voice trailed off, and Batman could hear rapid typing through the comm.
"Barbara?"
"Batman, they've created a Kryptonian clone. Designation 'Project KR,' based on Superman's genetic template but with significant human modifications. And according to these logs, he became conscious approximately forty minutes ago."
The implications hit Batman like a physical blow. A clone of Superman, created by people with unknown motives and questionable ethics, awakening in a facility full of other enhanced subjects while his team was in the middle of an infiltration mission.
"Current status of Project KR?" Batman asked, already knowing he wasn't going to like the answer.
"Unknown. But Batman, the power readings I detected earlier? They're coming from a training facility seven levels down, and the energy signatures are consistent with..." Barbara paused, clearly double-checking her readings. "They're consistent with Kryptonian-level strength and speed."
Batman's tactical mind immediately began running through contingencies. If they encountered a Superman-level opponent, their mission parameters changed dramatically. They were equipped for intelligence gathering and hostage rescue, not fighting someone who could bench-press aircraft carriers.
"New objective," Batman said into the comm. "Intelligence gathering is now secondary to subject extraction. If we can't neutralize the threat, we evacuate the victims and regroup for a larger operation."
"Understood," came three voices simultaneously.
Batman reached another junction and paused, consulting his cowl's mapping system. According to the facility schematics, the main laboratory complex was three levels down and two corridors east. But his instincts were telling him to go deeper, toward the source of those unusual power readings Barbara had detected.
Sometimes, in situations like this, the best strategy was to go directly toward the most dangerous unknown rather than trying to avoid it.
"Robin, I need you to maintain overwatch and be ready for immediate extraction. If this goes sideways, we may need to leave in a hurry."
"Got it, B. Though for the record, when do our missions not go sideways?"
Despite the situation, Batman found himself almost smiling. Jason's irreverent attitude was going to get him in trouble someday, but it was also exactly the kind of flexible thinking that made him valuable in unpredictable situations.
"Nightwing, Batgirl, converge on Sublevel 7. Whatever Project KR is, that's where we'll find him."
Batman began moving deeper into the facility, his enhanced senses cataloging every detail of his environment. The air smelled like disinfectant and ozone, with an underlying metallic scent that suggested large amounts of electrical equipment. The walls were reinforced beyond anything a normal research facility would require, and the emergency lighting cast everything in a red glow that made the place look like something out of a horror movie.
As he descended toward Sublevel 7, Batman could hear voices echoing through the corridors below—calm, professional discussion that suggested whatever was happening, it wasn't panic. Yet.
But Batman's years of experience told him that was about to change very quickly.
He reached the final checkpoint before the main laboratory level and paused, listening. Enhanced voices, moving with purpose. Emergency protocols being activated. And underneath it all, a sound his trained ear recognized immediately: someone with superhuman speed moving through the facility.
"Team," Batman said quietly into his comm, "we have active metahuman movement on Sublevel 7. Approach with extreme caution and be prepared for immediate combat."
Batman stepped through the final doorway and into whatever was waiting below, knowing that in the next few minutes, his team was going to encounter something that would test every skill they'd developed and every piece of equipment they carried.
Somewhere in the facility below, a seventeen-year-old boy with the power of a god was about to meet the world's greatest detective.
Neither of them was fully prepared for what was about to happen next.
---
*[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: Enemy forces have successfully infiltrated facility]*
*[ESTIMATED TIME TO CONTACT: 2 minutes, 15 seconds]*
*[THREAT LEVEL: Extreme - Batman-class tactical capabilities detected]*
*[RECOMMENDATION: Complete absorption protocols immediately]*
*[WARNING: Discovery by hostile forces will complicate all future operations]*
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