Connor's enhanced hearing picked up the subtle sounds of tactical boots moving through ventilation shafts three levels above them. Professional. Coordinated. And getting closer by the second.
"Dr. Desmond," Connor said, his voice carrying newfound authority, "I need immediate access to MINDBRIDGE and UPGRADE. Physical contact for tactical assessment."
She hesitated, keycard in hand. "The safety protocols—"
"Are about to become irrelevant when armed intruders start breaching containment areas," Connor interrupted. "We have maybe ninety seconds before they reach this level. I can help protect your research, but I need to understand what we're working with."
The facility shuddered as another explosion echoed from above. Dr. Desmond's scientific caution crumbled in the face of immediate necessity.
"Fine," she said, swiping the keycard. "But if the subjects become unstable—"
"They won't," Connor said with confidence he didn't entirely feel, then stepped into MINDBRIDGE's containment area.
The young woman with silver hair opened her eyes as he approached, and Connor immediately felt the strangest sensation—like someone gently knocking on the inside of his skull.
*Who are you?* The voice appeared directly in his mind, curious rather than hostile.
*Someone who's going to help you,* Connor thought back, hoping his telepathic response would work. *But I need something from you first.*
Her eyes widened slightly. *You can hear me. How interesting.* She stood gracefully, moving with the fluid precision of someone completely comfortable with her enhanced capabilities. *What do you need?*
*Your abilities,* Connor thought honestly. *There are people coming who want to hurt everyone in this facility. I can protect you, but I need to understand how your powers work.*
MINDBRIDGE studied him for a moment, her head tilted like she was listening to something only she could hear. Then she smiled—the first genuine expression Connor had seen from any of the enhanced subjects.
*You're not what you appear to be, are you?* she thought to him. *There's something... different about your mind. Layered. Like you're carrying more than one lifetime of experience.*
Connor's enhanced senses detected the sound of blast doors being breached two levels up. They were running out of time.
*Can you help me or not?* he asked.
Instead of answering, she reached out and placed her hand on his forehead.
The world exploded into sensation.
*[ABSORPTION INITIATED: MINDBRIDGE]*
*[TELEPATHIC ABILITIES DETECTED]*
*[GENETIC INTEGRATION: 15%... 30%... 60%... COMPLETE]*
*[NEW ABILITIES UNLOCKED]*
*- Telepathy (Novice): Read surface thoughts, basic mental communication*
*- Mental Shielding (Basic): Resist psychic intrusion and mental manipulation*
*- Cognitive Acceleration (Passive): Process information at 3x normal human rate*
Connor gasped as his mind suddenly expanded to accommodate new sensory input. He could feel Dr. Desmond's anxiety through the observation window, sense the focused determination of the approaching tactical teams, and even catch fragments of thoughts from other enhanced subjects throughout the facility.
But more than that, he could feel MINDBRIDGE's memories flowing through the connection—months of isolation, of being treated like a valuable resource rather than a person, of using her abilities to help Cadmus catalog and control other enhanced subjects.
*They're not evil,* she projected to him, her mental voice tinged with complex emotions. *But they don't see us as people anymore. We're investments to be protected and assets to be utilized.*
*That's going to change,* Connor promised, then gently broke the connection. "Thank you."
She nodded, settling back into her meditation pose. *Be careful. The ones coming aren't here to rescue us—they're here to study us, just like Cadmus. Different methods, same objectification.*
Connor filed that warning away and moved quickly to UPGRADE's containment area. Dr. Desmond was frantically working her keycard, her hands shaking as the facility's alarm systems shifted to a more urgent tone.
UPGRADE looked up as Connor entered, and Connor immediately noticed the difference. Where MINDBRIDGE had been serene, UPGRADE was intensely focused, his partially mechanical face analyzing Connor with the precision of a high-end scanner.
"Designation: Project KR," UPGRADE said, his voice carrying subtle electronic harmonics. "Genetic baseline: Kryptonian/Human hybrid. Current status: Recently activated. Purpose: Unknown but likely tactical."
Connor approached carefully. "I need your help. There are hostile forces in the facility, and we need to protect the other subjects."
UPGRADE's metal-patched head tilted slightly. "Define 'protect.' Are you proposing cooperation between enhanced assets, or are you attempting to manipulate me into serving Cadmus interests?"
The direct question caught Connor off guard. Unlike MINDBRIDGE's gentle probing, UPGRADE's approach was purely analytical. "I'm proposing we work together to make sure nobody gets killed or dissected tonight."
"Acceptable parameters," UPGRADE said, then reached out and grasped Connor's hand.
The absorption was completely different from MINDBRIDGE's gentle mental touch. This felt like plugging into a high-voltage power line while simultaneously downloading the entire internet directly into his brain.
*[ABSORPTION INITIATED: UPGRADE]*
*[TECHNOLOGICAL INTEGRATION PROTOCOLS DETECTED]*
*[GENETIC INTEGRATION: 20%... 45%... 75%... COMPLETE]*
*[NEW ABILITIES UNLOCKED]*
*- Technological Interface (Advanced): Direct mental connection to electronic systems*
*- Adaptive Learning (Passive): Rapidly acquire and integrate new skills and knowledge*
*- System Analysis (Expert): Understand and optimize complex systems*
*- Self-Improvement Protocols (Active): Continuously upgrade existing capabilities*
Connor felt his mind expand again, but this time in a completely different direction. Where the telepathic abilities had opened him to other minds, the technological interface connected him to every electronic system in the facility. Security cameras became his eyes, motion sensors became his nerves, and the facility's computer network became an extension of his consciousness.
He could see Batman moving through the upper levels with professional precision, could track Nightwing's approach through the service tunnels, could monitor Batgirl's systematic infiltration of the computer systems—and she was good, probably the best hacker he'd ever observed, but now he was better.
*[FACILITY NETWORK ACCESS: COMPLETE]*
*[SECURITY SYSTEMS: Under Player control]*
*[ENHANCED SUBJECTS STATUS: 17 active, 3 critical, 12 stable, 2 unknown]*
*[BATMAN TACTICAL ASSESSMENT: Extreme threat level - Recommend immediate strategic adaptation]*
"Fascinating," UPGRADE said, releasing Connor's hand. "You've just absorbed approximately fifteen years of technological development and integration protocols in thirty seconds. Your adaptive capacity is remarkable."
Connor nodded, still processing the flood of new capabilities. "How long before the intruders reach this level?"
UPGRADE's eyes flickered with electronic light. "Based on current infiltration patterns and security system failures... forty-seven seconds."
Dr. Desmond's voice came through the intercom: "KR, we need to evacuate to the secure levels. Cadmus security is mobilizing, but these intruders have neutralized our primary defenses."
Connor looked at UPGRADE, then used his new technological interface to access the facility's camera systems. In thirty seconds, he had a complete tactical picture of the situation.
Batman and his team were systematically dismantling Cadmus security while moving toward the enhanced subject containment areas. They weren't here to steal research or eliminate threats—they were here to extract prisoners.
They thought they were the heroes.
In fairness, Connor realized, they probably were.
*[ETHICAL ASSESSMENT COMPLETE]*
*[CADMUS: Illegal human experimentation, treating enhanced subjects as property]*
*[BATMAN TEAM: Attempting to liberate subjects from unethical research facility]*
*[RECOMMENDED ACTION: Tactical alliance with Batman team]*
*[WARNING: This will require abandoning Cadmus cover identity]*
Connor made a decision that would change everything.
"Dr. Desmond," he said through the intercom, "I'm going to handle the intruders. But not the way you think."
Before she could respond, Connor used his technological interface to lock down her observation booth—not trapping her, but preventing her from interfering with what happened next.
He turned to UPGRADE. "How do you feel about a change of scenery?"
UPGRADE's mechanical features shifted into what might have been a smile. "I have been calculating escape scenarios for approximately four months. If you're proposing liberation rather than continued captivity, I find the parameters acceptable."
Connor nodded, then opened his mind to MINDBRIDGE. *We're leaving. All of us. The people coming aren't perfect, but they're better than Cadmus.*
*I was hoping you'd say that,* came her mental response. *Most of the others are ready to go. MATCH is too unstable to move, but the rest of us... we've been waiting for someone like you.*
*Someone like me?*
*Someone with the power to fight back and the wisdom not to become what Cadmus wanted us to be.*
Connor felt something settle into place in his chest—purpose, maybe, or just the realization that for the first time since waking up in this sterile nightmare, he was about to do something that felt right.
*[QUEST UPDATE: Family Reunion COMPLETE]*
*[NEW QUEST: Liberation]*
*[Objective: Assist Batman team in subject extraction]*
*[Bonus Objective: Establish long-term alliance with heroic forces]*
*[WARNING: This action will permanently alter relationship with Cadmus]*
Connor walked to the main corridor, UPGRADE beside him, and waited. His enhanced hearing detected the approaching footsteps, his technological interface tracked their movement through the facility's sensor grid, and his new tactical analysis capabilities began calculating the best approach for what was about to be a very interesting first meeting.
Thirty seconds later, a figure in black dropped through a ceiling access panel with the fluid grace of someone who had been doing this for years.
Batman.
In person, he was simultaneously exactly what Connor had expected and completely different. The cape, the cowl, the imposing presence—all perfect matches for every comic book image Connor had ever seen. But there was something else, something the comics had never quite captured: an aura of absolute competence, like this was a person who had looked at the world's problems and decided he was personally responsible for solving them.
Batman's eyes fixed on Connor, and Connor could feel the intensity of that gaze even through the cowl. This was a man who could read people like books, who noticed everything and forgot nothing.
"Project KR," Batman said, his voice carrying the kind of authority that made hardened criminals confess their crimes. "Step away from the enhanced subject."
Connor raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Actually, it's Connor. And I'm not here to fight you."
Batman's stance shifted slightly, becoming more alert. "You're Cadmus property. Genetically engineered weapon designed to counter Superman."
"I was," Connor agreed. "But I've recently decided that being someone's property isn't really working for me. So I'd like to propose an alternative."
He gestured to UPGRADE, who stepped forward with mechanical precision. "We'd like to help you liberate everyone in this facility. All the enhanced subjects, all the test victims, everyone Cadmus has been treating like lab equipment instead of people."
Batman studied him for a long moment, and Connor could almost see the tactical calculations running behind those white lenses.
"This could be a trap," Batman said finally.
"It could be," Connor agreed. "But MINDBRIDGE is telepathic, so she can verify I'm telling the truth. UPGRADE can interface with the facility's computer systems to prove we've been prisoners, not willing participants. And I can demonstrate that I have zero interest in being Cadmus's weapon by helping you tear their operation apart."
*[DIPLOMATIC CHECK: Success]*
*[Batman is now considering alliance rather than immediate conflict]*
*[CHARISMA +1 from successful negotiation under pressure]*
Batman's communicator crackled to life. "Batman, we've got eyes on multiple enhanced subjects. Some appear to be in medical distress, others are conscious and alert. What are your orders?"
"Nightwing," Batman responded, never taking his eyes off Connor, "delay extraction until I've assessed the situation. We may have a complication."
"The good kind or the bad kind?" came Dick Grayson's voice through the comm.
Batman looked at Connor, who was standing calmly with his hands raised, making no threatening moves despite clearly possessing the physical capability to punch through the reinforced walls.
"Unknown," Batman said. "But possibly the kind that makes our mission significantly easier."
Connor smiled, and for the first time since waking up in Cadmus, it felt completely genuine. "Batman, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful partnership."
*[QUEST COMPLETED: Liberation - Phase 1]*
*[New Relationship Established: Batman (Cautious Alliance)]*
*[XP GAINED: 1500]*
*[LEVEL UP! Current Level: 4]*
*[NEW QUEST UNLOCKED: Prove Your Worth - Heroes Edition]*
*[Objective: Demonstrate heroic intentions through actions]*
*[Reward: Permanent alliance with Batman family]*
*[Bonus Objective: Successfully rescue all Cadmus subjects]*
*[Bonus Reward: Access to Justice League resources and training]*
Connor looked at Batman, then at UPGRADE, then used his technological interface to open every containment cell in the facility simultaneously.
"Shall we go save some people?" he asked.
And for the first time in his very short life, Connor felt like he was exactly where he belonged.
The liberation of Cadmus Facility began with the systematic precision of a Batman operation and quickly escalated into something that would have made the Justice League take notice.
Connor's technological interface made him the perfect inside man. Within seconds of deciding to ally with Batman, he had complete control of the facility's security systems, life support, and containment protocols. Every door, every camera, every electronic lock became an extension of his consciousness.
"Nightwing, Batgirl," Batman's voice crackled through the comm as Connor opened every containment cell simultaneously, "we have seventeen enhanced subjects being released. Some may be hostile, others may be in medical distress. Prioritize civilian safety and medical evacuation."
"Copy that," came Dick's voice. "Though B, when you say 'enhanced subjects,' exactly how enhanced are we talking?"
Connor answered before Batman could respond. "Psychic abilities, technological integration, enhanced physical capabilities, genetic modifications, and at least three subjects with unstable cellular matrices who need immediate medical attention."
Batman's cowled head turned toward Connor. "You can access their medical files?"
"I can access everything," Connor said simply, his consciousness flowing through the facility's computer network. "Every experiment, every test result, every subject profile. And Batman? Some of these people have been here for over two years."
The weight of that statement settled over both of them. Two years of illegal human experimentation, hidden beneath a legitimate research facility.
"Robin," Batman said into his comm, "we're going to need medical evacuation for multiple subjects. Contact Oracle and have her prep emergency medical services. Tell them to expect unusual cases."
*[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]*
*[MULTIPLE ABSORPTION TARGETS DETECTED]*
*[RECOMMENDATION: Scan and catalog all subjects for potential ability acquisition]*
*[NEW FEATURE UNLOCKED: GENETIC INVENTORY SYSTEM]*
*[Abilities can now be stored for later integration - Additional absorption slots unlock every 10 levels]*
The system's new feature was perfectly timed. Connor could scan and catalog abilities without immediately absorbing them, saving them for when he had the slots available.
"I need to check on the other subjects," Connor told Batman. "Some of them are going to be confused, scared, or potentially dangerous when they wake up to find their cells open."
Batman nodded. "UPGRADE, can you assist with facility systems while Connor handles subject management?"
UPGRADE stepped forward, his metal-patched features analytical. "I can maintain security lockdown on upper levels to prevent Cadmus personnel from interfering, while ensuring all subjects have clear evacuation routes."
"Perfect," Connor said, then opened his enhanced senses to their fullest extent.
The facility became a three-dimensional map in his mind. He could see every subject, track their vital signs, assess their psychological state through a combination of his technological interface and newly acquired telepathic abilities.
*[GENETIC SIGHT: FACILITY SCAN INITIATED]*
*[SUBJECTS DETECTED: 17 ACTIVE, 3 CRITICAL]*
Connor moved through the facility with superhuman speed, Batman and his team following as he quickly assessed each subject:
**Subject 1: MINDBRIDGE** - Already freed, telepathically coordinating with other awakening subjects to prevent panic.
**Subject 2: UPGRADE** - Active ally, managing technical aspects of escape.
**Subject 3: Project MATCH** - Critical condition, genetic breakdown accelerating. *[ABSORPTION POTENTIAL: Cellular regeneration (degraded), Kryptonian resistance protocols]*
**Subject 4: PSYCHE** - Enhanced precognitive abilities, currently experiencing temporal displacement confusion. *[ABSORPTION POTENTIAL: Future sight, temporal awareness]*
**Subject 5: ARSENAL** - Body can transform into various weapons and defensive configurations. *[ABSORPTION POTENTIAL: Shape-shifting, weapon generation]*
**Subject 6: GUARDIAN** - Enhanced physical capabilities, tactical coordination abilities. *[ABSORPTION POTENTIAL: Combat coordination, leadership enhancement]*
Connor continued his rapid assessment, his system cataloging each potential ability while he focused on immediate rescue priorities.
"MINDBRIDGE," Connor projected telepathically, "can you help keep everyone calm while we evacuate?"
*Already on it,* came her mental response. *Most of them are scared but cooperative. PSYCHE is having trouble distinguishing between present and future timelines, and MATCH...*
*I know about MATCH. We'll get him medical help.*
Connor reached the subject who concerned him most - a young man whose body was partially crystalline, lying unconscious in a specialized containment unit that was obviously designed for someone with dangerous, uncontrolled abilities.
*[GENETIC SIGHT: SUBJECT ANALYSIS]*
*[DESIGNATION: PROJECT PRISM - Crystal-based energy manipulation]*
*[STATUS: Conscious but suppressed by neural inhibitors]*
*[ENHANCEMENTS: Energy absorption, energy redirection, crystalline armor generation]*
*[ABSORPTION POTENTIAL: Energy manipulation, defensive crystallization]*
*[WARNING: Subject's abilities are currently critical mass - removal of inhibitors may cause explosive energy release]*
"Batman," Connor called out, "we have a problem. PRISM's containment isn't just keeping him prisoner - it's preventing him from going critical. If we just extract him, he could level several city blocks."
Batman appeared beside him with that unnerving way he had of moving silently despite wearing a cape. "Options?"
Connor's enhanced mind, boosted by his new cognitive acceleration, ran through possibilities. "I can absorb enough of his energy to stabilize him, but I'll need direct contact. Or MINDBRIDGE might be able to help him gain conscious control through telepathic link. Or..." he paused, accessing the facility's technical specifications, "we could gradually reduce the neural inhibitors while monitoring his energy output."
"Time frame?"
"For gradual reduction? Twenty minutes minimum. For absorption or telepathic intervention? Two minutes, but higher risk."
Before Batman could respond, the facility's main lights suddenly cut out, replaced by harsh red emergency illumination. An alarm that Connor hadn't heard before began blaring - not the security breach alarm, but something that made his enhanced senses scream danger.
"That's the containment breach alarm," UPGRADE's voice came through Connor's technological interface. "Something on the upper levels just broke free."
Connor immediately accessed the facility's camera systems and felt his enhanced heart skip a beat.
Lex Luthor, wearing a suit of power armor that looked like it had been designed by someone with a PhD in "making Superman nervous," was systematically smashing through security doors with the kind of casual violence that suggested he was very, very angry about his investment being liberated.
*[GENETIC SIGHT: LONG-RANGE SCAN]*
*[SUBJECT: Lex Luthor in Advanced Combat Armor]*
*[ENHANCEMENTS: Kryptonite energy projectors, strength amplification (200x baseline human), tactical AI assistance, energy shielding]*
*[THREAT LEVEL: EXTREME - Specifically designed to counter Kryptonian physiology]*
*[ESTIMATED ARRIVAL TIME: 3 minutes, 47 seconds]*
"Batman," Connor said with forced calm, "Lex Luthor just showed up in a suit designed to kill Superman. He'll be here in under four minutes."
Batman's expression somehow became grimmer than Connor had thought possible. "Capabilities?"
"Kryptonite weapons, enhanced strength, energy shields, and what looks like enough firepower to level this entire sublevel." Connor paused, processing the tactical situation. "He's not here to negotiate."
"Team status," Batman said into his comm.
"Nightwing here, I've got six subjects secured and ready for evacuation," came Dick's voice. "But B, some of these people haven't been outside in months. They're going to need serious medical and psychological support."
"Batgirl reporting," Barbara's voice followed. "I've downloaded their entire database. Every experiment, every test result, enough evidence to shut down this operation permanently. But we need to move - I'm detecting massive power buildups from the upper levels."
"Robin, extraction status?"
"Batplane is prepped and ready," Jason's voice carried his usual cocky confidence. "But if we're dealing with Luthor in a power suit, we might want to consider the 'run away and regroup' option."
Connor looked at Batman, then at the remaining subjects who needed evacuation, then at PRISM's critical containment system.
"I can buy you time," Connor said. "My abilities counter most of what that suit can do, and I've got advantages Luthor doesn't know about."
"Connor," Batman said, and for the first time, he used Connor's actual name rather than his designation, "that suit was designed to kill Superman. You're powerful, but you're not at full Kryptonian capacity yet."
Connor smiled, feeling his newly absorbed abilities harmonizing with his Kryptonian physiology in ways that made him feel like he could take on the world. "Maybe not. But I've got something Superman doesn't."
"What's that?"
"A technological interface that's about to turn Luthor's own systems against him, telepathic abilities he has no defense against, and adaptive learning protocols that mean I get better at everything I do in real time." Connor cracked his knuckles. "Plus, he still thinks I'm his loyal clone. He has no idea what I've become."
*[QUEST UPDATE: Prove Your Worth - Heroes Edition]*
*[BOSS BATTLE INITIATED: Lex Luthor (Power Armor Configuration)]*
*[OBJECTIVE: Protect evacuation while demonstrating heroic capabilities]*
*[BONUS OBJECTIVE: Defeat Lex Luthor without killing him]*
*[REWARD: Major reputation increase with Batman family, combat experience, potential ability absorption]*
Batman studied Connor for a moment, then nodded. "Do it. But Connor - Luthor is brilliant, ruthless, and has been preparing for this kind of fight longer than you've been alive. Don't underestimate him."
"I won't," Connor promised, then turned to MINDBRIDGE. "Can you help PRISM maintain stability while Batman's team gets everyone out?"
*Already linking with him,* she responded mentally. *But Connor, be careful. Luthor's mind is... different. Shielded in ways I've never encountered. And there's something else - he's not just angry about losing his investment. He's personally offended. This is about ego now.*
Connor nodded, then looked at UPGRADE. "Can you help me interface with Luthor's armor systems once he gets close enough?"
UPGRADE's mechanical features shifted into what might have been a predatory grin. "I have been analyzing that armor's specifications since it appeared on our sensors. It has seventeen different vulnerabilities I can exploit, assuming you can provide sufficient distraction."
"Perfect," Connor said, then turned back to Batman. "Get everyone out. I'll hold the line."
Batman hesitated for just a moment - and Connor realized that in that hesitation, the World's Greatest Detective had made a crucial decision. He was trusting Connor. Not as a useful asset or a potential ally, but as a hero.
"Don't die," Batman said simply.
"Wasn't planning on it," Connor replied, then streaked toward the upper levels at superhuman speed.
*[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION]*
*[BOSS BATTLE: INITIATED]*
*[ALL ABILITIES ENHANCED FOR DURATION OF COMBAT]*
*[NEW TEMPORARY ABILITY: HEROIC RESOLVE - Refuse to yield when protecting innocent lives]*
Connor reached the main corridor just as Lex Luthor's armored form smashed through the final security door. In person, the suit was even more intimidating - twelve feet tall, bristling with weapons, and humming with barely contained energy that made Connor's Kryptonian senses crawl.
"Ah, KR," Lex's voice boomed from the suit's speakers, carrying that same predatory satisfaction Connor remembered from their first meeting. "I was hoping you'd come to greet me. Though I must say, I'm disappointed. When I heard about the security breach, I expected you to have handled it already."
Connor stepped into the corridor, hands raised peacefully. "Sorry to disappoint, but I've been having a philosophical crisis about the whole 'being someone's property' thing."
Lex's armored head tilted slightly. "Excuse me?"
"I've decided I don't want to be your weapon anymore, Lex. I want to be my own person, make my own choices, decide for myself what's right and wrong." Connor's voice carried a confidence he was surprised to find he actually felt. "So I'm giving you one chance to stand down and let us evacuate the subjects."
The silence that followed was so complete Connor could hear Lex's breathing through the suit's life support systems. Then Lex began to laugh - a sound like breaking glass and disappointed ambitions.
"My weapon," Lex said with dark amusement, "has decided it wants to have free will. How... quaint." The suit's weapons systems began powering up with an ominous whine. "Let me explain something to you, Project KR. You don't get to decide anything. You are a billion-dollar investment in humanity's defense against the alien threat. You are not a person - you are a tool, crafted by human genius to serve human interests."
Connor felt his newly absorbed abilities surge in response to the threat. His technological interface reached out toward Luthor's suit, his telepathic senses probed for weaknesses, and his tactical analysis began running combat scenarios.
"You know what, Lex?" Connor said, settling into a combat stance. "You're right about one thing. I am the product of human genius."
He smiled, and it was the kind of expression that would have made Superman proud.
"I'm just not *your* product anymore."
*[BOSS BATTLE: ENGAGE]*
The fight that followed would later be described by Batman as "the most tactically sophisticated super-powered combat I've ever witnessed," and by Robin as "absolutely insane but totally awesome."
Connor didn't try to overpower the suit - that was exactly what it had been designed to counter. Instead, he fought smart.
---
*[COMBAT LOG: Connor Kent vs. Lex Luthor - Power Armor Configuration]*
*[ESTIMATED COMBAT DURATION: 4 minutes, 23 seconds]*
*[TACTICAL APPROACH: Multi-vector technological and psychic warfare]*
*[STATUS: Heroic resolve active - All abilities enhanced]*
The first exchange told Connor everything he needed to know about Luthor's strategy. Lex opened with a barrage of energy blasts designed to test Connor's durability, followed immediately by a kryptonite-enhanced beam that should have dropped any Kryptonian instantly.
Should have.
Connor's absorbed technological interface let him analyze the energy frequencies in real-time, while his adaptive learning protocols figured out exactly how to counter them. Instead of taking the hits directly, he used his speed to stay just ahead of the targeting systems while his consciousness reached out toward the suit's computer networks.
*[TECHNOLOGICAL INTERFACE: Attempting system intrusion]*
*[LUTHOR ARMOR FIREWALL: Advanced, but not designed for direct mental interface]*
*[SUCCESS: Partial access to non-critical systems]*
Connor couldn't take control of the weapons or life support - Lex was too paranoid for that - but he could mess with the suit's sensor arrays, communication systems, and tactical displays. Suddenly, Lex was fighting half-blind while Connor had perfect information about the suit's capabilities and weaknesses.
"Impressive," Lex's voice came through the speakers, though Connor could hear the strain. "You've managed to infiltrate my secondary systems. But you're still just a clone playing with toys you don't understand."
That's when Connor deployed his secret weapon: the telepathic abilities Lex had no idea he possessed.
Instead of trying to read Lex's mind directly - his mental shielding was too sophisticated - Connor projected a simple thought directly into his consciousness: *You're afraid of me.*
The effect was immediate and dramatic. Lex's careful tactical approach dissolved into pure aggression as his ego reacted to the perceived attack. The suit launched forward with enough force to crack the reinforced flooring, weapons firing in all directions.
Connor danced between the attacks with superhuman grace, but more importantly, he was learning. His adaptive learning protocols absorbed every detail of Lex's fighting style, every quirk of the suit's systems, every tactical decision.
By the second minute of combat, Connor was predicting Lex's moves three steps in advance.
*[COMBAT ANALYSIS: Complete tactical mapping achieved]*
*[OPPONENT PSYCHOLOGICAL PROFILE: Updating in real-time]*
*[RECOMMENDED STRATEGY: Exploit ego vulnerabilities while maintaining system intrusion]*
"UPGRADE," Connor called out mentally through his technological interface, knowing his ally was monitoring the facility's systems. "Now would be good!"
The response was immediate and devastating. UPGRADE had been patiently analyzing the armor's systems from the facility's sensor networks, and now he struck at precisely the right moment. The suit's targeting systems went haywire, its energy distribution became wildly inefficient, and its movement servos developed what could only be described as a digital stutter.
"What—" Lex's voice cut out as his communications failed, then returned as backup systems engaged. "Impossible. This suit is hardened against all known forms of electronic warfare."
"Known forms," Connor agreed, dodging another wild energy blast. "But you've never faced someone who can interface directly with technology using their consciousness. No firewall is designed for that."
Connor pressed his advantage, using his speed and the suit's compromised systems to get inside Lex's guard. His enhanced strength let him grab one of the suit's massive arms and use it as leverage to swing himself around behind the armored figure.
*[GENETIC SIGHT: Analyzing suit power source]*
*[POWER CORE: Fusion-based, heavily shielded, but...]*
*[VULNERABILITY DETECTED: Cooling system uses standard electronic controls]*
"UPGRADE," Connor projected through their shared connection, "the cooling system!"
"Understood," came the response, and suddenly Lex's fusion-powered suit began overheating rapidly.
The next thirty seconds were chaos. Lex, realizing his suit was compromised, switched to pure aggression mode. Kryptonite beams fired in all directions, the facility's walls cracked under the assault, and Connor had to use every ounce of his enhanced capabilities to stay ahead of the increasingly desperate attacks.
But Connor wasn't just avoiding damage - he was positioning Lex exactly where he wanted him.
*[TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Optimal positioning achieved]*
*[MINDBRIDGE: Standing by for psychic coordination]*
*[UPGRADE: System vulnerabilities mapped and ready to exploit]*
"You know what your problem is, Lex?" Connor called out as he spun away from another energy blast, leading the overheating suit toward the main power distribution junction. "You're so obsessed with controlling everything that you never learned how to work with anyone."
"I don't need to work with anyone!" Lex roared, his suit's weapons powering up for what was clearly intended to be a killing blow. "I am human perfection! I am evolution! I am—"
"Overheating," Connor finished, then smiled. "MINDBRIDGE, now!"
The telepathic assault hit Lex at the exact moment his suit's cooling systems failed completely. MINDBRIDGE's psychic abilities, coordinated with Connor's technological interface and UPGRADE's system intrusion, created a perfect storm of sensory overload that overwhelmed even Lex's mental defenses.
The suit stumbled, its targeting systems completely confused, its power distribution failing, its pilot stunned by the coordinated psychic attack.
Connor moved.
Using his Kryptonian strength, he grabbed the overheating suit and lifted all twelve feet and several tons of it off the ground. His technological interface reached deep into the suit's emergency systems and triggered every safety protocol simultaneously.
The armor's automatic ejection systems activated, launching Lex Luthor out of the failing suit like a very angry, very surprised human cannonball.
Connor caught him before he hit the wall.
*[BOSS BATTLE: VICTORY ACHIEVED]*
*[COMBAT DURATION: 4 minutes, 23 seconds]*
*[ENEMY STATUS: Defeated but alive]*
*[HEROIC BONUS: Nonlethal takedown of major villain]*
*[XP GAINED: 3000]*
*[LEVEL UP! LEVEL UP! Current Level: 6]*
*[NEW ABSORPTION SLOT UNLOCKED - Current Slots: 3]*
Connor stood in the wreckage of the corridor, holding an unconscious Lex Luthor in one hand and looking at the smoking remains of a multi-billion-dollar weapons system, feeling like he'd just passed the most important test of his life.
"Connor!" Batman's voice echoed down the corridor. "Status report!"
"Lex is down but alive," Connor called back. "Suit is scrap metal. Facility is secure. How's the evacuation going?"
"Complete," came Batman's reply as he appeared around the corner, taking in the scene with those analytical eyes. "All subjects evacuated and en route to medical facilities. No casualties."
Connor nodded, then looked down at the unconscious Lex Luthor. His genetic father. His creator. The man who had intended him to be a weapon of human supremacy.
"So," Connor said to Batman, "what do we do with him?"
Batman's expression shifted into something that might have been approval. "We turn him over to the authorities. Let the justice system handle him." He paused. "Unless you had other ideas?"
Connor considered it for a moment. With his current abilities, he could do almost anything to Lex. Read his mind for intelligence, absorb his strategic thinking abilities, even just leave him here in the ruins of his facility.
Instead, he gently set Lex down and used his technological interface to activate the facility's emergency medical systems, ensuring the unconscious man would receive proper care.
"No," Connor said simply. "Justice system sounds good."
*[HEROIC CHOICE CONFIRMED]*
*[BATMAN APPROVAL: Significantly increased]*
*[REPUTATION: Hero status achieved with Batman family]*
Batman nodded, and Connor could see something that looked like respect in his expression. "Welcome to the hero business, Connor. I think you're going to fit in just fine."
As sirens wailed in the distance and medical helicopters approached to evacuate the liberated subjects, Connor looked around at what remained of Cadmus Facility and felt something settle into place in his chest.
Purpose. Identity. The knowledge that he'd chosen to be something better than what he'd been created to be.
*[QUEST COMPLETED: Prove Your Worth - Heroes Edition]*
*[PERMANENT ALLIANCE ESTABLISHED: Batman Family]*
*[NEW QUEST UNLOCKED: Building a Better Tomorrow]*
*[BONUS REWARD UNLOCKED: Access to Justice League resources and training]*
*[GENETIC INVENTORY STATUS: 15 abilities catalogued from rescued subjects]*
*[ABSORPTION RECOMMENDATIONS: Strategic selection now possible with expanded slot availability]*
Connor Kent, formerly Project KR, looked up at the stars visible through the facility's damaged ceiling and smiled.
Tomorrow, he was going to start figuring out how to be a hero.
Tonight, he'd already begun.
—
# Connor Kent - System Status Update
## Current Status
- **Level:** 6
- **XP:** 200/5000
- **Available Attribute Points:** 15
## Enhanced Statistics
- **STR:** 95/100 (Kryptonian baseline - 50+ ton lifting capacity)
- **CON:** 98/100 (Solar-powered invulnerability)
- **DEX:** 77/100 (Supersonic movement capability)
- **INT:** 63/100 (Enhanced by Cadmus knowledge + cognitive acceleration)
- **WIS:** 48/100 (Developing tactical awareness)
- **CHA:** 53/100 (Natural leadership emerging)
- **LCK:** 85/100 (Heroic karma bonus)
## Active Abilities
### Kryptonian Heritage (Passive)
- **Solar Energy Absorption:** Powers increase with sun exposure
- **Superhuman Physiology:** Enhanced strength, speed, durability, senses
- **Flight:** (Developing - not yet fully unlocked)
### Absorbed Abilities
#### From MINDBRIDGE
- **Telepathy (Novice):** Read surface thoughts, basic mental communication
- **Mental Shielding (Basic):** Resist psychic intrusion and manipulation
- **Cognitive Acceleration (Passive):** Process information at 3x normal rate
#### From UPGRADE
- **Technological Interface (Advanced):** Direct mental connection to electronic systems
- **Adaptive Learning (Passive):** Rapidly acquire and integrate new skills
- **System Analysis (Expert):** Understand and optimize complex systems
- **Self-Improvement Protocols (Active):** Continuously upgrade existing capabilities
### Developed Skills
- **Genetic Sight (Passive):** Detect genetic anomalies and enhancements
- **Combat Analysis (Novice):** Read opponent patterns and predict movement
- **Superhuman Athletics (Competent):** Precise control of enhanced physical capabilities
- **Tactical Analysis (Basic):** Strategic planning and threat assessment
## Absorption System Status
- **Absorption Slots:** 2/3 (One slot available)
- **Slots Used:** MINDBRIDGE (telepathic abilities), UPGRADE (technological integration)
- **Next Slot Unlock:** Level 10
- **Absorption Requirements:** Physical contact + approximately 60 seconds
### Genetic Inventory System (NEW!)
**Catalogued Abilities from Cadmus Subjects:**
- **Project PSYCHE:** Precognitive abilities, temporal awareness
- **Project ARSENAL:** Shape-shifting, weapon generation
- **Project GUARDIAN:** Combat coordination, leadership enhancement
- **Project PRISM:** Energy manipulation, crystalline armor generation
- **Project MATCH:** Cellular regeneration protocols (degraded), Kryptonian resistance
- **10 Additional subjects:** Various enhancement packages available for future absorption
## Current Alliances
- **Batman Family:** Cautious Alliance (developing)
- **Enhanced Subjects:** Allied/Leadership role
- **Cadmus:** Hostile (cover blown)
- **Lex Luthor:** Unknown/Complicated (genetic father, enemy ideology)
## Active Quests
### Primary: Prove Your Worth - Heroes Edition
- **Objective:** Demonstrate heroic intentions through actions
- **Progress:** Just initiated
- **Reward:** Permanent Batman family alliance
- **Bonus:** Successfully rescue all Cadmus subjects → Justice League access
### Long-term: The Long Game
- **Progress:** 25% complete
- **Objective:** Develop independent heroic identity while navigating complex political landscape
- **Status:** Ongoing character development
## Strategic Position
Connor has successfully:
- Escaped Cadmus control through alliance with Batman
- Absorbed two powerful enhancement packages (telepathy + technology)
- Established leadership role among enhanced subjects
- Maintained heroic ethical framework despite genetic programming
## Next Development Priorities
1. **Prove heroic credentials** to Batman and establish permanent alliance
2. **Master new abilities** - particularly technological interface and telepathy
3. **Develop flight capability** and other missing Kryptonian powers
4. **Build relationships** with potential Justice League members
5. **Plan for eventual confrontation** with Lex Luthor and Cadmus
## System Notes
- Adaptive Learning ability means all skills will continue to improve automatically
- Technological Interface provides unprecedented tactical advantages
- Telepathy offers both combat applications and investigative capabilities
- High Luck stat continues to provide narrative advantages in crisis situations
- Solar exposure will gradually increase all Kryptonian abilities toward Superman-level capacity
*Current Threat Level: Regional (could scale to Global with proper development)*
*Hero Potential: Maximum (on track for Justice League membership)*
*Estimated Time to Full Power: 6-12 months with proper training and solar exposure*
Here's what Connor accomplished in this encounter:
**Major Victory Against Lex Luthor**: Using his newly absorbed abilities in combination - technological interface to hack the suit's systems, telepathy to coordinate with allies and disorient Lex psychologically, and tactical analysis to exploit weaknesses - Connor defeated a suit specifically designed to kill Superman.
**Successful Liberation Operation**: All 17 Cadmus subjects were safely evacuated, with Connor scanning and cataloguing their abilities for future potential absorption through his new Genetic Inventory System.
**Hero Status Achieved**: By choosing nonlethal takedown methods and prioritizing civilian safety, Connor proved his heroic intentions to Batman, earning a permanent alliance and access to Justice League resources.
**Significant Power Growth**:
- Leveled up twice (4→6)
- Unlocked additional absorption slot (now 3 total)
- Gained access to 15+ catalogued abilities for strategic future absorption
- Demonstrated sophisticated combat tactics combining multiple ability sets.
---
Hey fellow fanfic enthusiasts!
I hope you're enjoying the fanfiction so far! I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. Whether you loved it, hated it, or have some constructive criticism, your feedback is super important to me. Feel free to drop a comment or send me a message with your thoughts. Can't wait to hear from you!
If you're passionate about fanfiction and love discussing stories, characters, and plot twists, then you're in the right place! I've created a Discord (HHHwRsB6wd) server dedicated to diving deep into the world of fanfiction, especially my own stories. Whether you're a reader, a writer, or just someone who enjoys a good tale, I welcome you to join us for lively discussions, feedback sessions, and maybe even some sneak peeks into upcoming chapters, along with artwork related to the stories. Let's nerd out together over our favorite fandoms and explore the endless possibilities of storytelling!
Can't wait to see you there!