A thick, black viscous liquid oozed from the alien spacecraft in the underground lab, gathering on the floor like ink spilled across marble. The rippling fluid wriggled and shifted with a life of its own, slowly solidifying into a vaguely human shape.
Bit by bit the form took on a normal appearance, until finally it stood upright as a Caucasian man with an unsettling presence. He exhaled gently, extending a hand as though feeling the texture of his own existence, then turned to look at the ship that had birthed him.
After a moment, his attention shifted from the artifact to the locked metal door guarding the lab's exit.
The man raised his right hand, which dissolved into a writhing black tentacle‑like substance. The tendrils snaked into the laboratory's password lock, manipulating controls with silent precision. In seconds the heavy metal door opened.
He stepped into the shadowed corridors beyond and vanished quickly into the darkness.
—
Kent Farm — Morning
At the breakfast table, Clark announced his decision about college.
"Kansas Central University," he said between bites of pancake. "I can get a full scholarship there, so that's where I'm going."
Martha, cradling Rachel in her arms, frowned in concern. "Are you sure, Clark? You'd have more options if you weren't limited to just Kansas."
Jonathan nodded in agreement. "Lawrence has excellent universities, and it's close to home, but not so close that you'd miss out on life."
Clark smiled gently at his mother. "I thought about it carefully. Lawrence is near Metropolis and has strong research programs. The distance is reasonable, and it's the best choice for me right now."
Martha relaxed, a warm glow spreading across her face. Jonathan smiled back in quiet approval.
Then Jonathan turned his gaze toward Adrian.
"And you, Adrian? What about your choice?"
Adrian, focused on his mashed potatoes and beef, lifted his head casually and stated, "Metropolis University."
Jonathan's eyebrows rose in mild surprise. With Adrian's grades and evaluation, he had thought a more prestigious school might be the target, but Metropolis University was still well‑respected.
Martha's eyes sparkled. "That's wonderful! Metropolis University is a big step."
Adrian shrugged nonchalantly. "It's close to home and comfortable. Not too strict, and it's good enough for me."
"Clark said Lex went there," Jonathan said with a faint smile.
"No, he didn't," Adrian corrected. "Lex Luthor was expelled from Metropolis University."
"Expelled?" Clark echoed, surprised he'd never heard that before.
"Some people don't broadcast their setbacks," Adrian replied with a smirk.
"But there is one benefit," Adrian continued. "Students can get discounted tickets to many games. Baseball for Clark's favorite team, the Metropolis Monarchs, football with the Sharks, basketball with the Generals — cheaper tickets for everyone."
Jonathan laughed and patted Adrian's shoulder, pride shining in his eyes.
"Maybe we should celebrate both your acceptances tonight."
Martha raised an eyebrow. "But they can't drink yet."
Jonathan waved away her protest warmly. "They're adults now. A small toast won't hurt."
Martha smiled with a hint of nostalgia, thinking of how quickly time had passed.
"Just don't get foolishly drunk, Jonathan," she teased. "You were comical enough after one drink on our first anniversary."
Clark and Adrian listened with amused expressions as their parents shared stories from the past. Family moments like this had always been rare and precious.
—
Orientation Day — Metropolis University
Adrian arrived on campus for his first day of orientation when his phone buzzed.
"Adrian, guess what?" Lana's excited voice came through. "I got into Metropolis University too!"
"That's great," Adrian replied with his usual calm. "Wasn't Chloe already headed there?"
"Yes," Lana laughed. "I applied late and didn't think I'd get in, but here we are. Clark, you, and I — almost like high school again."
"Maybe," Adrian said as he scanned the crowd, "but the distance isn't quite the same for everyone."
Adrian ended the call and walked onto the busy campus. Media reporters milled about alongside excited freshmen and their families, capturing moments and chasing soundbites.
Unlike in many countries where students arrive with luggage, American freshmen often came just with hopes and plans, choosing courses and directions later in their university journey.
Adrian didn't plan to stay on campus housing. With super speed for travel, he carried only a baseball cap and walked confidently inside.
A group of attractive female students blocked his path, giggling and smiling as they assessed him.
"Hey handsome," a blonde girl with a confident air said. "You must be a freshman, right?"
Adrian raised an eyebrow, unfazed.
"You look new here and you're not lugging anything, so you must be," she continued with a playful tone. "Are you interested in our welcome party tomorrow night? Lots of beautiful girls and handsome guys. Might even find someone you like."
The invitation was placed gently on a nearby bench.
Adrian watched them leave, then narrowed his eyes, studying the aura around the group.
There was an unsettling biological signature about them — something not quite human.
Curious, he switched to X‑ray vision.
Their blood composition wasn't human, and their heartbeats were far beyond normal limits.
Adrian zipped the invitation into his pocket, his expression cold and unreadable.
"They're not human."
—