NOVEL NEXT Chapter 1: CH 1
Kandor, the Most Powerful City in the Seven Worlds
Kandor, the most advanced and revered city of Krypton, was hailed as the pinnacle of power among the Seven Worlds.
Not only did it possess unmatched military might, but it also boasted the most advanced science, technology, and even forms of Kryptonian mysticism.
Since Rao, the Kryptonian sun god, blessed the people of Krypton with his divine wisdom, the Seven Worlds had been unified under Krypton's influence.
After Krypton's destruction, Kandor remained preserved in a stolen bottle under the control of Brainiac, the Collector of Worlds. But during Krypton's reign, Kandor was instrumental in fending off invasions.
Generations ago, Val-El, a legendary ancestor of the House of El, led the armies of Krypton against the invasion of the dark armies of Apokolips, led by Steppenwolf. It was during this war that Krypton cemented its supremacy over the Seven Worlds.
Later, Jor-El, the great scientist and father of Kal-El (Superman), warned of Krypton's imminent destruction, though his warnings went unheeded. Krypton's fall left a void in the Seven Worlds' leadership, leading to chaos.
After Krypton's destruction, the bottled city of Kandor remained one of the few remnants of its legacy, stolen and preserved by Brainiac. But that was not the end of Krypton's influence.
Kal-El, now known as Superman, became Earth's greatest protector. However, as the Last Son of Krypton, he carried the weight of his people's history. The echoes of Krypton's glory and its conflicts would continue to shape the destiny of the DC Universe.
The Story of Young Superman and Zod:
"Damn it, Zod! You're causing trouble again!"
A boy with short, dark hair and striking blue eyes, about ten years old, shouted angrily at another young boy with piercing gray eyes and a commanding presence. The second boy, wearing a smirk on his face, crossed his arms defiantly.
This young version of Superman—Kal-El—had already begun developing his superhuman abilities. Opposite him stood Dru-Zod, his childhood rival, already showing signs of the authoritarian leader he would grow up to become.
"You're overreacting, Kal. It was just a harmless prank!" Zod said with a mocking grin, his voice dripping with amusement.
Kal-El, however, was not amused. "You filled the Fortress of Solitude simulation chamber with Kryptonite projections! I could have been hurt!"
Zod laughed, "Hurt? Please, you're indestructible! Besides, you need to toughen up. One day, you'll thank me."
Kal-El clenched his fists, his anger sparking a surge of heat vision that he barely contained. "That's it! I'm done playing nice, Zod. This time, I'll show you what happens when you mess with me!"
Suddenly, the air around Kal-El shifted. He stretched out his hand, summoning a piece of technology gifted to him by his father, Jor-El: the Phantom Drive Key, a Kryptonian artifact capable of generating pocket dimensions.
Zod's smirk faded, replaced by a look of alarm. "Wait—are you actually going to use that on me?!"
Kal-El didn't respond. He inserted the key into a console, activating a swirling portal to the Phantom Zone. "You said I needed to toughen up. Let's see how tough you are, Zod!"
Realizing he might have pushed Kal too far, Zod darted away, shouting, "Fine, fine! You win this time! But you'll regret it when I'm General Zod!"