Chương 49: Year 1998 : Middle School (Chapter 1)
DC Universe Earth-2609th
1998, Smallville Middle School
The midday sun bathed the courtyard of Smallville Middle School, where clusters of students were scattered, enjoying their lunch break. The move to middle school had been a big adjustment for Clark Kent and his friends, but they were settling in well. The new building was bigger, the teachers stricter, and the expectations higher, but it was still Smallville, and they were finding their place in this new chapter of their lives.
Under the shade of a sprawling oak tree, Clark Kent, Pete Ross, and Greg Arkin sat cross-legged on the grass, their focus entirely on a game of WWF Superstars Trump Cards. Between them was a deck of well-worn cards featuring the iconic wrestlers of the era, each with a list of stats that dictated their strength in different categories.
"I'm telling you," Pete said, flipping his card over with a triumphant grin, "The Rock is unbeatable. Look at this! Fights Won: 87, Rank: 2, and Chest: 50 inches. Beat that!"
Greg, always the competitive one, quickly rifled through his cards. "Okay, but check this out—Andre the Giant! Weight: 520 pounds, Height: 7 feet 4 inches. Your Rock's going down like a beetle in a bug zapper."
Clark chuckled, holding his cards close to his chest as he surveyed his options. His Boy Scout nature always made him lean toward wrestlers with a strong sense of character, and today was no different. He carefully selected a card and placed it down with a confident smile. "Hulk Hogan. Championship Won: 12, Fights Won: 89, and Biceps: 24 inches. Andre might be big, but Hogan's got the wins to back it up."
Pete groaned dramatically, flopping onto the grass. "Ugh, Clark and his hero complex. Always going for the golden guys."
Greg grinned, picking up the pile of cards in the middle. "Guess that means I win this round! Hulk Hogan may be strong, but Andre is legendary!"
Clark shook his head, laughing. "It's not over yet, Greg. We'll see who comes out on top by the end of lunch."
A few feet away, Lana Lang and Emily Dinsmore were sitting on a nearby bench, their Tamagotchis beeping and chirping in their hands. The little virtual pets had become their latest obsession, and the girls were engrossed in keeping them alive and happy.
"Lana, look!" Emily squealed, holding up her tiny screen. "My Tamagotchi just grew into the cutest little bird! Isn't it adorable?"
Lana leaned over, peering at Emily's screen. "Aww, that's so cute! Mine's still learning how to play the drums. I think I need to give it more snacks—it keeps getting grumpy."
"Too many snacks and they get sick," Emily warned, pressing buttons furiously. "Trust me, I've learned that the hard way."
The two girls giggled as their Tamagotchis beeped again, demanding more attention. They were so absorbed in their game that they barely noticed Abigail Fine, who was sitting nearby with her nose buried in the newly released Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. She was often quieter than the others, but she had started to come out of her shell with their encouragement.
"Abigail," Lana said, nudging her gently, "what part are you at now? Did Harry figure out what's going on in the Chamber yet?"
Abigail glanced up from her book, her face lighting up. "Not yet. I'm at the part where they're trying to figure out who's been petrifying the students. It's so good—I can't put it down!"
Emily grinned. "You're gonna love the ending. Just wait—it's amazing."
Abigail smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear before diving back into her book. She still felt a little out of place sometimes, but with friends like Lana and Emily, she was starting to feel like she belonged.
The move from the elementary school building to the larger middle school had been a big change for all of them. The new school felt massive at first, with its long hallways and bigger classes, but it also offered new opportunities. For Lana and Emily, that meant joining the cheerleading squad. For Pete, Greg, and Clark, it meant finding new ways to have fun—like endless rounds of trump cards and chasing each other on the football field.
"Okay, next round!" Pete declared, shuffling the deck with an air of confidence. "This time, I'm bringing out Stone Cold Steve Austin. Rank: 1, Fights Won: 96, Chest: 54 inches. Top that, Greg."
Greg squinted at his cards, his brow furrowed in concentration. "I've got Bret 'The Hitman' Hart. Championship Won: 6, Biceps: 23 inches. Not bad, huh?"
Clark smiled, placing his card down with a deliberate motion. "The Undertaker. Height: 6 feet 10 inches, Fights Won: 94, Endurance: unmatched. He's unstoppable."
Pete groaned, throwing his hands in the air. "Why do you always pick the cool ones, Clark? You're making the rest of us look bad!"
Greg laughed. "Because Clark can't help being the good guy, that's why."
Clark shrugged, his smile widening. "It's just a game, guys. But if you're lucky, maybe you'll win the next round."
The boys' laughter echoed across the schoolyard as they continued their game, the stack of cards growing smaller with each round.
Meanwhile, the girls' Tamagotchis beeped furiously, demanding attention, and Abigail flipped another page in her book, lost in the magic of Hogwarts.
It was one of those moments that felt timeless—kids being kids, enjoying the simple pleasures of friendship and free time.
Just as Greg was about to triumphantly lay down another card, the loud, familiar sound of the school bell echoed across the yard. A collective groan rose from the students, breaking the spell of their lunchtime fun.
"Aw, come on!" Pete exclaimed, stuffing his cards back into their worn box. "I was just about to crush you both!"
Clark grinned, gathering his cards with practiced ease. "Sure you were, Pete. Maybe next time."
Greg stood, brushing grass off his jeans. "Next time, I'm bringing my bug cards. Then we'll see who the real champion is!"
Nearby, Lana quickly tucked her Tamagotchi into her backpack, nudging Emily. "Guess it's time to go. Don't forget to check on your pet before math class. You don't want it to get sick."
Emily rolled her eyes playfully. "I think it's more needy than I am. But fine, I'll feed it."
Abigail carefully placed a bookmark in her Harry Potter novel, a small smile playing on her lips. "I can't wait to finish this chapter after school. It's getting so good."
The group began making their way back toward the main building, their laughter and conversation trailing behind them. Despite the interruption, their spirits remained high. Middle school might have been bigger and a little more daunting than elementary, but moments like these made it feel just as familiar and welcoming.
Clark walked alongside his friends, quietly enjoying the camaraderie. As they entered the school, the noisy bustle of lockers and classrooms enveloped them, signaling the start of the afternoon lessons. But even as they settled back into their seats, their minds were already looking forward to tomorrow's lunch break—another chance to pick up where they'd left off, sharing stories, games, and laughter under the shade of their favorite oak tree.
And for Clark, that simple joy of being with his friends was something he wouldn't trade for anything.
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After School
Clark stood by the large observation window, gazing out at the new research facility that had recently become operational in Smallville. The bright, polished labs were bustling with activity as scientists moved between workstations, running tests, analyzing data, and overseeing the early stages of projects that could revolutionize agriculture.
Beyond the gleaming glass, Pete Dinsmore was explaining something to his parents, Jonathan and Martha Kent, as they examined the genetically modified plants that Pete and his team had been developing. The rows of plants, bathed in the glow of the lab's overhead lights, represented the future of farming—a future where drought, pests, and extreme weather wouldn't threaten the world's food supply.
Smallville Agricultural Co. Ltd. had been the start—a small, family-run business dedicated to improving local farming. His parents had started it to help the community they loved so much, and Clark had stepped in to guide it toward something greater, using the Kryptonian knowledge he had at his disposal. Now, they had Kent Agritech Co. Ltd., their newest company, focused on pushing the boundaries of agricultural technology. Together, these two companies were laying the foundation for what would eventually become KentCorp, a global conglomerate that would reshape industries across the planet.
But that was still in the future. For now, they were in the early stages, carefully building their reputation, introducing technologies slowly, and letting the world believe that the breakthroughs were the result of human ingenuity. Pete Dinsmore's team was working on advanced genetic experiments that could revolutionize farming, and Clark had been feeding them just enough Kryptonian insights to make real progress, without ever revealing the full extent of the technology at play. The plants they were growing here would one day be able to survive in the harshest conditions—arid deserts, frozen tundras—and could solve food shortages across the globe.
Then there was Elise Fine, working in a separate lab on the other side of the facility. Elise was leading Kent Agritech's agricultural-based cosmetics project, experimenting with natural plant extracts that could be used to create sustainable, eco-friendly beauty products. Clark had helped her too, guiding her research in subtle ways, introducing Kryptonian principles into her work without her ever knowing. The results had been promising. Soon, they'd have a line of products that could tap into a growing market of environmentally conscious consumers, offering high-quality, natural alternatives to chemical-based cosmetics.
It is worth mentioning that her joining Kent Agritech was life-changing for her daughter, Abigail.
Thanks to her mother's work, Abigail had access to free sample products, and though she had initially been hesitant to try them, her mother had gently encouraged her. "These are designed to help, sweetheart," Dr. Fine had said one evening after dinner, handing Abigail a small box of creams and serums. "Give it a try. I've worked hard on these formulas, and I believe they'll make a difference."
Abigail had agreed, and within weeks of using the products, her skin began to change. The redness and rough patches that had always caused her so much anxiety began to fade. Her skin became smoother, clearer, and for the first time in a long while, Abigail felt like she could look at herself in the mirror without feeling ashamed. The transformation wasn't just physical—it was emotional, too.
At school, her friends noticed the change immediately, and they were all happy for her.
Back at the present, as Clark watched the activity below, his mind drifted to the larger plan, the vision that had been slowly taking shape. A few years from now, when KentCorp was fully established, covering industries far beyond agriculture, he would introduce a game-changing development: Mars.
He was already 25% done with the terraforming of the red planet, a project he had undertaken quietly, using the vast knowledge and technology left to him by his Kryptonian heritage. Mars wasn't owned by KentCorp—it couldn't be. But when the time was right, Clark would bring the resources of Mars to Earth under the facade of an exclusive partnership with Superman.
It was a carefully crafted story. Superman, the world's most trusted hero, would grant KentCorp privileged access to Martian materials and technologies. Clark would remain the face of KentCorp, and the world would believe that his relationship with Superman had led to this unprecedented opportunity. No one would suspect that Clark and Superman were the same person. No one would question where the resources were truly coming from.
He could already picture how it would unfold. As KentCorp expanded into energy, materials science, and biotechnology, they would announce their exclusive agreement with Superman. The public would marvel at the resources from Mars—rare minerals, advanced solar energy systems, even crops grown in Martian soil.
These innovations would be so far ahead of anything else on the market that KentCorp would leap to the forefront of global industry. The company would dominate the fields of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and advanced materials, all thanks to this supposed partnership with Superman.
Clark's fingers drummed lightly against the window ledge as he let the thoughts flow. It was a perfect plan. Mars was already rich with untapped resources, and once the terraforming was further along, he could begin transporting these materials back to Earth.
The solar energy systems alone would revolutionize the renewable energy sector. Using Martian minerals, they could create solar panels capable of harnessing far more energy than anything currently available, and the energy storage systems they were developing would be decades ahead of the competition.
But it wasn't just about energy. The rare materials found on Mars could be used to build stronger, lighter structures, revolutionizing construction, transportation, and medicine. Clark had already begun experimenting with Martian crops, using the planet's unique conditions to develop plants that could grow in the most inhospitable environments. These crops could be introduced on Earth as the solution to food shortages in drought-stricken regions. The world would see KentCorp as the savior of modern agriculture, and no one would ever know that Kryptonian technology had been the key all along.
Clark's gaze drifted back to Pete Dinsmore and his parents. They were deep in conversation, Pete excitedly explaining the potential of the plants they were working on. His parents looked proud and hopeful. They had built this company together, one step at a time, and they believed in its potential to make the world a better place. And Clark was making sure it would.
He felt a surge of pride as he thought about the future. KentCorp would one day rival the likes of Wayne Enterprises, LuthorCorp, and Queen Industries. It would be a name synonymous with innovation and progress, but unlike the others, KentCorp wouldn't be driven by greed or power. It would be built on the values his parents had instilled in him—hard work, integrity, and a desire to help people.
And then there was the Superman connection. It was perfect, really. Superman had always been a symbol of hope, someone the world could trust. When the time came, Clark would use that trust to give KentCorp the credibility it needed to introduce these alien technologies without raising suspicion. The world would believe that Superman had given them this privilege, and KentCorp would be seen as the company that was helping to lead humanity into a new era.
Clark's thoughts returned to the present. For now, they were still in the early stages. Smallville Agricultural Co. Ltd. and Kent Agritech were making great strides, but much work was still needed. The terraforming of Mars was progressing well, but it would be years before he could fully bring its resources into play. The world wasn't ready yet, but when it was, Clark would be ready too.
"Clark?" His mother's voice broke through his thoughts.
He turned, smiling at her.
"How's it going in here?" Clark asked, stepping over to join her as Jonathan walked up behind them.
"Pete's team is making great progress," Martha said, glancing back at the rows of plants. "He thinks they'll be ready for field trials soon."
"That's good," Clark replied. "And Elise?"
"She's working on some new prototypes for the cosmetics project," Jonathan chimed in, pride evident in his voice. "It's coming along faster than expected."
Clark nodded. "That's great. We're moving in the right direction."
Jonathan patted him on the back. "We're, son. I have a feeling this is going to be bigger than we ever imagined."
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SUY NGHĨ CỦA NGƯỜI SÁNG TẠO 
Apollo_77
Apollo_77 Dear readers,
First of all, I want to sincerely apologize for the delay. I know I promised to return sooner, but unfortunately, life got in the way, and it’s been two months since my last update. I deeply appreciate your patience and understanding during this time.
The good news is that I’m back and ready to continue this journey with you all! To make sure I stay consistent moving forward, I’m committing to uploading at least one new chapter each week. I hope this schedule will keep the story flowing steadily while allowing me to maintain the quality you deserve.
Thank you for sticking with me and supporting the story despite the delay. Your encouragement and feedback mean the world to me, and I’m truly grateful to have readers like you.
Let’s dive back into the adventure together!
Warm regards,
Apollo_77
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