Outer space.
Asteroid Belt.
The asteroid belt is a dense region of rocky bodies in the solar system located between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
The gravitational pull of the sun, along with Jupiter's influence, contributed to the formation of this belt, which contains over half a million asteroids.
It was formed from a cluster of planetesimals in the primordial solar nebula. Due to Jupiter's gravitational interference, these planetesimals were unable to form into a planet, resulting in continuous collisions that left behind countless fragments and debris.
The Kryptonian spacecraft was enveloped in dense, diamond-shaped protective shields. As it passed through the asteroid belt, it selected smaller meteorite fragments that were struck down one by one. Laser cannons fired, clearing a path with continuous bursts of sparks and explosions.
The Kryptonian spacecraft traversed the asteroid belt like a river. Emerging from the chaotic stream, it passed Mars, its engines erupting with turbulent flame, and finally reached Earth.
Across the interstellar river, Zod, harboring deep hatred for Barmulodi, and Faora, torn by love and inner conflict over Barmulodi, approached Earth. Within them both lay guilt toward Barmulodi. So too did Hael, burdened with remorse.
And on Krypton, Kara-El, Bardi's student, remained imprisoned by Zod.
These were all people and events connected to Bardi from Krypton.
Now, the unresolved grudges and resentments since the destruction of Krypton were about to reach their conclusion.
"The alien spaceship has arrived on Earth!"
"It's massive!"
"Are we about to go to war?"
"Invasion from the stars!"
"Humans will never be slaves!"
"I hope His Majesty Barmulodi can handle them."
"A global alert has been issued. All resources are being unified for Earth's defense."
In an instant, the internet on Earth exploded into chaos and fear.
The spacecraft's destination was confirmed to be Earth, amplifying global panic.
Floating directly above humanity in orbit, the massive spaceship loomed like a beast, silently staring down at Earth. It felt like being in the jaws of a tiger, sending waves of dread across the planet.
"Why is it just hovering there in space?"
"It's observing us, planning how to consume and conquer Earth."
"Damn it, we don't stand a chance."
"His Majesty hasn't ruled Earth long enough to develop the technology to counter this kind of advanced spacecraft that outclasses us by millennia."
"All we can do now is rely on the warriors under His Majesty to infiltrate and destroy the enemy individually."
"This is destined to be a tragic and bloody war. I just hope Earth survives, and humanity carries on."
"What is it doing!?"
Suddenly, as panic and turmoil gripped the world, the movements of the Kryptonian spacecraft sent shockwaves through humanity.
All television networks, satellite feeds, and public screens showed the satellite image with unprecedented clarity.
At the front of the massive spacecraft, a gigantic port slowly opened. Viewers could imagine the sound of mechanically rotating gears, heavy and deliberate.
Under humanity's collective panic, a massive cannon barrel—over a thousand meters long—extended from the spacecraft, aimed directly at Earth.
The dark barrel, like an abyss staring down from the void, instilled terror in every human heart. It was like the sword of Damocles hanging overhead, ready to fall at any moment.
"What is that!?"
"What kind of weapon is that!?"
"A Star-Destroyer Cannon!"
"That caliber could wipe out any object on Earth's surface."
"Not just the surface. The particle stream from that cannon could pierce through the crust and directly reach the Earth's core, triggering a planetary explosion."
"Under that cannon's power, Earth stands no chance."
"It could be destroyed in an instant."
Humanity went cold. Fingers stiffened. Pupils dilated in disbelief and fear.
The sword hanging above, whether real or imagined, instilled contradictory, suffocating emotions—an overwhelming mix of dread and helplessness.
And at that moment—
Outside Earth's orbit, the space base recovered from the Brainiac Sentinel appeared before humanity for the first time. Its cold metallic structure glinted on screen, empty of human presence.
The entire base, over seven kilometers in length, slowly activated. Though dwarfed by the massive cannon, it transformed like a mechanical jellyfish, its heavy parts combining with deliberate force.
Its tentacles twisted and linked, forming the Particle Cannon.
Fearless, this newly assembled weapon pointed directly at the barrel of the massive Kryptonian spacecraft.
The two sides stared each other down in silence.
The pressure of a looming battle filled the starry void, as if at any moment, a fierce exchange of anti-particle streams would erupt.
This mechanical jellyfish's Particle Nirvana Cannon became a symbol of hope for humanity. Even though it was only seven kilometers long and might be destroyed in a single shot, as the first line of Earth's defense in space, it made people clench their fists and cheer.
"This is His Majesty's weapon!"
"A space base, part of Earth's defense system!"
"So Earth already has this kind of technology, protecting our beautiful planet."
Zzzzzzzzz...
Suddenly, all communication channels, public screens, car radios, home computers, and televisions across the world turned to static, displaying snowy interference and distorted noise.
On screen, a terrifying shadow emerged.
Zod's monstrous, muscular head appeared like a giant orc. His sunken face, glowing red eyes, and brutal expression filled with murderous rage radiated like crimson light from the depths of the abyss. He was cruel and terrifying.
At that moment, people across Earth gasped. Their hearts clenched as they stared at the screen, breathless.
Zzzz...
The screen flickered, then stabilized. Zod's overwhelming killing intent seeped through the display.
From every speaker and broadcast channel on Earth, his thunderous and terrifying voice boomed.
"Barmulodi, get out here!"
(To be continued.)