In an underground chamber somewhere in downtown New York City.
Lex Luthor stood with his hands behind his back, conversing with the blue holographic projections arranged around the conference table.
Everyone stared at the giant screen at the front of the underground meeting room. Superman was sprawled at the bottom of a deep crater, breathing faintly, while the figures excitedly whispered among themselves.
Above the crater, a massive monster covered in black fluid, with several bone spurs protruding from its joints, threw back its head and roared.
"I can't believe it actually managed to defeat Superman. I think we can have Luthor replace Dr. William Magnus. That man isn't obedient enough—he keeps using all kinds of excuses to delay us."
"Lex Corp's research and development capabilities are still trustworthy."
"I agree with the proposal to replace Dr. William."
Under normal circumstances, hearing these prominent figures—who concealed their identities behind holograms but each controlled forces capable of influencing various parts of the world—praise him so highly would have delighted Luthor.
But at this moment, his mind was completely occupied by another question. His deep gaze remained fixed on the monster roaring outside the crater.
This seemingly terrifying monster was, in essence, merely an incomplete genetic embryo.
Above the monster's head, two Kryptonians hovered in the air, constantly circling and probing it.
One was a blonde girl wearing a uniform bearing the S-symbol, nearly identical to Superman's.
The other was a mysterious figure wrapped entirely in black, even their head concealed beneath a pure-black helmet.
Of course, this mysterious figure was visibly somewhat frail.
Yet their strength still surpassed that of most Metahumans. Before Superman had been seriously injured, they had even worked with the combat-inexperienced girl beside them to inflict considerable damage on Superman.
"When did two more Kryptonians arrive on