The Outer Universe That Went Astray

The other party's words piqued Ian's interest.

Ian raised an eyebrow.

"Alien family?"

He asked out of curiosity.

"Stop pretending!" another criminal shouted. He wore a mask, and his voice came from behind it, muffled but sharp. "You aliens come to Earth playing gods and ghosts, thinking you're some kind of superheroes. But aren't you just a bunch of bastards throwing your bloodline around?"

Ian looked at them and fell silent for a second. The corner of his mouth curved slightly—not in mockery, but in curiosity.

"What alien family?" he asked. "Explain."

The five criminals exchanged glances. Their expressions shifted from anger to confusion—did this guy really not know? The bald man took a deep breath and tried to steady his voice.

"The Jupiter Family," he said, as if revealing some incredible secret. "They're aliens. From a planet called Jupiter. They came to Earth decades ago, disguised themselves as humans, lived here, bred here, and built up their power. Every one of them has superpowers—monstrous strength, invulnerability, flight, eyes that can shoot light."

"Pretty much like the Kryptonians in the comics, but compared to Kryptonians, they're even— even—" This universe actually had Kryptonians, and the other man faltered, seeming a little afraid to pass judgment.

"Even what?" Ian asked.

"Even more out of control," the masked criminal blurted, mustering his nerve. "At least the fictional Kryptonians have Superman. He restrains himself. He follows human rules."

"The Jupiter Family is different. They think they're gods. They think humans are ants. They think Earth is their playground. They do whatever they want, hit whoever they want, kill whoever they want. No one can control them." Even criminals thought that bunch of aliens was evil.

It was easy to imagine that something about this world was not quite normal.

Ian's brows furrowed slightly.