Martian Manhunter

While Zhang Tianran studied Krolunian genes, the Department of Extranormal Operations was investigating this failure.

"Why did the Quantum Field shatter? Didn't you say it could restrain any rapidly moving enemy?" The agents who had gone out on the mission angrily questioned the researchers.

Hearing the question, the researchers immediately gave an explanation.

"Because the energy he released while running was too powerful! In that instant, it directly broke through the Quantum Field we deployed. Energy at that level... is nearly impossible to overcome." The researchers stared solemnly at the data detected by their instruments.

"The Quantum Field we set up was extremely powerful. Even Supergirl wouldn't have been able to escape if she'd been trapped inside it. But everything has its limits, and the field generator is no exception. Once its upper limit is exceeded, damage is inevitable." The researcher continued.

"So all we need to do is expand the scale of the field generator?" Kara asked.

"In theory, yes. But expanding the field generator would require funds, equipment, and time that we simply don't have." The researcher spoke dejectedly.

"Looks like we'll have to find another way?" the Director of the Department of Extranormal Operations muttered.

"He's strong. Very strong. I've never seen speed like that before. No one can stop someone with that kind of speed if he wants to run away." Kara reported with a grave expression.

"Kara, don't fear the enemy too much. There are plenty of ways to capture him, but the question now is... do we really need to capture him?" The Director of the Department of Extranormal Operations looked at the surveillance footage on the large screen, speaking with some hesitation.

On the screen was footage of Zhang Tianran shopping some time ago. Just as the director looked up, Zhang Tianran in the recording waved directly at the camera.

In fact, the Department of Extranormal Operations had discovered Zhang Tianran's true identity long ago. They simply hadn't acted because they lacked the confidence to capture him, and because Zhang Tianran hadn't posed much of a threat.

What they hadn't expected was that their first attempt would end in failure.

"I've decided to speak with this Speedster myself..."

The next day, Zhang Tianran met the visiting Director of the Department of Extranormal Operations at his hotel. He was also Martian Manhunter, the sole survivor of Mars.

"Finally decided to stop watching me?" Zhang Tianran casually asked as he fiddled with the little gadgets on his desk.

Martian Manhunter was actually somewhat of a threat to Zhang Tianran.

His illusions and telepathy posed a danger to a Speedster. Even though Zhang Tianran had technological equipment that could resist mental attacks, he still couldn't afford to let his guard down.

"The Department of Extranormal Operations exists to protect this world. Your actions are far too dangerous, and we can't turn a blind eye to them." Martian Manhunter spoke with utmost sincerity.

Zhang Tianran continued working, but most of his attention remained on Martian Manhunter.

A few minutes later, Zhang Tianran set down the instrument in his hand. "I understand. I don't intend to do anything to this world, either. After all, I haven't even hidden my appearance, and I haven't harmed anyone."

"Otherwise, you wouldn't have found me so easily."

Martian Manhunter said, "I'm grateful for that. But collecting extraterrestrial biological genes is forbidden on any planet."

Hearing that, Zhang Tianran asked, "What do you want me to do? Surrender, or leave this world?"

Martian Manhunter replied earnestly, "Actually, I only hope that you'll stop seeking out other forms of life like this."

"If you continue, it won't just be us. Residents of other planets will come to stop you as well."

Zhang Tianran pondered for a moment.

Then he said directly, "Fine. From this point onward, I won't collect any extraterrestrial life-form genes from this world." Martian Manhunter hadn't expected Zhang Tianran to agree so readily. If his telepathy hadn't told him Zhang Tianran wasn't lying, he wouldn't have believed it.

"That really is a pleasant surprise. I didn't expect it to go so smoothly. One last question—would you be interested in joining the Department of Extranormal Operations?" Martian Manhunter was delighted, as the conversation had gone even more smoothly than expected.

"Not interested... Oh, and your department can keep watching me. But I'll be leaving this world after a while. You can think of me as an adventurer who travels through various universes." Zhang Tianran spoke calmly, establishing a new persona for himself.

He had already collected nearly all the extraterrestrial biological genes that interested him, so Zhang Tianran was preparing to leave this world as well.

As for Kryptonian genes... Zhang Tianran planned to return to the past and obtain Superman's genes when he was still young.

Although Supergirl in this world was, to a certain degree, even stronger than Superman—yes, this Supergirl really was written to be stronger than Superman, though it was completely impossible to tell—Superman's genes should be more suitable.

Perhaps, if he was lucky enough, he might even find the Kryptonian Life Code within Superman's body.

Though the chances of that weren't very high...

After Martian Manhunter left, the surveillance around Zhang Tianran intensified severalfold.

Other than staying out of Zhang Tianran's room, these agents occupied nearly every spot in the surrounding area. Even when Zhang Tianran went out to buy food, a large group of disguised agents could be found gathered at every street corner.

Clearly, the Department of Extranormal Operations wasn't going to trust Zhang Tianran easily. However, they also didn't seem likely to do anything against him anytime soon.

Zhang Tianran had no time to concern himself with such trivial matters. He had already modified his hotel room to ensure that no one could monitor him inside.

Besides that, he took out some equipment from the Time Ship and began further upgrading Zero.

The upgrade was mainly divided into two steps. Zhang Tianran was responsible for modifying the Time Ship's hardware to improve its efficiency, while Zero optimized its own software and carried out self-correction.

The Krolunian genes contained the ability to convert flesh into data. They also contained some highly unusual code, enough for Zhang Tianran to complete an upgrade for Zero.

But this time, Zhang Tianran didn't intervene. He could naturally help Zero become stronger, but that would make it meaningless.

What Zhang Tianran needed wasn't merely an artificial intelligence. If that were all, he could simply replicate one. There would be no need to painstakingly write technical code.

He needed an assistant—one who would never betray him, no matter what.

That was why he had Zero analyze the code hidden within the Krolunian genes itself...

For Zero, this was also a form of training and a test.