Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Nolin pondered for a moment. It wasn't like he hadn't thought about this question before, but the truth was—there weren't many good solutions.
Kara had been on Earth for too short a time.
Even though she had arrived earlier than Zod, her exposure to the yellow sun hadn't been long enough to make a significant impact.
Zod, on the other hand, was a Kryptonian general. Even without exposure to the yellow sun, his strength was comparable to that of Steppenwolf.
Compared to Doomsday, he could probably hold his ground, considering he was bred for battle.
To defeat Zod decisively, it would require someone as strong as Henry Zhao—who had been absorbing sunlight for over thirty years.
Only with that kind of preparation could one dominate the fight and snap Zod's neck in the end.
But if Kara faced him now, she'd be the one with a broken neck.
The difference in strength wasn't something a couple of days in the sun could fix.
What's more, that's just dealing with armored Zod.
If Zod's Kryptonian armor is destroyed and he's fully exposed to sunlight, his strength will grow even further, making him even harder to defeat!
Another option was Kryptonite.
But that wouldn't come into play until the World Engine was destroyed.
And the World Engine was even harder to deal with than Zod.
Defeat the World Engine first, then Zod?
It might just be easier to go take a nap and wait for the end of the world.
Besides, even if they managed to handle Zod and the World Engine, what about the enemies that would come next?
This wasn't the Justice League universe, but threats like Doomsday, Steppenwolf, or even Darkseid could still appear.
The enemies would only grow stronger, while Earth's defenders would hardly see any significant improvements in strength.
Without thirty years of sunlight absorption like Henry Zhao, Kara—who was only slightly stronger than the average Kryptonian—wouldn't stand a chance against these foes.
Earth would eventually be destroyed.
Even though there wasn't much use in giving suggestions, Nolin still shared his thoughts.
Hearing this, both Bruce and Kara frowned.
"So even if Kara is rescued, we won't be able to pose a threat to Zod?"
"Then what do you expect us to do? Just sit around at home and wait for the world to end?"
Bruce's temper had clearly grown shorter with age.
Then again, who wouldn't be upset by this kind of situation?
"Maybe," Nolin replied, "but I do have two options."
"Since Earth's sun is the source of our power and we can't get stronger fast enough, we could get closer to the sun itself. Our strength would definitely increase much faster."
"If we could fight Zod in space, there might still be a glimmer of hope."
Bruce squinted.
"Closer to the sun? What's the second option?"
"There's another way…"
Nolin looked at Kara, hesitating slightly.
Both Kara and Bruce were confused.
What could possibly make him so hesitant?
At this point, what could be harder than saving the world and defeating Zod?
"Is there something I can help with? Just tell me—if it helps defeat Zod, I'll do it!"
Kara's expression was resolute.
To her, Zod had to die. Killing Krypton's last son was a crime that deserved a thousand deaths.
Seeing her determination, Nolin decided to stop hiding and revealed his true ability.
"In truth, my ability isn't heat perception or vibration…"
When Nolin revealed his actual ability, Bruce and Kara were left speechless.
Could such an exaggerated ability really exist?
The power to copy and enhance someone's genes and abilities?
Was this some kind of joke?
But Nolin's serious expression suggested otherwise.
Unless he was as skilled at deception as the Joker, there was no reason for him to make something like this up.
Kara, meanwhile, felt a little awkward.
Hadn't she just made a bold declaration about doing anything to defeat Zod?
But now this?
Although... if it was him... it wasn't impossible, right?
No! What was she even thinking?
Kara El, you're a Kryptonian—not a human!
Could she even have children?
Wait—what was she thinking?
She barely knew him, and yet she was already skipping past the "get to know you" phase?
This idea of jumping straight into intimacy was far too bold, even for the more open-minded society of Earth.
And yet, Nolin's appearance radiated a certain charisma—an aura of raw masculinity.
It made Kara's favorability toward him rise above average almost instantly.
With just a few words, she already felt like they were friends.
But what happens once it starts…?
"Wait a second! So everything you did before was just to get Kara's powers?"
Bruce suddenly understood Nolin's earlier behavior.
Nolin simply nodded.
Then, with a focused gaze, his eyes lit up, and two heat-vision beams shot through the wall.
Bruce opened his mouth to speak but ultimately held back.
He wanted to ask whether Nolin came to this universe deliberately to gain Kryptonian powers and save the world.
But what was the point of asking?
At least for now, Nolin was fighting on their side.
Besides, as long as Kara was around, Nolin would always have a reason to remain their ally.
Bruce wasn't foolish enough to dwell on Nolin's true motives.
Right now, this method might be their last resort.
And if the future enemies were as terrifying as he feared, Nolin might be Earth's only hope.
Watching the exchange, Kara fell into deep thought.
If this was really the only way to defeat Zod…
She took a deep breath and looked at Nolin's face.
It was too unfair!
How could Earthlings have someone so attractive?
It should be illegal!
Kara couldn't help but remember that the first person she saw when she woke up was Nolin.
His warm smile and flawless eyes had left a strong impression.
Her heart started beating faster.
Wait—was this what humans called "falling in love"?
Kara didn't fully understand the concept.
But after listening to the thoughts of countless humans through her super hearing, her brain had quickly grasped the language and culture.
And in this moment, she realized something.
Love equals desire!
Desire means… well, reproduction.
Kara's eyes met Nolin's.
And in her heart, she finally understood.
If this could save Earth—then so be it.
---
Advanced 30+ Chapters in Patreon
Link: www.pat reon.com/Sleepy_Hua