The next morning, Connor met Miss Martian in Training Room 5, a smaller facility than the one used for his League assessment but still equipped with sophisticated holographic systems and environmental controls. She'd arrived early and was floating cross-legged about three feet off the ground, her green skin almost glowing in the room's soft lighting as she meditated.
"Ready to get started?" Connor asked as he entered, noting that she seemed much more composed than the previous evening.
M'gann opened her eyes and settled gently to the ground. "I think so. Though I should warn you—my abilities can be unpredictable when I'm stressed."
"That's exactly what we're here to work on," Connor said with confidence he hoped was reassuring. "Control under pressure is a skill like any other. It just takes practice."
*[GENETIC SIGHT: Analyzing M'gann's current state]*
*[EMOTIONAL BASELINE: Anxious but determined, significantly improved from previous encounter]*
*[POWER FLUCTUATIONS: Detectable - shapeshifting and telepathic abilities showing stress responses]*
*[ASSESSMENT: Training opportunity - abilities accessible but unstable due to confidence issues]*
"Let's start with something simple," Connor suggested, activating the training room's basic holographic system. "Basic obstacle course, no combat elements. Just movement, control, and coordination."
The room generated a series of floating platforms, energy rings to fly through, and simple barriers to navigate around. Nothing threatening, just a course designed to require precise control of flight and shapeshifting abilities.
"Show me your normal approach," Connor said. "Don't worry about impressing me—just do what feels natural."
M'gann nodded and launched herself into the air, her Martian flight capabilities carrying her smoothly toward the first obstacle. For the first few seconds, everything went perfectly. She shifted her body density to pass through energy barriers, altered her shape slightly to fit through narrow openings, and navigated the course with fluid grace.
Then she reached a section that required precise timing—three rotating energy rings that had to be navigated in sequence. Connor could see her stress level spike as she approached, and immediately her abilities began fluctuating.
Her shapeshifting became erratic, her body partially phasing in and out of solidity, and her flight pattern turned jerky and unpredictable. She made it through the first ring but clipped the second, sending her tumbling toward the third in a barely controlled spin.
"M'gann, stop," Connor called out gently. "Take a breath."
She hovered in place, her green skin flushed with embarrassment, her shapeshifting still flickering slightly as her emotional state affected her control.
"That's exactly what happened during my evaluation," she said with frustration. "The moment I start thinking about performing perfectly, everything falls apart."
Connor flew up to her level—his own flight capabilities were still developing, more controlled falling than true flight, but adequate for training purposes.
"Can I make an observation?" Connor asked.
"Sure."
"You were perfect until you started thinking about being perfect," Connor said simply. "The first part of the course, when you were just moving naturally, you looked like you'd been flying your entire life. It was only when you started worrying about the difficult section that your abilities became unstable."
M'gann looked thoughtful. "So you think it's psychological rather than a control problem?"
"I think it's both," Connor said. "The psychological pressure creates the control problem. But that means we can fix it by addressing the mental aspect."
*[TACTICAL ANALYSIS: M'gann's abilities are fundamentally stable - instability triggered by performance anxiety]*
*[RECOMMENDED APPROACH: Build confidence through incremental success rather than technical training]*
*[XP OPPORTUNITY: Successful mentoring could provide significant experience gain]*
"Want to try something different?" Connor suggested. "Instead of running the course to demonstrate your abilities, let's run it together. I'll handle the parts that don't require shapeshifting, you handle the parts that do. No pressure to be perfect—just teamwork."
M'gann's eyes lit up with interest. "That could work. Shared responsibility means less individual pressure."
They started the course again, this time with Connor taking point on sections that required strength or technological interface, while M'gann handled areas that needed shapeshifting or phasing abilities. The difference was immediate and dramatic.
Working as a team, M'gann's abilities remained stable throughout the entire course. Her shapeshifting was precise and controlled, her flight was graceful, and her confidence grew visibly with each successful obstacle.
"That was amazing!" M'gann said as they completed the course, her genuine joy evident in both her voice and the warm emotional signature Connor's telepathic abilities detected.
*[XP GAINED: 85 - Successful mentoring approach, confidence building achievement]*
"Now let's try it again," Connor suggested, "but this time, you take the lead. I'll be backup, but you handle everything you feel comfortable with."
M'gann nodded eagerly and launched into the course again. This time, she handled about seventy percent of the obstacles herself, only deferring to Connor for the most technically complex sections. Her control remained stable throughout.
"Better?" Connor asked as they finished.
"Much better," M'gann said with obvious satisfaction. "I think I was psyching myself out by treating every obstacle like a test instead of just... doing what I know how to do."
"Exactly," Connor agreed. "Your abilities are incredible, M'gann. The issue was never your power or your control—it was your confidence."
*[XP GAINED: 95 - Continued mentoring success, skill development facilitation]*
"Should we try adding some complexity?" M'gann asked, her renewed confidence evident in her eagerness to push further.
Connor activated the training room's intermediate settings, adding moving obstacles, timed sequences, and mild environmental challenges like shifting gravity fields.
"Same approach," Connor said. "Teamwork first, then individual challenges as your comfort level increases."
This time, M'gann took the initiative in planning their approach, using her telepathic abilities to coordinate their movements and her shapeshifting to adapt to unexpected obstacles. Connor provided tactical analysis and technological interface support, but M'gann was clearly the lead.
The course was significantly more challenging, requiring split-second timing and precise coordination between multiple abilities. M'gann not only maintained control throughout—she exceeded it, demonstrating levels of capability that Connor suspected she hadn't achieved even before her failed evaluation.
"M'gann, that was incredible," Connor said as they completed the advanced course. "You were handling things that would challenge full League members."
Her smile was radiant. "I felt like myself again. Like my abilities were working with me instead of against me."
*[XP GAINED: 120 - Advanced training success, significant mentoring achievement]*
"Want to try the scenario that gave you trouble in your evaluation?" Connor asked carefully. "We don't have to, but if you're feeling confident..."
M'gann considered the suggestion, then nodded with determination. "Yes. I want to prove to myself that I can handle it."
Connor activated a combat simulation similar to what he'd experienced during his own assessment—multiple opponents with different capabilities, requiring tactical thinking and appropriate restraint.
"Remember," Connor said as the holographic enemies materialized, "treat this as problem-solving, not performance evaluation. Each opponent is a puzzle to solve, not a test to pass."
M'gann nodded and engaged the scenario with calm focus. Instead of trying to overwhelm her opponents with raw power, she used her shapeshifting creatively—becoming intangible to avoid attacks, altering her form to confuse targeting systems, using her telepathic abilities to anticipate their strategies.
When one opponent proved particularly challenging, she seamlessly coordinated with Connor, using their established telepathic link to execute combination attacks that played to both their strengths.
The entire combat lasted less than four minutes, with all opponents neutralized through tactical superiority rather than overwhelming force.
*[XP GAINED: 150 - Combat training success, advanced coordination demonstration]*
"M'gann, that was flawless," Connor said with genuine admiration. "You handled every challenge with perfect control and tactical awareness. That's League-level performance."
M'gann's emotional signature radiated pure joy and confidence restored. "I can't believe how much better that felt. Working with you, having someone who believed in my capabilities—it made all the difference."
*[SYSTEM NOTIFICATION: Absorption opportunity detected]*
*[M'gann M'orzz - Full Martian ability set available for absorption]*
*[WARNING: Would require physical contact and approximately 90 seconds]*
*[ABILITIES AVAILABLE: Complete shapeshifting, advanced telepathy, invisibility, intangibility, Martian strength, flight mastery]*
*[ASSESSMENT: Extremely valuable ability set, but absorption would reveal system capabilities]*
Connor looked at M'gann, who was practically glowing with renewed confidence and gratitude, and made a decision that surprised him. Despite the incredible value of her abilities, absorbing them would require deception and manipulation of someone who trusted him.
He dismissed the absorption notification.
Some things were more important than power acquisition.
"M'gann," Connor said instead, "I think you're ready for your re-evaluation. But more than that, I think you'd be an incredible training partner on an ongoing basis. Would you be interested in continuing to work together?"
Her smile was worth more than any ability absorption could have provided. "I would love that, Connor. Thank you for helping me remember who I am."
*[HEROIC CHOICE CONFIRMED: Prioritized relationship over power gain]*
*[XP GAINED: 200 - Significant heroic character development]*
*[NEW RELATIONSHIP: M'gann M'orzz (Close Friend/Training Partner)]*
*[TOTAL XP GAINED FROM SESSION: 650]*
As they walked out of the training room together, Connor's enhanced senses picked up something else—the way M'gann looked at him. There was gratitude there, certainly, but also something warmer. Admiration, appreciation, and the beginning of what might become something more complicated than just friendship.
*[EMOTIONAL ASSESSMENT: M'gann showing signs of romantic interest]*
*[RECOMMENDATION: Handle with care - maintaining supportive relationship while managing expectations]*
Connor decided to address it directly but gently. "M'gann, I hope you know that my offer to continue training together is because I genuinely think you're an incredible person and hero. Not because I expect anything beyond friendship."
She looked surprised, then grateful. "Connor, thank you for saying that. And thank you for treating me like a whole person rather than just someone to impress or win over. That means more than you know."
*[RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Healthy foundation established - mutual respect and clear boundaries]*
"So," Connor said as they approached the common areas where other heroes were gathered, "ready to tell J'onn that his niece is ready to show the League what a real Martian hero looks like?"
M'gann's confidence was solid now, no longer fragile or dependent on external validation. "Ready," she said with certainty.
*[QUEST PROGRESS: Mentorship and Alliance - 85% complete]*
*[NEXT PHASE: Support M'gann through successful re-evaluation]*
*[CURRENT XP: 2115/5000 toward Level 7]*
*[PROGRESS TOWARD LEVEL 10: 42.3% complete]*
Connor Kent looked at his new training partner and friend, feeling like he'd accomplished something more meaningful than just gaining experience points. He'd helped someone realize their potential, established a valuable alliance, and demonstrated that being a hero was about more than just accumulating power.
It was exactly the kind of person he wanted to be.
The path toward becoming the hero he was meant to be was getting clearer every day.
—
Three days after their training session, M'gann stood outside Training Room 1—the primary evaluation facility—taking slow, measured breaths while Connor provided quiet moral support.
"You've got this," Connor said simply, his enhanced senses detecting her nervous energy but also the underlying confidence that hadn't been there during their first meeting. "Remember, they want you to succeed."
"I know," M'gann replied, her voice steady despite the emotional turbulence Connor's telepathic abilities could sense beneath the surface. "It's just hard to forget how badly I messed up last time."
Through the training room's observation windows, Connor could see the Justice League evaluation team assembling—Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman, and J'onn J'onzz. The same group that had assessed Connor, though their body language suggested this re-evaluation carried different weight. This wasn't just testing a new candidate; this was giving someone a second chance after a significant failure.
*[EMOTIONAL ASSESSMENT: M'gann showing manageable stress levels, significantly improved from previous attempt]*
*[TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Evaluation team prepared for either success or failure - professional but supportive stance]*
*[XP OPPORTUNITY: Successful support of ally's growth could provide moderate experience gain]*
"M'gann," came J'onn's voice through the intercom, carrying the formal tone of professional evaluation but with an underlying warmth that spoke to their family relationship. "Are you ready to begin?"
"Yes, Uncle J'onn," M'gann replied, then caught herself. "I mean, yes, Martian Manhunter. I'm ready."
Connor could see J'onn's slight smile through the observation window at the family slip, but his expression quickly returned to professional neutrality.
"Connor," Batman's voice came through a separate comm channel, "you're welcome to observe from the monitoring booth if you'd like."
Connor looked at M'gann, who nodded encouragingly. "Go," she said. "I want you to see how much better this goes."
The monitoring booth provided a comprehensive view of Training Room 1's holographic systems and allowed Connor to access the evaluation metrics in real-time. His technological interface immediately connected to the room's sensor arrays, giving him detailed readouts on M'gann's physiological and abilities-based performance.
"First assessment: basic flight and shapeshifting control," Superman announced as the training room generated a simple obstacle course. "Navigate the course at your own pace, demonstrating precision rather than speed."
M'gann launched herself smoothly into the air, and Connor immediately noticed the difference from their practice sessions. Her flight was controlled and graceful, her shapeshifting transitions were seamless, and most importantly, her stress levels remained within acceptable parameters as she moved through increasingly complex obstacles.
*[PERFORMANCE METRICS: Flight control - 87% efficiency, Shapeshifting precision - 92% accuracy]*
*[EMOTIONAL BASELINE: Stable - No significant stress spikes detected]*
"Much improved," Wonder Woman observed quietly to the other evaluators. "Her control is consistent throughout the sequence."
Connor watched M'gann execute a particularly elegant maneuver that required shifting her density while maintaining flight trajectory through a narrow energy field. Three days ago, that same type of challenge had triggered her control breakdown.
*[XP GAINED: 45 - Successful mentoring results demonstrated]*
"Second assessment: combat scenario with multiple opponents," Batman announced as the room reconfigured into an urban environment. "Primary objective is threat neutralization with minimal collateral damage."
Connor felt his enhanced senses pick up M'gann's stress spike as the combat scenario loaded—this was where her previous evaluation had failed catastrophically. But instead of letting the anxiety overwhelm her control, she took a moment to center herself, using the breathing techniques they'd practiced.
Three holographic opponents materialized around her: a strength-based combatant, an energy projector, and a highly mobile tactical fighter. Connor recognized the same basic setup from his own evaluation, though calibrated differently for Martian capabilities.
M'gann engaged the scenario with remarkable composure. Instead of trying to overpower her opponents, she used her shapeshifting creatively—becoming intangible to avoid attacks, altering her form to confuse targeting systems, using her telepathic abilities to predict their strategies.
*[COMBAT PERFORMANCE: Tactical awareness - 89%, Ability integration - 94%, Restraint protocols - 98%]*
*[EMOTIONAL STATE: Focused but calm - No control fluctuations detected]*
"She's treating each opponent as an individual problem requiring specific solutions," Batman noted with approval. "That's advanced tactical thinking."
Connor watched M'gann use a combination of telepathic misdirection and selective intangibility to turn the strength-based opponent's attack against the energy projector, then used shapeshifting to appear as multiple targets while flanking the tactical fighter. The entire sequence demonstrated not just power, but creativity and judgment.
*[XP GAINED: 75 - Advanced mentoring success, significant improvement demonstrated]*
"Final phase: team coordination exercise," J'onn announced, stepping into the training room himself. "You'll work with me to handle multiple concurrent threats requiring both individual capability and coordinated response."
This was the assessment component Connor hadn't experienced—direct teamwork evaluation with an existing League member. The scenario that loaded was complex: a disaster response situation with civilian rescue needs, structural hazards, and hostile elements all requiring attention simultaneously.
Connor watched through his technological interface as M'gann immediately established a telepathic coordination link with J'onn, allowing for instant communication and tactical coordination. Her stress levels actually decreased rather than increased when working with her uncle, suggesting that team operations might be where her abilities truly excelled.
*[TELEPATHIC COORDINATION: Efficiency rating 96% - Near-perfect information sharing]*
*[TEAM INTEGRATION: Superior performance - Individual abilities enhanced by coordination]*
M'gann handled civilian evacuation while J'onn managed structural threats, but their coordination was so seamless that they functioned as a unified response rather than two individuals working in parallel. When M'gann encountered a challenge that required phasing civilians through debris, she instantly shared technical details with J'onn, who provided tactical support that allowed her to execute the rescue with perfect precision.
"Remarkable coordination," Superman observed. "The telepathic link eliminates communication delays and allows for incredibly sophisticated tactical planning."
Connor felt a sense of pride watching M'gann excel in the team exercise. Their training sessions had focused heavily on coordination and mutual support, and seeing those lessons applied successfully in a formal evaluation was deeply satisfying.
*[XP GAINED: 95 - Mentoring success in advanced coordination skills]*
The scenario concluded with all objectives achieved, zero civilian casualties, and minimal property damage. M'gann and J'onn executed a perfect coordinated response that would have impressed even experienced League members.
"Assessment complete," Batman announced as the holographic environment faded. "M'gann, please join us in the debriefing area."
Connor made his way down from the monitoring booth to where M'gann was waiting, her emotional signature radiating cautious hope mixed with exhaustion from the sustained performance.
"How do you think it went?" Connor asked quietly.
"Better than last time," M'gann said with understatement that didn't hide her growing confidence. "Much better. I felt like myself throughout the entire evaluation."
The evaluation team approached, their expressions revealing nothing about their assessment. Connor's enhanced senses detected mixed emotional signatures—professional satisfaction from Superman and Wonder Woman, analytical approval from Batman, and something that might have been pride from J'onn.
"M'gann," Superman began formally, "your performance today demonstrated significant improvement across all evaluation criteria. Flight control, combat effectiveness, and team coordination all showed marked advancement from your previous assessment."
"The combat scenario was particularly impressive," Wonder Woman added. "You showed tactical creativity, appropriate restraint, and excellent decision-making under pressure. Those are advanced skills that many candidates struggle to develop."
Batman consulted his evaluation tablet before speaking. "Your team coordination capabilities with J'onn represent a unique asset for League operations. The telepathic link allowed for response efficiency that could be invaluable in complex emergency situations."
Connor watched M'gann's emotional state carefully, noting the growing realization that this evaluation was going very differently from her previous attempt.
"However," J'onn said, and Connor felt M'gann's stress spike before he continued, "there are areas where continued development would be beneficial. Your individual confidence, while much improved, still shows some dependency on external support structures."
"What does that mean for my evaluation status?" M'gann asked directly, her voice steady despite the obvious importance of the answer.
Superman stepped forward with what Connor recognized as his characteristic combination of authority and warmth. "M'gann, the Justice League is pleased to offer you provisional membership in our training program. You've demonstrated the capability, judgment, and character we look for in potential League members."
M'gann's emotional signature exploded with joy, relief, and gratitude so intense that Connor's telepathic abilities were overwhelmed for a moment.
"However," Batman continued, "provisional membership includes a structured development program to address the areas where growth would be beneficial. You'll work with assigned mentors, participate in graduated mission assignments, and undergo regular progress evaluations."
"I accept," M'gann said immediately, then caught herself. "I mean, I'm honored to accept the opportunity and committed to the development program."
J'onn stepped forward, his professional demeanor softening slightly. "M'gann, I want you to know how proud I am of your growth and determination. The improvement you've shown is remarkable."
"Thank you," M'gann said quietly. "All of you. But I need to acknowledge someone else's contribution." She looked at Connor directly. "Connor's mentoring and support made the difference between my success and failure here. He helped me remember who I am and what I'm capable of."
Connor felt himself becoming the focus of League attention, which was both gratifying and slightly uncomfortable given his own secrets about the true nature of his abilities.
"Connor," Superman said with obvious approval, "helping M'gann develop her potential while pursuing your own training shows exactly the kind of character and judgment we hope to see from League members. Well done."
*[XP GAINED: 150 - Major mentoring success, League recognition for character development]*
*[REPUTATION INCREASE: Justice League (Mentor/Supportive Colleague)]*
*[NEW RELATIONSHIP STATUS: M'gann M'orzz (Close Friend/Fellow League Member)]*
"What happens now?" Connor asked, genuinely curious about the training program structure.
"Now," Wonder Woman said with satisfaction, "you both begin the next phase of your development. Joint training exercises, graduated mission assignments, specialized skill development with individual League members."
Batman added with his characteristic directness, "You'll work as training partners initially, since you've already established effective coordination. But you'll also need to develop independent capabilities and decision-making."
Connor looked at M'gann, who was practically glowing with happiness and renewed confidence. Three days ago, she'd been crying alone in a corridor, convinced she wasn't worthy of League membership. Now she was a provisional member with a clear development path forward.
"M'gann," Connor said simply, "congratulations. You earned this."
Her smile was radiant. "We both did, Connor. Thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself."
*[QUEST COMPLETED: Mentorship and Alliance]*
*[MAJOR SUCCESS: M'gann achieved League membership through supported development]*
*[TOTAL XP GAINED FROM QUEST: 365]*
*[CURRENT XP: 2480/5000 toward Level 7]*
As they walked out of the training room together, now both provisional Justice League members, Connor reflected on how quickly his new life had expanded. He'd helped someone realize their potential, established a valuable friendship, and demonstrated leadership qualities that had impressed some of the most powerful heroes on Earth.
More importantly, he'd proven to himself that being a hero wasn't just about accumulating power or completing missions. It was about seeing the potential in others and helping them achieve it.
Connor Kent looked at his friend and fellow League member, feeling like he was exactly where he belonged and exactly who he was meant to be.
The real adventure was just beginning.
*[CURRENT STATUS UPDATE]*
*Level: 6 (2480/5000 XP toward Level 7)*
*Progress toward Level 10: 49.6% complete*
*Justice League Status: Provisional Member - Training Program*
*Relationships: M'gann M'orzz (Close Friend/Training Partner), Superman (Mentor), Batman (Respected Colleague)*
*Next Milestone: Continue XP advancement toward Level 10 for Wonder Woman Combat Mastery absorption*
—
Two days after M'gann's successful re-evaluation, Connor found himself back in the Watchtower's main conference room, though this time the atmosphere was significantly different from his initial assessment. The lighting was warmer, the seating arrangement more casual, and the overall feeling was of colleagues discussing opportunities rather than evaluators testing capabilities.
Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman sat across from Connor and M'gann, but their body language suggested collaboration rather than judgment. Connor's enhanced senses detected anticipation and satisfaction from all three League members—something positive was about to be discussed.
"Connor, M'gann," Superman began with the warm authority that made him such an effective leader, "your performance during the provisional membership evaluations has been impressive, but more importantly, you've both demonstrated the kind of judgment and character that suggests you're ready for more advanced responsibilities."
Connor felt his tactical analysis abilities engage automatically. This wasn't just a progress report—this was leading toward some kind of opportunity.
"Advanced responsibilities?" M'gann asked, her curiosity evident in both her voice and the emotional signature Connor's telepathic abilities detected.
Batman leaned forward slightly, his expression serious but not stern. "The Justice League operates at a level where our primary focus is on planetary and cosmic-level threats. But there's always been a gap in our capabilities when it comes to situations that require more... focused intervention."
Wonder Woman picked up the thread seamlessly. "Situations where a smaller, more agile team might be more effective than the full League response. Missions that require stealth, specialized skills, or approaches that don't necessitate our level of overwhelming force."
Connor's enhanced intuition was already piecing together the implications. "You're talking about some kind of specialized team. Separate from the main League but operating under League oversight."
"Exactly," Superman confirmed. "We've been developing plans for a covert operations team composed of younger heroes—individuals with the skills and judgment to handle complex missions but without the public recognition that makes League members unsuitable for stealth operations."
M'gann leaned forward with obvious interest. "What kind of missions?"
"Intelligence gathering, infiltration, targeted intervention in situations where League involvement might escalate rather than resolve conflicts," Batman explained. "Think of it as the League's special operations division."
Connor felt his system provide tactical analysis of the opportunity being presented.
*[OPPORTUNITY ASSESSMENT: Specialized team membership]*
*[ADVANTAGES: Advanced mission access, accelerated skill development, increased XP opportunities]*
*[TACTICAL VALUE: Exposure to diverse threat types and coordination with other enhanced individuals]*
*[POTENTIAL XP GAIN: Significantly higher than standard training program]*
"Who else would be on this team?" Connor asked, his strategic mind already wondering about team composition and coordination possibilities.
"The team would be led by Nightwing," Wonder Woman said, "with Aqualad serving as field commander. Both have extensive experience in complex operations and team leadership."
"Nightwing?" M'gann asked with surprise. "Dick Grayson?"
Batman nodded with what might have been paternal pride. "Dick has outgrown his role as Robin and demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities. This team would allow him to develop those skills while serving League objectives."
Connor processed this information while his enhanced memory recalled his interactions with Nightwing during the Cadmus liberation. Dick Grayson had shown tactical sophistication and natural leadership during that operation—having him as team leader could provide excellent mentorship opportunities.
"What would our roles be on this team?" Connor asked.
"That would depend partly on your preferences and partly on team needs as they develop," Superman explained. "Your combination of power, technological interface capabilities, and tactical thinking would make you valuable in almost any role. M'gann's shapeshifting, telepathy, and infiltration capabilities would be particularly useful for covert operations."
M'gann's emotional signature radiated excitement mixed with nervousness. "This sounds incredible, but also like a lot of responsibility. How do we know we're ready for this level of operations?"
"Because," Batman said with characteristic directness, "you've both demonstrated exactly the kind of judgment and adaptability this team will require. Connor's handling of the Cadmus situation showed tactical leadership under pressure. M'gann's improvement during re-evaluation showed the ability to grow and adapt when challenged."
Connor found himself genuinely excited by the opportunity. Advanced missions would provide significant XP opportunities while allowing him to develop his abilities in diverse situations. Plus, working with a small team would let him build the kind of relationships that had proven so valuable with M'gann.
*[STRATEGIC ANALYSIS: Team membership aligns perfectly with Level 10 development goals]*
*[MISSION-BASED XP GAIN: Could accelerate progression toward Wonder Woman Combat Mastery absorption]*
*[ADDITIONAL BENEFIT: Exposure to other enhanced individuals for genetic inventory expansion]*
"We'd like to accept," Connor said, then looked at M'gann for confirmation. "Assuming M'gann agrees."
"Absolutely," M'gann said with enthusiasm that made her emotional signature practically glow. "When would we start?"
"Soon," Wonder Woman said with satisfaction. "But there are a few preliminary items to address first."
Superman's expression shifted to something warmer, almost familial. "Connor, there's something else we need to discuss. You've been operating without a proper heroic identity—no costume, no established public presence, no formal designation."
Connor looked down at his casual clothes—jeans and a t-shirt that had become his default outfit since leaving Cadmus. "I hadn't really thought about the costume aspect. I've been focused more on the capabilities side of being a hero."
"Understandable, but problematic for team operations," Batman observed. "Your teammates will need to know how to refer to you in the field, and you'll need equipment designed for your specific capabilities and operational requirements."
"What are you suggesting?" Connor asked.
Superman smiled, and Connor detected something almost paternal in his expression. "First, we need to establish your heroic identity. Have you given any thought to what you'd like to be called?"
Connor considered the question. Project KR had been Cadmus's designation, Connor Kent was his chosen civilian identity, but he hadn't really thought about what name he wanted to use as a hero.
"What about Superboy?" M'gann suggested. "It acknowledges your connection to Superman while establishing your own identity."
Connor tested the name mentally. Superboy. It felt right—connected to his genetic heritage but distinct from Superman's identity. Young but not diminished.
"Superboy," Connor said, trying it out loud. "I like it. It feels... appropriate."
"Superboy it is," Superman said with obvious approval. "Which brings us to the second issue—proper equipment."
Wonder Woman leaned forward with practical focus. "Connor, you'll need a costume designed for your specific capabilities and mission requirements. Something that provides protection, tactical utility, and appropriate visual presentation."
"I wouldn't know where to begin with that," Connor admitted. "I assume there's more to superhero costume design than just picking colors."
Batman actually smiled slightly. "Much more. Materials science, protective systems, communication integration, environmental adaptation—a proper superhero costume is essentially wearable technology optimized for enhanced human capabilities."
"Which is why," Superman said, his tone becoming more personal, "I'd like to invite you to dinner this weekend. At the Kent farm in Smallville."
Connor felt his enhanced senses pick up the emotional weight behind the invitation. This wasn't just about costume design—this was Superman offering to share his civilian life, his family connections, his most personal identity.
"I'd be honored," Connor said quietly, understanding the significance of what was being offered.
"There's someone I'd like you to meet," Superman continued. "Lana Lang. She's a friend from Smallville who happens to be one of the most talented textile designers in the country. She created my current suit, and I think she'd be perfect for developing your costume."
M'gann looked between Connor and Superman with obvious interest. "That sounds wonderful. Connor, you're going to meet Clark's family and friends."
"Just to be clear," Connor said carefully, "this is Clark Kent inviting Connor Kent to dinner, not Superman inviting Superboy to a strategy meeting?"
Superman's smile widened. "Exactly. Ma Kent makes the best apple pie in Kansas, and she's been wanting to meet you since I told her about your situation. Pa Kent's looking forward to talking with someone who understands the complexities of having unusual capabilities while trying to maintain a normal life."
Connor felt something warm settle in his chest—belonging, acceptance, the offer of not just mentorship but genuine family connection.
"What about the team operations?" M'gann asked. "When would we meet with Nightwing and Aqualad to discuss specifics?"
"Next week," Batman replied. "That will give Connor time to get properly equipped and both of you time to complete some additional specialized training modules."
Wonder Woman stood, indicating the meeting was concluding. "Connor, M'gann, you should both understand that this team opportunity represents a significant step forward in your heroic development. The missions will be challenging, potentially dangerous, and will require you to grow quickly."
"But," Superman added with paternal warmth, "you'll have excellent leadership, comprehensive support, and the satisfaction of knowing you're making a real difference in situations where the League's full involvement isn't appropriate."
Connor looked at M'gann, who nodded enthusiastically, then back at the three League members who were offering them incredible opportunities for growth and service.
"We won't let you down," Connor said simply.
"I know you won't," Superman replied with confidence that felt like a blessing.
*[QUEST COMPLETED: Justice League Integration]*
*[NEW QUEST UNLOCKED: Covert Operations Team Integration]*
*[MAJOR OPPORTUNITY: Specialized team membership with accelerated development potential]*
*[XP POTENTIAL: Significantly increased through advanced mission access]*
*[RELATIONSHIP DEVELOPMENT: Superman offering civilian family connection]*
As they walked out of the conference room, Connor reflected on how rapidly his new life continued to expand. Provisional League membership, specialized team opportunities, costume design meetings, and family dinner invitations with Superman's adoptive parents.
A week ago, he'd been unconscious in a Cadmus laboratory. Now he was Superboy, provisional member of the Justice League, about to join a covert operations team led by Nightwing.
"Connor," M'gann said as they headed toward their quarters, "I'm so excited about this team opportunity. Working with Nightwing and Aqualad, handling specialized missions—it's everything I hoped League membership could lead to."
"It's perfect timing too," Connor agreed. "We've established good coordination, we're both ready for more advanced challenges, and this will let us develop our capabilities much faster than standard training programs."
M'gann paused at the corridor junction where their paths diverged toward their respective quarters. "Thank you again, Connor. For helping me get to this point. I wouldn't have achieved League membership without your support."
"M'gann, you earned this through your own growth and determination," Connor replied with genuine conviction. "I just helped you remember what you were already capable of."
Her smile was radiant as she headed toward her quarters, and Connor continued to his own room, his mind already processing the opportunities ahead.
*[CURRENT STATUS UPDATE]*
*Level: 6 (2480/5000 XP toward Level 7)*
*Progress toward Level 10: 49.6% complete*
*New Identity: Superboy (Provisional Justice League Member)*
*Team Assignment: Covert Operations Team (Pending final integration)*
*Immediate Objectives: Complete costume development, meet Superman's family, integrate with new team*
Connor Kent—now Superboy—looked out his quarters' window at Earth rotating slowly below and felt like his real destiny was finally beginning to unfold.
Advanced missions, specialized equipment, family connections, and team leadership opportunities.
Everything was falling into place perfectly for his continued development toward Level 10 and the integration of Wonder Woman's combat mastery.
The next phase of becoming the hero he was meant to be was about to begin.
*[XP OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD: Team missions, family integration, costume development meeting, specialized training]*
*[ESTIMATED TIMELINE TO LEVEL 10: 3-4 major mission cycles or equivalent development activities]*
*[STRATEGIC OUTLOOK: Optimal positioning for rapid advancement and ability acquisition]*
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