The Kryptonian Nursery
As the supreme crystallization of Kryptonian technology, the internal facilities of the Fortress of Solitude were incredibly comprehensive, encompassing almost every cutting-edge technology.
Controlling such a massive ship was no simple feat. Without assistance, Linda had to wear multiple hats, spending several days familiarizing herself with the ship's functions to handle any potential mishaps during the spatial jump.
After becoming acquainted with the weapons and defense systems, Linda proceeded to the deepest part of the Fortress.
A massive Incubation Chamber stood there, with many cocoon-like objects suspended inside.
The Birthing Matrix!
The Fortress of Solitude actually contained a Kryptonian Nursery!
After checking the various data, a look of pleasant surprise flashed in the girl's eyes.
The Nursery was fully functional and ready to operate at any moment. This meant that by simply inserting the Codex of Life, it wouldn't take long to breed hundreds or even thousands of new Kryptonians.
While the thought brought joy, Linda also felt a profound sense of panic.
To Earth, Kryptonians were god-like beings. If a thousand gods suddenly appeared on Earth, no one could predict what would happen.
She and her cousin, Kal-El, could restrain themselves from harming others, but that didn't mean other Kryptonians would share the same ideals.
Should the newborns decide to rebuild their civilization, it would be a catastrophe for Earth, potentially resulting in billions of human deaths.
Linda involuntarily shuddered and quickly shut down the Nursery before turning to leave.
"A.I.R., are you there?"
A holographic figure projected itself. "Hello, Kara."
"What is he doing?"
"Mr. Shaw has remained in his room, studying Kryptonian knowledge."
"He's been there for three days straight?"
"Yes."
"Hasn't come out?"
"No."
Linda couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. When did that mischievous troublemaker become so obedient?
"How is his learning progress?"
After a brief pause, a hint of anxiety entered the soft electronic voice. "Based on current intelligence, to prevent a potentially terrifying incident, I advise you to immediately revoke Mr. Shaw's access."
Linda was taken aback. "Why?"
"Mr. Shaw is highly unique. His cognitive and learning abilities operate at a higher dimension, vastly exceeding those of other Earthlings. I conducted a private assessment of his intelligence, and the results indicate that Mr. Shaw possesses at least Level Ten Intellectual Potential."
Linda's mouth dropped open. "Level Ten?"
"Yes."
To emphasize Luke's danger, the smart steward A.I.R. described his actions in detail.
"Three days ago, Mr. Shaw began studying the most fundamental Kryptonian education. I served as his translator. In only seventeen hours, he passed the Level One education and mastered at least seven thousand Kryptonian characters. He then dismissed me and began Level Two education."
"According to the mainframe feedback, four hours ago, he not only passed the Level Two assessment but also mastered the grammatical structure, allowing him to communicate normally in Kryptonian."
"Mr. Shaw's learning capacity is extraordinary. I cannot predict how much Kryptonian knowledge he will master by the time he leaves the Fortress. For the safety of the Kryptonian people, I advise you to terminate his access. He cannot be allowed to continue studying."
Linda's head felt foggy. It took her a moment to speak.
"Are... are you sure he's Level Ten?"
"Yes, I am quite certain."
Linda swallowed, her throat dry.
"My uncle, Jor-El, was hailed as Krypton's Chief Scientist, and his intellectual potential was only Level Nine. How can an Earth native have Level Ten? It makes no sense. How can an Earthling be smarter than a Kryptonian?"
"Kara, you need to make a decision quickly."
"Where is he now?"
"In his room."
Linda wasted no time, heading straight for Luke's quarters. She needed to verify the truth of the matter. If A.I.R. was right, she would have to reconsider her promise.
Kryptonian technology was dangerous. In the hands of a genius, it would be exponentially more dangerous.
The Standoff
She opened the door, and a cloud of smoke with a mix of odors hit her, making her want to sneeze.
Linda pinched her nose and surveyed the room.
The room was a mess, littered with garbage. There was a pile of opened food wrappers in the corner. The waste bin overflowed with scrap paper and notes. On the round table, several blue-glowing laptops were spread out. Luke sat behind the table, a cigar dangling from his lips and a hot cup of coffee nearby, engrossed in writing.
Linda sternly cleared her throat. A few seconds later, she coughed again. Seeing no reaction from Luke, she strode over and slammed her hand onto the table.
BANG!
Luke finally snapped back to reality, giving the girl a look that was blank, confused, and slightly unfamiliar, before immediately returning his gaze to his notebook.
"This bastard!"
Linda narrowed her eyes, pointed her hand, and plunged the room into darkness. A few seconds later, the light returned. The sudden change interrupted Luke's concentration, finally pulling him away from the elementary application of mass-energy equations.
He spat the dying cigar into the waste bin and said with an irritated expression,
"What do you want? Can't you see I'm busy?"
Linda put her hands on her hips, her sweet face wearing a rare, severe expression.
"Luke Shaw, we need to talk."
"Talk about what?"
"A.I.R. told me you've not only mastered Kryptonian but also passed the Level Two education assessment."
Luke nodded, pulled a fresh cigar from the box, lit it, and took a drag. He spoke with a slightly mocking tone:
"Your steward is certainly diligent. Did it tell you what color I poop every day, too?"
Linda slammed her fist onto the table.
"Luke Shaw, don't push your luck! This is my ship. When you're on my ship, you listen to me."
Luke blew out a cloud of smoke and chuckled. "When I'm on your bed, I'll definitely listen to you. But what do you want? Why are you angry? Did I provoke you, or is there something you're dissatisfied with? Say it, and we can discuss it."
"Bastard! Don't change the subject! And stop talking dirty in front of me, or I'll beat you up."
Luke shrugged helplessly.
"It's a crime to study hard these days."
"Stop wasting time, beautiful. Why did you come here?"
Linda opened her mouth, suddenly unsure how to proceed. She couldn't possibly revoke the promise she'd made just because the guy was too smart and she was afraid he'd learn everything on the ship!
If she did that, given his personality, he would undoubtedly mock her to death.
No, I'm a Kryptonian, the eldest daughter of the House of El, a higher life form. I can't be ridiculed by an Earth native.
"Should I just beat him up?"
The urge swelled in the girl's heart, but she thought better of it, suppressing the dangerous idea.
Luke had been watching her the entire time. Every change in her expression was noted. He guessed what she was thinking, and his expression turned peculiar.
"I said, you're not trying to back out of our deal, are you?"
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