---
(Phantom Zone)
Henry stepped through.
He was now in another dimension—completely different from Earth.
The Phantom Zone had a strange atmosphere...
The sky was a swirling mix of light and dark blue, with thousands of floating mini-islands drifting in the void.
Alongside these islands, there were planets—many of them lifeless.
But some still harbored life, filled with strange and varied creatures.
The Phantom Zone was a desolate, alien environment. There were no natural resources in this realm, but its inhabitants didn't need them. Time didn't seem to function here. A person who entered at the age of twenty could leave a hundred years later without having aged a single day.
There was no sun. No stars.
The terrain resembled faded or gray-colored deserts, stretching endlessly.
Originally, the Phantom Zone was created as a prison for Kryptonian criminals.
After entering, Henry pulled out his tracker.
The device was based on his DNA.
It could detect other Kryptonians with similar DNA—meaning, his relatives.
Henry activated it.
No nearby signals.
He took flight, hoping that going farther might help the tracker pick up something.
Still nothing.
Henry flew from one planet to another, searching for any trace.
He'd been in the dimension for over an hour now and found nothing.
Frustration started to build. The Phantom Zone was deeply unsettling. It'd be a lie to say he wouldn't go mad if he stayed here for years.
He landed on yet another planet, still searching for any sign, anything that could help.
Needing a break, he landed and started walking to clear his mind.
While walking, he stepped on something.
He stopped and looked down.
It was a human skull. Around it, bits of bone were scattered—likely the remains of a man.
"Shit... what the hell happened here?"
---
(Earth)
Henry had been missing for at least three weeks. No one had any idea where he'd gone.
Meanwhile...
(Reginald Vel Johnson High School)
Mark had recovered. He wasn't in as bad shape as before—his face showed some bruises, but nothing too serious.
After receiving medical care, Mark was released from the GDA and returned home. But before that, Cecil had shown him something.
(Flashback)
He led Mark into a strange room.
This one was different from the others.
Everything was white—not empty, just invisible to the naked eye.
"As far as the public knows, your dad died in a terrible car crash. We want to preserve your identity and your mother's—for safety reasons. Your father was a successful writer. He left enough income for both of you," said Cecil.
"I've already spoken to your mom. The funeral will happen soon," he added.
"I get it... but why are you showing me this?" Mark asked, gesturing at the blank room.
In an instant, the white room filled with color, and Mark could finally see what was inside.
"What the hell? Where did all this come from?" Mark asked.
"It was here all along. It's just invisible. The water Americans drink contains a substance that suppresses the ability to see certain light frequencies. That's what's being used in this room."
"So everything was just... invisible?"
"Yes. You'd be surprised how much we use this trick," said Cecil.
"Where were we? Right—your mom knows. We'll manage your finances so you two won't need to worry. And you've received a full college scholarship..." Cecil continued.
"Cool," said Mark.
"Aren't you curious what I want in return for all this? I am the government, after all."
"Damn... I knew there had to be a catch," Mark replied.
"Don't worry. It's not that bad. Your dad's gone. We monitored him constantly—until he went beyond our reach. He never changed course. He's heading somewhere. He's no longer in our solar system," said Cecil.
"We've got evidence of other life-supporting planets. Considering how long he can hold his breath and how fast he flies, it's not crazy to think he went off-world."
"I didn't benefit at all from him leaving. Your father was very valuable to us. We still have the Guardians, but I doubt they'll be enough."
"We need a replacement..." Cecil went on.
"You mean me?" asked Mark.
"Yes. We've been watching you ever since we saw your powers begin to develop. Your dad once told me you'd likely be just as powerful as him," said Cecil.
"So all I have to do is be a superhero—and let you tell me where to go and what to do when things go bad?" Mark asked.
"That's the main idea, kid," Cecil answered.
"And in return, you take care of my mom and give me a scholarship?"
"Exactly."
"Then I'm in," Mark said.
"Good. Follow me—we need to get you geared up."
---
(Reginald Vel Johnson High School)
Mark was putting books into his locker. His best friend William stood beside him.
William didn't know about Mark's secret identity. All he knew was that Mark's dad had died mysteriously.
He also found it strange that Mark had disappeared for several days.
"Hey man, how you holding up? I'm really sorry about your dad..." said William.
"Thanks... but I don't really wanna talk about it," said Mark.
"Alright... but I'm your friend. I'll be here when you do."
"I know, man. I know I can trust you."
A pretty blonde girl approached Mark from behind while he was talking to William. She handed him a note.
"Here," Amber said.
"Don't open it until you're home," she added before walking off.
"Did that actually happen?" Mark asked, surprised.
"Yup... wow," William replied.
"I still don't believe it..." Mark muttered.
"Me neither," William said.
Mark playfully flicked his arm.
"Ow! Dude, that hurt—just messing around... I didn't know you were that strong."
Mark and William kept walking.
"Hey, have you seen Henry? I haven't seen him in days," Mark asked.
The Teen Team had also noticed his absence.
"No... I heard his girlfriend's freaking out trying to find him. Some say he completely vanished—maybe he was one of those students that got kidnapped," William said.
"Henry? Kidnapped?" Mark wasn't buying it. He knew Henry's identity—and how powerful he was.
Suddenly, Mark's communicator beeped. Someone was calling—Cecil.
"Catch you later, William."
---
Mark, now in his superhero suit, was mid-fight with several villains.
"You may have won the battle, but the war is far from over! The Lizard League will strike again!" one villain yelled.
Mark took a punch from a large, orange-skinned brute.
"Nice work, Komodo Dragon. Quick, let's escape while we still can!" shouted King Lizard.
As Komodo Dragon and King Lizard fled, an explosion hit near them.
Robot arrived on his bike.
Mark flew in and knocked them both out. Soldiers swarmed in to arrest the villains.
Robot landed next to Mark.
"Glad I found you. They're evaluating new recruits for the Guardians of the Globe—reserve members. Want to come with me?" Robot asked.
"Sure, why not? I'd love to see the tests. Not sure I have time to join, but I can definitely watch."
---
(Government Facility)
Dozens—maybe hundreds—of people in superhero outfits filled a massive hangar.
Mark and Robot were among them.
"Whoa... look at how many showed up," Mark said, walking beside Robot.
"The pay is good. And word about the Guardians' battle with Nolan spread fast."
"Rex?"
"Well, look who it is! Hey Invincible—how you holding up, man?" Rex said.
"I'm fine..." Mark murmured, thinking about his father.
"I'm sorry for your loss..." said Rex before walking away.
"He doesn't mean that... I don't know why, but I just can't stand that guy," Mark told Robot.
"Don't let your feelings get in the way. He's got a strong personality... but he's not a bad person," Robot said.
"You sure about that?" Mark asked.
"Not really."
Rex stepped up in front of the recruits.
"Just wanted to let everyone know—I was late finishing my test, so that means there's still one spot left for you all to fight over. My bad," Rex said.
"Jerk," one of the hopefuls muttered.
"Sore loser."
Rex noticed a little girl in the crowd and knelt down on one knee.
"What are you doing here, little one? Are your mommy or daddy trying out?" Rex asked.
The girl, with orange hair and green eyes, answered calmly:
"No. My mom just brought me. I'm the one trying out."
"Oh, come on. Isn't there a minimum age or something?" Rex smirked.
"Okay, okay. What's your codename? I'm curious."
"Don't think so. I'd imagine they'd have told me," she replied.
"Monster Girl," she finally said.
"Oh, how cute. They call you that 'cause you're afraid of monsters? What are your powers?" Rex asked.
"Wanna see?" she asked back.
"Sure—show me," said Rex.
"Okay," Amanda replied, transforming into a hideous green monster.
Rex flinched in shock.
"Gah!"
"You asked for it," Monster Girl said, punching him square in the face—in the middle of the competitors.
Rex went flying, nose bleeding.
Mark, watching from near the restroom door, blinked.
"What the hell...?"
---