The moment the Anti-Monitor fell, the positive matter Universe began to restore itself. Malrick's reality-altering punch reversed the devastation. Universes drifted back into their proper places, like stars settling into their orbits.
No one could remain calm in that awe-inspiring sight. Heroes who had long lost their homes stared in disbelief. Some wept with joy, others were lost in reflection. Only Supreme Little Superman flew closer to Malrick, halting a few meters away.
He felt it—this figure, who had saved the Multiverse, was his Master. Both his appearance and demeanor mirrored the man he had known. But his Master had died long ago, in the rain, on a cold day etched into his memory.
Supreme Little Superman dared not approach immediately. Trembling, he asked from a distance, "Ma… Master, is that you?"
Malrick turned his head, smiling gently. "Well done, Clark. You're finally acting like a superhero."
"It's really you, Master! But… but didn't you already…"
Supreme Little Superman's voice faltered, surprise and joy mingling as he approached. He scrutinized his Master awkwardly, trying to make sense of the impossible.
"Are you a wandering spirit? Or have you been resurrected? I visit your grave every month—did you see me there? Wait… when did you come back?"
He hugged Malrick tightly, and words tumbled out in a rush. Malrick listened with quiet patience, giving no excuses or explanations. He simply patted Clark's shoulder.
"This is just a remnant of my consciousness. It will dissipate soon. From now on, you're on your own, Clark. I'll be watching you from above," Malrick said casually.
He then produced an Earth from his World Ring and sent it spinning into the distance. "Look over there."
Supreme Little Superman followed the gesture. It was his familiar Earth—Source Earth—restored to its proper universe.
"It's our Earth… Master, did you save Mom and Dad, and Lori?"
Joy surged through Clark's heart. His family had survived. But when he looked back at Malrick, he realized the figure was slowly dissolving into light particles.
"Ma… Master?" He froze, the weight of loss sinking in. The remnant of Malrick's consciousness was fading.
"No, Master, how can this be? You saved the world, yet you die again? There must be a way to bring you back!" Clark's desperation flared as he reached out.
"Don't grieve for me, Clark. I will always live in your heart. When you become the hero in your heart, we will meet again," Malrick said. Then, he looked at Earth One Superman, nodded, and activated his Crossing ability, leaving the current time point.
In Clark's eyes, Malrick vanished completely into light.
"Master…" He stood frozen, arm suspended, lost between joy and sorrow. Malrick had returned, saved the world, and disappeared again.
Earth One Superman approached him. "Where's that friend? Has he gone?"
Clark looked up, surprise in his eyes. "You know my Master?"
Earth One Superman nodded. "So he's visited other universes."
Clark's mind raced with the stories still left to uncover. Yet he lowered his gaze, realizing the truth. "But Master… he's completely gone…"
Earth One Superman's eyes widened. "What? Gone?"
News of Malrick's sacrifice spread quickly. Everyone believed he had given his life to defeat the Anti-Monitor and restore the Multiverse. Grand funerals were held, and his deeds recorded in museums across Earths.
Meanwhile, Malrick continued to traverse time and space, collecting Superman genes, intervening in crises, and assisting heroes at critical moments. He fought Darkseid, studied the Omega Effect, and witnessed events from Blackest Night to Death Metal. Wherever an insurmountable threat appeared, Malrick shaped history, subtly ensuring the rise of Supreme Little Superman.
As Clark matured, his strength and influence grew. He became Supreme Superman, a stalwart hero and a guiding figure for younger generations. Yet, in his heart, he always reserved space for one figure: Malrick.
He remembered the long afternoons of training, the nights his Master kicked him from bed, the lessons in discipline and courage. "Master… you said when I became the hero in my heart, you would return. Am I there yet?"
Now in middle age, with the weight of experience etched on his face, Supreme Superman reflected on the man who had shaped him.
A broad hand rested on his head, black hair slipping through familiar fingers. He looked up, and there was the face he had not seen in decades, smiling, peaceful tears sliding down cheeks.
"Long time no see, Master. Have you been resurrected, or did you just crawl out of your grave to see me?"
Influenced by Malrick's presence, Supreme Superman felt complete, even if just for a moment.
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