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This is a fan-created work inspired by elements from DC Comics, including Krypton and Kryptonian lore. All original characters, alternate interpretations, and narrative developments in this story are fictional and created for entertainment purposes. No copyright infringement is intended.
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Chapter 28 — The Weight of Bloodlines
The debates within Krypton's High Council had not stopped since the day the Core Stabilization Device was revealed.
What had begun as a solution to a planetary crisis had quickly turned into a struggle for authority.
Inside the Grand Council Hall, towering crystalline pillars reflected the red glow of Krypton's sun as councilors argued across the circular chamber.
"The device must remain under council control," Councilor Thane declared sharply. His thin fingers tapped against the illuminated surface of the council table. "No single house or scientific division should possess something capable of influencing Krypton's core."
Across from him, Councilor Durn leaned forward with visible frustration.
"And what good will controlling it do if we never use it?" he countered. "Ruby's projections were clear. Continued mining within our solar system is destabilizing Krypton's core structure."
A holographic model of the planet hovered above the chamber floor.
Deep fractures glowed faintly within the simulated core—energy veins spreading like cracks through crystal.
The room grew quiet for a moment as the projection rotated slowly.
Ruby's voice echoed from the chamber's central console.
"Centuries of concentrated resource extraction within Krypton's solar system have increased gravitational stress within the planetary core. Without intervention, structural collapse is inevitable."
A murmur spread among the council.
Alura stood beside the projection, calm but firm.
"The solution is simple," she said. "Reduce internal mining and begin resource acquisition beyond Krypton's solar system."
That statement caused an immediate uproar.
"Beyond the system?" one councilor scoffed. "You are suggesting interstellar mining operations?"
"Which would require fleets," another added.
"And outposts."
"And enormous funding."
Councilor Thane folded his hands slowly.
"Or," he said carefully, "we claim ownership of this device and ensure it remains under council authority."
Von-Ra watched the exchange from the upper gallery.
He stood quietly among the observers, leaning against one of the crystalline pillars as the arguments continued below.
To the councilors, he was simply another member of Krypton's noble houses attending the session.
None of them knew the truth.
None of them knew that only days ago, his body had collapsed in a hidden laboratory.
None of them knew that he had died.
And none of them knew that he had returned.
Von-Ra's golden eyes moved slowly across the chamber as he studied the councilors one by one.
Their voices grew louder as the debate escalated.
Some feared the device.
Others wanted to control it.
Very few actually cared about saving Krypton.
Von-Ra exhaled quietly.
The outcome was already obvious.
They wanted power.
But they did not want responsibility.
After a while, the debate began looping into the same arguments again and again.
Von-Ra turned away from the balcony and walked silently down the long crystal corridor leading outside the council complex.
Moments later, he stepped onto a high terrace overlooking Kandor.
The vast Kryptonian city stretched endlessly before him, its crystal towers reflecting the deep crimson light of the planet's red sun.
Ships glided silently between the structures while distant energy conduits pulsed beneath the skyline.
For a long moment, Von-Ra simply watched the city.
Then he spoke quietly to himself.
"I never thought I'd be reincarnated as a Kryptonian in my second life."
"My Kryptonian abilities are still dormant," he murmured.
Under Krypton's red sun, those powers would remain sealed.
True Kryptonian strength would only awaken beneath the radiation of a yellow star.
For now, that part of him slept.
But the other bloodline did not.
The Viltrumite blood within him had already begun adapting.
Von-Ra could feel it in every movement of his body.
His muscles were stronger.
Denser.
His reflexes sharper than they had ever been.
Even under Krypton's red sun, he had already surpassed most Kryptonians in raw physical ability.
But the most noticeable change was something else entirely.
His presence.
Whenever he entered a room, conversations slowly quieted.
Servants instinctively stood straighter.
Even members of the noble houses seemed slightly cautious when speaking to him.
The divine essence of Rao had awakened something ancient within him.
Authority.
A ruler's aura.
Not something learned.
Something inherited.
Something inevitable.
Von-Ra looked once more toward the distant skyline of Kandor.
Behind him, the council continued arguing about the Core Stabilization Device.
Completely unaware.
A faint smile crossed his face.
"They think that device represents power…"
His fingers tightened slightly around the railing.
"But the true power of Krypton…"