Chapter 3: Dane meets Superman

Dane meticulously unraveled the intricate strands of magic woven into the ancient cuneiform by the wizard.

It was this very enchantment that allowed even someone as ordinary as Sivana to reach the mystical Rock of Eternity with a mere incantation etched in chalk.

This is what Dane's "Wisdom of Solomon" told him.

Then he closed all the magical entrances to the Rock of Eternity from the mortal world, declaring himself the sole master of passage.

He still remembered that, besides Shazam, there was another person who could enter this place through magic, and that person was Black Adam.

Now that he knew this loophole, he used his authority to bar Black Adam's access outright.

Further contemplating and recognizing the necessity of maintaining access to the realm even in his human form, he devised a loophole to ensure his entry regardless of his state of being.

Then the second thing he has to do is add insurance by saying 'Shazam'.

Contemplating the inherent risks of relying solely on the spoken word to invoke his transformation, Dane couldn't help but question the wisdom of such a simplistic mechanism.

The thought gnawed at him—what if a mere slip of the tongue undid the spell? Or worse, what if his intentions were manipulated by external forces beyond his control?

Haunted by the tragic demise of the Shazam family depicted in the animated movie "Flashpoint Paradox," Dane felt a solemn responsibility to safeguard their legacy.

With that resolve, he enacted a crucial amendment to the transformative spell.

Effective immediately, the invocation of "Shazam" would require a deliberate act of free will from Dane. Gone were the days of need-shouting; now, the spell would respond only to the silent recitation of his heart's desire.

Billy Batson, have you learned yet? The 'wisdom of Solomon' must be used in this way!

Henceforth, the Rock of Eternity became Dane's sanctuary, his home amidst its mystical expanse. No longer did he entertain the notion of purchasing a house in the picturesque countryside; the Rock would suffice as his eternal dwelling.

Upon assuming the mantle of Shazam, Dane found himself liberated from the mundane needs of mortal existence. No longer did he hunger, thirst, or require rest; the boundless energy bestowed upon him by the divine power ensured perpetual vitality.

With such immortality at his disposal, the question arose: Was formal education still a necessity?

Pondering this dilemma with careful consideration, Dane acknowledged the dispensability of conventional schooling. Yet he recognized the value of knowledge and the importance of continued learning.

For while the power of Shazam granted him unparalleled abilities, it also tethered him to the responsibilities of human society.

Thus, Dane resolved to uphold his academic pursuits, understanding that education served as both a safeguard against unforeseen circumstances and a means of integrating into society beyond the Rock of Eternity.

The realization dawned on Dane that the power he wielded as Shazam was not inherently his own; rather, it was borrowed from the gods, leaving open the possibility of its reclamation.

Drawing from his knowledge of comic book lore, though uncertain of the world he now inhabited, Dane's instinct leaned towards expecting the worst.

Even in cinematic adaptations like "Shazam 2," the threat of the wizard's scepter loomed large, capable of stealing divine power.

Vigilance became paramount. Dane understood the danger posed by the scepter's existence—its destruction could trigger catastrophic events, while its possession by others threatened his very existence.

Yet, paradoxically, it could also serve as a potent weapon, a fact that unsettled him deeply.

As he grappled with these unsettling thoughts, Dane couldn't help but question the motives behind the sealing of Black Adam. If the wizard possessed a means to strip him of his divine power, why resort to such extreme measures?

Setting aside these ponderings for the time being, Dane focused on the task at hand.

With ample time before Black Adam's seal was undone, he resolved to prepare himself for the inevitable confrontation, knowing that the fate of the world hung in the balance.

With a desire to witness the legendary Superman firsthand, Dane felt compelled to embark on this pivotal encounter.

For him, living in the DC universe without seeking out the iconic superhero would be akin to visiting a renowned landmark but neglecting to capture a photograph—an opportunity too precious to pass up.

Without hesitation, Dane willed the surroundings to change, and in an instant, he found himself back at the deserted subway station in San Francisco.

With the late hour, the station lay empty, offering him the perfect opportunity to don his white hood and take to the skies.

With a resolute thought, Dane ascended gracefully from the ground, propelled by the divine power coursing through his veins. Unlike Billy Batson, Dane possessed an inherent certainty in his ability to fly, and with practiced ease, he soared into the vast expanse above.

The sensation of flight was exhilarating, and Dane quickly adapted to the newfound freedom and agility granted by his divine strength. As he soared through the skies, he couldn't help but inadvertently tap into the speed of Mercury, causing the surrounding landscape to blur into streaks of motion before his eyes.

Despite the incredible velocity, Dane marveled at the absence of air resistance, a testament to the miraculous capabilities bestowed upon him by the divine power. It defied the laws of conventional science, yet he reveled in the freedom it afforded him.

Ascending higher and higher, Dane broke through the Earth's atmosphere, catching a glimpse of sunlight casting a faint glow along the planet's curvature. With the divine essence pulsating within him, he felt no need for oxygen, his movements unhindered by the vacuum of space.

Closing his eyes, Dane tapped into the depths of "Solomon's wisdom," delving into the vast repository of knowledge left behind by the ancient king. Amidst the myriad spells and enchantments, he sought out the tracing spell.

"Clark Kent, adopted son of Jonathan Kent."

"Kal-El, son of Jor-El, last son of Krypton..."

With each word spoken, the magic responded, illuminating the path that led directly to Clark's location.

"found you."

Armed with such precise guidance, Dane wasted no time in setting his course towards the ocean, where Superman awaited.

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Offshore oil drilling platforms erupted into a fiery inferno, casting a grim shadow over the tumultuous sea.

Amidst the chaos, a bearded figure leaped from a fishing boat, his determination etched upon his features as he propelled himself towards the burning platform.

Utilizing his superhuman senses, Clark scanned the area with heightened awareness, his super hearing guiding him to the sealed cabin where the last survivors sought refuge.

With unwavering resolve, he swiftly rescued them, his body engulfed in flames as he emerged.

As Clark ushered the safety survivors onto the helicopter, a harrowing realization dawned upon him: the platform was on the verge of collapse. Without hesitation, he made the selfless decision to remain behind, ensuring the safety of the remaining personnel.

In awe, the members of the search and rescue team watched as Clark, his bare upper body glistening with sweat and soot, braced himself against the weight of the collapsing platform.

With superstrength, he supported the thousands of tons of steel, buying precious moments for his comrades to escape.

"Jesus..." one whispered, a testament to the awe-inspiring display of heroism unfolding before them.

Yet, even as Clark strained against the immense pressure, his powers had not yet reached their full potential.

"Ah—!" Clark's cry echoed across the ocean as he fought valiantly to maintain his precarious hold.

In the midst of the chaos, a sudden and abnormal sound pierced the air, signaling the breaking of the sound barrier.

Clark's sharp hearing caught the distinctive sonic boom, prompting him to glance skyward. With the aid of his Super Vision, he beheld a startling sight—a red figure cloaked in white, flying.

Dane, observing Clark's predicament, swiftly joined him, lending his formidable strength to support the collapsing steel bracket. A warm smile graced Dane's lips as he offered his assistance.

"You look like you need help," he remarked, his voice filled with a reassuring calm.

Clark, taken aback by the unexpected arrival, was momentarily speechless. The incredulous reactions of the search and rescue team and survivors echoed his own astonishment.

"My God, another one!" exclaimed one of the onlookers, marveling at the sight of two super-powered beings working in tandem.

Clark's nerves were palpable, a feeling Dane could empathize with, considering the gravity of their encounter.

The purpose of Superman At the moment's journey was to find someone like himself, and now that he stood face-to-face with Dane, the weight of their meeting was not lost on either of them.

"You..." Clark began, his words trailing off as he struggled to articulate his thoughts.

Dane interjected gently, sensing Clark's unease. "This isn't the place for conversation. Let's depart."

"Agreed," Clark replied, grateful for the opportunity to collect his thoughts.

But Clark couldn't help but steal a glance at Dane, feeling a twinge of embarrassment at his own lack of flight capabilities.

The realization dawned on him that Superman At the moment, I hadn't yet learned about the flight. He knew he'd have to wait until he found the Kryptonian's ancient spaceship and learned from his father, Jor-El, about that ability.

Dane noticed Clark's apprehension and offered a reassuring smile as he extended his hand. Sheepishly, Clark accepted it, and together they shot into the sky at the speed of sound.

Before departing, Dane cast a fleeting glance back at the ocean, a sense of unease stirring within him as he felt an unseen presence lurking in the depths below.

Meanwhile, Clark's eyes were wide with wonder as he took in the breathtaking scenery surrounding them. Never before had he ventured to such heights in his physical form, and the experience left him utterly amazed.

As they ascended higher and higher, Clark began to notice a change in his breathing. It became a little less smooth—a subtle reminder of the limits of his physiology.

"Where are we going?" Clark inquired, his curiosity piqued by their mysterious destination.

"We're heading to my house," Dane replied cryptically.

Clark looked up in bewilderment, wondering if Dane's family lived in space. But before he could voice his thoughts, reality shifted around them, and they suddenly found themselves surrounded by towering rocks. Confusion washed over Clark as he took in his new surroundings.

"Where is this place?" he asked, his voice tinged with awe.

"Welcome to the Rock of Eternity."

Clark gazed around the Rock of Eternity in wonder, his eyes alight with amazement.

His attention was drawn to a high platform adorned with seven stone statues of varying shapes, each exuding an air of ancient mystique. Arrayed in an arched formation on the platform were seven imposing stone chairs, seemingly waiting for occupants.

"Just find a place to sit," Dane suggested, breaking the spell of Clark's fascination. "I've only recently taken over here, so I'm not familiar with many things.

"Remember, don't run around; you might fall into different worlds," Dane cautioned Clark, his voice carrying a note of concern.

Aware of the myriad doors connecting to other realms within the Rock of Eternity, he felt it prudent to issue a warning.

He disappeared as if moving in an instant, and when Clark was confused, he suddenly appeared again, but with an extra set of clothes and two cups of coffee in his hands.

With a brief nod of acknowledgment, Clark took Dane's words to heart. He understood the gravity of the situation and vowed to proceed with caution.

In a display of superhuman speed, Dane disappeared momentarily, only to reappear with an extra set of clothes and two cups of coffee in hand.

"Put these on," he instructed, offering the clothes salvaged from the fire.

Quickly changing into the fresh attire, Clark marveled at his companion's efficiency. He accepted the coffee gratefully, taking a moment to savor the warmth spreading through his body.

As they sat together, Clark couldn't help but voice the question that had been weighing on his mind.

"Are you... like me?" he asked hesitantly.

Dane paused, considering his response carefully. "It depends on how you define it," he began. "In comparison to ordinary people, you and I belong to the same category—the Superman category, if you will. But in a narrower sense, there are differences between us, Clark. You're not from Earth, are you?"

Taken aback by Dane's directness, Clark hesitated before nodding in agreement. The man before him exuded an air of sincerity, easing Clark's initial apprehension.

With a reassuring smile, Dane introduced himself formally. "My real name is Dane. My surname cannot be disclosed. You can call me Shazam in front of outsiders," he explained. "From a human perspective, it can be regarded as a 'demi god.'"

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