I am Loki the Frost Fruit Ability User

The Heist of the Kryptonian Vault

This was the first time Dru-Zod, now posing as the adopted son of Jor-El, entered the Vault of Rao, the most secure facility on Krypton.

As expected, under the concealment effect of his Reflection in Crystal ability, the sentinels guarding the vault's entrance failed to notice him. Zod easily slipped past them and entered the vault.

However, as he stepped into the treasure-laden chamber, his attention was immediately drawn to something other than the Codex of Krypton, the artifact the system had tasked him with stealing. Instead, his eyes landed on the blazing Sunstone Core, radiating an intense heat that made him uncomfortably aware of his vulnerability.

He recalled a story told by Lara Lor-Van, his adoptive mother, about the Sunstone Core. It was taken from the hands of the Pyre Titans, who once attempted to wage war against Krypton. The Core's unrestrained energy could make the Titans nearly indestructible, growing them to monstrous sizes capable of devastating entire cities.

But Zod also remembered from his memories of his previous life that the Sunstone Core would eventually fall into the hands of Doomsday, leading to the near-total annihilation of Krypton.

"I wonder if my presence here will alter the fate of Krypton," Zod mused as he carefully stepped away from the Sunstone Core.

His gaze then shifted to another artifact glowing faintly in the dim light. Though it was his first time seeing it in person, he instantly recognized it—the Phantom Drive Core, powered by the Phantom Zone itself.

This artifact, infused with unimaginable energy, was capable of bending space and imprisoning beings within alternate dimensions.

However, Zod tore his eyes away from it; his mission was clear. After a careful search, he finally spotted the Codex of Krypton, resting in a dimly lit corner of the massive chamber.

But as he placed his hands on the Codex's intricately designed casing, the artifact emitted a radiant white glow, and something incredible happened.

The Kryptonian disguise crafted by Jor-El's genetic manipulations was stripped away, revealing Zod's true nature. His skin turned a dull gray, and his eyes glowed an intense red.

Zod wasn't shocked—he had anticipated this.

Quickly, he used his Reflection in Crystal ability to conceal his altered appearance, as well as the Codex's energy signature, and slipped out of the Vault undetected.

Kal-El, the Target

Once outside, Zod made his way toward the chambers of his adoptive younger brother, Kal-El.

At this late hour, Kal-El was fast asleep, clutching a small Kryptonian artifact that Jor-El had given him as a learning tool. From the relaxed smile on his face, Kal-El was clearly enjoying a sweet dream.

"Sorry, little brother, but I have to 'wake you up' in the harshest way possible," Zod whispered with a mischievous grin.

He placed the Codex on the ground and began channeling his newly acquired freezing ability into it. Within moments, an intense wave of cold energy surged out, enveloping Kal-El and freezing him into a solid block of ice.

"Don't take it personally," Zod murmured, smirking at his handiwork. "Blame the system, not me."

The icy effect was temporary, lasting only a few hours. Zod had carefully calibrated the freezing process so that Kal-El would remain unharmed.

As soon as the system's notification dinged in his mind, confirming the mission's completion, Zod nearly lost control of his magic from sheer excitement.

Had it not been for his disciplined training under Lara, he might have accidentally frozen Kal-El into an actual ice sculpture.

After calming himself, Zod returned the Codex to the Vault of Rao with meticulous care, ensuring that no trace of his heist remained. Once back in his quarters, he eagerly opened the system interface to review his reward.

The Reward: Cryogenic Power

[Skill Unlocked: Cryogenic Force Manipulation]

[Proficiency: 0%]

[Skill Description: Derived from an ancient Kryptonian experiment on energy-based evolution, this power allows the user to manipulate freezing temperatures at will.

Abilities include:

• Cryogenic Armor: A protective layer of ice that deflects physical and energy-based attacks.

• Cryo-Weapons: The ability to craft weapons from ice for offense.

• Absolute Zero Field: Generate an area of extreme cold capable of immobilizing targets.

Note: While immune to most physical attacks, beware of Kryptonian technology and energy-based weapons, which can still harm you despite your cryogenic form.]

Upon confirming that his new ability aligned perfectly with his Frost Titan-like bloodline, Zod leaned back and let out an amused chuckle.

"Damn, this power is incredible! System, you've really outdone yourself."

[System: (¬_¬) "Please don't act like you weren't complaining about me earlier."]

"Fine, fine," Zod muttered, smirking. "From now on, I'll trust you. Whatever crazy missions you have, count me in."

His flexibility in bending to the system's will wasn't without reason. This new ability perfectly complemented his Frost Titan heritage, which had been suppressed due to his Kryptonian genetic modifications.

Now, with his cryogenic abilities unlocked, Zod could not only manipulate ice but also strengthen his body and magic in a positive feedback loop. The stronger he became, the more his powers would grow.

As for the system's warning about Kryptonian technology, Zod was unconcerned. After all, he still had his Reflection in Crystal ability.

If any opponent could still manage to harm him, Zod reasoned, he wasn't worth calling a Zod.

Still, he knew there was no time for complacency. With his skill proficiency at 0%, there was a long road ahead before he could fully master his new powers.

"For now," Zod muttered, "I'll focus on improving my skills. The stronger I get, the less I'll have to worry about the threats looming over Krypton."