The Marvel Superman

Adam had a secret he had never shared with Howard or Tony—his mind contained a mysterious memory. Whenever he faced difficulties, fragments of this memory would suddenly flash into his consciousness, guiding him through crises. Most of these memories were about advanced technology, while some contained knowledge about utilizing his own powers.

Adam had no idea why these memories existed in his brain, and no matter how hard he tried under normal circumstances, he couldn't recall them at will. After some effort, he gave up on actively searching for them and instead decided to use another method—scientific research. Whenever he encountered a bottleneck he couldn't overcome, those memories would emerge, providing him with inspiration and cutting-edge technological insights.

This villa served as his personal research facility. Beneath it, Adam had excavated a spacious underground structure. Using the knowledge that occasionally surfaced in his mind, he gradually transformed it into a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to futuristic technology. This was why he had been so indifferent to that girl earlier. Otherwise, given Howard's upbringing, he might have invited her to a candlelit dinner, maintaining a casual relationship with her until she eventually left on her own.

Truth be told, Adam was a complete playboy. If not for Howard's strict education and the flashes of positive memories in his mind, he might have indulged in a life of debauchery, eventually resorting to force to obtain whatever he desired. Fortunately, reality had no "what ifs." Although Adam was known as one of New York's most infamous playboys, it only made Adam Stark—this century's greatest inventor, philanthropist, and bestselling author—appear more human.

Driving away from the villa, Adam sped toward Empire State University. Today was graduation day, and the campus was packed—mostly with the families of the graduates, as it was a moment of pride and honor for them.

After parking his car, Adam pulled out his phone and called Tony.

"Hey, Tony, I'm at the university. Where are you guys?"

"Oh, we're by the auditorium. By the way, I gotta say, there are so many beauties here. Don't tell me you picked this school just for that?" Tony, being Tony, always had his priorities straight.

Adam was speechless. "Alright, I'll head over. Speaking of which, aren't you also supposed to be graduating this year? How do you even have time to attend my ceremony?"

As the most brilliant prodigy of the Stark family, Tony Stark had entered MIT's electrical engineering program at just 15. Now, at 19, he had already completed his studies and was set to graduate within the next few months.

"Hey, buddy, I'm not here for you. I'm here for the ladies."

Adam chuckled. "Alright, but thanks for coming. I really appreciate it. I can see you now." With that, he hung up and quickly made his way to the auditorium, where Tony was standing idly by.

Tony spotted Adam and waved with a grin. At 19, he was dressed in a sharp silver suit, with brown hair neatly styled and sunglasses on—looking every bit the rich, arrogant playboy.

Adam walked up and gave him a quick hug. "Yo, looking sharper than ever, Tony."

Tony took off his sunglasses and smirked. "Of course. I'm Tony Stark, the genius of the century!"

Adam cut off his self-praise. "Alright, genius. Where's Dad and Maria?" Ever since he turned 18, he had started calling Howard "Dad."

Tony shrugged. "Where else? Over there, surrounded by a crowd."

Adam followed Tony's gaze and saw the commotion. With a wry smile, he sighed. "That's why I said they didn't have to come. But Maria insisted, saying this was one of the most important moments in life and that family had to be here." Deep down, he was touched. Ever since he learned about his origins (the fake story Jarvis had fabricated and that he had read in the newspapers), he had stopped calling Maria "Mom." Yet, her motherly love remained undeniable.

Tony chuckled. "Of course she had to come. Her most outstanding son is graduating today—how could she miss it? Honestly, I'm a little jealous." But his eyes didn't show the slightest hint of envy.

Adam patted his shoulder and said softly, "Heh, what can I say? Having Dad, Mom, and you in my life is my greatest blessing." During his toughest times, these were the people who had stood by his side, and for that, he was deeply grateful.

Tony's eyes reddened slightly, but he quickly put his sunglasses back on. "Oh, look at this! Someone's getting sentimental. Alright, Mom saw us—let's go over." With that, he walked ahead.

Adam had caught that brief moment and smiled. "This guy… Why is it so hard for him to show weakness just once?" Shaking off his emotions, he followed Tony toward Howard and Maria Stark.

When Adam reached Howard, he shook hands with the people around him. They all knew Adam was Howard Stark's son and a rising star in the world of invention, so they congratulated him before excusing themselves to give the family some space.

Adam smiled. "Father, Mother, thank you for coming."

Hearing Adam call her "Mother" again, Maria was overjoyed. Eyes slightly red, she said, "Of course, sweetheart. This is an important day in your life—how could we not be here?" She then pulled Adam into a hug and kissed his forehead.

Howard looked at Adam with pride, knowing that he had finally accepted Maria from the bottom of his heart. He patted Adam's shoulder. "Adam, I'm proud of you! You've done well."

Standing beside them, Tony pouted. "Hey, hey, did you guys forget about me?"

Adam pulled away from Maria and playfully scolded him. "Oh, you jealous brat. Don't worry, Dad might not say it, but he's always been proud of you. You didn't know? When you got into MIT, he was so happy he started singing."

Tony's eyes widened. "Oh? Dad, is that true?"

Howard, realizing his little secret had been exposed, huffed. "Hmph, if you want me to be proud of you, then surpass your brother's achievements first." He deliberately kept a strict stance because he didn't want Tony to become arrogant. After all, Adam had always been a reassuring presence, whereas Tony… required more discipline.

Sure enough, Tony's smug expression immediately disappeared. He sulked, feeling deflated. More than anything, he longed for his father's approval. His flamboyant personality was, in part, an attempt to prove he was just as good as Adam—if not better. Adam himself had even admitted that Tony surpassed him in certain areas.

Sensing the mood, Adam chuckled. "Hey, don't tell me you're giving up already? Beating me won't be easy."

Tony snorted. "As if! I got into college at 15—that alone puts me ahead of you. Just wait, I'll invent way more than you and surpass you in no time!"

Maria kissed Tony's cheek and smiled. "That's the spirit! You're both sons of the Stark family, after all."

Soon, a pleasant melody filled the auditorium. Everyone returned to their seats as the graduation ceremony officially began.

First, a kind-looking elderly female principal took the stage, congratulating the graduates and encouraging them as they stepped into society. After her speech, another principal stepped up and started announcing the names of the graduates one by one. The students, filled with excitement, walked up to receive their diplomas and the principal's blessings.

An hour later, the certificates had all been handed out. As the top graduate, Adam was invited to the stage to give a speech.

With confidence, Adam walked up and delivered a simple yet humorous speech, reflecting on college life and wishing his fellow graduates success in their careers. He even playfully teased the university, wrapping up the speech in a lighthearted manner.

Howard watched him with satisfaction, thinking, He's matured. It's time to give him that… As for the truth about his origins, it will remain buried with me and Jarvis forever.