Standing at the podium and looking out at the sea of reporters before him, Lucas cleared his throat twice.
Then he spoke loudly:
"Welcome, members of the press, to today's press conference. I assume there's no need for me to introduce myself."
"If anyone here still doesn't know who I am, then frankly, you probably shouldn't be working in the media industry."
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
"Alright, everyone, please calm down."
Lucas raised his hand slightly, and the reporters quickly quieted.
"I called this press conference today to make two announcements to the public."
"First—
I, Lucas Reed, have officially been declared not guilty."
"Furthermore, the Department of Justice will soon promulgate a new constitutional amendment known as the 'Extraordinary Special Cases Act.'"
The moment those words left his mouth, the entire hall erupted.
Lucas did not stop them—he knew full well how shocking this announcement was.
After more than ten seconds, the room finally quieted again.
"I know what you're thinking," Lucas continued calmly.
"You're wondering whether this law exists to shield extraordinary beings and allow them to act without restraint."
"Wrong."
"This law exists to restrict extraordinary beings. So rest assured."
"As for the details, please refer to the official announcement from the Department of Justice when it is released."
"So do not waste time asking questions about this matter—I will not answer them."
He paused briefly, then continued:
"Now, on to the second matter."
"Please raise your cameras. Otherwise, you may miss the best angle."
Before the reporters could fully react, Lucas clapped his hands.
Moments later, Orm was escorted out from a room behind the stage.
"This individual," Lucas said calmly,
"is the primary party responsible for the oceanic forces' invasion of the surface world—
the King of Atlantis, Orm Marius."
The sound of camera shutters instantly filled the room.
"This incident has been personally resolved by me," Lucas continued.
"As the primary instigator, Mr. Orm has agreed to accept punishment under the laws of the surface world."
"As for what that punishment will be, that decision rests with the Department of Justice and Congress. Do not ask me."
The room exploded again.
Reporters leapt to their feet, hands raised frantically, desperate to ask questions.
Lucas shook his head and gestured for silence.
Only after everyone sat back down did he continue.
"I know what you want to ask—listen carefully."
"First, Mr. Orm and the nation of Atlantis he represents will compensate for the damage caused to Gotham."
"Second, in the near future, Atlantis will dispatch official representatives to Switzerland to sign a peace and non-aggression treaty with the United Nations Security Council."
"Third, to make amends for the disruption caused to surface nations, Atlantis will select a American corporation for long-term, multi-sector cooperation."
"As for which corporation that will be—
that decision will be made by Atlantis's representatives. I am not involved."
"Thank you."
"That concludes today's press conference. You may all leave."
With that, Lucas turned around and led Orm back backstage, leaving the reporters staring at one another in stunned silence.
In less than fifteen minutes, Lucas had delivered a series of revelations—each one more explosive than the last.
And in under ten minutes, the world was reminded what American speed truly meant.
Nine minutes later, major news websites had already updated their front-page headlines.
Less than three hours after that, printed newspapers were rolling off the presses.
The entire world was shaken.
Not long ago, people had been anxiously wondering:
If the undersea people conquered America, would the rest of the world be next?
Yet with a single intervention, Lucas not only ended the war—he stormed the enemy's homeland, captured their king alive, and handed him over to the justice system.
Such decisive action, combined with his overwhelming power, earned him massive public support—especially in a society that revered individual strength and heroism.
Soon, Lucas was given countless nicknames.
But one stood above the rest.
"The Terminator."
Lucas didn't particularly care what people called him, as long as it wasn't something ridiculous.
After the press conference and handing Orm over to the American government, Lucas left the hotel he had been staying in and flew straight home.
The gravity chamber had already been dismantled at Luthor's instruction, though he claimed a technological breakthrough had been made and that a more advanced gravity pod would soon be ready.
As for the Eternals, aside from Phastos, who remained at his company conducting research, the others had once again dispersed to live their own lives.
Regarding the battle of Gotham, they had all offered their help—but Lucas had declined.
"Bro! Welcome home—I missed you so much!"
The moment Lucas walked through the door, Carrie rushed forward and hugged him.
Lucas patted her head lightly.
"That's enough. You never missed me this much before—now you suddenly know how?"
"Welcome home. And congratulations on being acquitted."
Elaine, sitting on the sofa while reading and eating biscuits, spoke calmly.
"Well, I still prefer Carrie's enthusiastic welcome," Lucas said with a smile.
"I apologize, then," Elaine replied, putting down her book and smiling faintly.
Lucas helped Carrie onto the sofa, then turned toward the kitchen.
"Alright, I'll cook tonight. What do you want to eat? I'll have the ingredients delivered."
"Yay! ヾ(▽)ノ I haven't had your cooking in so long, big brother!" Carrie cheered.
"I'm fine with anything," Elaine said, taking a sip of water.
Lucas took out his phone to order ingredients—
Just then, the front doorbell rang.
Carrie ran over and opened the door, revealing a man in a suit and sunglasses.
"Hello, beautiful little princess. May I ask if Lucas is home?"
"My brother's home," Carrie answered honestly.
"Come in, Tony," Lucas said as he walked out of the kitchen.
He had already sensed Tony's arrival when his car was still five kilometers away.
"Thank you," Tony Stark replied politely.
He took out a box of gold-wrapped chocolates and handed it to Carrie.
"A small gift for this lovely princess. Please don't refuse—otherwise, I would be heartbroken."
After changing his shoes, Tony walked into the living room.
"I brought something for you as well," he said, placing a wrapped package in front of Elaine.
"It's an ancient book I won at an auction. I think it'll suit your interests."
"Much appreciated," Elaine replied with a smile, standing up and moving to a nearby rocking chair.
Lucas took a sip of water and looked at Tony.
"Alright, Tony. Tell me—what did you come here for?"
___
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