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*****
Country A, the New White House.
Ever since the original White House was destroyed by the Kent family, a throne had been erected atop its ruins.
It was Mike Kent's throne.
As a result, the ruins of the White House had become a rather peculiar tourist attraction.
The New White House, meanwhile, was constructed directly opposite these ruins. Perhaps this was their last shred of stubborn pride. However, right now, it served only as fuel for Maximus's mockery.
Maximus smiled faintly, gazing at the throne towering in the distance, and spoke with dripping sarcasm, "You people really have big hearts. Doesn't it disgust you to look at that thing every single day? Or have you already submitted to the Kent family and Planet Kent from the bottom of your hearts, becoming their... heh!"
Hearing this, the group of people sitting opposite him furrowed their brows.
Present were the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of State, the President, and several other relevant officials.
As his gaze swept over these individuals, the look of mockery on Maximus's face grew even more intense. Just as they were about to speak, he cut them off, flashing a smile.
"Oh, don't be angry. I was just making a casual remark. Please, don't take offense."
Hearing this, the group huffed coldly in their hearts. However, their eyes flickered as they glanced at the cold-faced man standing behind Maximus—Black Bolt. A faint sense of dread involuntarily rose within them.
Recently, due to the Inhuman incidents, the entire world had been in an uproar. Battles involving Inhumans, with Attilan's participation, had erupted frequently. While these conflicts displayed Attilan's formidable power, they also etched the names of certain powerful Inhumans into the minds of everyone worldwide. Black Bolt was the representative figure among them.
Recalling Black Bolt's abilities, the President and the others involuntarily shifted their gazes to the current Secretary of State, General Ross. Seeing Ross's cold and solemn expression, they felt a measure of reassurance settle in their hearts.
Given Ross's power when transformed into the Red Hulk, he likely wouldn't fear someone like Black Bolt.
Just as this thought crossed their minds, Ross spoke indifferently, "If you came here today just to spout nonsense, don't waste our precious time. We aren't as idle as you seem to be."
Upon hearing this, Maximus's smile became even more brilliant.
He rubbed the ring on his finger and said, "In that case, let's have a proper talk. About the Inhumans, about the superheroes, the mutants, and... Planet Kent."
At these words, Ross's pupils constricted.
Over this period, Attilan had gathered a vast number of Inhumans, amassing a terrifying force. Coupled with Attilan's technology...
Was this Inhuman Prince finally about to reveal his fangs?
Ross felt a vague sense of unease.
"What exactly do you want to say?" The President's expression stiffened, becoming extremely serious.
The smile on Maximus's face vanished without a sound. With equal solemnity, he asked, "I want to know how you gentlemen view the Inhuman race, and how you view Attilan."
The group's expressions remained unchanged, while the Secretary of Defense forced a smile.
"The Inhuman race is a part of this world, and Attilan is an outstanding nation. The contributions it has made to Inhumans and to this world are plain for all to see. You are..."
"Mr. Secretary!" Maximus smiled faintly. "I am not here to hear polite platitudes or diplomatic rhetoric. I want to hear your true thoughts."
Having used his abilities to listen to the genuine thoughts in these people's minds, he felt like he was about to vomit. However, he had to admit that his ability was incredibly useful for negotiations like this.
The Secretary of Defense kept his expression steady and said sincerely, "That is my true thought."
True thought, my ass!
I know what kind of garbage you're thinking better than you do!
Maximus sneered internally. After pondering for a few seconds, he said, "You covet Attilan's technology and power. On the surface, you establish friendly relations with Attilan, but in reality, deep down, you view Attilan more as a threat and an enemy."
As soon as the words fell, the room went silent.
Although that was indeed what they were thinking, for it to be said out loud like that...
The group, led by the President, felt awkward and speechless internally, yet their faces were filled with feigned shock, looking like children who had been wrongly accused.
Just as they were about to voice a rebuttal, Maximus smiled faintly and said, "If Attilan weren't strong enough, we wouldn't be sitting here having a calm conversation right now."
"That is a fact, is it not?"
The faces of the officials darkened.
To have the fig leaf between the two parties torn away so blatantly—did they not need to save face?
"Haha!" Maximus suddenly laughed and shrugged his shoulders. "You aren't the only country with these thoughts. I assume many countries in this world think the same way."
"Even if many countries in the world think that way, we absolutely do not..."
"Pfft!" Maximus laughed out loud, giving them no face at all. He looked at the President and said, "In this world, your nation's feelings on this matter are likely the strongest! There's no need to say things that only embarrass you further!"
While the President felt awkward internally, a flash of anger crossed his face.
But before he could speak, Maximus continued, "I didn't come here today to listen to nonsense. As Ross said, we aren't that idle either."
As he spoke, he glanced at Ross and smiled slightly.
Ross snorted lightly and asked, "What do you want to say?"
Maximus's expression turned serious. "Attilan and the Inhuman race will become a powerful force in this world; there is no doubt about that."
He spoke to the crowd with a face full of confidence, perhaps even arrogance.
"We want to thoroughly integrate into this world. We want to contribute our share of strength to this world."
The President asked coolly, "Contribute your strength? What do you plan to do?"
Did they expect Attilan to unreservedly contribute all their technology?
Don't even think about it!
Clearly, Maximus thought the same.
Thus, he smiled slightly and said, "Attilan possesses not only technology but also power."
He paused, then explained, "The power I speak of here refers to..."
He pointed to Black Bolt behind him.
The group was startled.
What did that mean?
"You mean?" Ross's eyes flickered as he asked coldly.
Maximus smiled gently.
"I intend to organize some of the powerful members of the Inhuman race into a superhero team."
"A superhero team? You want to let..."
"Please let me finish."
Maximus interrupted the President, then continued, "I know what you want to say."
"Whether it's the Avengers or the Fantastic Four, they are excellent superhero teams, but... they are not under the control of national governments. Some of their actions have brought about casualties and destruction."
"With reliable command and pre-action risk assessment, these casualties and destruction could be avoided as much as possible."
Hearing this, the eyes of the group led by the President flickered incessantly.
These words struck a chord in their hearts.
Most importantly, they had already discussed this matter and had even proposed a draft for a "Super Hero Registration Act." It was just a pity that they hadn't found the opportunity to turn this draft into formal law.
But now... this seemed like a good opportunity?
Just then, Maximus projected some images.
They showed the destruction and casualties caused by superheroes during battles.
Then, he continued, "Whether we admit it or not, this world has changed because of superheroes and supervillains. But no matter how it changes, these people should not place themselves above the law and the state!"
"They are citizens of this country, so they must accept the regulations of this country. Even if they don't accept this country's regulations, there is still the United Nations!"
Maximus spoke passionately, appearing righteous and awe-inspiring.
He paused, then smiled slightly: "Do you think I am right?"
"So, you intend for the superhero team established by the Inhumans to accept our... I mean, the United Nations' control?"
Maximus nodded affirmatively. "Of course! Only this way can it be considered the safest option!"
"Why are you doing this?"
Ross stared at Maximus, closely watching the expression on his face.
"Why?"
Maximus said indifferently, "Because I want the Inhuman race to be acknowledged by this world. I want people to no longer fear the Inhumans, and I want Attilan to be recognized by the United Nations."
He paused, a trace of a bitter smile appearing on his face. "We don't have the kind of power the Kent family has, owning an entire planet and leading the mutants away from Earth, able to disregard the opinions of other nations."
Ross frowned.
Maximus's tone sounded sincere, but he felt something was slightly off. Yet, upon closer thought, what the other party said wasn't wrong.
At that moment, the Secretary of Defense frowned and said, "He's right. Strictly speaking, the mutants on Planet Kent can no longer be considered Ear—"
"Ahem!"
Ross hurriedly coughed.
The Secretary of Defense reacted immediately and shut his mouth.
Maximus smiled and said, "As long as our Inhuman superhero team sets an example, I imagine other superhero teams will soon make their choice."
After speaking, he looked at the people in front of him with a smile.
"And if other superheroes don't make that choice?"
"No, I believe they will make the correct choice. Because this will be a proposal approved by over a hundred countries. Furthermore, our Inhuman superheroes will also... urge them to make the correct choice."
Urge?
The group's eyes flashed. The fact that he had already garnered the support of over a hundred countries startled them even more.
Maximus smiled faintly. "Yes, before coming here, the proposal I put forward had already received the support of hundreds of nations. Because I knew that only in this way would this powerful and great nation support me, correct?"
At this point, he shut his mouth.
There was no need to say the rest.
To control superheroes, to turn them into a controllable force in their hands—this was a temptation no country could resist.
Most importantly, the superheroes would serve as an example, leading more super-powered individuals to choose to serve the government.
Seeing the moved expressions on their faces, Maximus laughed secretly in his heart.
The President whispered, "Apologies, Mr. Maximus. We need to discuss this before we can make a decision."
"That is only expected." Maximus nodded.
The group left in a hurry. Several minutes later, Maximus received the answer he was satisfied with.
Thus, Maximus decided that he would announce the Inhuman superhero team the very next day. After the team was established, they would spend time carrying out operations to build a reputation for this new group.
Once the Inhuman superhero team possessed a certain level of prestige and had prepared for a period of time, they would sign their names to the Super Hero Registration Act, and then further pressure other superheroes to join in.
Maximus and Black Bolt were escorted out of the New White House.
Arriving outside, Maximus looked at the ruins of the White House opposite them, thought of that throne no one dared to touch, and curled his lips.
"Tch!"
He wanted to see who was truly formidable—Black Bolt, or that Mike Kent.
He glanced at Black Bolt behind him and smiled. "Brother, you will always support me, right?"
Black Bolt looked at Maximus silently, saying nothing, then walked quickly toward their car.
Maximus froze for a moment, then chuckled low, murmuring, "I will definitely make the Inhuman race the masters of this place, the greatest race..."
Meanwhile, at the Kent household.
Mike naturally didn't know about the events at the White House.
Of course, he didn't have the time to know about it anyway.
He was busy listening to Little Lamb and Gwen recount the story of their recent trip.
With school about to start, the two had finally returned home.
"Silent Hill? An Evil God?"
Hearing them reach this point, Mike's eyes narrowed. Without hesitation, he pinched both of their cheeks and pulled gently, exclaiming angrily, "Why didn't you notify me in advance about something so dangerous?"
"We could handle it!"
Little Lamb grinned, clenching his fist and flexing his muscles.
Mike's eyes turned cold, a trace of chill quietly emerging.
The siblings shuddered.
Gwen hurriedly said, "Dad, we're going to grow up eventually. We'll definitely encounter these things in the future, so we just wanted to train ourselves."
After speaking, she quickly flashed a deformed, brilliant smile at Mike.
Mike nodded and released their faces.
See, this is emotional intelligence versus...
"Wait!"
Mike suddenly shouted.
"Didn't you just say that you went there to explore on your own initiative?"
"So, it wasn't that you passively encountered it and solved it, but that you actively went looking for trouble!?"
Mike's voice rose abruptly.
Gwen stuck out her tongue, grabbed Little Lamb, and ran to Raven, who had just come out of the kitchen.
Mike stormed over angrily.
"Training is fine, but actively provoking unknown entities without knowing the situation is not a wise move!"
"I know, I know!"
Gwen poked her head out from behind Raven, raising a hand to guarantee to Mike, "I promise this won't happen again."
Mike looked at Gwen angrily.
Gwen gave a dry laugh, dragged Little Lamb, and ran upstairs, shouting loudly as she went, "Dad! I'll definitely pay attention next time!"
The corner of Mike's mouth twitched. Just as he was about to chase after them, Raven smiled and blocked his path.
"Honey, the children are growing up."
"Hmph! They're so disobedient, I almost want to turn them back into toddlers."
Raven laughed, pushed Mike into the kitchen, and said, "We're all hungry..."
(End of Chapter)