However, Lucas was not worried about this issue.
Once a Saiyan obtained a gravity chamber, their growth rate would increase dramatically.
By then, the speed at which his strength improved would be no weaker than Superman's, giving him genuine footing in this world.
"Unfortunately, there's no combat power scanner here. If I knew how that thing worked, I could've had Luthor build one," Lucas muttered to himself.
"Still, it would be interesting if we could actually quantify the combat power of each hero."
Lucas raised his head toward the sky, his eyes seeming to pierce through the clouds and atmosphere, gazing at the metal satellites in low Earth orbit.
At this very moment, whether it was the American government, S.H.I.E.L.D., or monitoring agencies from other nations, all of them were observing him.
Soon, a report concerning Lucas Reed was placed on the desks of the top figures among the world's major powers.
---
"Flight speed close to Mach 2… His combat capability should still be inferior to that green brute."
Nick Fury stared at the report in his hand, a strange glint flashing in his lone eye.
"It seems… we won't need that just yet."
As he spoke, Fury pulled out a black-and-gray pager with a peculiar design from his coat.
After fiddling with it briefly, a relaxed expression appeared on his face before he put it away again.
"Still, we need to find a way to draw him into that plan. With his combat strength, he could serve as a powerful cornerstone for team-building."
"But we'll need the right opportunity—otherwise, with his personality, he won't accept easily."
Fury then picked up another document from beside him.
The photograph on it showed none other than Obadiah Stane, vice president of Stark Industries.
Below were intelligence reports and photographs of Stane's subordinates conducting arms deals with terrorist organizations in the Middle East.
If this information were handed to Tony Stark, it would be more than enough to completely purge Obadiah from Stark Industries.
"What a shame… Tony is still too inexperienced. He needs more time to be tempered."
Fury shook his head and tossed the file aside, having no intention of handing it over to Tony Stark.
At that moment, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
Fury glanced at the surveillance screen beside his desk and spoke calmly.
Agent Coulson entered and reported, "Director, over the past month, unusual incidents around the world have begun occurring with increasing frequency."
"The occurrence rate is more than three times higher than last year's peak—and it's still rising."
"These are some of the more troublesome cases."
As he spoke, Coulson placed a stack of documents on Fury's desk.
Fury quickly flipped through them, his attention soon stopping on one particular file and the photograph attached to it.
"This disgusting thing has been active for over a week now, and you still haven't dealt with it?"
The photo was blurry, but several powerful creatures resembling cheetahs could be vaguely made out.
Coulson immediately replied, "My apologies, Director. That creature has extremely strong counter-reconnaissance capabilities."
"It's incredibly fast and agile. Standard automatic weapons are ineffective against it."
"We've already lost eight men while trying to track it."
Fury rubbed his forehead, tossed the file onto the desk, and let out a long breath.
"Continue tracking that thing. The moment you lock onto its location, notify me immediately."
He had a strong feeling that this situation was far from simple.
"Understood, Director. I'll make the arrangements right away."
Coulson turned and left briskly.
Once Coulson was gone, Fury pressed his fingers to his brow.
"It seems the world is beginning to shift. We need to accelerate the Avengers Initiative."
---
Soon afterward, Lucas prepared to fly back home.
Originally, he had planned to head to the African continent and test the limits of his full-power energy release in the Sahara Desert.
But he quickly abandoned the idea.
Although the Sahara was practically uninhabited, the skies above were saturated with surveillance satellites. He had no intention of revealing too much to those people.
The moment he stepped inside his house, he noticed a pair of unfamiliar women's boots by the entrance.
After changing his shoes and entering the living room, he saw a beautiful woman with golden-red curly hair chatting with Elaine.
"Brother, you're back."
Elaine looked up and called out when she saw Lucas.
"Hello, Mr. Reed. My name is Lisa Roshmann."
The woman immediately stood up and smiled politely.
"I'm someone who travels around the country. I originally just wanted to ask for a glass of water, but I ended up chatting with your sister and lost track of time."
"If I've disturbed you, please accept my apologies."
Lucas knew exactly who she was—even disguised with makeup, she was impossible to mistake.
To be fair, whether in figure or appearance, she looked even better than in the movies.
No wonder so many people who transmigrated into the Marvel universe chose to taste this poisonous rose despite knowing the danger.
But Lucas had no interest.
He replied calmly, "I see. In that case, I'm about to have dinner with my family. Is there anything else you need, Miss Lisa?"
His words were polite, but the intent to dismiss her was unmistakable.
"Oh—then I'll take my leave."
Natasha hadn't expected Lucas to be so indifferent. She could only respond and prepare to leave.
Since becoming an agent, countless men had fallen at her feet.
From senators and politicians, to faction leaders, to common merchants—never had anyone ignored her charm so completely.
"I'll see you out," Lucas suddenly said.
'Is he just putting on an act? Doesn't want his family to know?'
Natasha thought, a trace of smugness surfacing.
At the door, Lucas closed it behind them.
'Next, he'll probably ask for my contact information. Men are all the same,' she thought.
"Natasha Romanoff," Lucas suddenly said coldly, "didn't Nick Fury tell you not to come and bother me?"
Natasha froze.
She hadn't expected him to know her real name.
"And you even dared to approach my family on your own initiative. Even if I killed you right now, Nick Fury wouldn't dare say a word."
Lucas stared at her, a faint killing intent leaking from his voice.
Natasha's body trembled.
She had met countless ruthless figures over the years—warlords with hundreds of lives on their hands.
But she had never encountered someone with such overwhelming pressure.
She knew Lucas was the kind of person who would absolutely follow through on his words.
"Mr. Reed, I truly meant no offense," she hurriedly said.
"This was a personal action driven by curiosity alone."
"Then take this as a warning," Lucas said coldly.
"If you ever dare approach my family again, there will be no next time."
With that, he turned around, opened the door, and returned inside.
Left behind, Natasha—still shaken—quickly got into her car and drove away.