"Since you already knew I would come to find you because of this… why did you still do it?"
Clark looked at Lucas with confusion written across his face.
Lucas sighed.
"Clark, let me ask you something."
He looked directly at Clark.
"Let's say—just suppose—that I hadn't discovered the Skrulls' plan. If they had completely occupied Earth, how do you think they would treat humanity?"
Clark answered immediately without hesitation.
"Even if we failed to notice and they took over Earth, as long as we're still alive, we would eventually take it back."
Lucas shook his head.
"Clark, sometimes you're just far too optimistic."
"Let me ask you this."
"With the reputation we have on Earth, do you really think the Skrulls wouldn't eliminate us before launching their full invasion?"
"For example—your weakness is kryptonite. Once you encounter it, you're no different from an ordinary person."
"If they exploited that weakness, do you think you would still be able to wait safely for your chance to act?"
Clark took a deep breath before replying.
"Even if I were taken down… Earth would still have you."
"At least I don't know of any weakness you have that they could exploit."
Lucas's tone became heavier.
"That may be true."
"But what if I wasn't on Earth at the time?"
Clark fell silent.
He knew Lucas maintained contact with many alien civilizations.
Lucas could leave Earth for space at any moment.
If Clark were ambushed while Lucas was away…
Then Earth would truly be in danger.
---
"I know what you're thinking," Lucas continued calmly.
"You're probably thinking about negotiating with them."
"Finding some way for both sides to coexist peacefully on Earth."
"Just like what you're trying to do right now."
"Or maybe you think that if I release them, they'll obediently leave Earth and never return."
Lucas looked at Clark.
"Don't forget, Clark—"
"In their eyes, you're also an alien."
He continued slowly,
"When Zod arrived on Earth, how many terrible things did he do?"
"How many people did he kill?"
"Do you think every human on Earth is kind enough to forget that?"
"I know you value life," Lucas said.
"And you hate cruel killing."
"But have you thought about something?"
"Earth is preparing to step into the cosmic stage."
"When that happens, countless alien civilizations will begin watching us."
"They'll evaluate us. Test us."
"If we fail to establish our strength now…"
"Then everyone will see Earth as soft prey."
"Everyone will want to try invading us."
"So tell me, Clark—"
"How many people will die when that happens?"
Clark sighed heavily.
"I understand what you're saying."
"But that's over a million lives."
Lucas suddenly raised his voice.
"Enough, Clark!"
His eyes burned with anger.
"The data I released shows that more than a million Skrulls were hiding on Earth."
"They used their abilities to replace countless humans."
"Have you ever thought about where those humans went?"
Clark's expression instantly changed.
His face turned pale.
Lucas continued angrily.
"Forget one million!"
"Let's say just one-third of them—five hundred thousand!"
"That means they murdered half a million humans, Clark!"
"So tell me— Do they deserve to die or not?"
Clark opened his mouth, trying to respond.
But the words caught in his throat.
Nothing came out.
Lucas's killing intent intensified.
"And don't talk to me about five hundred thousand."
"Even if they had killed only ten thousand…"
"No—even a thousand, or just a hundred…"
"I would never forgive them."
Lucas's voice grew colder.
"So forget one million."
"Even if it were ten million…"
"Or one hundred million…"
"I would still kill them without hesitation."
Clark frowned deeply.
"Don't be like this, Lucas."
"You're becoming too bloodthirsty."
Lucas stared at him.
"Clark… are you really going to remain this stubborn?"
He sighed slowly.
"You actually think I'm the one who's cruel?"
"The universe is enormous."
"There are countless civilizations out there."
"Do you really think every species will shake hands and develop peacefully with us?"
"You're strong on Earth."
"But do you really think that means you'll also be powerful in the entire universe?"
"Go ask Hela yourself."
"In the universe, how many wars happen between civilizations every single day?"
"Do you think they're just playing games?"
"You're too naive, Clark."
Clark sighed again.
He knew Lucas was telling the truth.
Cold, undeniable truth.
But Clark had grown up in a world shaped by hope and compassion.
He simply couldn't face the deaths of over a million lives with the same ruthless logic Lucas used.
Lucas shook his head.
"I know what you're worried about."
"But you don't need to get involved."
"I'll handle everything myself."
His voice turned mocking.
"I wouldn't dare stain your hands—those perfect hands that have never shed blood."
Clark's expression darkened.
"Lucas… what do you mean by that?"
Lucas replied calmly,
"You know exactly what I mean."
"If you have nothing else to say, you should go back."
"The countdown is almost over."
"The Skrull god should be appearing soon."
Clark clenched his fists.
"No."
"I'll stay here."
"I want to see which bastard dared to do this to Earth."
Lucas shrugged.
"Suit yourself."
If Clark wanted to witness the Skrull god with his own eyes, Lucas had no reason to stop him.
---
The countdown quickly reached its final seconds.
Less than ten seconds remained.
Suddenly, Lucas's gaze locked onto a point on Earth below.
"There you are…"
"The god of the Skrulls."
The moment he finished speaking, a massive burst of energy erupted from his body.
Lucas shot toward Earth like a meteor.
Clark immediately followed.
With their incredible speed, the two of them descended rapidly and headed straight toward New York in America.
Because the strange energy signature had appeared there.
---
"Was it you who threatened to kill my people?"
When Lucas arrived above New York, a strange voice echoed in his ears.
It sounded like two voices—one male and one female—overlapping at the same time.
Lucas turned toward the source.
There stood a green-skinned humanoid figure.
It was more than three meters tall, with a bulky body resembling a middle-aged man with a beer belly.
Eight additional arms extended from its back.
Lucas looked at it calmly.
"Yes."
"That was me."
The creature glared at him.
"Do you even understand what you're doing, human?"
Lucas immediately fired back.
"What's wrong?"
"Are the Skrulls allowed to invade Earth…"
"…but we're not allowed to fight back?"
.
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