Using Clark's X-ray vision, the two of them quickly located the Kryptonian ship hidden deep beneath the glacier.
After Clark carved a path through the ice with his heat vision, they arrived at the entrance of the ship.
Staring into the pitch-black interior, Lucas spoke calmly,
"Clark, I'll stay outside. I won't go in with you. If anything happens, I'll be there immediately."
Although Clark was puzzled by the decision, he didn't press the issue. He nodded, then turned and walked alone into the ship.
Watching Clark's figure disappear into the passageway, Lucas knew that Clark would soon understand the meaning of his existence—and awaken as the legendary son of DC.
DC's chosen child.
The reason Lucas didn't follow him inside was simple.
Inside that ship was an artificial intelligence left behind by Superman's biological father.
In the film, once Clark activated the ship with the key, Jor-El's projection appeared.
That alone was worth serious consideration.
If the intelligence came bundled with the key, that would be understandable.
But if it had already been waiting inside the ship—
Then things became suspicious.
That ship was supposedly an exploration vessel from Krypton's expansion era.
But what kind of exploration ship carried a Genesis Chamber—a life-creation cradle?
And according to the movie's information, the ice surrounding the ship was over 18,000 years old.
Which meant Jor-El's arrangements were anything but simple.
Lucas strongly suspected that this wasn't just Jor-El's plan—but something prepared by Superman's entire bloodline, long dissatisfied with Krypton's political system, anticipating rebellion or catastrophe far in advance.
And Lucas had no interest in dealing with such ancient, scheming masterminds.
No need to invite trouble for no reason.
While Clark underwent his awakening, Lucas took the opportunity to reflect on a plan he had been executing quietly for years.
The moment he was born—and confirmed what kind of world this truly was—he had already begun preparing.
---
Originally, Clark was not meant to be the trigger.
But the world never follows a fixed script.
Lucas didn't mind letting Clark become the catalyst.
Their battle drew the attention of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Lucas deliberately used their surveillance as an excuse to storm their headquarters—without destroying it.
That display wasn't accidental.
It was meant to broadcast a clear personality profile to outsiders.
To Nick Fury.
To HYDRA.
A protector who could be used—if necessary.
That ensured Lucas could freely leverage S.H.I.E.L.D.'s resources when needed.
Next came the alien spacecraft incident, used as bait to entangle American capital groups and government forces.
Lucas positioned himself within the real decision-making circle of America—able to influence, or even steer, the nation's direction.
It might sound arrogant, but the truth was undeniable:
America remained the world's military and technological spearhead.
Then came the conflict between the Eternals and the Deviants, which pushed Lucas fully into public view.
He voluntarily accepted judgment.
Voluntarily went to prison.
And when humanity faced problems it could not solve, they would remember one name:
Lucas Reed.
All he needed to do was step forward—and he would gain unrivaled prestige and immunity.
Did Lucas need foresight to predict disaster?
Please.
This was a DC–Marvel fusion universe, centered around Earth—specifically places like New York and Washington.
If nothing went wrong, that would be abnormal.
And sure enough—Ocean Master Orm made his move.
Against Orm wielding the Trident of Poseidon and his army, humanity's current military and heroes simply weren't enough.
The truly hidden heavyweights—whether they existed or not—would not intervene.
Either the casualties weren't high enough yet, or it was still an internal Earth conflict.
So humanity had only one choice.
They turned to Lucas.
And just like that, fear of his power transformed into dependence—even desire.
The spark ignited.
Lucas crushed Atlantis's forces and captured Orm himself.
At that moment—
Lucas Reed became humanity's hero.
Power.
Reputation.
Capital.
His credibility and influence now far surpassed that of any ordinary hero.
To put it bluntly:
If Lucas publicly claimed the U.S. president was an alien impostor, most of America would believe him.
And unlike Clark—whose reputation was built purely on kindness—Lucas's authority was unshakable.
He would only stand trial once.
Only accept judgment once.
That phase of the plan was complete.
---
Next came the Infinity Stones.
Space.
Time.
Power.
Soul.
Reality.
Mind.
At present, only one location was fully confirmed:
The Time Stone, in the hands of The Ancient One, within the Eye of Agamotto.
She had already told Lucas that if he ever needed it, he could take it.
Next was the Space Stone, which—based on current developments—was likely held by S.H.I.E.L.D.
With Lucas's standing in the human world, he could take it openly, and no one would dare object.
That would be his next target.
Then came the Reality Stone, the Aether, currently housed in Asgard.
Once Thor arrived on Earth, the Asgard Plan could begin.
The Power Stone—originally obtained by Star-Lord during Guardians of the Galaxy—was a problem.
Lucas had no way to locate that planet or Peter Quill yet.
The Mind Stone had first appeared in Thanos's possession—its current whereabouts were unknown.
As for the Soul Stone on Vormir…
The price was too steep. That could wait.
For now, Power, Mind, and Soul were uncertain.
Lucas would have to let Thanos gather them.
There was a reason Lucas hadn't pursued the Stones earlier.
Infinity Stones weren't toys.
Without the strength to wield them, possessing one only invited disaster.
And this was no longer a comic or movie universe.
Timelines had already changed.
No one could guarantee the Stones were where Lucas remembered them.
But now—
Iron Man had appeared.
Superman was about to awaken.
Powerful enemies would soon follow.
And Lucas himself had reached the level required to wield the Stones.
To face what was coming—
It was time to activate the next stage of the plan.
---
This chapter exists to clarify the protagonist's long-term layout for readers who were confused earlier.
Please read ahead before criticizing future developments.
This volume will feature Superman as a major character.
Infinity Stones, Lantern Rings, and other cosmic artifacts will appear—with author own interpretations and redefinitions.
This is a new, independent universe—author universe.
You're reading a fanfiction, not a original comic or movie.
_____
T/N:
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