"From this point forward, I need everyone in the company to focus entirely on this project."
Lucas swept his gaze across the room.
"All existing projects—unless they directly contribute to the reconstruction of Los Angeles—are to be suspended immediately."
"I want every available resource redirected to this operation. Understood?"
"Yes, Boss!"
The executives answered in unison.
"Johnny and Phastos stay. The rest of you, begin preparations for the new project."
With a wave of his hand, Lucas dismissed the others.
After the room emptied, he turned to the two remaining men.
"How much liquid capital can we mobilize right now?"
Johnny replied without hesitation:
"Excluding real estate and financial assets such as stock holdings, the company currently has approximately $96 billion in cash available."
"As for your personal accounts, you have about $80 billion in accessible funds."
Lucas frowned slightly.
"So I have less than $180 billion in cash left?"
He clearly remembered having close to $300 billion in liquid assets before. Even accounting for expenses, losing nearly half felt excessive.
Johnny immediately explained:
"Boss, a significant portion of your funds went into acquiring shares of major conglomerates. Another portion supports the company's daily operations."
"A large amount has also gone into Phastos's laboratory research—that's one of the biggest expenditures."
"Additionally, we've invested heavily in purchasing land across the country for manufacturing plants and building advanced production lines for each product."
"I've reviewed the numbers. Approximately $112 billion was used for equity acquisitions, and about $80 billion covered the remaining operational and infrastructure costs."
Lucas nodded.
"Well done."
Corporate management was not his strength. As long as the company ran efficiently, that was sufficient. Only projects of this scale required his direct involvement.
"Very well. Begin consolidating all available capital. Prepare for the Los Angeles reconstruction."
Johnny looked concerned.
"Boss, according to my information, Wayne Group gathered over $200 billion to rebuild Gotham."
"And by now, that fund is nearly depleted."
"They've had to liquidate projects and financial assets just to sustain construction."
"If you hadn't stepped in first, I was actually planning to explore whether we could participate in Gotham's reconstruction."
Lucas raised an eyebrow.
"If Gotham can be successfully rebuilt, even $400 billion would be absolutely worth it."
"The reason they're short on money is simple—Wayne Group wants to monopolize the project."
"Otherwise, which Wall Street capital giant wouldn't invest? Raising a trillion dollars in funding would be effortless."
Johnny smiled slightly.
"Boss, there's one detail you missed."
"Wayne Group itself is capital. It's not that they don't want outside investors—they simply insist on maintaining control."
"According to insider sources, they've privately attempted to raise up to $1 trillion from major financial institutions."
"But the condition is that decision-making authority over the reconstruction must remain entirely in their hands."
"That's why negotiations have dragged on for more than ten rounds without resolution."
He then asked directly:
"So regarding funding—how do you plan to handle it?"
Although framed as a question, Johnny's tone carried confidence.
After all, his boss was the Terminator—an extraordinary being among humanity. For someone like Lucas, money was merely a number.
If he truly wanted funds, acquiring them would be as effortless as drinking water.
"Funding?" Lucas chuckled.
"I have no intention of letting anyone else join this project."
Johnny pressed further.
"If that's the case, how do you plan to cover the funding gap for the Los Angeles reconstruction?"
"Bank loans? I imagine any bank would eagerly offer you massive credit once they learn about the project—especially given your identity."
Lucas nodded slightly, acknowledging the logic. Then he turned toward Phastos.
"Phastos, you understand what I'm getting at, right?"
Phastos, who had remained silent since entering the room, spoke calmly and confidently.
"In my design archives, I have dozens of heavy engineering machine blueprints that surpass anything currently on the market—both in hardware performance and operational efficiency."
As he spoke, holographic projections filled the air—excavators, structural stabilizers, autonomous construction platforms, material processors.
Johnny couldn't help but stare in awe.
Phastos continued:
"I also have next-generation construction materials—stronger, lighter, and far superior in corrosion resistance, seismic tolerance, and impact resistance compared to commercial materials."
"As for energy systems, I possess compact fusion reactor designs. Their energy utilization efficiency exceeds even Stark's arc reactor."
"Most importantly, implementing these technologies will significantly reduce overall construction costs."
Lucas looked at the array of designs with clear satisfaction.
Phastos's genius had always been comprehensive.
Thousands of years ago, he had invented the steam engine and internal combustion engine. After millennia of progress, his archives undoubtedly contained an immeasurable wealth of advanced blueprints.
Compared to Stark's somewhat specialized technological focus, Lucas preferred Phastos's broad and balanced mastery.
"The only thing we're missing now is the urban master design," Lucas said thoughtfully, stroking his chin.
"That blueprint—and the simulation renderings—will be the key to convincing the government officials."
"Though," he added lightly, "it's not as if they'd dare refuse me."
"That's simple," Phastos said with a grin.
"Give me half a day. I'll complete the master plan and send it to your terminal."
"I guarantee they'll stare at it like country bumpkins seeing a metropolis for the first time."
"Excellent," Lucas replied.
"Johnny, I'll leave coordination and logistics to you."
Johnny's eyes gleamed.
"Rest assured, Boss. Focus on your priorities—I'll handle everything flawlessly."
Just then, Lucas's system notified him:
[Master, there is a call from President Ellis at the White House.]
"Put it through."
The moment the line connected, Ellis spoke:
"Lucas, I've already contacted California. The state officials would like you to come to the state government office immediately. They're eager to hear the detailed plan."
"You informed them of my conditions?" Lucas asked.
"Yes," Ellis replied.
"They agreed without hesitation. They only mentioned that some specifics need to be discussed in person."
"Good. I'll head over now."
...
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