Over the course of a single night, Lucas became the most talked-about figure in all of America.
The Twitter and Facebook accounts he had previously created—originally just to help Carrie with her homework—saw their follower counts explode overnight.
As a side note, due to this universe's higher technological level, Facebook and Twitter had already been founded in 2000 and 2001 respectively.
In less than two hours, Lucas's combined follower count on both platforms surpassed one million, effortlessly overtaking countless celebrities and public figures.
What truly ignited the internet, however, was the battle footage of Lucas versus Kro.
The video had been recorded using ultra-high-definition, cinematic-grade 8K equipment. Even though the original distance was considerable, post-production made it appear as if the footage had been filmed at close range—crystal clear and shockingly vivid.
The overwhelming combat power Lucas displayed with every casual movement instantly earned him an enormous number of die-hard supporters.
Comments that initially expressed sympathy for the Philadelphia incident or criticized Lucas for excessive violence were quickly buried under waves of fan praise.
Some of the most fanatical supporters even crowned him "The Savior of Humanity."
After all, at this point in time, there were no publicly acknowledged superhumans like Iron Man or Superman.
A real-life transcendent being who looked like he had stepped straight out of a comic book or movie was simply irresistible to the public.
By 6:00 a.m., Lucas's follower count across platforms had exceeded seven million, rapidly approaching ten million.
---
Harvey Dent woke up early, quickly got ready, and drove straight to the courthouse parking lot.
For today's court appearance, he had spent one-third of his monthly salary renting an expensive, custom-made French suit.
He knew very well that today would be the moment his name echoed across the nation.
However, when he arrived at the courthouse entrance, he saw two opposing crowds locked in a fierce standoff, separated by metal barricades and federal marshals.
As Harvey moved closer, the smile on his face vanished.
The group on the left held signs condemning Lucas for abusing power and causing massive destruction—clearly anti-Lucas.
The group on the right supported Lucas, and their numbers were no fewer. Every one of them looked fanatical, like crazed celebrity followers.
The two sides screamed accusations at each other across the barricades, their spit practically soaking the marshals caught in the middle.
Harvey knew one thing very clearly:
Under no circumstances should he try to reason with these people.
Otherwise, they would teach him the true meaning of "freedom, American style."
Clutching his briefcase to his chest, Harvey quickened his pace, trying to slip into the courthouse as fast as possible.
He absolutely did not want this expensive suit ruined—otherwise, an entire year's savings would be gone.
"Look! That's Harvey Dent! He's the bastard trying to persecute our hero!"
A single shout instantly silenced the arguing crowds.
Harvey froze for a split second—then bolted toward the courthouse entrance without hesitation.
In the next instant, all kinds of objects were hurled at the spot where he had just been standing, accompanied by vicious curses.
Once inside the courthouse, Harvey finally stopped, his heart pounding as he hurriedly straightened his clothes.
"How did he gain supporters overnight?"
Harvey muttered in disbelief.
He simply could not understand how Lucas had gathered such overwhelming public support in less than a single night.
---
For this trial, the Philadelphia court had canceled all marshal leave to ensure security.
Several hundred police officers were also temporarily transferred from the city police department to help maintain order and prevent forced entry into the courtroom.
The public trial was held in a large, specially modified courtroom, created by combining two standard courtrooms into one.
The jury was expanded from the usual 23 members to 50 jurors.
The presiding judge was Justice Odell Clar Holmstet, directly dispatched from the Federal Supreme Court—a legendary figure with 37 years of judicial experience.
Two senior state court judges served as assistant judges.
The spectator gallery had seating for three hundred people, and despite less than ten minutes remaining before the hearing began, it was already completely full.
On one side sat the political elite, led by President Ellis, including the Vice President (also the Senate President), the Speaker of the House, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the directors of the FBI, CIA, NSA, and USSS.
On the other side were the titans of American industry—leaders of major conglomerates such as Lex Group and Kord Industries.
Notably, Stark Industries was represented only by Obadiah Stane, the bald executive.
---
Prosecutor Harvey Dent entered first, head held high, radiating the air of a righteous hero standing against overwhelming power.
Following him was a brown-haired Caucasian man, and both took their respective seats.
Next, Lucas, accompanied by his lawyer Connor Belmont, casually walked to the defendant's seat and sat down.
Lucas had even put on a pair of gold-rimmed glasses today—unabashedly flashy.
Once everyone was in place, Justice Odell entered the courtroom and took his seat under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
Given the identities of those present, he skipped the usual formalities.
"Given the special nature of today's proceedings, we will dispense with unnecessary formalities and proceed directly," Justice Odell announced.
He cleared his throat and continued,
"First, I invite the plaintiffs' representative to present the grounds and demands of the lawsuit."
At once, the middle-aged brown-haired man stepped forward to the podium.
"Your Honor, I represent 12,327 plaintiffs from Philadelphia, filing a civil lawsuit against Lucas for financial losses and psychological trauma caused during the Philadelphia incident."
He proceeded to list the details.
"In conclusion, we demand compensation totaling 6.252161752 billion U.S. dollars, and a formal, individual apology to all plaintiffs."
The courtroom remained calm.
Whether from the political or business sectors, everyone present was accustomed to plaintiffs making exorbitant demands in court.
That was standard practice.
However, Prosecutor Harvey Dent then spoke:
"Your Honor, I additionally represent fifty-four families, filing criminal charges on behalf of fifty-four individuals who died as a result of this incident."
This time, the courtroom erupted in quiet astonishment.
Had he lost his mind?
Filing criminal charges against Lucas?
If Lucas were truly imprisoned, he could demolish the prison the very next second.
Justice Odell nodded slightly and turned his gaze toward the defense.
"I now invite the defendant or his legal representative to respond."
Connor Belmont stood, preparing to approach the podium—only to be pressed back into his seat by a firm hand.
"I'll handle this myself," Lucas said calmly as he stood.
"As you wish, sir," Connor replied, shrugging as he sat back down.
_____
T/N:
For readers who would like early access, my Patreon is available for just $4 per month. You'll unlock 40+ advance chapters and help support ongoing works.
🔗 patreon.com/user?u=79514336
You may also search Translator-Sama directly on Patreon.
Your support is sincerely appreciated