Everyone in the gallery froze.
Faces twisted with disbelief, confusion, and unease.
"Lucas," Justice Odell asked slowly, clearly puzzled, "would you please repeat what you just said?"
Attorney Connor stepped closer and whispered urgently,
"Sir, do you understand what you're doing? You must immediately retract that statement. We still have ways to secure a full acquittal."
Lucas shook his head, resolute.
"No, Your Honor. I plead guilty."
"The fifty-four deaths occurred as a result of my battle with Kro. No explanation I give can erase that fact."
"So I plead guilty."
Justice Odell glanced toward the gallery, then cleared his throat.
"Given the extraordinary nature of this case, I will ask one final time."
"Lucas, are you certain you wish to take responsibility for the fifty-four deaths resulting from the Philadelphia incident?"
"If you confirm this, you will be charged with a federal felony, facing a prison sentence exceeding fifteen years."
Lucas removed his gold-rimmed glasses and placed them gently into Connor's hands.
Then, with solemn clarity, he declared:
"I, Lucas, acknowledge that these fifty-four lives were lost as a result of my battle with Kro. I plead guilty."
Turning toward the jury, he continued:
"It is true that my actions were motivated first by protecting my family and friends, and later by protecting the citizens and public property of Philadelphia."
"But the undeniable truth remains—my battle caused those fifty-four deaths. I bear responsibility."
"I am a citizen of America. No matter how powerful I am, I must still abide by its laws."
"If strength alone allows one to stand above the law, then one day I will surely commit an unforgivable mistake."
"The law must be just."
"And justice must apply equally to all."
With that, Lucas bowed deeply to the court and returned to the defendant's seat.
Justice Odell stood and began applauding.
The applause spread throughout the courtroom—jury, spectators, even court officials.
Yet beneath the applause, doubt lingered.
After all, if anyone present possessed Lucas's power, who among them would voluntarily stand trial, let alone plead guilty?
Only Lex Luthor wore a knowing smile.
---
Justice Odell rose once more.
"After deliberation by this court and the jury, it is determined that the damage to public and private property during the Philadelphia incident is factual."
"However, given that the defendant acted with the intent of protecting civilian lives, the City of Philadelphia withdraws its public prosecution."
"As for civil claims regarding private property damage—since the primary cause was a non-human entity—this court rules that Lucas shall bear ten percent of the verified damages, totaling $8,261,251.32."
"Under Article Twelve, Clause Seven of American Commercial Law, the remaining compensation shall be borne in part by insurance providers."
(Executives from major insurance companies reportedly collapsed in tears.)
"Regarding the 'Fifty-Four Deaths' case—given the defendant's voluntary confession, cooperative attitude, and lack of premeditated intent—"
"This court finds Lucas guilty of first-degree involuntary manslaughter."
"Sentence: five years' imprisonment without parole, and $3,248,252.25 in restitution."
"Lucas, you may appeal this ruling to the Federal Supreme Court."
"Court is adjourned."
---
Harvey Dent exhaled deeply.
He didn't care whether the verdict hid political maneuvering.
To him, justice—though delayed—had arrived.
"Congratulations, Harvey Dent," Lucas said, interrupting his thoughts.
"You secured justice for them."
Dent snapped back to attention and instinctively shook Lucas's hand.
But Lucas's gaze hardened.
"You cared only for their justice."
"Who, then, stands for mine?"
Dent froze.
Lucas continued calmly:
"If I hadn't intervened, how many people do you think Kro would have slaughtered?"
"Do you truly believe those monsters came to Philadelphia to play games?"
"In your eyes, it was acceptable to imprison the man who saved millions—just to account for fifty-four deaths."
"Tell me—when this happens again—who will be willing to step forward?"
"In the end, the justice you worship is nothing more than a tool for your ambition, your reputation, your self-glorification."
"It disgusts me."
With that, Lucas turned and walked away under the escort of the marshals, leaving Harvey Dent standing in stunned silence.
---
Detention Room
Lucas now wore shackles—by choice. No one could have forced them on him.
Inside the room sat only Connor, President Ellis, and Lucas himself.
The marshals had long since fled.
"Lucas," President Ellis said bitterly, "you've put us in an impossible position."
"Mr. President," Lucas replied with a smile,
"I followed the law and accepted the verdict. A model citizen, wouldn't you say?"
"And with elections less than a year away, I helped minimize the fallout. You should be thanking me."
Ellis laughed helplessly.
"You're unbelievable. Fine. If you need anything, come to me."
"As long as I'm in office, a presidential pardon is always on the table."
"I've arranged your transfer to a state prison—just please don't demolish it."
"Your sentence won't exceed one or two years. William will handle it."
"And your family—should I assign Secret Service protection?"
"No need," Lucas replied. "Everything is already arranged."
Ellis stood, straightened his suit, and sighed.
"Then I won't keep you. Enjoy your… prison vacation."
"Goodbye, Mr. President."
---
After Ellis left, a familiar figure entered.
"Lucas," Luthor said cheerfully, "that was a masterful move."
"Careful," Lucas laughed. "I just told the President I'm a law-abiding citizen."
"This strategic retreat—defense through surrender—brilliant."
Luthor applauded lightly.
"Most of America now sees you as a hero."
"People sympathize with those who fall," Lucas replied,
"and resent those who stand too high above them."
Luthor nodded appreciatively.
"Sharp insight. As expected of the man I chose."
"Anyone else might miss your design—but not me."
"I assume you've prepared everything already. I won't pry."
"If you need anything, call me."
Lucas smiled faintly.
The game had only just begun.
_____
T/N:
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