The Ancient One sat down on the ground, completely unfazed by Lucas's attitude. Smiling gently, she said,
"Oh? Then would you mind telling me why you're unhappy to see me?"
Lucas replied bluntly,
"Because every time you appear, there's always some extraordinary trouble waiting for me somewhere along the timeline. No matter what choice I make, I can't avoid it. Isn't that right, Sorcerer Supreme?"
The Ancient One blinked, then spoke with a hint of apology in her voice.
"If that is the case, then I truly am sorry, Lucas."
Lucas snorted coldly.
"No, Sorcerer Supreme. If you were really sorry, then you wouldn't come to disturb me at all."
"Unless you came to see me with absolutely no ulterior motive, I don't want to see you—truly."
"If my parents hadn't taught me to show basic courtesy to friendly strangers, I would've already cursed you out."
Indeed, Lucas genuinely disliked the Ancient One.
Even though she protected Earth from interdimensional beings and higher-dimensional demon gods, he still disliked her—deeply.
In Lucas's view, the Ancient One was too selfish, whether as a human being or as Earth's guardian.
He felt no goodwill toward her whatsoever, even if she wielded the Time Stone.
Among Marvel transmigrators, there was a saying:
"Once the Ancient One seeks you out, it means time itself has wrapped a noose around your neck."
"But please believe me," the Ancient One said, her smile fading slightly as a trace of helplessness appeared in her voice.
"I had no choice but to come."
"Sorcerer Supreme," Lucas said impatiently,
"You're already bound by the Time Stone—don't come and bind me as well."
The Ancient One fell silent for a moment, then sighed softly.
"Very well. If one day you need the Time Stone, come to Kamar-Taj and find me."
"I've said what I needed to say. Goodbye."
With a polite smile, she turned and stepped into the golden portal, vanishing from Lucas's sight.
Only then did Lucas's expression return to normal.
Sometimes in life, there is simply one person whose presence alone irritates you.
As for the Time Stone, Lucas wasn't in any hurry.
After all, hadn't the Sorcerer Supreme come to him of her own accord?
Lucas was certain—if he had asked for it just now, she would have handed it over without hesitation.
What truly mattered now was strengthening himself.
---
Three days later, six V-22 Osprey aircraft roared overhead, their rotors filling the entire state prison with thunderous noise.
The prison yard had already been cleared of inmates.
Suspended beneath the helicopters, massive "house-like" structures were slowly lowered to the ground.
Lucas and Luthor stood on the rooftop, watching the scene below.
"Super Nova One can simulate gravity environments of up to thirty-five times Earth gravity," Luthor said proudly.
"That should be enough for your current needs."
"Only thirty-five times?" Lucas frowned.
Luthor rolled his eyes helplessly.
"If we hadn't cracked some of the technology from that alien ship, the gravity chamber would max out at ten times gravity—and it'd be at least three times larger than this."
"So, Lucas, be grateful."
Lucas shook his head.
"Push development of Nova Two as soon as possible. I want at least fifty times gravity."
Luthor rubbed his temples.
"I'll do my best. But rushing this kind of thing is pointless. Every detail must be flawless, or the user's life could be at risk."
Lucas knew this well. He looked at Luthor seriously and asked,
"Luthor—are you willing to let humanity's fate rest in someone else's hands?"
Luthor froze for a moment, then replied firmly,
"Absolutely not. Humanity's destiny must remain in our own hands."
Lucas looked up at the sky.
"Then you'd better work hard. We don't have much time left."
"There are already many eyes in the universe watching us."
Luthor's expression grew grave as he followed Lucas's gaze upward.
"I understand. You've been planning all this for a long time. I'll do everything I can to help you."
Only then did Lucas smile.
People like Luthor—if you stroke them the right way—became incredibly powerful allies.
"Alright," Lucas said.
"Let me test your masterpiece."
As he looked at the completed gravity chamber below, anticipation flickered in his eyes.
"By the way," Lucas suddenly asked while walking toward the chamber,
"how did you solve the power supply issue?"
Luthor explained immediately,
"Our company had already been researching compact fusion reactors. Using the alien ship's technology, we finally broke through the last bottleneck."
Lucas's interest was instantly piqued.
"How small are we talking? Palm-sized?"
Luthor raised an eyebrow.
"Lucas, even if you're not a scientist, you should have some basic common sense."
"Even the most advanced energy labs today can't achieve that."
Lucas suddenly smiled mysteriously.
"How about this, Luthor—want to make a bet?"
Luthor narrowed his eyes.
"What kind of bet?"
"If someone develops a compact energy device within one year," Lucas said calmly,
"you pay me thirty million dollars. Deal?"
Luthor became cautious.
"That definition is a bit vague."
Lucas scoffed.
"Minimum output: 1.8 billion joules per second.
Size: no larger than ten cubic meters. How's that?"
Only then did Luthor smile confidently.
"Lucas, I know you never gamble without preparation—but I still believe science can't leap forward overnight."
"Let's do this," he continued.
"If within two years, an energy device appears that outputs one billion joules per second and is under fifteen cubic meters, I'll pay you two hundred million dollars."
Inside, Lucas was laughing uncontrollably.
This wasn't a bet—this was free money walking up to his door.
Still, he kept a pleasant smile on his face.
"Fine. No need for a formal contract between us."
"After all, I trust that two hundred million dollars isn't worth you tarnishing the Lex family's reputation."
Now it was Luthor's turn to feel uneasy.
Did Lucas know something he didn't?
Still, Luthor was an expert in energy research. He trusted his scientific judgment—even if it cost two hundred million dollars.
Worst case, he'd consider it an expensive lesson.
---
The gravity chamber covered five hundred square meters.
If Luthor hadn't sent a team a day in advance to expand the prison yard, it wouldn't have fit at all.
The power system alone occupied nearly two hundred square meters.
Once all the other equipment was installed, the actual training space left for Lucas was barely over one hundred square meters.
But for him—
That was more than enough.
_____
T/N:
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