Lucas's first act after returning to Earth was to find Kara, who was still rescuing survivors. After that, he personally retrieved Carrie and Elaine from S.H.I.E.L.D.
Inside the S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, Lucas clearly noticed something in the agents' eyes—awe.
Yes, genuine awe.
This time, even Nick Fury personally came forward to escort them. He explained that the two girls had been placed in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s underground secure chamber and had been given nothing less than royal-level treatment.
Lucas glanced at the large backpack stuffed full of snacks, then at Elaine, who gave a small confirming nod. Only then did he say to Fury,
"Thanks."
At that moment, his retinal terminal issued a notification.
"Sir, American President Ellis is requesting a video call. Do you wish to accept?"
Lucas agreed.
"Lucas!"
Ellis's face appeared on the screen, his expression solemn and weary.
"It's been a long time. How are you holding up?"
Lucas had never liked polite formalities. He went straight to the point.
"It's done. The danger has been resolved. You can relax now."
Hearing those words, the massive weight pressing on Ellis's heart finally lifted.
He had contacted Lucas the moment he learned of his return.
"It's a tragedy," Ellis sighed.
"Tens of thousands of lives were lost in Metropolis to the Kryptonians. This may be the last time I speak to you as President."
"Soon, I will formally submit myself for trial. I wanted you to know."
At that moment, Clark, who had been floating nearby, slowly regained consciousness.
He was dazed for several seconds. Then his eyes landed on Lois's body.
His pupils contracted violently.
He rushed forward, pulled her into his arms, and broke down in uncontrollable sobs.
Lucas watched quietly and let out a soft sigh. His thoughts churned—until a firm resolve flashed through his eyes.
"I may have a way to save Lois," Lucas said.
Clark froze.
He slowly lifted his head, staring at Lucas.
"You… say that again?"
Kara frowned, confusion written all over her face.
"Lucas, that's not something you can say lightly."
Lucas shook his head.
"I'm not joking. But I need to go somewhere first to confirm something. Wait for me here."
Then he raised his head toward the sky.
"Heimdall!"
One second later, a pillar of seven-colored light descended from the sky, completely enveloping Lucas.
"Lucas…" Clark asked hoarsely, staring at the fading rainbow light.
"He said he could bring Lois and my child back… right?"
"Yes," Kara whispered, watching the light disperse.
"He didn't lie to me?" Clark pressed.
Kara lowered her head slightly.
"You know him. Lucas has never needed to lie."
"Come on," she said softly. "Let's go home and wait for him."
---
Elsewhere, President Ellis sat in deep thought.
Reviving the dead…
If Lucas could truly do that, then what separated him from a god?
Beside him, General Ross wore the same shocked expression—though his mind was already racing with deeper implications.
---
Asgard
The rainbow light faded, and Lucas appeared before Heimdall.
"That was a magnificent battle," Heimdall said with a faint smile.
"Thank you," Lucas replied politely.
Heimdall seemed to know his purpose.
"The Queen is waiting for you in the palace."
Lucas nodded and flew toward the royal hall.
Soon, he found Hela, who was discussing matters with her subordinates. She waved them away.
"It's over?" she asked.
"Yes," Lucas replied. "It wasn't too troublesome."
Hela studied him briefly, then said,
"If you've come to me, say what you need."
"You govern death in Asgard, don't you?" Lucas asked.
"More precisely," Hela replied as she stood,
"I oversee the destination of Asgardian souls after death."
"You already know this," she continued.
"As Asgardians live, the energy within their bodies grows stronger with time."
Lucas nodded.
"I know."
"When that energy reaches a certain level," Hela explained,
"it begins to burden both body and soul. That is why Odin must periodically enter Odinsleep."
"As energy accumulates, it binds more tightly with the physical form, eventually forming a terrifying energy prison."
She stepped closer to Lucas.
"My role as the Goddess of Death is to release the soul from that prison at the moment of death."
"Then, based on their deeds and sins in life, I judge whether they are worthy of entering Valhalla."
"That is why I am connected to Asgard's origin."
Lucas finally understood.
"So after death," he asked,
"a human soul does not immediately dissipate?"
Hela nodded.
"In general, the stronger the body or soul, the stronger the bond between them."
"So long as neither the body nor the soul is completely erased from reality, the soul can linger for a considerable time."
No wonder Clark had once been revived in such a ridiculous way.
Lucas had always found that strange. After all, in the DC universe, heaven and hell exist—souls should not linger in the mortal realm for so long.
Perhaps being a multiversal focal point was part of it—but clearly not the only reason.
"If—hypothetically," Lucas asked carefully,
"if I were able to perfectly restore a dead person's body, could I pull their soul back and revive them?"
Hela looked at him in confusion, but still answered honestly.
"In theory, yes. But you must rebuild the connection between soul and flesh."
"Otherwise, the body cannot retain a soul that has already departed once."
"I advise you not to do this."
At that moment, a deep, authoritative voice echoed through the hall.
"I agree."
Lucas and Hela turned to see Odin, the former All-Father of Asgard.
Odin's single eye fixed on Lucas.
"They are dead," Odin said slowly.
"Their souls have already followed the rules in search of their final destination."
"If you revive them, you will be breaking those rules."
"And once you do, the rules will remember you."
Lucas replied calmly,
"You're talking about Death itself?"
Odin shook his head.
"Your actions are not yet enough to draw the attention of that existence," he admitted.
"But the backlash of the rules alone will bring consequences you cannot escape—or withstand."
"Thank you for your warning," Lucas said, inclining his head.
"Lucas," Odin urged,
"Do not force what should not be changed. Once you act, there will be no turning back."
Lucas's expression remained calm.
"I'm sorry," he said.
"I have never followed anyone's will but my own."
_____
T/N:
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