One week later.
Inside the gravity chamber, Deadshot was completing his one hundred and thirtieth push-up.
At this point, he was already able to sustain over two hours of training under triple gravity.
Lucas could clearly sense that the ki within Deadshot's body had grown far stronger than when he had first arrived.
Under high-gravity conditions, high-intensity training, and with the support of the high-concentration energy and nutritional supplements provided by the Lex Group, Deadshot's physical condition had improved across the board.
This was not the superficial kind of muscle growth achieved in ordinary gyms.
His muscles, internal organs, bones, tendons, and blood vessels had all undergone comprehensive strengthening.
After Deadshot finally reached his limit and left the chamber, Lucas—still wearing the 800-kilogram weighted suit—quietly adjusted the gravity level to eight times.
In an instant, the crushing force descended.
Lucas's body trembled slightly, then stabilized.
He immediately began another round of intense training.
When Lucas had first adapted to five times gravity, he had impulsively increased it to ten times—only to nearly be pressed flat against the ground.
That experience taught him an important lesson:
Each additional level of gravity did not increase difficulty linearly, but exponentially.
Anime often showed Goku raising gravity tenfold at a time as if it were effortless, but reality was far harsher.
Human bones might withstand extreme gravity, but what about internal organs?
Even if the organs endured, what about the heart and circulatory system?
When Goku first arrived on King Kai's planet, he could barely move under ten times gravity—and that was without carrying an 800-kilogram load like Lucas was now.
There was also another critical factor.
Even Goku, an absurdly powerful protagonist, relied on Senzu Beans.
In the original story, whenever he was critically injured or exhausted, a single bean restored him to full condition.
Lucas, however, had to rely entirely on his own recovery.
If he copied Goku's reckless methods, he would risk sudden death.
That said, although this world had no Senzu Beans, it did possess something comparable.
For example, the regeneration serum created by the ancient Xorrian civilization.
If Lucas could obtain it, the benefits would be enormous.
In the films, a single dose was enough to restore Iron Man, even when his body had been completely overdrawn.
While it lacked the instant effect of a Senzu Bean, its results were still comparable.
Not only would it be invaluable for training, it could also serve as a life-saving contingency in future battles.
Lucas understood this very well.
As a Saiyan, the consumption of ki increased dramatically as strength rose.
Relying solely on natural recovery would become increasingly impractical.
Unfortunately, his current strength was not yet sufficient to roam the cosmos freely.
He did not know the Xorrians' exact location, nor their technological level.
For now, all he could do was proceed cautiously.
Some things simply could not be rushed.
Train.
Train more.
Then train again.
Lucas became like a tireless machine.
Even when sleeping or using the restroom, he kept the gravity field active.
He could feel it clearly—
the growth of his strength, which had begun to slow, had once again entered a rapid acceleration phase thanks to the gravity chamber.
Deadshot, who had initially been quite pleased with his own progress, was deeply affected by Lucas's near-maniacal discipline.
Even knowing how powerful Lucas already was, Deadshot could not help but admire his sheer willpower.
Deadshot believed that, when necessary, he could endure harsh conditions and maintain combat focus.
But Lucas's ascetic lifestyle—spending nearly every waking moment in the gravity chamber, without entertainment or distraction—was something Deadshot simply could not match.
Still, people are influenced by those around them.
If he can do it, why can't I?
Even if my body is weaker, my spirit won't be!
And so, Deadshot began pushing himself just as relentlessly.
Another week passed.
Lucas removed his one-ton weighted suit, finished showering inside the five-times gravity chamber, and stepped out.
"Why'd you suddenly stop training?" Deadshot asked, drenched in sweat, as he paused during weighted squats.
"Kara said she's bringing the two kids to see me," Lucas replied with a laugh.
"So I'm heading out. Keep it up."
With that, Lucas left.
Deadshot had been on the verge of resting—but memories of being knocked unconscious by a single punch flashed through his mind.
Grinding his teeth, he resumed training.
Outside, Lucas sent a few messages on his phone, then lay down on a nearby bench.
Less than an hour later, Kara arrived with Elaine and Carrie, escorted by eight broad-shouldered inmate guards, onto the prison yard.
"You really didn't have to come to prison of all places," Kara complained after hugging him.
"I even had to attend a parent–teacher meeting for you."
Lucas could only laugh awkwardly.
"There's a lot involved. I can't explain everything right now."
"Big brother," Carrie asked curiously, "is prison fun? If it is, I want to come too!"
"Don't say nonsense and learn bad habits," Lucas said, flicking her forehead.
"I'm not here to have fun. I'm here to deal with something."
"Are you an undercover agent?" Carrie's eyes lit up.
"Like in those TV shows—going undercover to gather intelligence?"
"…Close enough," Lucas admitted helplessly.
Elaine then spoke up.
"Lucas, when are you coming back? Things are boring without you."
Lucas shrugged.
"Sorry. It's not over yet. You'll have to stay bored a bit longer."
Elaine sighed and led Carrie away, giving the two of them some space.
Only then did Kara speak seriously.
"Elaine told me you must have a reason for staying here. But she wouldn't say more when I asked."
Lucas knew he had to explain.
"Yes. First of all, I need to completely resolve how humanity views me."
"Why?" Kara asked, confused.
"Because humans are deeply contradictory beings," Lucas said slowly.
"Especially their hearts and thoughts—you can never fully understand them."
He continued,
"When you and Clark help people selflessly, you mostly see the gratitude of those you save."
"But you overlook something else."
"Some people feel fear… and jealousy… toward your extraordinary power."
Kara frowned.
"But we've never used our power to harm innocent people. Is it wrong to help others?"
Lucas looked at her quietly, preparing to answer.
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