The sea of stars was vast, and time flowed like an unending monument.
In the blink of an eye, another month passed.
It was now the end of 2003, and many significant events had occurred during this period.
For instance, Obadiah Stane ultimately failed to suppress his greed for the Arc Reactor.
Just as in the original timeline, after his suspicious behavior was exposed, Obadiah chose to act by force—ripping the Arc Reactor from Tony Stark's chest and creating the Iron Monger armor.
However, the farce ended swiftly with the appearance of Mark III.
Iron Man emerged victorious.
Soon after, Tony Stark publicly admitted at a press conference that he was Iron Man.
Even Lucas temporarily left the prison to attend the event with Kara, Carrie, and Elaine.
Elaine carefully examined Tony Stark and confirmed that his mind had not been controlled or influenced in any way.
This finally resolved one of Lucas's lingering doubts.
Tony's announcement caused an unprecedented shock throughout human society and triggered a massive rebound in Stark Industries' stock price, which surged rapidly from its lowest point.
It was also worth noting that after Obadiah was imprisoned, Tony wasted no time waiting for market reactions. He immediately disclosed a contract jointly signed by Howard Stark and Obadiah Stane.
The clause stated that if either party were legally confirmed dead, missing, or imprisoned for a serious crime—without a designated successor—their shares would be transferred unconditionally to the other party.
As a result, Tony acquired Obadiah's 13% stake, giving him 52% controlling ownership and firmly securing his position at the top of Stark Industries.
This also explained why Obadiah had attempted to assassinate Tony—and why no one within the company could oppose Tony's decisions afterward.
When Tony unveiled the Cold Fusion Arc Reactor, the entire world erupted.
This technology combined clean energy, extreme miniaturization, and unprecedented efficiency.
Stark Industries' stock soared to heights never before seen in its history.
Meanwhile, the 23% stake Lucas Reed had acquired for just over ten billion dollars—before the announcement—had already increased further after he secured another shareholder, bringing his holdings to 28.3%.
The value of those shares skyrocketed to nearly one hundred billion dollars.
Lex Luthor, having lost the bet, had no choice but to transfer two hundred million dollars to Lucas.
At the same time, Phastos became deeply interested in this new form of energy and immediately joined the spacecraft research facility to study Kryptonian power systems.
Lucas Reed officially became one of America's trillion-dollar-level tycoons.
In an exceptionally good mood, he summoned Warden Miranda and donated one million dollars to the prison.
Coincidentally, it was New Year's Day, and Lucas also distributed $100 envelopes to every inmate.
The prison erupted into cheers and fervent admiration.
---
Meanwhile… deep beneath the Atlantic Ocean.
In Atlantis, within a volcanic gladiatorial arena on the seabed—
Two figures clad in Atlantean dueling armor clashed violently, tridents in hand.
Around them, nobles and high-ranking citizens of Atlantis filled the arena seats, roaring with excitement.
In the end, one combatant shattered the shaft of the other's trident and pressed his own weapon against the opponent's throat.
"Arthur, you are unworthy of being a citizen of Atlantis," a cold voice declared.
"For the sake of our late mother, I will spare your life."
The man raised his trident proudly.
"I, Orm Marius, King of Atlantis, hereby command you—leave the Atlantean Empire at once and never set foot on Atlantean territory again!"
Arthur Curry slowly rose to his feet, his expression filled with desolation.
Under the watchful eyes of every Atlantean noble, he had lost a fair, one-on-one duel.
He turned and swam away.
This time, there was no Mera to save him—but neither did he die here.
As Arthur departed, Orm basked in the thunderous cheers of the crowd before returning to his palace.
"My King," General Murak said respectfully,
"You have proven yourself in the arena. No one will dare question the stability of your throne again."
Orm nodded.
"The first objective is complete. It is time to initiate the second phase."
He stood, glanced at the three-dimensional tactical map before him, and left the palace with his royal guard.
Soon after, an elite Atlantean fleet departed Atlantis, rendezvousing with the Xebel forces at the border.
The massive allied armada advanced in overwhelming force toward the territory of the Fisherman Kingdom.
---
Two days later.
Aboard the largest flagship of the three-kingdom coalition fleet—
"My King," an officer reported urgently,
"Our scouts have located the resting place of the First King of Atlantis. That should be where the Trident of Poseidon is sealed!"
Orm's eyes lit up with fierce brilliance.
Beside him, Nereus narrowed his gaze thoughtfully.
Only Sophia, former princess of the Fisherman Kingdom and now its queen, remained silent, her expression uneasy.
"We must seize the Trident of Poseidon," Orm declared.
"Once we do, the Brine Kingdom will submit in accordance with ancient law."
Nereus nodded.
"The Brine Kingdom has the strongest military among the four realms. A direct assault would be costly."
Sophia finally spoke, her voice cautious.
"According to legend, the most powerful guardian of the Atlantean Empire—Karathen—guards that place."
"They say its body stretches beyond sight, impervious to the strongest weapons, and that even the mightiest warriors of the sea cannot challenge it."
Orm snorted coldly.
"That was thousands of years ago. Our technology and strength have advanced beyond imagination."
"I refuse to believe a mere guardian can stop us!"
"All fleets—advance at full speed toward the target!"
---
Three days later — on land.
"Violent tremors detected beneath the Atlantic Ocean. Satellite scans reveal massive energy fluctuations. Experts suspect a super-volcano may be awakening."
Lucas narrowed his eyes as he read the newspaper.
"The Atlantic… that's the territory of the Four Undersea Kingdoms."
"Could this be the Aquaman storyline triggering early?"
"But wasn't this supposed to happen after Steppenwolf's defeat?"
Lucas frowned slightly.
He was already accustomed to deviations in the timeline.
After all, the Eternals incident had appeared far earlier than expected.
"It seems I must be prepared," he muttered,
"For events to either be delayed—or suddenly begin without warning."
_____
T/N:
For readers who would like early access, my Patreon is available for just $4 per month. You'll unlock 60+ 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