"If it's Banner, then he can indeed be considered second-tier combat power," Captain America nodded in agreement.
Tony glanced around but did not see Banner anywhere, so he asked,
"But where is Banner? Didn't he come?"
Nick Fury replied, "He's resting at the base. If we move out, we'll bring him along."
"In that case, there's no problem," Steve said, finally relaxing a little.
"With him around, the pressure on us will be much lighter."
"Then next comes the third tier, right?" Tony asked.
Nick Fury was just about to answer when the door opened, and Wanda and Pietro walked out.
"We want to help too," Wanda said proactively.
"No," Kara immediately refused.
"If you get hurt, how am I supposed to explain that to Lucas?"
"But just sitting around waiting like this is unbearable," Pietro—Quicksilver—added.
Nick Fury stepped forward and asked calmly,
"What abilities do you two have?"
Pietro smirked. In the next instant, a pair of sunglasses appeared on his face.
Nick Fury raised an eyebrow. The glasses looked strangely familiar—then it hit him.
They were the ones he had left in the SUV behind him.
"So your ability is super speed," Fury said with sudden realization.
Quicksilver nodded.
Before Fury could ask further, Wanda raised her hand. Scarlet energy flared to life in her palm.
Nick Fury suddenly felt his body go light. In the next moment, he was wrapped in crimson energy and lifted straight into the air.
"This is…?"
Everyone present—except Kara and those already familiar with Wanda's abilities—watched in curiosity.
"It's a special kind of energy," Wanda explained calmly.
"It can be used in many ways, whether for restraining enemies or direct combat."
Once Fury was set back down, his gaze lingered thoughtfully on the siblings.
"Your abilities have great potential," he said after a moment.
"They should be able to play an important role in this battle."
"No, they're not going," Kara insisted once more.
Clark stepped forward and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Kara, they'll only provide rear support. We're the ones going to the front lines."
He continued seriously,
"And if we truly fail, do you think they'll be safe anyway?"
Kara frowned deeply, then let out a long sigh.
"…Fine. We'll do it your way."
"Good," Fury nodded.
"Then that settles the third tier."
"Tony, Steve, and Hawkeye—you all fall into this category," Fury continued.
"Among you, Tony's combat strength is the highest."
"So next, we need to properly arrange everyone's roles and positions."
The group returned indoors, where Fury began assigning duties based on each person's abilities and combat potential.
It had to be said—Nick Fury fully lived up to his reputation as S.H.I.E.L.D.'s director. His tactical planning was clear, structured, and steady.
Even Tony found himself silently agreeing with the arrangements.
Soon, once the planning was complete, Clark stood up.
"Next, everyone go back and prepare whatever you need. We'll regroup at the location Fury mentioned."
The group exchanged glances, then nodded in agreement.
After everyone left, Elaine and Carrie finally came downstairs.
"Sister, are you going to fight bad guys?" Carrie asked curiously.
"Yes," Kara smiled, gently rubbing Carrie's head.
"You stay home and wait. I'll come back after the bad guys are dealt with."
Elaine remained calm. She walked to the sofa, picked up a newspaper, and began reading.
Then she spoke evenly,
"Don't worry. If the situation turns bad, I'll take Carrie and hide. I guarantee the Kryptonians won't be able to harm us."
"Good," Kara said with relief.
"That puts my mind at ease."
Kara trusted Elaine completely. She had never once broken a promise.
Kara also knew that Lucas's two younger sisters both possessed special abilities.
Even Lucas himself had admitted that he had no idea just how strong they truly were.
---
One hour later.
Through Nick Fury's coordination, America's top leadership finally realized that the Kal-El the Kryptonians were demanding was actually a close friend of the Terminator, Lucas.
Moreover, Clark and the others had already decided to stand up and confront the Kryptonians directly.
President Ellis himself supported a military response, so the warrants for Lois and Clark were immediately lifted.
This group was officially incorporated under the American government's command structure, and military advisors began assisting Clark and the others in refining their operational plan.
Two hours later, America formally responded to the Kryptonians, stating that the individual they were seeking had been found.
The Kryptonians replied swiftly, informing them that they would arrive at the designated location in fifteen minutes to take custody.
---
Inside the White House command room, only President Ellis and General Ross remained.
"How are the weapons we've been developing?" Ellis asked, turning to Ross beside him.
Ross replied immediately,
"Mr. President, based on the technology recovered from that ship, we've developed seventeen new types of equipment."
"However, all of them are still in the early prototype stage and cannot yet be mass-produced."
Ellis pondered briefly, then said firmly,
"Deploy them all. We must use everything we have to face this enemy."
"Yes, Mr. President," Ross replied at once.
Ellis nodded, then asked again,
"Any news from Lucas yet?"
Ross shook his head.
"No. According to the last update, it's still unclear when he'll be able to return."
"Damn it!" Ellis slammed his fist on the table.
"Why does this have to happen when he's not here?!"
With only Ross present, Ellis no longer needed to maintain a composed façade.
In truth, he was the one who most desperately hoped for Lucas's return.
After all, his political stability—and even his soaring approval ratings—had been built largely on Lucas's presence.
"…I just hope he can make it back in time," Ellis murmured.
---
Fifteen minutes later.
In a desert region, Clark hovered alone in midair, while Ross stood in the distance with a mechanized force at the ready.
Suddenly, a sharp whistling sound tore through the sky.
A pitch-black aircraft, equipped with four massive hovering fins, descended from above.
As it landed, the ship's once-smooth underside unfolded rapidly, transforming into a black staircase that extended to the ground.
Moments later, two Kryptonians stepped out one after the other.
Both were clad in fully enclosed black armor—yet their silhouettes clearly revealed one male and one female.
The meeting had begun.
_____
T/N:
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