"This is… absolutely unbelievable!" Tony couldn't help but exclaim.
Even those who didn't fully understand the technology knew how incredible it was once they heard that it could cure terminal illnesses and significantly extend human life.
Although Lucas had mentioned that the equipment would initially be expensive, everyone understood that production costs would gradually decrease over time.
Eventually, the technology would become widely available to humanity.
"Lucas… when did Phastos reach this level?" Tony asked in disbelief, looking toward Phastos.
He was starting to feel helpless.
Phastos seemed to be good at everything.
Physics, mechanical engineering, energy science, architecture, materials science—
And now even biology and medical science?
"No," Phastos replied calmly.
"To be precise, this achievement was made possible thanks to Asgard's strong support, as well as the participation of the Atlantean scientific team."
He gestured toward Hela, and then toward Arthur and his mother Queen Atlanna.
Both sides nodded politely.
"I see…" Tony murmured.
Now it finally made sense.
---
Lucas knew the details better than anyone.
The foundation of this biological gene technology actually came from a Life Stone Tablet stored in Odin's vault in Asgard, which recorded methods for enhancing life.
Combined with Atlantean biotechnology, the two sides collaborated and conducted numerous experiments.
Eventually, they developed the cellular gene repair chamber.
Lucas had never underestimated Atlantean technology.
After all, even the energy systems of New Los Angeles and the headquarters spaceship were derived from Atlantean energy technology.
No matter how brilliant Phastos was, it would have been impossible for him to produce so many revolutionary technologies in such a short time by himself.
Lucas had never felt embarrassed about learning from other civilizations' technology.
---
"Ladies and gentlemen," Lucas continued.
"This technology will take about three to five years to fully mass-produce and miniaturize."
"My goal is to eventually include it within national healthcare insurance systems."
His words once again ignited excitement throughout the room.
Steve Rogers, even began applauding.
If Lucas's earlier actions could be described as those of a benevolent capitalist, then this move bordered on something even greater.
Everyone joined in the applause.
After all, they were all human.
And this technology would benefit every single one of them.
Lucas raised his hand slightly.
"This is just an early notice."
"Soon, Saiyan Corporation will hold a global press conference."
"So we'll keep this topic brief for now."
Then he spoke calmly.
"I can tell you that everything I'm doing is for the evolution of humanity."
"Not the kind of so-called 'advanced civilization' depicted in movies, where possessing powerful weapons alone qualifies you as superior."
"That kind of path is called 'militaristic overexpansion'—a path that inevitably leads to destruction."
"Only by improving every aspect of human life can we truly call it civilizational evolution."
As his words ended, the room once again erupted in applause.
Whether or not people believed Lucas had hidden motives, his actions and ideals—at least on the surface—were undeniably beneficial to humanity.
---
The person most impressed was Lex Luthor.
He immediately said,
"Lucas, humanity is fortunate to have you."
"Without you, I honestly have no idea how long it would have taken humanity to reach this point."
The compliment was so excessive that several people present looked awkward.
Sure, it wasn't wrong…
But it sounded a bit too flattering.
Lucas smiled.
"Thank you for the compliment."
"But please don't make it so direct."
"There are many people here, after all."
He continued,
"Of course, my company still needs to make profits."
"These profits are used to maintain operations and reward employees."
"After all, these technologies didn't appear out of thin air through pure altruism."
"Human beings are emotional creatures."
"If everything is simply handed to them without effort, without external or internal pressure…"
"…humanity will quickly lose the competitive drive that sustains a civilization."
"You're all extraordinary individuals."
"So I'm sure you understand what I mean."
Everyone nodded.
In simple terms—
A comfortable life of complacency might feel stable.
But in the end, it leads to quiet stagnation and eventual decline.
---
However, Lucas's words caused Hela to fall into deep thought.
Because Asgard seemed to be suffering from exactly this problem.
Since becoming the new ruler of Asgard, Hela had discovered something alarming.
Asgard's birth rate had dropped dramatically compared to the era before her imprisonment.
In the past, the Asgardian army had been invincible across the Nine Realms.
Even if soldiers fell in battle, replacements quickly filled the ranks.
Now, however, the size of the Asgardian army had shrunk to less than one-tenth of its former strength.
If more than a quarter of the army were lost in battle, it would take an extremely long time to replenish the forces.
Even worse—
Hela had noticed that the combat strength of modern Asgardian soldiers was far inferior to those who once conquered the Nine Realms.
If Asgard faced another evenly matched war today, several problems would immediately emerge:
insufficient troop numbers
weaker soldiers
extremely slow reinforcement rates
These issues would dramatically increase the difficulty of any war.
And whether Asgard won or lost, the consequences could be disastrous.
If they lost, Asgard might never recover.
The survivors would only be the elderly, the sick, and children.
Even more frustrating—
Asgard's once-mighty Rune Technology, which had once dominated the cosmos, had not advanced in thousands of years.
In fact, it had begun to decline.
These problems gave Hela a massive headache.
They were no longer simple military concerns.
They were issues concerning the survival of an entire civilization.
"Damn it…"
"What exactly did Odin do during the years I was sealed away?"
Hela rubbed her temples.
"The Asgardian empire that once ruled the Nine Realms… has become like this?"
Lucas noticed her expression but chose not to ask directly.
Instead, he turned to the audience and continued.
"Alright."
"Now we've reached the core topic of today's meeting."
"I hope everyone will listen carefully."
Everyone immediately focused their attention.
They knew that if Lucas had placed this topic last, its importance must surpass everything discussed earlier.
Lucas spoke slowly.
"Earth…"
"…has already been infiltrated by an alien civilization."
...
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