From this point on, the course of events unfolded almost exactly the same as in the original storyline.
After intense contemplation, Phastos suddenly had a breakthrough.
He began by explaining the fundamental nature of the Eternals:
Simply put, every Eternal is an extremely precise living construct. Aside from the differences in implanted soul memories, they all belong to the same core category.
They can establish conduits between one another, linking their systems together, and then rapidly concentrate the vast cosmic energy within their bodies into a single individual.
Once that happens, the recipient's abilities are amplified by an enormous margin.
As for this whole field of mechanical-life structural theory, Lucas Reed could only say one thing:
Sorry—I'm terrible at this.
That said, it didn't stop him from thinking about the possibilities.
If the enhancement target were Gilgamesh, could he become a real-life One-Punch Man—one punch flattening the Hulk or even Thanos?
And if it were Makkari, could she reach speeds approaching that of light itself?
While Lucas was lost in thought, Phastos—working together with Sersi—forcefully extracted the golden sphere embedded in his chest.
The moment Phastos began dismantling the golden orb, Lucas immediately sharpened his focus to the highest level.
He was deeply interested in Eternal technology—after all, it was a legacy inherited directly from the Celestials.
Whether it was the spacecraft the Eternals used when they first arrived on Earth, the panoramic vision of Olympia displayed by Arishem, or even the subtle details of Arishem's movements—
All of it pointed toward a highly advanced energy-based technology system.
If Lucas could gain access to it, it would be a massive boost to the plan he had been nurturing in his mind.
At this point, Lucas's interest in this towering dark-skinned Eternal grew even stronger.
He was extremely tempted by Phastos' research and development abilities.
Although Phastos couldn't compare to Marvel's golden child Tony Stark,
or DC's mad genius Lex Luthor—
There was no denying that his R&D capabilities were top-tier on Earth.
Back when humanity was still in its early agricultural era, Phastos had already invented a steam engine and attempted to introduce it to humans.
If Sersi hadn't deliberately slowed human development, humanity might already possess interstellar spacecraft—or even have left the solar system by now.
Among Lucas's three grand plans, the Human Technological Leap Initiative in particular—
Phastos was one of the most critical figures.
After Phastos finished explaining how the wristbands worked and what precautions were required, Ikaris finally regained consciousness.
"Ikaris…"
What followed was the familiar scene of Sersi attempting to reach Ikaris through words and love.
After all, if they could pool the power of one more Eternal, Sersi's chances of success would increase significantly.
As expected, Ikaris was ultimately moved by Sersi's sincerity and affection, and agreed to help stop Tiamut.
This made Lucas sigh inwardly at the sheer simplicity—bordering on absurdity—of the film's logic.
As for whether Ikaris would later lose his sense of purpose and choose to fly into the sun to end his own existence—
Lucas didn't care. And he didn't plan to.
As for Tiamut's emergence location, Lucas could not yet confirm whether it would be the same as in the movie.
So the only option was to wait until Tiamut truly began to awaken before making a final judgment.
And just like that, the Eternals moved into Lucas's newly rebuilt villa.
Lucas couldn't help but wonder whether they had anticipated this outcome in advance—
the number of rooms fit just right.
Still, it worked out well.
Keeping them together reduced the risk of someone being isolated and hunted down by the Deviants, which could have ruined the entire plan.
Two days later, in the morning—
Everyone was gathered in the first-floor dining area, eating a pie made by Gilgamesh himself.
As for what the filling was… no one was entirely sure.
Suddenly, Lucas looked up at the sky and smiled.
Just as everyone was wondering why—
Ring—ring—ring!
Lucas's phone rang.
He took it out and saw an unfamiliar number.
But the moment he answered, a familiar, gentle voice came through:
"Lucas, did you move?"
"We didn't move. Just did some light renovations," Lucas replied.
"Come on down."
Elaine was about to head for the door when she blinked—
And realized someone was already standing there.
Lucas wasn't surprised.
Although Makkari is deaf and mute, her sensitivity to airflow and environmental vibrations is extraordinary.
If she relied solely on her eyes, she would have died countless times already.
Outside the door, Kara froze when she saw that the person opening it was a beautiful woman.
A large question mark practically popped up over her head.
As far as she remembered, Lucas had never mentioned having any friends.
Still, after Makkari gestured politely, Kara stepped inside.
"You call this simple renovation?"
As Kara walked toward the dining area where Lucas was, she couldn't help but ask in confusion while taking in the lavish, elegant interior.
"That's thanks to these friends of mine," Lucas said, standing up and introducing them.
After learning who these people were—and what they were involved in—
Kara, whose heart was full of truth, kindness, and justice, was immediately fired up.
"Please let me participate in this plan!"
Seeing Kara's earnest expression, the Eternals exchanged uncertain looks.
With Lucas present, they didn't dare say much.
So Sersi spoke gently instead:
"Um… Miss Kara, this operation is very dangerous. We really don't—"
Before she could finish, Sersi noticed that a cup had suddenly appeared in Kara's empty hand.
It looked very familiar.
She looked down.
The coffee cup that had been in front of her just a moment ago… was gone.
Kara blinked at Sersi.
"…Alright," Sersi said helplessly.
"I'll take that back."
Lucas then turned to Thena and Ikaris.
"Since Kara is here, there's something I'd like to ask the two of you."
Thena smiled warmly. "Go ahead."
Ikaris nodded slightly.
"I'd like you to help teach Kara aerial combat and close-quarters fighting techniques," Lucas said politely.
Both Thena and Ikaris paused in surprise.
Lucas continued on his own initiative:
"I know what you're thinking. But when it comes to flight combat and close-range fighting, I admit I'm not as skilled as you are."
"Our previous sparring matches were only in my favor because my energy output was higher—
you couldn't fully display your strengths."
Such a frank admission earned Lucas genuine respect from both of them.
For a true powerhouse, openly acknowledging one's shortcomings was no easy thing.
Kara frowned. "Lucas, I don't need that."
Lucas looked at her seriously.
"Kara, your combat experience is very limited."
"You can overwhelm ordinary criminals with raw physical power—but what if you face enemies who are stronger?"
"What if their physical abilities surpass yours?"
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T/N:
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