"Hey! What's with those looks?" Clark, feeling uneasy under everyone's gaze, immediately defended himself: "I swear, the Star Eater's pregnancy has absolutely nothing to do with me!"
"You might doubt my character, but not my preferences!"
After a brief silence, it was Tony who first broke the ice, casually saying: "The Planet Devourer isn't a conventional life form; it's a kind of existence we can't comprehend. The appearance we see isn't its true form. To human eyes, it appears human. Can we assume that to us ordinary male humans..."
Seizing the chance to retaliate against Clark, Tony didn't hesitate to use the knowledge Clark had previously shared to tease him.
"Tony, that's enough!" Clark, visibly annoyed, glared at Tony and then turned to the Star Eater, demanding, "You need to explain clearly now. How exactly did you get pregnant?"
The Star Eater: ...
After a moment of silence, the Star Eater spoke again: "A new life has been conceived within my body. I can agree not to target Earth anymore, but you need to find me another nutrient-rich planet to ensure my child receives sufficient nourishment. Of course, the other condition is that you must resolve the cosmic crisis..."
"As a loser, you're really demanding a lot..." Clark shook his head but eventually nodded, "Alright, I agree to both conditions. I'll transport you to a nutrient-rich planet nearby right now. Don't resist my spatial powers; you know I don't need any tricks if I wanted to harm you."
As he spoke, Clark waved his hand, and a wave of spatial energy swept up, teleporting the Planet Devourer and its two remaining emissaries to another part of the universe, disappearing from everyone's sight.
Watching the Star Eater and its party vanish, Tony spoke up, somewhat dissatisfied: "We clearly won this battle. Why are you still agreeing to its conditions? That's not like you."
Tony's question resonated with the other Avengers, who all looked at Clark, evidently sharing the same doubt.
Clark shook his head patiently and explained, "Under a collapsed nest, can there be any intact eggs? If the entire universe is destroyed, Earth certainly can't survive on its own. Since the Star Eater's solution was to devour Earth, and I've stopped that plan, I must handle the problem my way, regardless of our victory."
At this point, Captain America asked another question he was very concerned about: "That nutrient-rich planet you promised the Star Eater..."
Hearing this, a sly smile finally appeared on Clark's face, looking a bit mischievous.
...
Deep in space, Silver Surfer, having recovered from injuries thanks to the Star Eater's energy boost, returned to the Star Eater's side and respectfully reported: "Master, the planet ahead is called the Dark Quadrant, indeed containing rich nutrients. Although not as rich as Earth, it's still a rare delicacy..."
...
The Avengers returned to Earth, but none of them left. Instead, they gathered at the Avengers' headquarters, all eager for more excitement.
Who said superheroes are always morally upright role models?
That's complete nonsense!
Their characters are terrible. At least in Clark's view, their current gossipy demeanor is a clear display of their bad traits.
Don't tell me I don't know that even someone like Tony, always bullied by Clark and itching for revenge, and even the so-called morally perfect Captain America didn't leave, posing as if minding his own business but still eager for gossip!
Although Clark was frustrated, he couldn't just send everyone away. He could only reluctantly reveal his solution: "According to Lois's origin, she is the daughter of Carol and another version of me from a different timeline. So, Carol, you're not really related in the strictest sense. You might as well continue saving your universe; there's nothing for you here."
Getting the story's heroine out of the way would immediately reduce Clark's pressure by half.
However, Captain Marvel's attitude was, "This child may not be mine biologically, but she's still directly related to me by blood, so I'm willing to look after her when needed. Besides, the Planet Devourer mentioned a massive cosmic crisis soon centered on Earth, and I feel staying here is the best choice."
Probably the latter is your main reason for staying?
Clark didn't bother with the details and casually waved his hand: "Whether you want to stay or leave, it's up to you."
After speaking, he addressed everyone else: "Now, I hope you all prioritize the big picture. Don't just focus on gossip; the crisis facing Earth and the entire universe still needs your help. Except for the Guardians of the Galaxy who will investigate in space, everyone else should try to find the root of the problem in their own way."
After scanning the room, he added
: "I've said my piece. Who agrees, who disagrees?"
Under Clark's "benevolent" gaze, the Avengers, though reluctant about missing the cosmic drama they hoped for, could only nod in agreement.
Having spent a lot of time with Clark, they knew all too well his terrible character.
If someone tried to disrupt the plan now, although he wouldn't resort to violence, he would definitely make that person publicly perform a dance to "Pure Land of Bliss."
Imagining that scene, even Tony, eager to get back at him, showed genuine respect for Clark.
After everyone left, Clark took Lois back to his Los Angeles villa, granting her full access to the villa and then said, "From now on, this is your home. Whether you want to be a superhero or a civilian, I will support you unconditionally..."
"Hold on." Lois shook her head, her tone still hostile: "I haven't accepted your identity yet. You've been so irresponsible, and Aunt Monica has been the one taking care of me. I've never even seen my father! Now that you know the truth, you want a family reunion? It's not that easy."
Clark rubbed his nose helplessly, knowing he was at fault and could only say: "Then what do you want?"
Lois said seriously: "Unless you apologize, don't expect me to call you 'dad.'"
Clark: "…I'm sorry. Lois, it was indeed my irresponsibility that deprived you of the fatherly love you deserved during your childhood. I will try my best to make it up to you, whether you forgive me or not…"
"Dad!" Before Clark could finish, Lois couldn't wait to throw herself into his arms, crying painfully.
All she ever wanted was a good father and the apology she deserved.
Feeling the girl's trembling body, Clark could only gently soothe her, letting her cry it all out.
After a long while, when Lois's emotions were exhausted through her tears, Clark finally said: "But as my daughter, you must strictly adhere to our family's two rules."
Wiping the tears from her face, Lois immediately asked curiously: "Family rules? Let's hear it, what are they?"
Clark: "The second rule of our family is that you cannot bully others just because you are strong. Like the last time with the street racing on Akina Mountain, I've already handled the aftermath. I don't want such things happening to you again."
Nodding, Lois quickly asked, "What if someone bullies me?"
"That's the first rule." Clark said seriously: "As my child, you absolutely cannot be bullied. If someone dares to bully you, make them regret being born in this world!"
Lois's eyes lit up at this rule; she liked it!
But...
"What if I can't beat the person who wants to bully me?"
Clark smiled slightly: "The supplemental rule of our family: if you can't beat the small ones, the big ones come out. If you can't handle it, find your dad."
Lois: "What if even you can't beat them?"
Clark confidently replied: "In this universe, I can't think of anyone I can't beat."
He wasn't just boasting; he truly had the confidence.
Although in the Marvel Universe, there are many demons stronger than him, not to mention the Court of Living Tribunal and the five cosmic entities, beings like Phoenix, Sise-Neg, Vishanti, and even Dormammu are somewhat more powerful than him.
But that's in terms of fighting power in the extradimensional space. In a single universe, everyone's power is constrained to the same level, and the differences between multiversal beings become less pronounced. As a braggart who can play music during a fight, even the likes of the cosmic entities are basically doomed to be beaten by him in a single universe setting.
This is why his boast is so full of confidence.
Just as Clark finished speaking, the long-silent system notification suddenly sounded: "Congratulations, host. You have completed the legacy mission 3, 'BG"Move Heaven"' is fully charged and ready to launch."
Clark's eyes sparkled at the news, his confidence boosted even further by this advancement.
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