This video, as the President mentioned, was obtained through various means before the meeting. It was precisely by watching this video that these individuals patiently debated the disposition of the demon.
"What about Superman? We could have Superman of Metropolis assist us in eliminating this demon."
Upon hearing this, all eyes turned to the speaker.
"What is it? Did I... say something wrong?"
Feeling everyone's gaze, the man grew uneasy.
The President, with a dark expression, said, "Have you not heard the saying, 'Those not of our kind harbor different intentions'? This demon is at least a native demon of Earth. The Superman you speak of is one hundred percent pure Kryptonian."
Indeed.
Despite being seen as a hero by countless American citizens, the highest echelons of the US government remained highly wary and distrustful of the alien known as Superman. As an extraterrestrial, Superman possessed a body of steel, capable of withstanding even nuclear attacks. Should he ever decide to overthrow the government and rule alone, no nation on Earth would have the means to defeat him.
For this very reason, a subterranean fortress built entirely of lead lay beneath the White House, stocked with vast quantities of Kryptonite and Kryptonite-based weaponry, all prepared to counter Superman.
Seeing that Superman was not an option, the man then proposed, "S.H.I.E.L.D. is developing the Avengers Initiative, perhaps they could try?"
"S.H.I.E.L.D.? What right do they have to be involved again? If it weren't for their mistake, the demon wouldn't have been revived!"
Originally, as the head of American intelligence, Nick Fury should have attended this meeting. However, due to S.H.I.E.L.D.'s failed operation leading to the demon's revival, he was explicitly excluded before the meeting began.
"Right, wasn't there a Chinese survivor? How is he doing?"
This question sparked curiosity among many present.
So many well-trained soldiers had been effortlessly crushed by the demon, unable to even retaliate. Yet, this terrifyingly powerful demon had ultimately been defeated by an archaeologist from China, who had reportedly gravely injured it, causing it to flee in disarray. It was difficult to fathom.
"According to intelligence, this Chinese archaeologist is named Chen Long. His ability to repel the demon was primarily due to an armor left behind by an immortal deity that he was wearing at the time."
"Armor?"
A General stroked his chin and asked, "Can we obtain this armor? Having a Chinese national wear it poses a threat to the United States."
The attendant shook his head. "I'm afraid not. Intelligence indicates that ever since Chen Long donned the armor, it has become integrated with him and cannot be removed."
A Senator, who had conducted his own investigation, informed the General, "I suggest we refrain from any forceful actions against Chen Long and his family. On the contrary, we should actively extend an olive branch and try to win them over."
"Win over a Chinese national?" the General scoffed. "He only defeated the demon because he was wearing divine armor. If I wore it, I could defeat the demon too."
The President rapped on the table, signaling the General to refrain from racial discrimination at this moment.
The President then produced a document and stated, "According to reports from Section Thirteen, although Chen Long's profession is merely that of an archaeologist, he has thwarted the Black Hand organization's plans on multiple occasions. Furthermore, his personal combat skills are exceptional; even well-trained agents are no match for him. Among his family members, there is a powerful sorceress. Chen Long's niece also had an encounter with the demon and was present when it revived."
The attendees perused the provided documents and reports, their astonishment growing with each page. The records of each member of the Chen Long family were incredibly detailed. Upon seeing Chen Xiao Yu, it was astonishing that a young girl, barely out of her childhood, could breach Section Thirteen's security system and steal talismans.
"We must win them over. We must secure such talent for the United States."
After a heated discussion among everyone, punctuated by several disagreements, a plan was finally formulated.
Firstly, the demon, Shendu, had provided them with a magic book. What they had obtained should not go to waste. Both the President and other high-ranking US officials agreed that the magic book should be utilized first. It would be handed over to relevant experts for deciphering, with the aim of training a contingent of sorcerers for the battlefield.
With magical augmentation, the United States' intervention—no, their assistance in maintaining world peace—would undoubtedly become more efficient.
Secondly, regarding the Chen Long family, all efforts should be made to recruit them and retain them for service in the United States.
Finally, concerning Shendu, the demon himself, initial contact could be made. Upon ensuring he posed no threat to the United States, comprehensive cooperation could be pursued.
This plan garnered approval from the majority, but one individual vehemently opposed it: General Koos.
At the conclusion of the meeting, an enraged Koos departed abruptly, declaring that if they persisted with this plan, he would resolve the issue in his own way.
As everyone began gathering their belongings to leave, the President did not forget to remind them that any discussion held here was strictly confidential, with treason being the penalty for disclosure. He also instructed Quinn to swiftly contact the demon upon confirming the authenticity of the magic book.
The matter of the demon had now become globally recognized. If cooperation with the demon was to be pursued, the United States had to seize the initiative.
Bertol, blindfolded, was escorted out of the safe house and quickly into a car.
"Drive."
The car sped away. Watching the buildings behind them shrink, Bertol, in the back seat, wiped the sweat from his brow and let out a sigh of relief.
"How did the matter go?"
"What?"
The driver's abrupt question startled Bertol, whose nerves had just begun to relax. But when the driver turned, Bertol saw his face, and the terrifying memory surged back.
A face with sharp, chiseled features, eyes as cold and sharp as blades, and that signature scar. This person was Vandal Savage.
"You... why are you here...?"
Savage spoke in a low tone, "Don't be nervous. I'm just here to confirm if you've completed what you promised me. Rest assured, the surveillance equipment on you was completely shielded the moment you entered this car."
Bertol did not answer Savage's question but retorted, "How are my family?"
Despite his impassioned arguments with General Koos during the meeting, speaking of nation and people, Bertol was utterly terrified upon seeing Savage.
His moment of defiance lasted less than two minutes before he crumbled under Savage's icy gaze. "I... I've done it. The meeting has agreed to initiate friendly contact with the demon, but..."
"But what?"
"But Koos, he is very dissatisfied with the outcome of the meeting and stated he would find his own way to solve the problem."
Savage nodded upon hearing this. "Your family is safe. And by the way, your daughter is very cute."