The tower base is quiet — too quiet. Downstairs, the captured Atlantean still floats in containment. Upstairs, tension thickens.

Armored Genius: “Okay, remind me again why our mystery merman is still giving me the silent treatment? He’s had twelve hours to explain why he showed up wrecking satellites.”

Shadow: “Maybe because you keep calling him ‘merman,’ genius.”

Captain: “Focus. We don’t know who he is or what he wants.”

Thunderborn: folds his arms, voice heavy with unease “I sense great power in him — ancient, royal. There is more to this prisoner than meets mortal eyes.”

Marksman: “Royal? Great. We probably kidnapped ocean royalty. Next thing you know, the sea kingdom’s gonna sue us.”

Laura enters silently. The air shifts; even the Armored Genius stops typing.

Armored Genius: “Hey, Laura. You look… uh, conflicted. Please tell me we didn’t accidentally start an inter-realm incident again.”

Laura: “He’s not a threat.”

The team exchanges glances.

Captain: “You sure?”

Laura: quietly, her eyes glowing faintly with divine light “Because he’s my father.”

Silence. The Armored Genius slowly lowers his tablet. The Thunderborn’s expression softens; distant thunder rumbles outside the tower windows.

Thunderborn: “Then we have wronged your blood, Lady Laura. Say the word… and I shall break his chains myself.”

Armored Genius: “...Okay. So. We definitely started an inter-realm incident.”