The revelation about Homelander's actions left Lucoa, Shendu, and even Drago in shock. Using the remaining hand of the storm girl for such a perverse act, despite her disfigurement and paralysis, was disturbing to all.
Ron sighed and shook his head, acknowledging the unfortunate reality that some quirks were beyond understanding. Drago voiced his concern, stating that the man seemed more demonic than themselves.
"Some people look like humans, but they are actually more terrifying than us demons," Shendu explained. Drago, understanding the gravity of the situation, suggested his father abdicate and pass on the spell so he could cleanse the world when he returned to the Earth.
Before any further discussion, a familiar muffled sound echoed in the tavern as Drago was sent flying out again. Shendu, unfazed, remarked, "It's really a dog who can't change eating shit."
Homelander, interrupted by the commotion, spoke up with a grim realization: "He was right. This is a sick world, and the people in the world are sick and need to be cleaned!"
He continued to share his recent experiences, revealing that the storm girl had died and committed suicide. In the aftermath, Starlight had taken over as the captain, and Homelander expressed his frustration with the world. He confessed to behaving like a child and a jerk, apologizing to the camera, accusing the world and the company of suppressing him in a press conference. To his surprise, rather than decreasing, public support for him had increased.
"Do you think this is a sick world?" he concluded, leaving Homelander and the others in solemn contemplation.
Instead, he found fault with the world, accusing it of treating him unfairly.
With reddened eyes, he seized the bottle and licked the residual milk from the glass—for a while. A hush fell over the tavern. Every gaze fixated on this audacious figure, devoid of inhibitions, a complete emancipation of humanity at this very moment.
The souls of the homelander's denizens seemed as if they had been violently torn asunder, laying bare their beating hearts unabashedly before outsiders.
All of a sudden...
Ron's voice shattered the silence, simultaneously grounding everyone's contemplations in reality.
He directed his gaze at the homelander and spoke calmly:
"If you've had your fill, then obliterate it."
"But... this might be your final bout of madness, as someone will end you regardless."
"Like... your father, the soldier boy, and others who consider you their foe."
For an individual like him, persuasion not only proved futile but was also counterproductive, exacerbating his insanity.
Hence, it was preferable to elucidate the stakes, a move that might potentially pacify him.
Ron wasn't keen on losing a valuable asset capable of acquiring abilities over an extended period.
"Father?" Homelander hesitated for a moment. "Soldier boy?"
"That's correct."
"Isn't he deceased?" Homelander was taken aback, then queried:
"And why would he want to kill me?"
"No, he's been cryogenically preserved in the laboratory." Ron smiled and shook his head, sidestepping the second question.
There's no such thing as a free lunch.
One must sacrifice something to gain something—a fundamental principle of tavern management.
The homelander residents also grasped Ron's intentions, prompting them to inquire in a solemn tone:
"What are you trying to convey?"
Ron shrugged. "Simple, Compund V."
This substance serves as a reagent capable of bestowing superpowers.
Certainly! Here's a refined version of your writing:
Naturally, the abilities acquired are entirely random, akin to unveiling a mystery box. Furthermore, the accompanying side effects are notably potent, with repeated usage possibly resulting in the individual vanishing altogether.
Upon the arrival of the locals at the tavern, Ron directed his attention to Compound V. Despite its non-utilization, it could be bartered with other patrons or exchanged for points.
"Impossible!" exclaimed the homelander, vigorously shaking his head. Compound V was prohibited and rigorously safeguarded by the company. Any revelation could subject even the Homelander to the company's wrath.
"You're free to make your own choices; I never coerce others," Ron shrugged, expressing regret.
"Pity."
"I also possess a particular wine here capable of giving you the same high feeling."
"Really?!" Homelander's heart raced, envisioning the scene in his mind. On dark, gusty nights, the moon hung high in the sky. Standing atop a tall building, braving the wind, experiencing the rush of the crescent sky—oh, the beauty of that imagery!
"Of course," Ron nodded with a smile. Clearly, dealing with a character like this required understanding their peculiar preferences.
"I can bring it to you tomorrow!" Homelander's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
At that moment, a mechanical beep from the system resounded in Ron's mind:
[Ding, the customer, Homelander, has finished speaking.]
[Customer Homelander: perspective, superpower, super speed, super defense... Host can choose one ability.]
Without hesitation, Ron promptly declared, "See through!"
[Ding, start merging.]
As the announcement concluded, Ron's eyes experienced an abrupt cool sensation.
When he opened his eyes once more, a different scene unfolded before Ron—both the tavern and the occupants had transformed.
Lucoa promptly caught onto his gaze and inquired with a smile, "Like what you see?"
Ron blurted out, "Good fortune!" leaving Rem, Ram, and the others bewildered, while Tohru, his face blushing, discreetly adjusted his skirt.
In the midst of this, the tavern's door creaked open. In walked Morgana, donned in a low-cut black cheongsam and sleek black nylon fabric adorning her legs.
"Did you miss me?" She approached the bar and sat down, her gaze coldly fixed on Ron.
After a brief pause, as Morgana continued his tasks, Ram abandoned her work, and the two sisters glared at this "intruder" who seemed intent on taking their master away.
"No!" Ron asserted seriously.
Morgana playfully propped her two long legs on the bar counter and asked with a smirk, "Really?"
Ron maintained a straight posture, but his eyes couldn't resist stealing a glance.
Tear... the scent is intoxicating!
"Alright, let's cease this teasing. If it persists, the little sister behind me might just sword me," Morgana remarked, sitting upright and casting an intrigued look at the unfamiliar face beside her.
In a fleeting moment, Homelanders' memories were laid bare.
"Interesting!" Morgana's eyes lit up. "Hey, kid, fancy spending time with me?"
Homelanders impatiently waved their hands, exclaiming, "No, leave!"