In a small video store...
Hughie stared at the TV, watching a live broadcast of the Federal Savings Bank robbery. On the screen, Homelander effortlessly tossed the giant iron man into the sky.
The camera panned, showing Homelander in mid-air, firing laser beams from his eyes, taking out the robber in just a few shots.
"That's amazing!"
Hughie watched in awe, mimicking Homelander's intense gaze.
"What are you doing? Are you done with your work?" The voice of Gary, the store owner, sounded from behind him.
"Did you get Mr. Rob's stuff ready?"
Hughie, who had an honest and simple look about him, quickly responded, "I'm on it, boss."
"Be sharp about it."
Gary grumbled as he walked away, "If it wasn't for the fact that you're decent at tinkering with this stuff, I would've fired you already."
Hughie lowered his head, wanting to say something, but ultimately holding back.
"I'm stepping out for a bit."
Gary left the store.
Hughie busied himself with setting up audio equipment. He was good at it, always finding the best sound setup for the customers.
A fellow employee whistled and clapped Hughie on the shoulder. "Robin's here to see you."
A few moments later...
Hughie and his girlfriend, Robin, were walking down the street.
"So, did you ask Gary for that raise?" Robin playfully hopped on and off the curb as they walked.
Hughie stammered, struggling to find the right words, "I... I didn't get a chance to see him this morning."
"I'll definitely ask him tonight."
Robin laughed, "Once you get that raise, we can finally move out! Then, we can enjoy some real alone time."
Hughie squeezed her hand and nodded, warmth spreading through his chest.
He felt genuinely happy.
But in the next moment...
Everything blurred.
Robin was gone.
Hughie's face felt damp, something warm and wet splattering onto him.
The sound of liquid splashing echoed around him.
A dark red pool of liquid had suddenly appeared on the street.
"Robin?"
Hughie finally snapped back to reality.
And then, he realized...
He was still holding Robin's hands.
But only her forearms remained.
———
[Super Speed: Proficiency 3/10]
[Invulnerable Body: Proficiency 1/10]
[Super Strength: Proficiency 1/10]
As the notifications flashed across his vision, Azu didn't immediately open the store.
Instead, he accessed his status panel.
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[Name: John (Homelander)]
[Life Level: 5 (Extraordinary)]
[Status: Normal]
[Abilities: Laser Vision +1 (2/30), Flight (9/10), Super Speed (3/10), Invulnerable Body (1/10), Super Strength (1/10)]
[Items: 10 Faded Proficiency Essences]
▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Hmm, aside from Flight, which was close to leveling up, everything else was still a long way from the next level.
Especially Laser Vision.
Using these abilities increases proficiency.
And once proficiency reaches a certain point, they level up.
Additionally...
Azu turned his attention to the Faded Proficiency Essences.
[Using this item will increase any ability's proficiency by 2 points.]
'Nice...'
'This can quickly boost my proficiency.'
For now, though, Azu decided not to use the Essences or open the Store.
Landing on the ground, he approached Queen Maeve. "Need a lift?"
Maeve shrugged, "Can't think of a reason to say no."
Azu wrapped his arm around Maeve's waist—not exactly slender, but without an ounce of excess fat.
To accommodate flying, Maeve pressed her body against him, which gave Azu an unobstructed view of her... assets, with words like 'huge' and 'impressive' flashing through his mind.
As they slowly ascended, Azu waved to the onlookers below, holding Maeve in his arms.
Once they reached about a hundred meters in the air, he suddenly shot forward, flying swiftly into the distance.
In no time, they arrived at The Seven's headquarters.
Azu gently landed on the platform, releasing Maeve. With his hands clasped behind his back, he smiled, "Are you free tonight?"
"I wanted to talk to you about something."
Maeve casually adjusted her hair. "Just talking?"
Azu smirked.
Of course, if the conversation led to something more, he certainly wouldn't mind.
After all, they were both adults.
This was perfectly normal, right?
But Maeve just smiled and said, "Sorry, no can do. I've got plans with friends tonight."
Azu nodded in acknowledgment.
The two of them stepped into the elevator, descending together.
As soon as they walked out of the elevator, Ashley, the newly promoted assistant, rushed up, beaming with excitement, "It's amazing, Homelander!"
"Your approval rating just went up by 0.3%."
"Your speech at the press conference, combined with your performance at the bank, actually made your ratings rise."
Maeve, curious, asked, "What did you say at the press conference?"
Azu chuckled, "That's exactly what I wanted to discuss with you tonight."
"So, what do you say? Want to reconsider?"
Maeve laughed softly and shook her head before turning and walking away.
Ashley, a bit more serious now, said, "I've already handled the... 'cleanup,' but Mr. Edgar has arrived. He's waiting for you in the hall."
———
In The Seven's command hall...
When Azu entered, he saw a familiar figure standing with his back turned.
It was Stan Edgar, the president of Vought.
Edgar turned around to face Azu, spreading his hands. "May I ask why you killed Madelyn?"
Azu smiled calmly, "She insulted me."
Edgar raised his eyebrows slightly, deep in thought.
Then he said, "You might not be aware, but Madelyn had recently been in contact with members of Congress, trying to get superhumans integrated into the national defense system."
"This would've greatly improved our company's performance."
"And yet, you killed her at this critical moment."
With one hand behind his back, Azu raised a finger with the other. "First of all, Congress will never allow superhumans into the defense system. Even if we use some underhanded tactics and succeed, we'll only be seen as a thorn in their side."
"Second, improving the company's performance isn't solely dependent on joining the defense system."
"Lastly, if Madelyn had succeeded in getting us into the defense system, don't you think she'd be next in line to replace you as Vought's president?"
Edgar chuckled, "So, you're saying you did this to help me?"
Azu didn't respond.
Edgar shook his head slightly. "Losing her at this time is still a setback for us."
"I've just received word that the Department of Defense is considering partnering with another emerging weapons development company."
"They likely plan to use it to counterbalance us."
'An emerging weapons development company? Smells fishy, but Why haven't I heard of this?'
Well, that doesn't matter.
Azu glanced at the clock, smiling, "It's almost noon. Care to join me for lunch, Mr. Edgar?"
Edgar looked up and smiled briefly. "I have to meet a client."
"Let me cut to the chase, Homelander. I hope there won't be any more incidents like this."
"Or, at the very least, could you let me know before you act?"
Azu nodded slightly. "I can agree to that."
"I'll also let Vought continue supporting The Seven. I might even turn a blind eye to some of the little schemes you run under my nose."
"But I have one condition."
"From now on, I call the shots in The Seven."
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