A true superhuman alliance should be something akin to the Avengers or Justice League.
The original Seven was nothing more than a facade, a mockery of what a real team of superhumans should be.
The only real powerhouse was Homelander, with Queen Maeve being a close second. Then came Noir, the Invisible Man, and others of lesser skill.
As for Starlight, who joined the Seven in the TV series? She was a disgrace to superhumans. Beyond her looks, her combat abilities were lackluster. In the third season finale, all she did was charge up the building's power grid and managed to knock Homelander back for a moment. But, of course, he just stood back up and dusted himself off like nothing happened.
Azu had no interest in exploiting Starlight, so why waste a slot on someone like her?
With that, he quickly found "Starlight" Annie's name on the candidate list, marked her with a big "PASS," and sent the updated list to the organizers.
Only then did he get serious about reviewing the names and abilities of the other candidates. Azu focused on those with combat experience above all else.
No combat experience? Useless powers? Automatic pass.
There were a lot of applicants. By the time he'd sifted through them all, the day had flown by.
Taking a break, he caught a news broadcast.
On the screen, a well-known anchorwoman appeared, her face clouded with sorrow. "Last night, our city's wealthy philanthropist, Truman Keaton, passed away due to illness."
"Mr. Keaton leaves behind a single heir, his daughter Angelina Keaton, who tragically attempted suicide from grief last night."
"Thankfully, Homelander was there to save her, personally flying her to St. Anna's Hospital."
Hearing his name, Azu couldn't help but pay a little more attention. A picture flashed on the screen—a young, beautiful girl with a small, distinctive mole at the corner of her mouth. It was the same girl he had casually saved the previous night.
"As expected of me."
"A casual rescue, and she turns out to be a billionaire's daughter."
Azu chuckled to himself, switched off the TV, and put it out of his mind.
After dinner, he returned to the command center to continue reviewing potential new members for the Seven. That's when Ashley came in, her face lit up with excitement.
"Homelander, someone wants to see you."
"Angelina Keaton!"
"The 'princess' you saved last night!"
Azu looked up, confirming that Ashley wasn't joking.
A few moments later.
He saw Angelina Keaton. He hadn't gotten a good look the night before, but seeing her now—she was truly a stunning beauty.
Azu waved Ashley off and instructed her not to let anyone else in for the time being.
Ashley gave him a knowing look, one that said I understand, and quickly left the room.
Now, only Azu and the radiant young woman remained.
"Well then," Azu spread his hands, smiling, "Is there something you need, Miss Keaton?"
"If it's just to say thank you, no need."
Angelina bit her lip lightly and stepped forward. "Homelander, you saw it last night, didn't you?"
"I wasn't trying to kill myself out of grief for my father, like the news said."
"No, I was pushed!"
Azu shrugged, still smiling. "If that's the case, I think you should go to the police."
"It won't work. My Uncle O'Connor's already paid them off. No one will believe me."
"Except you."
Angelina's eyes seemed to burn with intensity. "My father didn't die of illness. He was murdered by my uncle, O'Connor Keaton!"
"My uncle tried to kill me too, thinking that once I was gone, he'd inherit everything."
"But he didn't expect you to save me."
"So, I'm begging you. I need you to help me. I need you to get justice for my father!"
Azu chuckled. "Miss Keaton, yes, last night, I did see someone behind that window."
"But based on just that, you expect me to stand up for you? To help you get revenge?"
"Don't you think that's a bit... childish?"
"Alright, Miss. I have other matters to attend to. Please, leave."
Angelina shook her head. "Please, believe me. You're the only one who can help me now."
Azu met her gaze, his tone serious. "The only person who can help you is yourself."
"Remember, Miss Keaton, never put your life in someone else's hands—not even mine."
Angelina hesitated, clearly conflicted.
Azu didn't doubt her story; in fact, he could already picture it—an intricate drama of power struggles in a wealthy family. But he wasn't interested in getting involved.
Suddenly, a thought crossed Azu's mind. He remembered the [NK Gene Enhancement Serum] in the store. An idea began to form.
"But..."
Hearing the change in his tone, Angelina perked up, sensing there might be room for negotiation.
Azu leaned back in his chair, looking her over. "You can take your revenge. On your own."
Angelina shook her head. "I don't have that kind of power."
"What if I told you I could give you that power?" Azu tossed out the bait.
Angelina blinked, taken aback. "Really?"
"If you help me, I promise, once I reclaim my father's fortune, I'll give you half of it!"
Azu shook his head. "I'm not interested in money."
Angelina paused. "Then what do you want?"
"I'm more interested in you," Azu said, smiling.
For a moment, Angelina was stunned, her expression complicated. Finally, she seemed to make up her mind and, without a word, began taking off her clothes.
This time, it was Azu's turn to be surprised.
Then he burst out laughing. "Stop. You misunderstood me."
"It's not that you're not attractive, but what I'm looking for is someone who's completely loyal to me, someone who would follow my every command without hesitation."
Half of Truman Keaton's fortune? Or a superhuman inheritor with the full fortune, completely loyal to him?
Azu knew which option was better.
Yes.
He planned to use the [NK Gene Enhancement Serum] to create a superhuman loyalist.
And if that loyalist also controlled vast wealth, then he'd be maximizing the serum's value.
If it worked, Angelina would become his hidden asset, a force outside the Seven—one Vought wouldn't know about.
A valuable ace up his sleeve.
Angelina finally understood. After a moment's thought, she nodded.
"If it means avenging my father, I'll do whatever it takes."
"From today on, you are my master."
Of course, Azu wouldn't trust her that easily.
Loyalty needed to be tested over time.
He glanced at the half-dressed Angelina and smirked. "Now you can finish undressing."
"Completely."
Earlier, it had been a misunderstanding.
This time, it was an order.
His first order as her "master."
---
A short while later.
The command center doors opened, and Ashley heard Azu's voice from inside. "Prepare a room for Miss Keaton—right next to mine."
Ashley's expression said it all: Of course, I knew this would happen. She smiled at the heiress as she exited the room. "Miss Keaton, please follow me."
As the doors closed behind them, Azu lingered on the recent events, nodding to himself in satisfaction.
Then his phone rang.
It was the Invisible Man.