A firm hand caught Angelina's chin just in time, stopping her from biting down.
Homelander wasn't worried about the bite itself—his Steel Body could handle it. He was more concerned about her delicate new fangs shattering against his invulnerable skin.
"Easy now, little wildcat," Homelander said with a playful grin.
Frustrated by her failed attempt, Angelina snarled incomprehensibly, her limbs coiling around him like an octopus. She clung to him tightly, writhing as if trying to merge her body with his.
Homelander stood still, letting her squirm all she wanted. As he observed her, he noticed her skin beginning to darken, taking on an iron-black hue.
It reminded him of the other two fools who had injected themselves with "Holy Blood."
For a moment, he thought with amusement, Is this pale beauty about to turn into an African native?
But before the transformation could take root, the black color receded. Her skin not only returned to its original fairness but became even more radiant—soft and smooth, as if sculpted from the purest water. It was so flawless that it tempted him to give it a playful pinch.
The changes didn't stop there.
Angelina's red eyes glowed brightly before settling into a steady crimson hue. Her body was visibly strengthening—her abdomen tightening, revealing defined abs beneath her clothes.
Homelander could feel her growing more powerful, her muscles becoming denser and more flexible.
Impressive, he thought. Not bad for a product straight from the store.
Angelina's transformation surpassed that of most superhumans.
Gradually, the glow in her eyes faded, her mind regaining clarity. Her sharp fangs retracted, returning to a set of normal, human teeth.
Still holding on to Homelander, she blinked as she realized who she was clinging to. With a startled gasp, she sprang off him.
Her leap took her to the rafters of the barn, landing gracefully on a crossbeam.
Perched there like a cat, Angelina stared in disbelief at her hands.
"Master... What happened to me?" she asked, her voice filled with hopeful wonder.
Homelander gave a slight nod. "Congratulations. You're now a superhuman."
At the same time, he activated Insight to assess her condition.
[Name: Angelina Caton]
[Life Level: 4 (Superhuman)]
[Status: Excited]
[Abilities: Super Strength, Super Speed, Enhanced Senses, Accelerated Healing, etc.]
Nice, Homelander thought. The upgraded Insight reveals more information, but it's still not enough. She must have other abilities not listed here.
He gestured for Angelina to jump down.
She glanced nervously at the five-meter drop to the ground, hesitating.
Homelander sighed, rubbing his forehead. "You're a superhuman now. Even if you fall, it won't hurt you. Now get down here."
Gathering her courage, Angelina leaped from the beam. As she landed, her body instinctively adjusted, allowing her to touch down as lightly as a falling leaf.
Her wide, astonished eyes flicked between the rafters and the ground, unable to believe she had just made that jump.
Homelander smirked. "What I injected you with isn't just any serum—it's the good stuff. You're stronger than most superhumans now."
"Oh, and you should have unlocked a special ability by now," he added. "Try to sense it and bring it out."
"Like... meditation?" Angelina asked uncertainly.
How would I know? Homelander shrugged. "Something like that, maybe."
Angelina nodded and closed her eyes, focusing inward.
While she explored her new abilities, Homelander checked his remaining resources.
He had started with 93 Dim Proficiency Essences. After spending 50 to purchase the gene serum, he still had 43 left—enough to boost a skill by 86 points.
He opened his status menu, his gaze landing on his abilities.
[Steel Body +2: Proficiency 1/100]
It would take far more essences to upgrade that one. Even if he spent everything, it wouldn't be enough.
His attention shifted to another ability.
[Laser Vision +2: Proficiency 27/100]
"Given the options, maxing out Laser Vision offers the best immediate payoff," he decided.
One by one, he poured the Dim Proficiency Essences into his Laser Vision.
[Laser Vision Proficiency +2]
[Laser Vision Proficiency +2]
Rows of notifications flooded his vision.
After using 37 essences, his ability hit the cap.
[Your 'Laser Vision +2' proficiency is now maxed.]
[Evolving to 'Heat Rays.']
[Heat Rays: Retains all effects of Laser Vision +2. Additionally, it now converts stored solar energy into high-temperature rays. Temperature can be controlled, ranging from microwave levels to the surface temperature of the sun.]
Homelander's smile widened as he absorbed the information.
Heat Rays.
His new ability not only retained the destructive power of his laser vision but added the searing heat of the sun.
This is a game-changer, he thought. One step closer to becoming the ultimate being.
There was only one downside—the rays needed solar energy to charge. Reaching maximum temperature would require substantial energy storage.
Satisfied with the upgrade, Homelander glanced at his remaining essences.
Six left. That's only 12 points—best to save them for later.
Just then, something flickered at the edge of his vision.
He narrowed his eyes, focusing on Angelina. To his surprise, her shadow had begun to shift and move—seemingly on its own.
At first, he thought it was a trick of the light. But no—the shadow crawled across the floor, slithering toward an old tractor.
With a soft clatter, the shadow gripped the machine. Sparks flew, and the tractor groaned as jagged tears split across its metal frame.
Angelina gasped, her body shuddering as she snapped out of her trance. Sweat beaded on her forehead.
"So, your ability is shadow manipulation," Homelander mused. "Not bad. With the right training, that could be incredibly useful."
He gave her a playful grin. "From now on, you'll be busy—training in combat, firearms, and everything in between. Get ready for a crash course."
Angelina's crimson eyes glimmered with determination. "Train me however you see fit, Master!"
Homelander chuckled. "I intend to."
He extended his hand. "Come on, we've been out here long enough. Let's head back."
Without hesitation, Angelina pressed herself against him, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist.
With a sharp whoosh, Homelander shot into the sky, carrying her back toward the city.
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