An hour later, Homelander strolled out of the training room, clearly satisfied. Closing the door behind him, he found Ashley waiting for him.
"Angelina just had quite the workout," he remarked. "She needs some rest now—make sure no one disturbs her."
Ashley nodded quickly. "Got it. Also, the new recruits—Snow Princess, Electrode, and Elemental—have arrived."
"Perfect." Homelander grinned. "Tell Black Noir and Maeve to meet me in Training Hall 3."
---
In Training Hall 3
The new recruits stood in a line, waiting. Homelander gave them a once-over as he entered, with Black Noir and Maeve following close behind.
Snow Princess was a statuesque woman, her alabaster hair flowing over her shoulders like freshly fallen snow. She wore a sleek white dress that clung to her athletic frame—short enough to tease without crossing the line.
Electrode, a wiry young man with brown hair and nervous eyes, couldn't seem to stand still. Sparks of electricity flickered sporadically across his fingertips as he shifted uncomfortably under Homelander's gaze.
Elemental was a stoic Russian woman with auburn hair and striking green eyes—although her irises flickered between shades of red, silver, and gold with an unsettling rhythm.
Homelander stepped forward, his smile wide and gleaming. "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen."
The three recruits turned toward him immediately.
Snow Princess flashed a dazzling smile, gracefully lifting the hem of her skirt in a polite curtsy, every bit the royal she claimed to be.
Electrode shuffled nervously, his hands twitching, the occasional spark jumping from his palms as his face contorted into a strained smile.
Elemental, on the other hand, gave a slight nod. "Good afternoon, Homelander."
Homelander placed his hands on his hips, beaming. "I've reviewed your files, and I believe each of you has what it takes to join the Seven and replace our... recently departed members."
"But," he continued, "as you probably know, the Seven confronts the worst of the worst—criminals, terrorists, and sometimes, other superhumans."
"So, I need to see what you're made of. We'll run one-on-one tests—each of you will face off against me or one of my teammates. Sound good?"
Snow Princess stepped forward, batting her lashes. "If possible, I'd like you to be my opponent, Homelander."
Homelander laughed. "That works for me."
The matchups were quickly arranged:
Black Noir would test Electrode.
Maeve would take on Elemental.
Homelander would personally test Snow Princess.
---
In the Private Training Room
Homelander and Snow Princess stood on opposite ends of the room.
"Show me what you've got," Homelander said, waving her forward with a playful grin.
"With pleasure."
Snow Princess took a step forward, and frost immediately began creeping across the floor, racing toward Homelander. Within seconds, the icy tendrils threatened to freeze him in place.
But Homelander simply floated off the ground, hovering above the encroaching ice.
Snow Princess narrowed her eyes, her hands glowing with frost. In a flash, two ice daggers materialized in her grasp.
"Impressive," Homelander mused, watching her glide toward him with astonishing speed. Ice formed beneath her boots, creating a slick pathway that propelled her forward effortlessly.
In a heartbeat, she closed the distance and slashed at him with both daggers.
Homelander didn't flinch. He stood perfectly still, letting her blades carve shallow white streaks across his suit. The ice couldn't penetrate his skin, but the frost lingered, slowly spreading across the fabric.
Then, without warning, Snow Princess exhaled a cloud of frigid breath. The frosty vapor coated Homelander in a thick layer of ice, encasing him entirely.
But before she could celebrate, Homelander flicked his fingers, and the ice shattered instantly, scattering like brittle glass.
He grinned. "Is that the best you've got?"
Snow Princess's silver eyes glimmered ominously, as if snowstorms raged within them. She spread her arms wide, summoning an icy wind that lifted her skirt slightly. From the air around her, dozens of small birds made entirely of frost began to take shape.
The flock swarmed toward Homelander like a storm of bullets. Each icy bird struck with the force of a rifle shot, releasing bursts of cold upon impact.
For a moment, Homelander allowed himself to be encased in ice again—this time sealed within a rising pillar of frost that pinned him in place.
But then...
Two brilliant beams of golden light erupted from the ice, melting it instantly. Homelander's heat vision carved glowing fissures through the frozen pillar, shattering it into pieces.
With a predatory smile, Homelander rocketed forward.
Snow Princess barely had time to register his movement before she felt a powerful blow to her abdomen. The force of the hit bent her body like a bow, her face turning bright red as she struggled to breathe.
Before she could react, a second invisible shockwave exploded from the point of impact, launching her backward.
Homelander appeared behind her in a blur, catching her mid-air and cradling her waist gently as they descended to the ground.
Snow Princess gasped, trembling from the aftershock.
Homelander set her down carefully, brushing away the residual frost on his palms. "Congratulations. You pass."
Snow Princess blinked, still struggling to catch her breath.
"You've got solid powers and decent physical durability," Homelander said with a nod. "You'll make a fine addition to the Seven."
Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "Really? Thank you, Homelander!"
She bit her lip, her gaze smoldering. "I just don't know how I'll ever repay you."
Homelander's grin widened as he leaned in close, whispering in her ear. "I'm sure you'll find a way... eventually."
With a wink, he left the room, leaving Snow Princess flustered but elated.
---
Wrapping Up the Tests
The other trials concluded shortly after.
Electrode had demonstrated impressive control over high-voltage electricity, forming electrical spheres and whips with deadly precision.
Elemental's abilities were more diverse, allowing her to manipulate earth, wind, water, and fire—though none of her individual powers were particularly overwhelming.
All in all, Homelander was pleased. These recruits were undeniably stronger than their predecessors, Deep and A-Train.
Satisfied, he handed the recruits over to Ashley, who would show them their quarters and arrange for custom suits from the wardrobe department.
As Homelander started heading toward the crime analysis division, his phone buzzed.
He glanced at the screen. The caller ID read: Lin Aida.
═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═
patreon.com/AmbitiousTranslator
🥰 Support the translation and help me grow.🤓
Read upto 20 Extra chapter in Patreon