As soon as these words were spoken, the hearts of several Elders suddenly tightened.
The hearts they had just let down were now hanging in suspense again.
"Work?" one Elder asked tentatively and cautiously. "Do you mean... you want us to cooperate with experiments?"
In their impression, large corporations recruited people like them with special genes for nothing more than drawing blood, dissection, and slicing to study the source of their abilities.
Hearing this foolish question, Homelander couldn't help but laugh out loud.
"Experiments?" Homelander shook his head. "Elder, you underestimate Vought too much. The power Vought possesses is far greater than the bit of superpower in your genes."
Homelander picked up the remote control on the table and pressed a button.
A 100-inch LCD TV screen on the wall in front of them lit up.
A promotional video for Vought International began to play on the screen.
Rhythmic music began to play.
On the screen, Jessica Jones stopped an out-of-control truck with a single punch, saving a mother pushing a stroller.
The scene flashed, and she stood before the camera holding a small baby, her smile warm and friendly.
Pietro turned into a streak of silver light, weaving through a fire scene, instantly moving dozens of trapped people to safety before hazardous materials exploded, as the surrounding crowd erupted in thunderous applause.
Angela released high temperatures in the snow and ice, melting a glacier that was blocking traffic, as a convoy honked their horns in tribute to her.
In addition, there were highlight clips of other heroes.
The promotional video showcased the bright, positive, and beloved image of the Vought Heroes.
They weren't freaks hiding themselves at all times, but superstars living in the spotlight with countless fans and extremely high social status.
The final shot froze on a group of Vought Heroes standing atop a building, looking out over the city from behind.
A line of large text appeared at the bottom of the screen: "Saving the World, Every Day! — Vought."
As the screening ended, the Inhumans looked at those respected figures on the screen; the fear in their eyes gradually vanished, and a longing for a better life naturally arose.
"Mr. Homelander..." Alisa's eyes sparkled with excitement as she asked eagerly, "Do you mean you want us to become superheroes like the ones on TV?"
The other Inhumans also straightened their backs and pricked up their ears, awaiting Homelander's answer.
Homelander looked at their eager eyes and smiled slightly.
"Yes, and no."
"Becoming a superhero and enjoying the cheers of the crowd is only part of the job."
"I have a better project."
The Inhumans sat upright, holding their breath as they waited for what came next.
"But you need to hand over all the terrigen crystals, as well as the cultivation methods, entirely to Vought," Homelander continued.
"We will remove the impurities in the crystals that are harmful to humans. This is not just for you, but for the World outside."
The Elders looked at each other, their lips tightly pressed.
Handing over the terrigen crystals was equivalent to handing over the lifeblood of their race. Their long-held isolationist views made them instinctively want to resist such a demand for a total takeover.
Alisa took the first step forward, breaking the silence.
"I completely agree with Mr. Homelander's proposal!"
"Jiaying's actions have already proven the danger of the raw crystals. Only by relying on Vought can we truly and safely embrace the future; we can no longer hide like we did in the past."
Seeing this, several other young female Inhumans immediately chimed in, not wanting to be left behind.
"Alisa is right! We should have done this long ago."
"Mr. Homelander is doing this for our own good. Elders, we have no reason to refuse this kindness."
Several female Inhumans gathered at the front, either smiling with lowered heads or looking at Homelander with burning gazes to show their stance.
The Elders looked at this group of women who had taken the initiative to defect and sighed silently.
They knew very well that in the face of absolute power and broad prospects, they had no choice. Refusal would only invite destruction.
"We agree to your proposal. All crystal reserves and cultivation archives will be organized by tomorrow morning and handed over to Vought in full."
"A wise choice," Homelander nodded with satisfaction. "Vought will remember your contribution."
Then he turned his gaze to Alisa, his eyes holding a hint of appreciation.
"Especially you, girl. Your vision and decisiveness are impressive. Vought needs visionary talents like you."
Hearing this, Alisa's cheeks flushed crimson.
She clasped her hands over her chest and nodded vigorously. "Alisa... my name is Alisa, sir. It is my honor!"
...
A few days later, New York, Vought Tower, the main press conference hall on the first floor.
The hall was packed, and reporters from major mainstream media outlets around the World aimed their cameras and microphones at the podium.
Ashley Barrett, the spokesperson for Vought International's Public Relations Department, walked onto the podium with a brisk pace.
She tapped the microphone, and the noise in the hall subsided.
"Good morning, friends from the media. I am Ashley, the spokesperson for Vought PR."
Ashley scanned the room, displaying impeccable professionalism.
"Regarding the 'Flying Mountain Incident' that occurred over the Pacific Ocean a few days ago, Vought International is here today to provide an official response."
The massive holographic screen behind her lit up, showing images of the Inhuman village safely relocated to a wasteland on the outskirts of New York.
Under the aerial footage, modular Vought rescue houses were neatly arranged, and villagers in brand-new clothes were waving and smiling at the camera.
"They are not the aliens rumored online, nor are they some kind of dangerous monsters. They are a group of human compatriots who have awakened superpowers."
"In the past years, they were well aware that their immature powers could cause irreparable damage to society. Out of social responsibility, they made a great sacrifice and chose to live in isolation in an isolated valley."
A stir went through the press gallery.
Ashley tapped the microphone again, signaling for silence.
"This disaster was caused by an accidental loss of control over superpowers while some young people in the village were exploring their own abilities."
"Fortunately, our Homelander received the distress signal in time, rushed to the scene to stop the spread of the tragedy, and brought them back to civilized society."
A burst of warm applause spontaneously rang out in the hall.
Ashley raised her hand to suppress the applause.
"This incident has sounded an alarm for us. In this era where extraordinary powers are increasingly manifesting, blind seclusion and suppression will only bring greater danger. Power itself is not wrong; the mistake lies in the lack of guidance."
"In order to effectively guide superpowered individuals to use their abilities correctly for the benefit of society, and for the safety of the Human Federation, Vought International has made a major decision under the authorization of the federal government."
Ashley dropped the most explosive statement.
"Vought International will fully fund the establishment of a higher education institution for superpowered individuals for all of humanity—the Vought Vanguard Hero Academy!"
"And, our great Homelander will personally serve as the principal of this academy!"