After A-Train spent two hours completing the process to leave The Seven, Axel had already finished with an eager Maeve.
He had a maid clean Maeve up while he took a shower, changed into fresh clothes, and headed to Edgar's former office, now his own.
Sitting back in the chair behind the desk, he adjusted himself into a comfortable position as Ashley brought up a series of files on the screen.
"Ancestor," Ashley said nervously, "these are the thirty-two candidates closest to joining The Seven."
She continued carefully.
"Among them is Starlight, very popular with families, and Supersonic, a speedster who could replace A-Train. There are also several students from the academy, they..."
"Enough," Axel cut in. "I like this Starlight."
He tapped on her introduction video.
On screen, Starlight appeared slightly nervous, her voice soft, her demeanor modest. She looked young, but carried herself with sincerity.
Ashley nodded quickly, catching on.
"I'll arrange for her to come to the Tower tonight. Even if she doesn't officially join yet, we can start preparing her."
She glanced at Axel, her expression full of expectation.
Axel reached out and lightly brushed her cheek.
"Good. You understand what I want. I like that."
He patted her face once more, signaling her to leave. Ashley nodded eagerly and hurried off.
Not long after, in New Jersey, Annie January's phone rang.
She was sitting with her mother, halfway through a meal, when she answered.
"Hello, this is Annie January, may I ask who... wait, what?"
Her tone shifted instantly.
"You're from Vought? I've been selected for The Seven? Lamplighter and A-Train are retiring, and I'm the next... the next..."
Her voice broke.
A sharp scream escaped her as she jumped up and hugged her mother tightly. Her mother rushed in, equally overwhelmed.
After a brief moment, Annie pulled back and returned to the call.
"Sorry, something just happened. I'm fine now. Please go on."
She listened carefully.
"I need to get to the Tower immediately? Tonight? The flight is already arranged?"
Her voice turned firm.
"I understand. I'll head to the airport right away. I won't disappoint you."
By eight that evening, Annie, dressed in her gold and white suit, stood outside The Seven Tower.
The building had already been restored. Vought had no shortage of powered individuals, and repairs that should have taken weeks were completed in hours.
At first, she had doubted the call.
She and her mother had spent years attending small hero events across New Jersey, and scams were not uncommon.
But now, standing before the Tower, doubt vanished completely.
A staff member opened the car door for her.
Annie stepped out, her excitement and nerves mixing as she saw the crowd approaching.
Ashley led the group, moving quickly through the staff.
She grabbed Annie's hand.
"The company is extremely busy today, but I still came personally. I expect you to be worth the effort."
With that, she led Annie across the entrance carpet.
Reporters shouted from every direction, cameras flashing nonstop.
Overwhelmed, Annie spoke cautiously.
"I didn't expect it to be me. I was so excited when I got the call. My mom too. I just want to say thank you, I truly..."
Her words were drowned out.
"Is she the new member of The Seven?"
"Did multiple heroes die today?"
"Is it true Homelander was injured?"
"There are rumors about someone called the Ancestor, is that real?"
The questions collided into chaos, forcing Annie to fall silent.
Ashley suddenly stopped and tightened her grip on Annie's hand.
"Annie," she said seriously, "can I call you that?"
"Of course."
"Then listen carefully. No matter what happens, do not anger the Ancestor."
She released Annie's hand and continued walking.
Trying to steady herself, Annie spoke quietly.
"I don't understand. Who is the Ancestor? Is he a new hero? You mentioned Lamplighter and A-Train leaving, so I thought..."
"Stop talking," Ashley snapped sharply.
Her tone left no room for argument.
"Tomorrow, you'll attend the press conference for the new lineup. Tonight, there's a small welcome prepared for you."
She looked at Annie with intensity.
"You want to know who the Ancestor is? You'll find out soon enough. Just remember this, treat him like he's above everyone else."
With that, she led Annie into the meeting room.
The V-shaped table came into view.
Annie swallowed nervously as Ashley guided her into a seat.
"The others know you're here. Wait here."
Ashley left without another word.
Left alone, Annie adjusted her cape and looked around, barely containing her excitement.
This was The Seven.
The most powerful team in the world.
And now she was part of it.
She rubbed her cheeks, trying to calm herself, when the door suddenly opened.
She jumped to her feet.
"Oh, you're... sorry, I thought... wait, you're Translucent! I'm Starlight, it's an honor to meet..."
Translucent let out a low laugh.
"I hope you're still smiling after tonight."
He walked past her and took his seat.
As he sat down, his legs tensed slightly, his composure forced.
Annie hesitated.
"I don't understand, what do you mean..."
The door opened again.
Queen Maeve entered.
Annie immediately brightened.
"You're Queen Maeve. I've always wanted to meet you. I'm Starlight, it's an honor to work with you..."
"Sit down," Maeve said calmly.
She guided Annie back into her chair.
"Take it easy. Things might not be as bad as they used to be."
Her tone softened slightly.
"Everyone here fears the Ancestor, but I know him better than they do. You'll be fine."
She gave Annie a reassuring pat before taking her seat.
Instead of calming Annie, the words made her more uneasy.
"I... I don't really understand what you mean. I'm sorry, I just..."
The door opened again.
The Deep walked in.
His posture was rigid, his movements controlled.
Annie stood again.
"Hi, I'm Starlight, I..."
"Be quiet!"
His voice cut through the room.
He sat down stiffly, like a student afraid of being called out.
The sudden outburst made Annie freeze.
Her throat tightened as she slowly sat back down.
The unease in the room grew heavier.