After individually adding Axel's contact information, Axel dismissed everyone.
"Alright, that's enough. Time to rest.
You're all superheroes, act like it. Set an example for the kids.
And without my permission, none of you leave The Seven Tower looking for entertainment.
Now go."
With that, Axel waved them off and turned his chair toward the floor-to-ceiling window, quietly watching the moon.
Behind him, the group exchanged glances before leaving without a word.
Starlight tightly held Queen Maeve's hand, struggling to contain her excitement.
Then, just five steps after Black Noir exited the conference room, he suddenly dropped to his knees.
The sound echoed.
Starlight froze in confusion. The Deep quickly rushed over and pulled Black Noir back up.
Maeve did not explain. She simply pulled Starlight along and led her into her room.
As soon as they entered, Starlight could not hold it in anymore.
"Today was amazing. I actually became your friend… Queen Maeve's friend.
Everything about The Seven is exactly how I imagined, serious and disciplined. I learned so much already.
I was too weak before, but I'll get stronger. I promise.
But… Maeve, why is Axel the leader?
And why have I never heard of him before?"
Maeve instantly raised a finger to her lips.
"Quiet."
Her tone dropped.
"Can I call you Annie?"
"Of course."
"Good. Then listen carefully, Annie. Rule number one, never talk about Axel behind his back."
Starlight nodded, a little startled.
"You're right about one thing. Axel leads The Seven. At this point, he basically controls Vought as well.
You might not understand yet, but you came at the right time."
Maeve gently patted her wrist.
"A good time?" Annie asked quietly. "Because he just rose to power?
And… even if he looks good, don't you think he's a bit intense?"
Maeve immediately covered her mouth.
"I told you, stop talking about him like that."
She took a breath, then continued.
"I brought you here to warn you. I wouldn't normally bother, but things have changed. Just remember what I say.
First, never mention Axel when you're alone with Homelander."
"Okay."
"Second, avoid public restrooms. Even with Translucent gone, it's not safe.
Third, The Deep is obsessed with marine life. Don't insult anything that swims.
And don't mention Soldier Boy in front of Black Noir… actually, just avoid mentioning Axel around him altogether, unless you want to see him drop to his knees again.
Tomorrow, Ashley's team will guide you through your activities. Stick to the script they give you.
Vought is more dangerous now than it used to be. Don't go against them."
Maeve spoke for over twenty minutes before finally letting Annie leave.
As Annie walked away, she turned back and waved.
"Thank you, Maeve. Good night."
She jogged off, still full of energy.
Maeve watched her go, her expression softening. A trace of envy appeared, followed by tears.
When she was younger, she had once wished someone like Axel would appear in her life.
She wiped her eyes, returned to her room, and quickly called her lover.
Meanwhile, Annie rushed back to her own room.
She immediately called her mother and excitedly shared everything that had happened. After the call, she took a shower, then curled up in bed, still restless.
"What kind of gift should I prepare for Axel?
I can't just give him something alone… I'll need to prepare gifts for everyone.
Alright, Annie, you've got this."
She hugged herself and laughed quietly.
At the same time, in Madelyn's office, Madelyn adjusted her clothes and handed a half-finished bottle of milk to Homelander.
But his attention was elsewhere.
Following his gaze, Madelyn looked out and paused.
"Homelander… are you spying on Axel?"
"No. Of course not. I just… I don't understand how he's so strong."
He gestured as he spoke, trying to shift the topic.
"He shouldn't exist like this. There's no record, no history. People don't just appear out of nowhere.
What if the background you created for him is real?
What if he really is the first superhuman?
Then maybe… my power comes from him."
Madelyn stared at him.
"Are you serious? That story was fabricated. I helped create it."
"But no one knows the truth," Homelander insisted. "That means it could be real.
He could be our ancestor.
And if that's the case, then I'm his greatest descendant. The strongest one. The one who inherited the most."
His expression shifted into admiration as he stared through the wall at Axel, who was speaking with Ashley.
In the conference room, Axel frowned slightly, then casually raised his middle finger in Homelander's direction.
In the office, Homelander froze, then quickly bowed.
When he straightened, Madelyn spoke again.
"So he was watching us?"
"Yes. He sees me. He hears me. And he's far beyond me.
Maybe he even has laser vision, he just doesn't bother using it on someone like me."
Homelander clenched his fists, excitement building.
"I'll learn from him. I'll earn his approval."
Back in the conference room, Axel smirked slightly as he listened.
"Ashley, arrange a joint mission for Homelander and me in the next few days."
"Understood."
As Ashley wrote it down, Homelander's excitement exploded.
"He heard me. He actually heard me."
He grabbed Madelyn's shoulders, his eyes glowing red.
"He chose me. I'm the one he wants to train.
What should I wear tomorrow? Should I change my cape? Maybe something simpler, like red… I need to—"
"You need to let go," Madelyn snapped. "Unless you want to crush me to death. And if that happens, Axel won't be pleased."
Homelander immediately loosened his grip, but the excitement on his face did not fade.
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