Noticing Axel's lack of interest, Ashley leaned closer and lowered her voice.
"Ancestor, the School of Performing Arts also has a striptease show. It starts in about fifteen minutes, so…"
Axel gave her a sharp look.
"I don't entertain just anyone. Do I look like the type who goes anywhere he's invited?"
He draped an arm over her shoulder and spoke in a measured tone.
"Think about it. A group of shallow students who barely understand the real world, playing at rebellion, or a woman who has power, status, and control over herself. Which one sounds more interesting?"
Ashley stayed quiet.
Axel continued.
"Those girls over there, do you think any of them are untouched? And even if they were, do you think that alone makes them more appealing than someone who actually has something to offer?"
He tapped her shoulder lightly.
"I'm not some naive kid. Don't try to tempt me with that."
He waved it off.
"Forget it. Let's move on. We'll check the next school, and then I'll give those crime-fighting students something memorable to watch."
With a short laugh, Axel walked ahead. Ashley followed, thoughtful.
At the School of Crime Fighting, the arena was already packed. Students filled the seats, their attention fixed on the ongoing match.
As Axel and Ashley entered, several people turned to look. Some dismissed them immediately, while others recognized Ashley and grew cautious.
Axel picked a random seat, leaned back, and focused on the fight.
Ashley stood beside him and continued explaining.
"Ranking battles like this are common here. They push students to improve and test their abilities in actual combat."
She gestured toward the arena.
"The two fighting now are ranked first and second."
Axel watched closely.
"The one covered in flames is Golden Boy. He generates extreme thermonuclear energy and has strong physical capabilities."
Ashley leaned closer and lowered her voice.
"But his raw strength is actually below his brother's. His brother, Sam, is currently being held at Sage Grove Center due to mental instability."
Axel let out a quiet laugh.
"Of course I know about that place. That's one of Vought's testing facilities. You people really don't hold back."
Ashley tensed.
"It's all for progress. Once Compound V becomes stable and safe, places like that won't be necessary anymore."
Axel smirked.
"Another convenient excuse."
Ashley didn't respond.
After a moment, she continued.
"Golden Boy was enhanced using his brother's blood. His brother has greater physical strength, while Golden Boy has stronger energy output. That combination made him the undisputed number one."
She then pointed to the other fighter.
"The one facing him is Jordan. A very unique case."
Axel raised an eyebrow.
"Explain."
"Jordan can switch between male and female forms. In male form, he gains a strong defensive field. Even Golden Boy struggles to damage him. In female form, the defense drops, but she gains powerful energy projection abilities."
Ashley paused briefly.
"In theory, their fights should end evenly. But Golden Boy has better endurance, so Jordan usually loses over time."
Axel clapped lightly.
"Interesting."
Then he asked, curious.
"Before gaining powers, what was Jordan originally?"
Ashley answered carefully.
"Medically female. But due to family pressure and marketability, Jordan uses both identities strategically."
Before she could continue, a voice suddenly came through her earpiece.
"Ashley, inform Axel immediately. Soldier Boy has awakened."
At that same moment, inside Vought Tower, chaos was already unfolding.
Soldier Boy had broken out from containment and was advancing through the building. He now stood just two floors away from the equipment division.
In front of him, Queen Maeve and Starlight faced him cautiously.
Soldier Boy adjusted his sleeves and looked at Maeve with contempt.
"Without me, this place has turned into a joke. And now they send two women to stop me?"
He gripped his shield, testing its weight.
"Where's the one who fought me before? He's the only one here worth anything. As for this so-called Homelander…"
He let out a mocking laugh.
"A man who kneels and hides behind a cape doesn't deserve that title."
"Shut up!"
A beam of heat vision tore through the floor, aimed straight at him.
Soldier Boy raised his shield, blocking it instantly. At the same time, he swung his arm, catching Maeve by the throat before she could react.
Behind her, Starlight froze, her hand trembling as she raised it.
"So many people are dead…" she whispered.
Soldier Boy glanced at her, unimpressed. Then he slammed Maeve into the ground and stepped on her chest.
He looked at Starlight with open disdain.
"You talk too much. This is war. People die. That's how it works."
His voice hardened.
"I fought through real battlefields. You wouldn't last a minute there. And now you're protecting this company? Are you sure it's even worth it?"
A crash echoed through the building.
"That's not your decision to make."
Homelander burst through the floor, slamming into Soldier Boy and driving him through multiple walls.
Maeve pushed herself up, catching her breath.
She glanced at Starlight.
"You and Axel are off today's program. The Deep and A-Train are replacing you. That means it's just us."
Her tone was serious.
"If your powers can't hold up, you won't survive this."
She launched forward, joining Homelander.
Even against both of them, Soldier Boy showed no signs of slowing down.
With his shield in one hand and brute force in the other, he held his ground, trading blows and forcing Homelander back with a powerful kick.
Then, in one swift motion, he grabbed Maeve again and slammed her head hard into the wall.