Seeing Soldier Boy slam Maeve into the wall again, Starlight finally snapped. She thrust her hands back as a powerful force built in her palms.
With nearby electronics exploding and light flashing wildly, Starlight charged forward at full speed. Soldier Boy only smirked, pressing Maeve's head harder into the wall before glancing at Starlight.
"Is this your first real fight?"
He swung his shield casually. It struck Starlight square in the chest and sent her flying across the room.
"Charging straight in like that, what are you, a train? I thought Crimson Countess was foolish, but your generation is even worse."
He laughed, then turned back just as Homelander rushed him again.
This time, Soldier Boy showed no restraint. His strength was overwhelming. Within seconds, Homelander was forced to the ground as Soldier Boy pinned him down and began smashing his face repeatedly.
"And you," Soldier Boy growled, "have you ever fought someone properly? Or do people just drop dead when you wave your hand? Your movements are wide, sloppy, no technique at all."
"I…"
"You what? I might beat you until you cry, and that would just disgust me."
"Die!"
Maeve roared and lunged at him from behind, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.
Soldier Boy did not even flinch. He grabbed her arm and twisted it outward with brutal force.
A sharp crack echoed.
Her forearm snapped through the skin.
"Ahhh!"
Maeve staggered back in agony. Soldier Boy ignored her completely and went right back to smashing Homelander's face into the ground.
Blood filled Homelander's mouth as Soldier Boy continued.
"I am not like you soft, sheltered fools. I came out of war. I faced armies and endured decades of torture. You think you can stop me? You are nothing."
He leaned closer, voice heavy with rage.
"Now tell me, where did that bastard go?"
"Enough, Soldier Boy!"
Madelyn's voice cut through the chaos as she entered through a broken section of the wall.
"I am Madelyn, President of Vought's Hero Management Department. I have already spoken with the Ancestor. You want to find him, don't you? My people will take you to him. He welcomes your challenge."
Soldier Boy slowly turned toward her, his expression shifting.
"Well now."
He stood up, releasing Homelander, and straightened himself.
"Has anyone told you that you are beautiful, President?"
Madelyn's face tightened in irritation.
"If I get the chance to gain an advantage against this Ancestor of yours, I might even share the glory with you. Maybe even in your bed."
Madelyn clenched her jaw. She took it as mockery.
Soldier Boy studied her expression, then laughed.
"Women age like fine wine. I will remember you. Wait for me."
With that, he picked up his shield and followed her subordinates out.
Behind him, Homelander struggled to his feet, leaning against the wall.
"If you were not his target, I would kill you myself!"
Soldier Boy stopped and turned back.
He walked a few steps toward Homelander. Homelander instinctively stepped back.
Seeing that, Soldier Boy lost interest and stopped.
"You are just a loud dog. Is this Ancestor the one giving you courage? The way you talk about him, you sound like you are begging for approval."
He gave a thumbs up, then turned it downward.
"I am not like you. Even if I lose, I will keep fighting. That is what makes me a real man."
Homelander's breathing grew heavier, but he forced himself to speak.
"The Ancestor existed long before us. He is the first supe, the origin of all of us. I studied everything about him. He comes from an ancient Eastern country called Han. A warrior, fearless, powerful, someone who treated life and death like nothing."
His voice grew filled with pride.
"You say I seek his approval? Of course I do. We are his descendants. And I will become the one he values the most."
Soldier Boy blinked, then rolled his eyes.
"I never said any of that."
He shook his head.
"So you are not just stupid, you are completely detached from reality. Looks like Vought really lowered its standards."
He turned and walked away again.
Homelander clenched his fists tightly.
"I will surpass you. I will become the one he values most!"
Soldier Boy did not even look back.
"As long as I am around, you will always be beneath me."
With that, he left.
Elsewhere, at Godolkin University under Vought's control, Axel watched Golden Boy and Jordan fight on stage.
He clapped once.
Ashley immediately turned to him.
"Lord Ancestor, who is winning?"
Axel smirked.
"Soldier Boy handled three opponents like it was nothing. If you put him in a confined space, it would take at least two Homelanders at full strength to match him. Experience, pain tolerance, discipline, he has all of it. That was not a fight, that was a father beating his son."
He glanced back at the arena.
"Maeve and Starlight together still are not enough to match him."
He waved his hand casually.
"Find somewhere safe and watch."
"Understood."
Ashley hurried off.
The moment she left, a blonde girl approached and sat beside Axel.
"Hi, I'm Emma. I will be starting here soon. Just getting familiar with things. That woman just now, she is from Vought, right? If she bowed to you, you must be important."
Axel looked at her.
"So?"
Emma smiled boldly.
"Do you need a sugar baby? I need a sugar daddy. Ten thousand a month works, twenty would be even better."
She grabbed his hand confidently.
In the distance, Ashley nearly froze.
Axel chuckled and lightly tapped Emma's chest, making her flinch and cover herself instinctively.
"Alright. Once I finish what I am about to do, you can come back with me."
Emma's eyes widened.
"You are not staying to watch?"
Axel stood up and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"What I am about to do is far more interesting than this."
He pointed toward the arena.
"Stay here and watch closely."
The next moment, flames erupted.
Axel appeared instantly in the arena, right between Golden Boy and Jordan, just as they were about to collide.
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