"What is this thing?"
Supersonic screamed in terror, trying to pull his hand free from those tentacles.
But the more he struggled, the tighter they wrapped around him. And inside the tentacles, countless needles thinner than hair began to grow.
They pierced into Supersonic's clothes, quickly seeping into the fibers, replacing them.
Swapping themselves with the fabric, turning into Supersonic's clothing.
"Get off me!"
"Let go of me!"
Supersonic shouted, bursting out with astonishing speed as he dashed straight to the entrance of the parking lot, trying to shake off that bizarre thing.
But when he stopped, he realized in despair, that thing had followed him.
The man who had asked for his autograph had been dragged along with him.
"No!"
"Damn it!"
Supersonic threw a punch, smashing it into the man, trying to kill the one who had brought him this misfortune.
And it went exactly as he expected.
With a single punch, the man's head twisted nearly 180 degrees.
An ordinary person couldn't withstand his attack.
The man's neck had already snapped, bone protruding through the skin.
But even like that, the man still looked at him and spoke, "It's useless."
"You so-called superhumans are far, far weaker than those from back then."
"Forget comparing yourselves to the elders or grand elders. You don't even match the strength of the Black Robes or Red Robes."
Supersonic shouted, "What are you even talking about?"
"I don't understand a word!"
"Do you want money? I'll give you money, I'll give you whatever you want!"
"Let me go!"
"Let me go!"
The man showed a strange smile, "Let you go? How could that be?"
"A prey that's already in hand, if it were you, you wouldn't let go so easily either, right?"
"Our race is actually very weak."
"But we have a special gift."
"We can make our prey stronger, so that some simple-minded creatures willingly become our hosts."
"But they don't know, while we strengthen our hosts, we're also absorbing their nutrients and copying their genes."
"We can perfectly merge all genes together. That's how we survive in harsh environments."
"And gradually, we grow stronger."
"Just like now."
"I'm about to parasitize you."
"When that happens, I'll make you stronger."
"But you'll have to sustain me."
"I'll copy your genes. I'll gain the same abilities as you, and perform them even more perfectly."
"We are the most perfect lifeforms in this universe."
As the man spoke, more and more tentacles from his clothing wrapped around Supersonic.
Supersonic's clothes were rapidly being replaced by those tendrils.
His clothing writhed like a living organism.
And as Supersonic's clothes began to squirm, the man's face grew paler and paler, as if he were on the verge of death.
By the time all the man's clothes had turned into tentacles and completely entangled Supersonic, everything finally stabilized, transforming into a racing suit.
The man collapsed onto the ground, no longer breathing.
At that moment, Supersonic realized in horror that he was speaking, and the voice was his own.
But he had already lost control of his body, his actions.
He was like a spectator, helplessly watching something parasitize him and take over his body.
"Compared to that bodyguard, a superhuman body really is much stronger."
"Feels so good… this sensation."
"The nutrients contained in every unit of blood are so rich."
"If even a third-rate superhuman is like this, then that 'Homelander' must be even more delicious, right?"
Supersonic's mind was in chaos. He had no idea what was happening to his body.
Then he heard himself say, "You're confused right now, aren't you?"
"That's how it is."
"We can control the host's actions."
"But we won't control your thoughts. Though for you, that might be even more miserable."
"Like people who've had a stroke and are paralyzed. They're conscious, but their bodies won't move."
"All they can do is suffer in silence."
"But there's one thing you should be grateful for. Because of me, you'll be known by more people."
"You'll become a hero they sing praises of."
"So you see, paying a small price like this… is worth it."
"Hahaha!"
In the parking lot, Supersonic burst into laughter.
Then he picked up the man's corpse, threw it into the trunk of his car, and drove away.
———
[Darkhold Page "Command the Dead": A necromancy spell. This spell can awaken the spirits of the dead and make them serve you. These spirits can gather intelligence, create large-scale supernatural phenomena, and monitor targets. Note that when dawn arrives, they will break free from your control.]
[Price: Proficiency Essence ×30]
[Note: The Darkhold is a hated and cursed object across the multiverse. The more pages you collect, the more expensive it becomes. Please purchase with caution.]
Looking at this newly refreshed item in his shop, Alex shrugged.
Then he spent 30 "Proficiency Essence" to purchase this necromancy page.
Being able to command the dead to gather intel and monitor targets basically meant gaining an entire reconnaissance unit.
Although Alex could currently use "Information Domain" to obtain the data he needed directly from the network, it wasn't convenient everytime.
What if he ended up in a post-apocalyptic universe without any network?
As for the large-scale supernatural phenomena, Alex didn't know what that meant or what it was for.
He'd have to find time to test it later.
Next, he spent 35 multiverse crystals to buy the "Hercules Bracers."
After purchasing them, the item disappeared from the shop.
The same happened with the Darkhold page.
This was completely different from previous shop items.
In other words, items like Darkhold pages and the "Hercules Bracers" could only be purchased once.
After buying them, even if you had the resources, you couldn't buy them again.
After purchasing these two items, Alex's "Proficiency Essence" was down to 109, and his multiverse crystals were reduced to 4.
He hadn't touched his Glory Tokens yet. For now, he didn't feel like buying anything.
As for those multiverse coordinates, he was tempted, but didn't have enough Glory Tokens.
Each coordinate cost 100 tokens, and he only had 64.
Looking at the additional page in the Darkhold and the Hercules Bracers now in hand, he only needed to save up more crystals to buy Thor's Hammer.
Then he could use it together with the Hercules Bracers to unleash their strongest state when necessary.
Satisfied, he put the Darkhold back into his inventory, and directly equipped the Hercules Bracers on his arms.
Even without wearing armor, he didn't want to take them off.
That meant he now had a constant tenfold "divine strength".
If it were before, Alex might have thought he was already invincible.
But Martin had personally demonstrated that sometimes, raw strength alone wasn't enough.
If he encountered some strange magic, or something like Thanos's Infinity Gauntlet that could rewrite reality, then even ten thousand times "divine strength" would be useless.
Be cautious.
Even more cautious.
Alex warned himself. At the very least, he needed all six Infinity Stones or all three Mother Boxes before going to play with other "Homelanders" in different universes.
Otherwise, he might end up like Martin.
The multiverse was truly dangerous.
That said, for now, the world of The Boys seemed relatively safe.
With a smile on his face, Alex walked into the command hall.
As the doors opened, he saw Stormfront talking to Starlight.
"Starlight, I hope you don't mind."
"I didn't do that on purpose before."
"If I hadn't, how could I show my loyalty to Homelander?"
"And I didn't frame you either. You really did take Compound V for us."
"But it's fine now. Homelander has already forgiven you, hasn't he?"
"How about I teach you how to get Homelander into your bed?"
"If you ask me, you're way more attractive than Maeve."
"Do you like women? If you do, I wouldn't mind either, haha."
Starlight shook her head, "I don't want to talk about this anymore, okay?"
At that moment, she saw Alex and quickly said, "Homelander's here."
Alex looked at Stormfront with a faint smile, "What are you two talking about?"
Stormfront replied without a hint of embarrassment, "Just some girl talk."
"Starlight's chest is really big. I'm a little jealous."
Starlight's face flushed instantly. Just as she was about to explain, Stormfront had already walked toward Homelander, leaving her rolling her eyes.
Stormfront came close to Alex and whispered, "Homelander, want me to send Starlight to your bed?"
"We could have some fun together."
She winked at him.
Alex chuckled, gestured for her to come closer, and said quietly, "Don't think I've forgotten what you did before. Drop the act."
"If you have time, go find that old woman Mallory for me."
Stormfront shrugged, "You're the boss. Your call. I'll go find Mallory right now. Wait for my good news."
After saying that, she waved at Starlight, "Good luck, Starlight. I'm rooting for you."
Then she left the command hall.
Now only Alex and Starlight remained.
Dressed in a sexy outfit, Starlight walked over. She hesitated for a moment, then said, "Homelander, I'm really sorry."
"I apologize for what I did before. After talking with Maeve, I realized I was too naive."
"I shouldn't have been so easily influenced. Can you forgive me?"
Looking at Starlight standing so close, Alex had the urge to devour her whole.
But he clasped his hands behind his back and said with composure, "If you want my forgiveness, that depends on your actions."
"Show me your determination. Let me see your change."
Starlight nodded, "I'll do my best."
At that moment, the command hall doors opened, and Ashley walked in wearing a bright yellow jacket.
Seeing Starlight almost pressed against Alex, she smiled, "Should I come back later?"
Starlight quickly said, "I have an interview. I'll go first."
She walked past Ashley, who then stepped forward and said, "Homelander, the Department of Defense has something they'd like your opinion on."
"Opinion?"
Alex smirked, "Since when did they become so polite?"
Ashley shrugged, "Here's the situation."
"They think the 'Superhuman Supervision Department' has been established for some time now, and it already has its own operational forces."
"They believe it's time to present it to the public. After all, it's funded by taxpayers."
"They want to show results."
Alex pulled over a chair and sat down, "So what do they want to do?"
Ashley placed a tablet in front of him, displaying some information.
She pushed it toward him, "This is a superpowered criminal group called 'Starfire.' They promote the supremacy of superhumans, believing the world should be ruled by them and that all ordinary humans should be enslaved. They're an extremist organization."
"They're hiding in a small Middle Eastern country and are supported by that nation. They've already carried out multiple incidents on our soil."
"The Department of Defense hopes you and your division can deal with them."
Alex laughed, "What, does this 'Superhuman Supervision Department' manage the whole world?"
"We're responsible for superhumans in other countries too?"
"Don't they think they're overreaching?"
Before Ashley could respond, he continued, "Of course they don't."
"They always find a reason to interfere in other people's affairs."
Ashley gave an awkward laugh, "Well… recently, 'Starfire' has appeared in New York. They may be planning an operation."
"The CIA has obtained solid intelligence and located them."
"So the Department of Defense wants you to take action."
Alex shrugged, "No problem."
"Have the CIA cooperate and hand over the intel."
"I'll have Starlight and Ice Princess assist, and we'll deploy a Delta Force unit."
"That should be enough."
Then he noticed Ashley hesitating.
"If you have something to say, just say it," Alex said.
Ashley finally spoke, "Minister Wilson hopes… that you'll personally take part."
Alex's smile widened slowly, "Tell him this, if he wants me to act, that's fine."
"No problem at all."
"But I want the rank of general."
Did he really not know what the Department of Defense was thinking?
It was nothing more than using one force to counter another.
Alex didn't mind.
But they had to offer a price he found interesting.
Hearing this, Ashley nodded, "Alright, I'll go reply to Minister Wilson now."
After leaving the command hall, Ashley took out her phone to respond to the Department of Defense.
At that moment, she saw a message.
It was from a friend, inviting her to meet at the Vienna Hotel that night.
After Ashley left, Alex went to Fort Drum base.
There, under Lieutenant Cotty's command, Delta Force was conducting a simulated operation, using "Electro" as a mock enemy.
"Move in, move in."
"Team 1, breach."
"Other teams, stand by."
Lieutenant Cotty directed them through the radio. Under his command, a squad of soldiers rushed inside.
Inside the building, the "Electro" acting as the superpowered criminal shouted, his eyes flashing with electricity.
Bright currents surged from his hands, blasting toward the soldiers.
Crackling sounds of electricity filled the room.
But the soldiers withstood the assault.
Their equipment was entirely made of rubber, all insulating materials.
This rendered Electro's attacks ineffective.
On the soldiers' side, they quickly fired capture nets, also made of rubber.
Once the nets covered Electro, he struggled but couldn't break free.
Soon, the superpowered criminal was captured.
At that moment, applause sounded.
The soldiers looked up and saw a figure standing in midair.
A red cape fluttered like flames in the sunlight, a black suit gleaming with metallic sheen, and a pair of platinum-colored bracers radiating authority.
The blond, blue-eyed man smiled, "Well done."
"You used targeted equipment based on Electro's traits. Very good."
"That's right. Against superpowered criminals, ordinary people aren't helpless."
"As long as you find the right method, you can subdue them just like ordinary criminals."
"Gentlemen, you're the best."
"I'm proud of you."
Lieutenant Cotty took off his cap and smiled, "Homelander's here."
Cheers erupted across Fort Drum base. The soldiers were thrilled by Alex's praise.
Only Electro looked depressed.
These past few days, he'd been beaten up quite a bit by these troops.
Alex descended and walked among the soldiers, shaking hands with them one by one before approaching Lieutenant Cotty.
Looking at the solidly built officer, Alex said, "You might have a mission soon."
"The target is a superpowered criminal group called Starfire."
"I'll have someone send over the profiles of key members shortly."
"Study them."
"When the operation begins, Starlight and Ice Princess will assist you."
"But the main responsibility will still be yours."
Hearing that Starlight and Ice Princess would be involved, the soldiers became excited, "Starlight's coming? I'm her fan. Can I get her autograph?"
"I like Ice Princess. Those long legs… incredible."
"I prefer Starlight. She's like my first love."
Glancing at the noisy soldiers, Lieutenant Cotty barked, "Silence! Feeling relaxed, are we? Get running."
"Track field, 50 laps!"
Immediately, the soldiers groaned.
Only then did Lieutenant Cotty turn back to Alex with a smile, "No problem. We're ready to deploy anytime."
———
[Night Fell]
The lights of New York shimmered.
Ashley, dressed elegantly, stepped out of her car, took a breath of the cool night air, and walked into the Vienna Hotel.
In the restaurant, she saw her good friend.
But at the same time, she also noticed a man sitting beside her.
The president of Olga Corporation, Arnold.
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