Chapter 2
Therefore, it's no surprise that stories about the ideal have always been popular.
Superheroes and comics are a more modern way of expressing the same idea.
But what if these are not just stories?
What if this is reality?
The very reality in which you live.
Where the life of an ordinary person doesn't matter, and the fate of millions is decided by gods who are not immune to the most disgusting flaws and evils of human nature.
A similar scenario was described in Watchmen, where ordinary people took matters into their own hands and administered justice.
The outcome was predictable.
Heroes were banned, and they became outlaws.
In this world, everything is gradually heading in the same direction.
However, there are thousands of beings here that appear like gods instead of just one.
I wouldn't want a simple extermination of superhumans to begin especially since I am now one of them.
Vought International that has been creating superhumans out of children for years, uses them as a brand.
There are hundreds of thousands of comics, hundreds of movies and TV series, and advertisements everywhere.
There are thousands of these Supes, and their number is growing.
The Seven is the most popular team currently, comprising the most promising members.
The fact that revenues keep increasing shows that Vought did not miscalculate their selection.
However, the company's leaders want more, as does everyone who has accomplished something significant.
Their next goal is to secure a military contract so that they can start promoting Supes as effective weapons.
Nevertheless, they overlook one important nuance the heroes here have never fought against superior forces.
Supes rely entirely on their powers and are extremely willful, which the military fully understands.
This will take more than a few years, possibly over ten.
"Ladies and gentlemen, there's no doubt we are witnessing the dawn of the superhero business. Our revenue has increased by fourteen percent. Our latest movie, 'Agents: World War,' grossed just under 1.7 billion dollars worldwide. And this fall, we are opening a theme park near Paris. The branding opportunities are simply limitless."
Madelyn announced it to the entire hall with her constant smile, reading the prepared text with little emotion on her face.
"But you know, all of this... doesn't really matter. The most important thing for us is the oversight, support, and consultation of brave heroes who risk their lives daily for us. Please pay attention."
She pointed to the screen behind her and began showing meaningless but captivating American footage filmed for an excessive amount of money.
A voiceover was saying something, but I didn't find it necessary to listen.
It was inspirational, boring, and slightly patriotic as usual.
That's how Madelyn Stillwell likes it. She has been using this method for twenty years.
It's quite successful, strangely enough.
The annual shareholders' meeting is held every year, during which the shareholders tediously discuss the company's future plans and stock growth.
They are always shocked when they learn that the stock price has slightly increased.
Homelander didn't want to participate because he didn't find it interesting.
Now, the new member of the Seven is being introduced in this hall, where many years ago, at a similar event, Homelander was presented.
At that time, Madelyn was not yet the company's vice president, just a curator of the then-unknown hero.
Stan Edgar was in that position, and he handed it over to her when he became CEO.
The introductions for most of the Seven were the same.
"So many memories,"
Madelyn smiled, standing next to me.
"Do you remember..."
"I remember perfectly well. I don't think you need to remind me that my memory is nearly absolute."
I smirked, turning to her.
I didn't like how much influence she had over Homelander.
"Are you upset with me about something?"
She forced a false smile on her face, slightly nervous.
If it weren't for her heartbeat, this wouldn't have caught my attention.
That was what aroused my serious suspicion.
"You know I don't like when something is kept from me."
I smiled, stepping closer to her.
My hand instinctively reached for her chin, forcing her to look at me directly.
"And your confession will be more acceptable than if I find out everything myself. Understand?"
"I..."
Madelyn stammered, her heart racing wildly in her chest.
At that moment, I realized that I had hit the mark.
"I?"
"I... have to go."
Madelyn smiled, stepping back a few paces, and calmly headed towards the stage.
"Interesting."
I smirked, understanding that this secret largely concerns my predecessor and thus concerns me as well.
"And I have a big surprise for you."
Madelyn continued with her usual confident smile.
"Please welcome the leader of the Seven, the greatest superhero on Earth, the one and only—Homelander!"
She waved her hand in my direction, and I only had to smile as I walked onto the stage to the crowd's enthusiastic cheers and applause.
I walked up to her, hugged her, and then moved to the center of the stage.
"Thank you. Thank you all so much."
I smiled at the audience, scanning the entire hall with my gaze.
"After a long and distinguished career in the Seven, my good friend and comrade—the Lamplighter—has retired. Let's give him a proper thanks!"
The crowd erupted into applause and cheered once again at my words.
There are phones and cameras pointed at me.
It was familiar to stroll across the stage as if it were my own home, enjoying their unabashed admiration.
I liked this kind of attention but didn't want it to make me too proud.
"And now, looking towards the future, I would like to introduce you to a special person. Someone I'm excited to work with. Let's hear it for Starlight!"
On stage, a blonde girl almost ran out in a homemade costume, but it was of decent quality.
However, my eyes noticed every flaw, and I could confidently say this costume would easily tear with minimal pressure.
"Smile and wave to your future fans."
I said, demonstrating with my own actions.
As she was named outside her superhero persona, Annie quickly gathered herself.
With a smile, she waved to the audience in the hall.
However, the sparkle of awe in her eyes was too obvious, as they literally shone with a golden light due to an overflow of emotions.
It was clear that this all seemed like a dream come true for her.
It was quite charming.
I almost felt sorry for shattering those cute rose-colored glasses myself.