Chapter 3: Shadows and Bugs

Marcus stood on the rooftop of his apartment building, basking in the last rays of sunlight. He could feel the power coursing through him, his strength and abilities growing with each passing day. The translucent panel appeared before him, displaying his current stats.

---

**Current Ability: Superman (Basic)**

- Strength: 25%

- Speed: 25%

- Flight: 20%

- Durability: 30%

- Heat Vision: 20%

- Solar Absorption: 40%

- Mental Ability: 0%

---

He dismissed the panel with a thought and turned his gaze to the city below. The events of "The Boys" were unfolding just as he had anticipated, and he knew that the next major incident was imminent. Hughie Campbell was about to take his first step into the world of espionage and vigilante justice.

Marcus had always admired Superman, and his newfound powers made him feel closer to the hero he idolized. He had even started designing his own costume, a nod to the iconic red and blue suit. But for now, he remained in the shadows, observing and preparing.

That evening, he followed Hughie to Vought International, using his enhanced senses to stay out of sight. Hughie was nervous, fidgeting as he approached the towering building. He was there to plant bugs, part of Butcher's plan to gather incriminating evidence against the Supes.

Hughie entered the building, and Marcus watched from a distance, his superhearing picking up every sound. Hughie made his way to the elevator, taking it to the floor where A-Train's locker room was located. The building was quiet, most of the employees having left for the day.

Marcus shadowed Hughie from afar, making sure to stay out of sight. He watched as Hughie nervously planted the bugs, his hands shaking. Just as Hughie was about to leave, Marcus sensed a presence. Translucent, the invisible Supe, was tailing Hughie.

"Shit," Marcus muttered under his breath. He knew this part of the story well. Translucent would follow Hughie back to the electronics store where he worked, leading to a confrontation that would escalate quickly.

Marcus followed them, keeping a safe distance. His superhearing allowed him to track their movements without getting too close. Hughie left the building, unaware of the invisible stalker behind him.

Back at the electronics store, Hughie tried to act normal, but Marcus could see the fear in his eyes. He knew that Hughie was struggling to stay calm, the weight of his actions bearing down on him.

Marcus perched on a nearby rooftop, watching as Translucent confronted Hughie in the store. The invisible Supe revealed himself, materializing out of thin air.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, kid?" Translucent's voice was menacing, his expression cold.

Hughie backed away, his face pale. "I-I don't know what you're talking about."

Translucent grabbed him by the collar, lifting him off the ground. "Don't play dumb with me. I saw you plant those bugs. Who are you working for?"

Hughie struggled, his fear turning to desperation. "I-I don't know what you're talking about!"

Marcus tensed, ready to intervene if things got out of hand. He knew he could take on Translucent with ease, but he also knew that Hughie needed to handle this on his own. This was part of his journey, his transformation from a victim to a fighter.

As Translucent threatened Hughie, the door to the store burst open, and Butcher stormed in, a fierce look in his eyes.

"Oi! Get your hands off him, you invisible wanker!" Butcher shouted, brandishing a high-powered weapon.

Translucent dropped Hughie, turning his attention to Butcher. "And who the hell are you supposed to be?"

Butcher smirked. "I'm the bloke who's gonna put you in your place."

A fight ensued, chaotic and brutal. Butcher used his weapon to stun Translucent, the electricity coursing through the Supe's body. Hughie watched in shock as Butcher fought with a ferocity that was both terrifying and impressive.

Marcus watched from his vantage point, his admiration for Butcher growing. The man was ruthless, but he was fighting for a cause he believed in. Hughie, on the other hand, looked out of his depth, his fear palpable.

Translucent recovered quickly, using his invisibility to gain the upper hand. But Butcher was prepared, using his wits and the environment to counter the Supe's attacks. The fight moved through the store, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

Hughie finally snapped out of his shock and joined the fray, grabbing a blunt object and swinging it at Translucent. The three of them struggled, each trying to gain the upper hand.

Marcus felt a surge of pride as he watched Hughie fight back. The kid had heart, and he was starting to see the world for what it really was.

Finally, Butcher managed to incapacitate Translucent, using the weapon to deliver a knockout blow. The invisible Supe collapsed to the ground, unconscious.

Butcher turned to Hughie, a look of approval on his face. "Not bad, kid. You've got some fight in you."

Hughie was breathing heavily, his eyes wide with adrenaline. "What now?"

Butcher grinned. "Now we take this bastard somewhere he won't be found. We've got work to do."

Marcus watched as they dragged Translucent out of the store, heading to Butcher's hideout. He knew this was just the beginning. The real fight was about to start, and Hughie was now fully entangled in the dangerous world of the Supes and Vought.

As the sun set, Marcus felt a renewed sense of purpose. His powers were growing, and he was getting closer to his goal. He glanced at the nearly finished Superman costume hanging in his apartment, a symbol of the hero he aspired to be.

He couldn't help but feel a connection to both Superman and Homelander. The former represented the ideal he strived for, while the latter embodied the corruption he sought to fight. It was a delicate balance, but Marcus was determined to walk that line.

---

**Current Ability: Superman (Basic)**

- Strength: 50%

- Speed: 50%

- Flight: 45%

- Durability: 55%

- Heat Vision: 45%

- Solar Absorption: 60%

- Mentally Ability: 0%

---

He felt ready. With his abilities now at fifty percent, Marcus knew he could take on Homelander if the need arose. But for now, he would continue to observe, to grow stronger, and to prepare for the battles ahead.

The world of "The Boys" was brutal and unforgiving, but Marcus was ready to face it head-on. He had been given a second chance, a new purpose, and he intended to seize it with both hands. The shadows were his ally, and he would use them to fight for justice, no matter the cost.

He had the ability, the knowledge, and the help of the system panel to make a difference. And in a world full of heroes who were villains, Marcus would be the hero that will save the day.

Marcus always remembers a certain American cartoon saying,"The Power Is Yours".