CHAPTER 32: Marcus Confronts the Military

---

U.S. Military Headquarters, Washington D.C.

The military command center buzzed with an uneasy tension. In the aftermath of the obliteration of the base in the mountains, panic had spread like wildfire through the ranks. High-ranking officers gathered around a large table, their faces pale and drawn as they reviewed the satellite footage of Marcus's devastating descent.

"This is no ordinary threat," General Hawke said, his voice steady but filled with concern. "We need to treat this as an existential risk. This individual—Marcus or whoever he is—has powers beyond anything we've encountered before. Conventional weapons were useless against him.How they hell did this guy become that strong, didn't we all think he was like the low-version of Homelander."

"What are our options?" asked Admiral Bennett, his brow furrowed in thought. "Can we engage him with our enhanced tactical units? The supers we have on our payroll? Like Homelander, Sir?"

Hawke shook his head. "We could try, but based on the footage, I doubt he or they'd stand a chance. This... 'guy' absorbed a direct hit from a missile and even destroyed a military base,and walked away unscathed that's simply a provocation here. We need to find another way to neutralize him."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, but before anyone could speak, the door burst open, and a young officer rushed in, his face flushed with urgency. "Sir, we have an incoming transmission. It's... It's from him."

A hush fell over the room. All eyes turned to the screen at the head of the table, where a grainy video feed began to play. Marcus's face appeared, his expression calm but eyes glowing with a menacing light.

"I am Marcus," he began, his voice resonating with a quiet authority that commanded attention. "I know you're watching. You tried to destroy me with what? a nuclear bomb. I've got to hand it over to you guys but unfortunately...you failed, that sucks right. And now, you will listen."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in. "I have no interest in a war with you. But if you push me, I will not hesitate to defend myself. I suggest you cease your futile attempts to challenge me. There are bigger problems you should be worrying about."

The screen flickered and went dark, leaving the room in stunned silence. The officers exchanged uneasy glances, each contemplating the implications of Marcus's words.

"Bigger problems?" Admiral Bennett finally spoke, breaking the silence. "What the hell does that mean?"

General Hawke's eyes narrowed. "It means we've got a bigger problem than just a rogue super. We need to find out what he's talking about. And fast."

---

Marcus's Sanctuary, The North Pole

Marcus sat in the cold, dimly lit chamber of his fortress, his mind still racing from the events of the day. He had confronted the military, shown them his power, but he knew that was just the beginning. They would not back down so easily. There was more at stake, more to uncover.

His AI, Alfred, buzzed to life, its voice soft and calm, yet tinged with a hint of urgency. "Sir Marcus, there is a development you should be aware of. Wang Ling has reached out. He has information about the military's recent activities, and it involves Vought."

Marcus's eyes narrowed. "Put him through," he ordered.

A moment later, a holographic image of Wang Ling appeared before him. The young man looked tense, his usually calm demeanor replaced with a sense of urgency.

"Marcus," Wang Ling began, "I've been digging into the recent activities of the U.S. military using Alfred hacking abilities, and I've uncovered some troubling information. It seems Vought has been collaborating with certain factions within the military to conduct illegal experiments—experiments to create new supers."

Marcus who already had his suspicions still felt a surge of anger rise within him. "Go on," he urged.

Wang Ling nodded. "These experiments are being conducted in secret, off the books. They've been using prisoners of war, refugees, anyone they can get their hands on. The goal is to create supers loyal to them, but the process is... brutal. Many have died, and those who survived were left scarred, both physically and mentally."

Marcus's hands clenched into fists. "And the military?"

Wang Ling's expression darkened. "There are generals and high-ranking officers involved—corrupt ones. They've been working with Vought to undermine the National Service, framing it as an institution in need of super intervention. It's a power play, pure and simple. They want to control not just the military, but the nation itself."

Marcus nodded slowly, his mind racing with possibilities. "And you have proof of this?"

"I do," Wang Ling replied. "Alfred has already accessed some of the files from the military's servers. But we'll need more than just data. We need a public reckoning, something that will force their hand."

Marcus leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. He knew what he had to do. "We'll expose them," he said. "But we need to be smart about this. We have to act fast before they cover their tracks. We need to gather everything—evidence, witnesses, everything."

Wang Ling nodded in agreement. "I'm with you. Just tell me what you need."

Marcus looked at him, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I need you to stay safe, Wang. I'll handle the military. And Alfred, I want you to escalate this to every corner of the globe. Let the world know what Vought and these traitors in the military have been doing."

Alfred's voice responded smoothly, "Understood, Sir Marcus. I will begin disseminating the information immediately." Wang continued interrupting Alfred, "But be advised: once this goes public, there will be no turning back. Vought and the US army will retaliate."

Marcus nodded. "Let them come.Now that I've become more powerful than ever. They'll learn the hard way that I'm not someone they can control or silence."

---

U.S. Military Command Center, Moments Later

The command center was in chaos. Reports were flooding in from around the globe. Media outlets were broadcasting the leaked information, showing documents, images, and testimonies about Vought's secret experiments and their collaboration with rogue elements in the military.

General Hawke watched the screens, his face a mask of anger and disbelief. "Who the hell leaked this?" he demanded.

Admiral Bennett shook his head. "Doesn't matter now. The whole world knows. We're going to have a public relations nightmare on our hands, I bet the President must be receiving endless calls from country heads by now."

"Forget PR," Hawke snapped. "We've got a rogue super out there with more power than we can handle, and now our dirty laundry is being aired for all to see. This is war."

Before anyone could respond, an alarm blared through the command center. A technician shouted over the noise, "Sir! We have an incoming message from one of our satellite surveillance teams. You're going to want to see this."

The main screen flickered, showing a live feed of Marcus, his eyes blazing with power.

"This is Marcus," his voice boomed through the speakers, clear and commanding. "You've seen what your leaders have been doing behind your backs. Now it's time for them to answer for their crimes. I will not allow these atrocities to continue. If you want to stop me, come and try. But know this—I am ready for you."

The screen went dark, leaving the command center in stunned silence. General Hawke turned to his officers, his expression grim. "Prepare all units. We're going after him. This ends now."

---

Back at Marcus's Sanctuary

Marcus watched as the feed cut off, a sense of satisfaction settling over him. He had thrown down the gauntlet, and now the world would have to face the truth. He knew the military would come for him, that Vought would not sit idly by also. But he was ready, he was born ready. He now had the power and he could say he was invincible currently in this world apart from the unfriendly and scrutinizing being, hidden somewhere in space.

As he stood alone in his fortress, he felt the weight of the coming conflict pressing down on him. But he welcomed it. This was the path he had chosen, and no one--- no fuckin' way can stop him. Not even the protagonists of this world.

He turned his gaze to the distant horizon, his eyes burning with resolve. The world would never be the same. The tension is high, and the stakes have never been greater, leading to a direct conflict that will shape the future of this very world.

---