290 The Boys: Apocalypse in the Caribbean, saving the Oasis and Batman's approval?
Amid a Category 5 hurricane, a cruise ship was struck by a giant wave. The news spread rapidly across the globe, as the ship was carrying over six thousand passengers and two thousand five hundred crew members. Its sinking would be a monumental tragedy.
...
All ships are designed to withstand certain levels of waves. Oasis in The Seas was no exception and had skillfully endured over twelve hours in a violent sea.
Of course, credit also goes to the veteran captain and his well-trained crew, from the people inside the ship to the members on the bridge. However, the violence and power of the enraged sea eventually overwhelmed the maritime colossus.
Allen, who arrived a minute too late, found Oasis on the verge of capsizing in the sea. He had no choice but to hold it up and try to lift it.
Unfortunately, Allen made a mistake. He had underestimated the weight of the Oasis...
Allen could assure you that he is someone who stays focused and usually thinks things through when necessary. However, he had a misjudged perception of the actual weight of the Oasis-class cruise ship, which is among the largest in the world. By the time he realized his error, it was too late.
Just placing his hands on the ship's surface made him feel like he was lifting the sky. He almost gave up and considered trying something else, but the cruise had already tilted too much. There was no other option; if Allen let the ship fall, it would capsize, and many people would die.
With gritted teeth and feeling his muscles tearing, Allen exerted all his strength and then some to hold up the 225,000-ton ship.
Allen needed to draw more power, but it was complicated because he was already at his current limit...
Allen's body is a walking generator of energy. Every action he takes requires energy, which he can produce. He can manipulate this energy externally with energy rays, shields, etc., or use it internally to enhance his strength, speed, resistance, and all his other abilities.
How does his current power work?
Let's compare two types of strength: one from Saitama and another from Goku.
In Dragon Ball, ki is essential for being strong. In that world, your power almost entirely depends on the ki you possess. If you have enough ki, you can resist attacks from destruction gods or destroy universes without problems. However, if not, an ordinary person can damage you with a laser gun, as happened to Goku, or Vegeta when he could barely lift a ten-ton robot.
On the other hand, Saitama is strong even when asleep. His power doesn't change unless he grows by facing a challenge, but in general, Saitama maintains a level where no attack will harm him if it's below a certain range.
Allen's current functioning is similar to using ki. His power, strength, resistance, and all his other capabilities depend on how much energy he generates and uses. This makes his power increase and decreases very easily, unlike Homelander and Black Noir, who maintain stable power levels.
So if Allen can produce unlimited energy and use it, shouldn't his power be unlimited?
Allen's power is immense, but it has its flaws. The more power Allen uses, the more likely he is to lose control and his mind to become unstable.
So, Allen has a limit. This limit is determined by the amount of power he can use without being negatively affected.
...
"Why do they put a damn water park on a ship?! If you want to go to a water park, go to one!"
Allen grumbled as he looked at the enormous, brightly colored water slides protruding from the top of the ship. It frustrated him.
"Is there really a Broadway show on this cruise?!"
Superman – Allen, don't get distracted or you'll be crushed!
"I know, it was just too much to ask for a normal cruise?!"
Allen felt his body aching as he held up the cruise ship. "...!" Allen felt a shiver and his spider sense tingled as another massive wave approached them.
"Artoria!" Allen shouted, unable to move himself.
The King appeared and immediately headed into the hurricane, drawing her sword.
The threatening and terrifying wave seemed like a monster about to swallow the ship.
"If this world weren't what it is, I'd think Poseidon is truly attacking Allen," Artoria said, her gaze serious even though her opponent this time wasn't a conscious being. "Excalibur!!"
A flash of light turned the dark sea into daylight for a moment. When the light faded, the hurricane had a hole that reduced the strength of the winds. However, the Category 5 hurricane, which would go down in history as one of the hugest six hundred twenty miles (one thousand kilometers), did not surrender to the King's sword.
"Allen, leave the waves to me."
"Y-yes... thanks."
Allen was enduring immense pain, pushing his body to its limit. However, he didn't show it, not wanting to appear weak while being observed by his Chat.
But that didn't change his reality. His blood vessels started to burst inside his body, causing internal bleeding.
'I need to think of something now!!'
...
On the bridge, the captain understood the situation upon seeing Allen and, despite being amazed, realized that Allen was there to help them.
The captain turned and shouted, "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! IMMEDIATELY FILL ALL THE BALLAST TANKS ON THE PORT SIDE!!"
The crew on the bridge snapped out of their stupor and shock, reacting automatically to the captain's orders, knowing well that he had not yet given up. Officers, helmsmen, and navigation personnel began working at 200% efficiency. They communicated with everyone to convey the orders.
Everyone on board, without exception, had lost hope and braced themselves for the impact, but suddenly the ship stopped tilting, and they heard the captain shouting.
"This is the captain. I need everyone working now!!"
"Security, release the lifeboats on the starboard side!!"
"Drop anchors to the bottom of the sea!"
"To everyone on the starboard side: if anything isn't secured to the ground, throw it overboard!!"
"This is our only hope. Forget the fear and just do it!"
"WE MUST REDUCE THE WEIGHT OF THE OASIS!!!"
Engineers, mechanics, and personnel responsible for the ship's engines, generators, and systems, as well as security staff, firefighters, damage control teams, service crew, and passengers, did as they were told, unsure if it would work.
...
Allen felt something change inside the ship, and shortly after, he and his Chat watched in amazement as all kinds of items, from huge lifeboats, furniture, containers, utensils, jewelry, clothing, food, and even children's toys, fell overboard. Anything weighing more than a gram was being thrown into the sea.
"..." Allen watched this silently.
...
The maintenance teams continued to move through the various levels of the ship to ensure the hull, facilities, and technical equipment were in good condition and to fill the ballast tanks. After a monumental effort, the ballast tanks began to fill.
These tanks are compartments designed to fill up if the hull is breached and starts taking on water. This helps ships return to their center of gravity. However, it requires some time to use them, and in a sudden blow like the one suffered by the Oasis, it was not possible initially. But Allen managed to buy time, and the ship began to use them.
The ship, which had seemed empty, started to fill up with people who did what they could to survive. Their voices, shouts, wills, desires, and fears were all transmitted without needing a system.
The cruise ship was tilted, so the crew had to move, supporting themselves as best they could.
The captain looked at the screen after giving his orders, "I'm sorry; it's all we can do…"
...
"..." Allen smiled at the situation.
The ship became a little lighter. It was almost nothing, really not a significant difference in weight, but it definitely became lighter. That small reduction in weight was the result of thousands of people doing their best to survive.
Allen felt that all of that was in his hands... and he stopped complaining about trivial things like the slides and the theater. Nearly ten thousand people were fighting desperately!
...
*Allen's POV*
It's heavy...
It's been a long time since I worried about the weight of things.
Urgh...
My muscles are screaming, pushing beyond their limits.
I can hear my bones creaking, threatening to break.
The blood in my body is racing like a locomotive...
But why is this happening?
Just Superman's house key is twice as heavy, yet in this world, I can't rely on my power. It's not that I'm blocked from using it. I need to wish for it, and I could move this cruise ship to space.
But doing that would result in something bad happening. What exactly? I don't know, and neither does the system. So how can we be sure it will happen?
My head is pounding...
There are some recurring patterns in the different stories you can read online. A common theme is that every world has someone or something that defends it from invaders.
I'm seeing a bit blurry...
Whether it's a god, an entity, a law, or perhaps the world's own will, in those stories, being an enemy of the world can trigger the world to reject and expel you or attack you directly or indirectly. Of course, it might be an exaggeration, and nothing may happen. However, if I risk it and end up being expelled from this world, it would mean leaving everything behind, including those I've met and formed friendships with. Besides, I decided to intervene in this world, so I must take responsibility for Annie and Kimiko.
I can't do it...
I can't end up outside this world...
So, I can only rely on the powers and abilities that align with this world, specifically superhero powers.
Sentry... I feel like my body is going to explode.
Your power is very problematic; it's so immense that with just a small fraction, I could be like a normal Superman. Of course, I'm not talking about the guy who says, "Hi, my name is Clark Kent, and I have a pet sun-eater. Do you want to see it?" I'm talking about an average Superman with neither exaggerated powers nor strength.
However, this power isn't helping me right now...
This power has a significant cost, and that's its instability, which is so extreme it can affect me mentally.
The more power I use, the harder it becomes to maintain control over my emotions and thoughts.
But I need more power!
Even if it's a bit risky!
Otherwise, I won't be able to hold the ship!
Haha, after all those people showed me something so incredible... I can't let them down, right?
That's why... I'M GOING TO PUSH MYSELF HARDER!!
*End of POV*
...
Gwen – This is bad!
MJ – ALLEN!
Felicia – Tsk... stupid...
Natasha – You should let go!... But I know you won't...
Diana – If only he could use all his strength...
Emma Frost – There must be a way to help him!
Nikky – Captain Allen!
Rogue – I know it's not right, but I'd rather see Allen give up and leave the ship than see him suffer.
Ruby – Me too... I'm sorry.
Maria Hill – Don't worry... almost everyone feels the same way...
Ivy – Boss... it would be better if you lowered the ship slowly before it capsizes.
Harleen – Yes, if he does that and gets extremely lucky, he might prevent people from dying...
Raven – Impossible. It might have worked before, but now the crew and passengers are lightening the weight. If the ship falls they will die.
Kara – Damn! If only I could be there!...
Barbara – Victims are inevitable in natural disasters, but I believe he can do it.
Starfire – I believe so too! Allen can do it!
Donna – My mentor has always shown he can get through impossible situations. Have faith!
Emma Watson – My mind and heart are at odds right now, so I'll follow my heart and believe in him.
Megan – If you can't believe in the man you chose to love, what are you doing here?
Megan's comment made the girls reflect and change their attitude.
Gwen – Thanks, you're right! Allen, you can do it! If you survived last year's exams, you can handle this!
MJ – Don't remind me of that! But yes, Allen, you can do it!
Felicia – It's not in my nature to worry so much, but Allen will make it~
Tony – With that kind of female support, we shouldn't say anything more, hahaha.
Rick – *Burp* I keep saying, this guy is going to get stabbed one day.
...
Allen smiled as he opened his eyes after visiting his mind. After regaining his spirit, Allen saw the comments and he laughed. Floating next to him were Rebecca, Bocchi, Nokotan, 2B, and Timcampy, offering their support.
"I'm okay, thanks"
Allen's voice surprised everyone; it no longer sounded like he was suffering. In fact, it was calmer than usual.
Suddenly, the water soaking him evaporated, leaving his body dry. The rain around him seemed to move away as if avoiding him.
Just when it seemed Allen was about to give in, he began expelling more energy around him. At first, those who knew about Allen's power began to worry.
However, the energy did not escape violently or explosively.
It started with small flashes around him but soon became a transparent layer of golden energy that enveloped his body and even his innocence. It wasn't anything compared to a million exploding suns; it was perhaps only a tiny fraction of his maximum power if such a thing exists. But it was extremely calm and controlled.
Unlike simply "accepting" this power, Allen took it a step further this time. His body no longer functioned like an ordinary person's.
Allen felt as if a rush of fresh air had invaded him. Each of his cells, now operating at its limit, received an energy surge that revitalized and enhanced them to new levels.
The ship that seemed on the verge of capsizing stopped and began to regain its balance.
"I'm sorry for worrying you..." Allen said with a half-smile while pushing the ship. "To be honest, I don't see myself as a hot-blooded guy, but after seeing so much courage and brilliance from all of you, I couldn't be satisfied if I failed, right?!" Allen's smile widened. "DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME, EVERYTHING IS FINE..."
Had Allen gained the power needed to hold the cruise ship?...
NO!
Allen began to bleed from his nose, mouth, and ears, with sounds of bones breaking and muscles tearing.
Certainly, his power increased, but not to the level of lifting hundreds of thousands of tons.
So why does he keep pushing himself?!
Why can he still push the ship?!
Why can he smile even in this situation?!
The reason is so simple it will make you laugh.
"BECAUSE I'M STUBBORN MAN!!!"
Putting aside notions of justice, honor, or pride, Allen is stubborn when he decides to do something. It could be described more nicely as "willpower."
'Even if your bones break... Even if your muscles tear!.... Even if your organs explode!... you can't let these people die, Allen Walker!!!'
"LET'S GO!!!" With all his strength and will pushed to the limit, Allen pushed the cruise ship back. Slowly the ship recovered and with a last agonizing shout Allen made it.
...
...
...
"Haa... haha...ha" Allen gasped in pain and joy.
Allen felt his entire body weakening, though he managed to float to the deck and collapsed on the ground.
"Urgh..."
Rebecca pulled out a small drone, which hovered over Allen and deployed a shield that served as a giant umbrella.
The girls appeared and looked at Allen with many complaints on their faces.
"I know what you're going to say... haa... for a moment, it seemed like I had become incredibly p...powerful, but it turned out I hadn't, and I almost committed suicide pushing this damn giant b...boat... haa..." Allen tried to get up but his arms were broken. "Well... I have no excuses... Urgh... my whole body hurts... hahaha ouch."
Timcampy landed on Allen's face, annoyed.
Nokotan knelt down, "Allen-tan, are you okay? Do you want some Shika Senbei?"
"Sounds good... but I can't move..."
Bocchi immediately ran over and exclaimed without stammering, "Wait, we must not move injured Allen!"
"Hahaha."
"Don't laugh.. sh*t, why do I always end up with suicidal men?" Rebecca shrugged, then pulled out a futuristic inhaler and approached him.
"I remember this should heal me," said Allen.
"Shut up, honey..."
Allen felt better after using Rebecca's device but it was not enough to cure someone like Allen.
2B remained silent, but her frustration at not being able to help her master this time was evident. Allen smiled in her direction, "2B, can you be my pillow?"
Before anyone could take her place, 2B knelt and placed Allen's head on her lap.
"You don't look that injured..." said Artoria as she landed. "The sea is calming down... it seems we're moving away from the worst area."
"..."
Allen watched as the thunder seemed more distant and the rain less intense. "I guess... this is a victory..." Allen said with a satisfied smile before falling asleep.
The Chat went silent with few comments for a while. There were many people, millions and millions, watching the young man, and despite all the incredible things he had done, he always managed to leave them impressed, sometimes more than others...
...
Batman closed his computer and decided to stop watching the stream for the day.
"Mr. Bruce, are you heading out?" asked Alfred, his faithful butler.
"... I feel like patrolling."
"I see. Good luck... and sir."
"..."
"Any news?"
"...No"
"Haha, I see..."
===
A/N: This chapter was good even though it took away from the main story haha in the next one we'll be back to The Boys in full.
[Superman's approval is done now only Batman's is missing and we are well on our way 🗿]
My new patreon is: Patreon.com/_Aizen