Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Homelander Is Amazing
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[Heat Vision Proficiency +20]
[Heat Vision Proficiency +20]
[Your 'Heat Vision' proficiency is maxed out.]
[Heat Vision has been upgraded to Heat Vision +1.]
[Heat Vision +1: Maximum temperature increased to 100,000 degrees. Attack now features a 'Massive Explosion' effect, which can be toggled on or off.]
After spending seven Proficiency Essences, Homelander successfully upgraded his Heat Vision. Not only did the temperature limit increase, but its explosion effect was enhanced to create devastating blasts.
Satisfied, Homelander turned his attention to his Biokinetic Field.
[Biokinetic Field Proficiency +20]
[Biokinetic Field Proficiency +20]
[Your 'Biokinetic Field' proficiency is maxed out.]
[Biokinetic Field has been upgraded to Biokinetic Field +1.]
[Biokinetic Field +1: Field range increased by 500%. Activating this will now include a 'Force Field Barrier' effect, capable of absorbing and deflecting impacts. This effect can be toggled on or off.]
Nine essences later, Homelander's Biokinetic Field was upgraded, significantly enhancing its coverage and defensive properties.
With just four Proficiency Essences remaining, Homelander decided to save them for later. His recently upgraded Heat Vision and Biokinetic Field were enough to handle most situations, and his other abilities could grow naturally through combat.
As Homelander leaned back, the television continued its coverage of the Manhattan disaster.
Onscreen, a father clutching his son spoke to a reporter, his voice trembling with gratitude:
"I can't believe how lucky we are. Last night, my son Jack nearly fell to his death, but Homelander caught him!"
"Can you believe it? He even lifted an entire building and safely placed us on the street. Without him, we'd all be dead."
"Honestly, I didn't care much for him before. But from now on, I'm his biggest fan!"
"Long live Homelander!"
The crowd behind him erupted into cheers, holding banners that declared their unwavering support.
Homelander smirked and turned off the television. After donning his Dark Lightning suit, he headed to the command center.
As he stepped in, Ashley rushed in behind him, holding a tablet.
"Homelander! Overnight, your approval ratings skyrocketed by 42%! It's unprecedented!" she exclaimed.
"Every network is talking about Manhattan. People are saying you single-handedly saved the island from destruction!"
Ashley tapped on a remote, switching the wall of screens in the command center to different news channels. Every screen displayed reports of Homelander's heroic intervention.
One screen shifted to a hospital. The anchor spoke solemnly:
"We're here at St. George's Military Medical Center. Last night, a tragedy unfolded at the Empire State Building."
"Levin Goss, a young private second class, was part of Olga Corporation's exosuit demonstration. Wearing a 'Wild Chariot' mech, Levin was forced to engage Seven's Queen Maeve after his suit was taken over by Z."
"During Maeve's daring rescue of Olga's CEO Arnold, Levin and other soldiers were forced to fire on her. In the chaos, Maeve struck Levin, causing severe spinal injuries. Doctors say his military career is over, and he may spend the rest of his life in a wheelchair."
The reporter entered a hospital room where a young man with brown hair and green eyes sobbed into his hands.
"No, I don't believe it!" he cried. "I don't want to retire! My life was just beginning!"
Homelander studied the screen before turning to Ashley.
"Get ready. We're going to visit this unfortunate soldier."
Ashley blinked in surprise. "Should I bring Maeve along? She was involved, and her presence might help smooth things over."
Homelander chuckled. "That won't be necessary. Maeve isn't exactly in the best condition to move today."
"Whaβ" Ashley's face flushed. Maeve isn't in the best condition to move?
What happened last night? Maeve is a superhuman, for crying out loud!
Her thoughts raced, but Homelander snapped his fingers, pulling her out of her daze.
"Go. Now."
"Yes, sir!" Ashley stammered before rushing off to make the arrangements.
Homelander picked up his phone and dialed Angelina on the 88th floor.
"Angelina, has Edgar shown up yet?"
"No, sir," came the soft reply. "I've tried calling him, but he hasn't answered."
Homelander's eyes narrowed as he set the phone down. "Clever old man. But how long can you hide?"
---
Elsewhere in New York.
Victoria Neuman, her hair neatly styled, prepared to leave her apartment. But just as she reached for the door, a car pulled up outside.
A chauffeur opened the door, and Edgar stepped out, looking as composed as ever in his tailored suit and polished shoes.
Victoria hesitated before opening the door.
"You shouldn't be here," she said softly, her gaze darting to the street.
Edgar smiled, stepping into the house. "Relax, Victoria. I just wanted to check on you."
She shut the door behind him, crossing her arms. "You know how dangerous this is. Especially now."
"I understand your concerns," Edgar said smoothly, glancing around her apartment. "But the situation will be handled soon."
Victoria scoffed. "Handled? Homelander is about to be made a Defense Department officer with a colonel's rank. You've lost control of him entirely."
She leaned in closer, lowering her voice. "You don't expect me to take him out with a 'head pop,' do you?"
Edgar chuckled. "Of course not, Victoria. Your powers are our little secret, remember? No one knows I've been backing you all these years."
He straightened his tie, his tone growing serious. "Once the dust settles, all I need is for you to use your position to secure me a few... strategic advantages."
Victoria's expression remained tense, but she nodded. "Let's hope your plan works. Because if it doesn't, none of us will survive what comes next."
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