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"I wonder how Mr. John is doing."
"Kevin has a terrible temper. If he decides to hurt Mr. John…"
"No, I have to call the police!"
Lin Aida hurriedly pulled out her phone, her fingers hovering over the voice dial for 911.
Suddenly, silence fell outside.
She froze.
"Did it… stop?"
"Did the music actually stop?"
Lin Aida could hardly believe her ears. In the past, even when the police were called, Kevin had carried on, defiant and unbothered.
Moments later, she heard the door open, and "Mr. John" said calmly, "All settled."
"Mr. Kevin wanted to apologize for his behavior. He's decided to move out tonight."
Lin Aida was stunned. "Mr. Kevin… is moving out?"
"Yes, I persuaded him."
"Mr. John" then added, "I think this place has potential. My lease just ended anyway."
"Miss Lin, would you mind if I moved in next door?"
Lin Aida chuckled. "I'd be delighted."
"Then it's settled!"
---
Sunday
Homelander sat in bed, wrapped in his blanket, flipping through the newspaper.
Lately, every headline had been about Olga Corporation, and today was no exception.
Tonight, Olga Corporation would host their much-hyped combat suit expo at the top of the Empire State Building in Manhattan.
The newspaper was plastered with stories about it, as though it was the only event in town.
Setting the paper down, Homelander gave his blanket a light pat. "No sign of that Liquid Man yet?"
A tousled-haired Angelina emerged from the covers, looking apologetic. "Sorry, Master. I'm useless."
"Next time, take a few bodyguards along," Homelander replied casually. "Head somewhere familiar—where you used to go often."
"The more cautious you look, the easier it'll be to lure him out."
A glint of understanding flashed in Angelina's eyes. "As you wish, Master."
With that, she slid back under the blanket.
Homelander set the newspaper aside. "Also, buy out the apartment building at 76 Chinatown for me."
"And clear out every tenant except for those in 403 and 404."
"Oh, and find a security company. I want them to pose as tenants and keep an eye on the tenant in 404."
"Mmm-hmm," came a sleepy, muffled response from under the covers.
Just then, a line of text flashed across Homelander's vision.
[Warning: Disaster event in 12 hours and 37 minutes.]
Homelander's eyebrows raised. A disaster warning?
Twelve hours from now.
That meant tonight.
Something big is going to happen tonight!
A wide grin spread across his face. An event with a warning issued this far in advance? It had to be serious.
The last alert had been in Silver Tree Town, and even that had come just seven hours before the incident.
This time, he had a full twelve hours!
Homelander could hardly wait.
---
Night fell swiftly.
Tonight, Manhattan, the beating heart of New York, pulsed even brighter.
One week prior, Olga Corporation had boldly announced the unveiling of their combat suit technology at the top of the Empire State Building, going so far as to challenge Vought International and invite Homelander himself to the event.
That very same afternoon, Vought's PR team responded.
They confirmed that both Vought and Homelander accepted the invitation. Moreover, Homelander would assist in "quality testing" the product during the showcase.
Despite the polite language, the media and public alike could sense the tensions beneath these words, a brewing storm waiting to explode.
The night lights in Manhattan blazed with intensity, and the Empire State Building's top-floor ballroom shone like a golden palace, crowded with elegantly dressed guests.
Though the event hadn't officially begun, the room was already packed with high society elites and senior officials from the federal government.
In the ballroom, a pianist played softly as guests mingled in clusters, conversing in low tones.
Meanwhile, reporters from all the major New York outlets had claimed prime spots near the presentation stage, their cameras trained and ready, while crews made final adjustments to the equipment.
At precisely 8:30 PM, a bright flare shot into the Manhattan sky, bursting into dazzling fireworks.
As the fireworks drew every eye, a lively entrance tune filled the ballroom, and the lights dimmed, save for a single spotlight that beamed down onto the stage.
Standing center stage, emerging to the beat of the music, was a tall, slender man with chestnut hair draped over his shoulders, dressed in an immaculate white suit: Arnold, CEO of Olga Corporation.
The sight of him set off a frenzy of camera flashes, capturing the man as he gracefully pressed a hand to his chest, bowing to the audience and earning enthusiastic applause.
After a few bows, Arnold raised his hands, signaling for quiet, and the entrance music faded along with the applause.
In the ensuing silence, Arnold stepped up to the microphone, tapped it lightly, and smiled.
"They tell me nobody uses these ancient relics anymore."
"All wireless nowadays."
"Yes, times are changing, and technology is advancing faster than ever."
"So many things fall behind, unable to keep up with the times, left in the dust."
"But I'm a bit old-fashioned, so I insisted they set up this nostalgic piece."
He turned and waved toward the event team, "Thanks for putting up with me."
Laughter rippled through the room.
Arnold took a step back, holding the microphone. "But on a serious note, it's hard to step into the future if you're constantly clinging to the past."
"At Olga, we're dedicated to nurturing new talent."
"And tonight, we're also launching the Mayflower Scholarship Fund."
"This fund will be available to universities nationwide, supporting any student or professor passionate about advancing humanity."
"Olga Corporation will fully fund your research, as long as it's dedicated to building a brighter future for all."
"Thank you!"
Thunderous applause filled the ballroom.
Once the room had quieted down again, Arnold continued with a warm smile.
"At some point, superhumans emerged in our society, bringing a range of issues."
"Fortunately, Vought's heroes have been there to handle these problems."
"But heroes are people too, and even they can't be everywhere at once."
"Take our beloved Homelander, who, for certain reasons, hasn't been able to protect this city as he used to."
"But don't worry. Olga's latest combat suit technology promises a safer world and a brighter future for everyone!"
"Now, let's give a round of applause as we welcome the user of our Titan suit—Colonel Yuri!"
[T/N: Make sure to join Discord through the link below for major announcements & giveaways.]
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