章 69: Chapter 69: Persuasion, My Way
Inside the Seven Tower's Command Hall, Ashley shut off the TV and stumbled back, a single thought on repeat in her mind.
"I'm about to be unemployed!"
"It's over—battle suits replacing superheroes, the company could be going under."
And clearly, she wasn't the only one worried.
Electro sat slumped over in a chair, clutching his head. "Guys, are we all getting fired?"
"That colonel just said the cops could handle supercriminals with those suits. They don't need us if every officer's packing that tech."
Ice Princess glanced over at Ashley. "Where's Homelander? He's not in the tower?"
Ashley was too dazed to answer, already wondering if she could manage a job at Olga Corporation. But Queen Maeve was quick to respond, "It's not that simple."
"Suits might be powerful, but they're hardly cheap, right? Even if they do go to the police, it's not like every cop is getting one."
"Each precinct having one would be generous. At best, maybe a handful per district."
"Still," Ice Princess said, "this could seriously damage us. I didn't expect things to go this way."
At that moment, a voice interrupted.
"What are you all panicking for?"
Everyone turned to see Homelander striding into the room, hands behind his back and a small smile on his face.
"Battle suit tech?" he said. "Surely, you don't think that stuff could really replace us?"
He looked to Maeve. "Can it hurt you?"
Then to Electro. "Can it block an EMP?"
Finally, his gaze rested on Ice Princess. "Can it withstand extreme cold?"
Homelander walked to the window, chuckling with his back to the room.
"Trust me, no tin cans are taking our place. Not as long as I'm around."
Hearing this, the team perked up. Ashley, clearly relieved, asked eagerly, "So, Homelander, does that mean we're resuming hero activities?"
"No." Homelander's cryptic smile grew. "Let the dust settle a bit."
"If we rushed back the moment they declared the age of heroes over, it'd look desperate, as if we feared being replaced."
"What are we supposed to do, then?" Maeve asked.
"Nothing at all." Homelander turned around. "Shop, hang out, maybe go on a date."
"Whatever you like."
"The less we care, the more it shows our confidence."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Ashley's phone lit up with a notification. After a glance, her face turned grim.
"Olga Corporation just announced they're holding a public demonstration of the battle suit tech. One week from now, at the top of the Empire Hall in Manhattan."
Ashley looked up at Homelander. "They've invited Vought—and you—to attend."
Maeve rose to her feet. "This is a challenge!"
Homelander let out a low chuckle. "Gutsy. Doesn't Olga's CEO worry I might rip his head off?"
All eyes turned to him.
He waved a hand. "Relax, just kidding."
Turning to Ashley, he said, "Tell PR to issue a response saying I'll be there."
"And that I'll personally test the durability of their suits—if they've got the nerve to agree."
By that afternoon, Vought's PR team had released Homelander's reply, sparking a citywide frenzy.
Everyone was talking about the showdown in Manhattan one week away: would the battle suits prove mightier, or would Homelander remain unbeatable?
The anticipation even gave Vought's stock a slight uptick before the market closed.
Time passed quickly.
During the days leading up to the event, Colonel Yuri was busier than ever. With the Seven on strike and other heroes taking a step back in silent protest of his remarks, he found himself tackling cases across the city, dawn to dusk, with barely a moment's rest.
One evening, as Homelander arrived at Lin Aida's place, he heard the faint roar of an engine overhead.
Glancing up, he watched Colonel Yuri in his black armor streaking across the sky.
Homelander chuckled, grabbed a bouquet of flowers, and headed up to Lin Aida's apartment.
"Good evening. How's your cold?" he asked, stepping inside.
Lin Aida welcomed him in with a smile. Like he owned the place, Homelander threw out the old, withered flowers and replaced them with the new bouquet.
"Much better," she said, smiling. "I should thank you again for the medicine last time."
Lin Aida seemed less guarded, growing accustomed to his visits, which was just what Homelander had hoped for.
"Want some orange juice, Mr. John? I bought fresh oranges today…"
As she tapped her way into the kitchen with her cane, the sudden blare of an electric guitar cut through the apartment.
Homelander nearly crushed the glass in his hand, and Lin Aida immediately clutched her ears in distress.
He hurried over to support her, worried she might fall.
"It's Kevin," Lin Aida explained with a weary smile. "He's playing guitar again."
Homelander glanced at the door. "Does he do this every day?"
Lin Aida nodded meekly.
"I'll call the police."
"No, no, don't. It's no use—they'll only give him a warning."
"And…" She trailed off, looking hesitant.
Homelander guessed she'd been retaliated against before.
He stood up, leaned down, and whispered in her ear, "I'll just go have a word with him."
Lin Aida reached out in alarm. "Don't! I'll just put up with it. It's not worth getting hurt over."
Homelander gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine. I'll handle it… calmly."
With that, he gently sat her back down and stepped into the hallway, quietly closing the door.
Then he turned toward the neighboring apartment.
Inside, flashing lights and thundering music blared. A group of long-haired men were rocking out on guitars and drums, while two women clinked glasses, shouting along with the beat.
They were clearly having a great time.
Suddenly, the door exploded inward, sending shards flying. The two women shrieked, diving behind the couch.
Kevin, the host, froze as a man in a plain jacket and glasses dusted off his shoulders and strode in.
"Party's over," Homelander said, smiling brightly as he looked around the room.
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