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Flashbulbs burst to life throughout the hall as a throng of reporters and media personalities rushed toward Homelander, capturing his every move. With a grand entrance, crashing through the roof and sporting a brand-new suit, he was an absolute headliner. Every aspect of his appearance was a hot topic—the reporters could dine out on this story for weeks.
Whether Olga Corporation's combat suits could rival superhumans like Homelander, or if the heroes remained unbeatable, wasn't their main concern. What mattered was the buzz, the controversy. They'd snap photos even if Homelander decided to wear his underwear on the outside.
One journalist pushed a microphone toward Homelander, shouting, "Homelander, can you tell us how you plan to test Olga's combat suit tonight?"
This single question set off a frenzy, with other reporters following suit, many starting their Twitter feeds or livestreams, eager to capture every second. Soon, #HomelanderCrashesEmpireEvent was trending, shooting to the top spot.
Homelander didn't answer, though; he simply smiled, rose a few feet into the air, and hovered toward the center of the stage.
Arnold's expression shifted as Homelander flew past him. First he looked down, then straight ahead, and finally, as Homelander ascended, up. Homelander passed just above his head, a move that came off as a blatant power play.
When Homelander landed gracefully at center stage, shouts erupted from the crowd.
"Say a few words, Homelander!"
"What do you think of Olga's new combat suit?"
Homelander raised his hands, and without the need for a microphone, his voice carried clearly throughout the hall.
"I appreciate Mr. Arnold's invitation to tonight's event. So let's make this evening fun." He cast a sly smile toward Arnold. "Mr. Arnold, how about a photo together?"
Hearing this, the reporters were invigorated. Not only did they press forward, crowding around the stage, but they started urging Arnold to go up for the photo.
Having two rivals in a photo together—what a headline! Naturally, the reporters wouldn't miss this golden opportunity.
But Arnold instinctively stepped back, placing Colonel Yuri between himself and Homelander. That sly grin of Homelander's had rattled him, and he worried that if he got too close, Homelander might just decide to crush his skull for fun.
Homelander laughed softly. "Come on, Mr. Arnold. Don't worry—I won't hurt you."
"So, no need to hide behind Colonel Yuri like a shy young lady."
The crowd erupted in laughter, and Arnold realized, belatedly, how his retreat had made him look. The sound of their laughter felt like slaps, his face burning with embarrassment. If there'd been a crack in the floor, he would've gladly disappeared into it.
But Homelander didn't press further, only shrugging as he turned toward Edgar. "How about we take a photo together?"
Edgar smiled calmly. "I'll pass. People wouldn't want to see a thin old man like me anyway. Better to have these lovely ladies join you. They're far easier on the eyes."
Homelander nodded and gestured to Maeve, Starlight, and the others, who stepped up on stage.
Standing next to Homelander, Maeve tilted slightly toward him, striking a pose that combined elegance with a touch of allure. She whispered, "Smooth move. You've turned this into your show. Arnold's probably ready to explode by now."
Homelander, keeping his gaze on the crowd, smirked. "If you want, I could show you something even more exciting tonight."
Hearing this, Starlight's face flushed slightly, and her eyes drifted downward. Her golden curls framed a low-cut, high-slit dress that accentuated her allure. Behind Homelander, Snow Queen, Elemental, and Black Noir struck poses of their own.
Surrounded by the Seven, Homelander looked every bit the focal point, with photographers snapping photos from every angle. At one point, Homelander even took a moment to introduce the Seven's newest members, further hogging the spotlight.
Watching all this, Arnold's face turned a furious shade of red. He'd been blindsided; the product launch had morphed into a Seven showcase. But with so many people around, he had no choice but to wait, gritting his teeth for a full ten minutes until the Seven finally dispersed.
Arnold finally took back the mic, smiling, though barely containing his frustration.
"Wow, Homelander's popularity is truly unmatched," he said, keeping his voice steady. "You know, I admire him a lot."
"I used to dream of being as strong as him, but unfortunately, I'm just an ordinary person."
"So, I put my energy into creating something else—the advanced technology behind our single-soldier combat suit, the 'Titan.'"
"Tonight, I'm thrilled to present not just the Titan, but a range of suits that showcase the pinnacle of Olga's technology."
He raised his arms, scanning the audience with an enthusiastic gaze. "So, let's hear it—who's excited to see more?"
Arnold's pre-arranged hype men in the audience called out, "We want to see it!"
In response, the other guests joined in with cheers of their own.
Breathing a small sigh of relief, Arnold thought, Finally, the focus is back where it belongs.
Using an exaggerated tone, he called out, "Then let's welcome the soldiers of the Homeland Security Department for a live demonstration of our battle suits!"
With a thundering roar, five silver-clad figures flew from behind the stage, landing with impressive precision.
These soldiers wore streamlined silver armor, gleaming under the stage lights, and were suspended by blue jets from their feet, hands, and backs, giving them a hovering, almost weightless appearance.
"This," Arnold announced, gesturing toward the stage, "is the Silver Raptor series—built for flight and agility, with enough firepower to eliminate threats instantly."
Arnold detailed the suits' stats, each figure eliciting gasps from the audience as they took in the suit's capabilities, heightening Arnold's sense of pride.
Moments later, more figures stormed the stage from both sides, their movements swift and precise.
Eight soldiers in camouflage-painted suits dashed forward. Unlike the sleek Silver Raptors, these suits were rugged and bulkier, brimming with weaponry. The most distinct feature was their boots—lined with two rows of wheels, enabling them to move across the ground with unparalleled speed.
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