Chapter 53: As Expected of You, Homelander
The next morning, over a hundred thousand spectators had already gathered at the Metropolitan Football Stadium in New York City.
The scene was quite lively.
Everyone was eagerly anticipating the showdown between A-Train and the newcomer Shockwave.
Who would win and who would lose became the biggest highlight of the race.
Subsequently, the appearance of Starlight and Black Noir instantly drew cheers from the crowd. Following them, Homelander and Queen Maeve also appeared at the race venue one by one, earning even more fervent screams.
At this moment, Madelyn Stillwell, the Vice President of Vought International, was giving a speech to the major News Media outlets. Her speech was simple: she wanted Superheroes to join the Armed Forces to better protect the safety of citizens.
"Congratulations, I have good news for you. After discussions among Vought's upper management, you will serve as my assistant and also the Deputy Manager of the Public Relations Department, in addition to your role as Deputy Manager of the Security Department. Your salary will be increased by 70%." Ashley Barrett found Xia Shang and announced his job transfer.
"It's an honor."
Xia Shang smiled and shook hands with Ashley Barrett.
"Alright, here are the documents you need for your work. They contain information on the Superheroes under Vought International. They are not easy to deal with. I've circled a few key individuals for you."
"Thank you." Xia Shang took the documents Ashley Barrett handed him. After she left, he opened them and glanced through. Only one Superhero was circled: Homelander.
The annotation stated: Never go against any of Homelander's wishes. Report all issues to Vice President Madelyn Stillwell.
One could only say, as expected of you, Homelander.
Not long after Ashley Barrett left, Xia Shang's Earpiece transmitted his first Mission of the day.
"A-Train and his girlfriend are arguing in the Locker Room. Go resolve this issue. Don't let these damn guys ruin today's race."
"Copy that."
Xia Shang walked to the Locker Room door, preparing to check the situation inside.
Before he even entered, he heard the sound of their argument.
"You promised me you'd announce my Identity at the race, and now you're going back on it. You're a real motherfucker."
The next second, Crimson Countess stormed out, pushing the door open, leaving a visibly awkward A-Train and Xia Shang facing each other.
"Don't you know how important today's race is to you? You almost ruined the race for a woman. It's hard to imagine what's going on in your Brain," Xia Shang said calmly as he walked into the Locker Room.
"Don't worry, I know her personality well. I'll go coax her after the race ends."
Ultimately, it was because A-Train wasn't willing to give up the entire forest for one tree.
"Hopefully, you can handle your relationship well. Besides that, be careful recently. I suspect you're being targeted."
"Understood."
A-Train understood the seriousness of the matter. If Compound V were exposed, it would implicate many people, starting with Homelander, because Homelander was the one who sent Crimson Countess to the Hospital to get the Drug, and he was just responsible for delivering the Drug to the designated location according to Homelander's requirements.
If the Secret leaked, his fate would plunge into darkness.
At this moment, a staff member nearby walked in to remind A-Train that the race was about to start and he should get ready.
"Okay." A-Train put on his Goggles and Earphone and walked towards the Restroom. When he came out again, his Mental Focus seemed extremely stimulated.
Xia Shang could tell at a glance that he had injected Compound V into his Body, and the Efficacy of the Compound V had already affected his Brain. Based on Xia Shang's judgment, this guy's Body had probably developed an extremely severe dependency on Compound V. Breaking free from it would likely be more painful than killing him.
Soon, the race officially began.
A-Train and Shockwave both took their pre-race stances.
"Ready..."
The moment the starting Gun fired.
The two shot out like arrows from a bowstring, whooshing away. Their speed was impossible to capture with the Naked eye. The wind they kicked up while running made it difficult for the spectators along the track to keep their Eyes open.
"I see A-Train! He's acting extremely stimulated! He must have injected Compound V!" In the Stands, Billy said, looking at A-Train running below, holding Binoculars.
At the same time, Billy seemed to Sense something, turning his Head to look behind him. Unexpectedly, his Line of Sight met Homelander's.
The race between A-Train and Shockwave lasted only a few seconds. Ultimately, under the Slow-motion Camera, A-Train reached the Finish Line with an astonishing advantage.
His speed was over 1600 kilometers per hour, 1.3 times the speed of sound, even comparable to the speed of a Bullet.
"He won again! A-Train won again! A new World Record! They say Lightning doesn't strike twice, but can you believe it? He's created a new Miracle!!"
This feat instantly ignited the enthusiasm of the entire crowd.
Screams! Cheers! Filled the entire Meeting Hall.
On the other side.
Billy and the others left the Metropolitan Football Stadium. Since they didn't find anything valuable in A-Train's Locker Room, they could only continue to place their hope on Crimson Countess. They wanted to find a breakthrough with her.
The group drove back to the Surveillance Room. The screen in the Room was currently showing footage from Crimson Countess's Home.
Crimson Countess was seen carrying two cans of Beer back Home, then drinking alone.
At this moment, Crimson Countess was feeling angry because A-Train had broken his promise. After drinking all the Beer, she took out a tube of Blue Serum from a Black Satchel.
"That's the stuff." Billy leaned his face close to the screen, seemingly wanting to see the true appearance of Compound V.
Crimson Countess injected the Compound V into her Body, then vented her frustration by lifting Dumbbells wildly. What shocked Billy and the other three was that Crimson Countess lifted a Barbell weighing hundreds of kilograms for over an hour without fatigue. It was simply monstrous.
"Oh, this stuff is way stronger than Stimulant." No one noticed the hint of longing in Hughie's Eyes as he said this.
Next, Billy and the others saw an even more explosive scene. Crimson Countess actually seduced the Landlord who came to collect rent, giving A-Train a Green Hat. Furthermore, in her extremely stimulated state, she actually sat down on the Landlord's Head, crushing it.
One second, Mother's Milk was still complaining about how wild they were playing, but the next second, the bloody scene made him instinctively touch his own Head.
Phew, luckily it wasn't crushed.
In the Room, Crimson Countess panicked as she looked at the Corpse on the ground. This was her first time killing someone, and she felt completely helpless.
Looking at the terrified Expression on the screen, Billy immediately realized this was a perfect opportunity.
Once a person is in a state of panic, it's difficult for them to keep a Secret.
Ultimately, the facts proved Billy's guess was very accurate.
(End of Chapter)