novellhall #443 - Death in the Deep
#443 - Death in the Deep
Shen Hai stood there in a daze.
Unspeakable fear surged into his mind. Originally, Xiao Shenhai was feeling a little better, but now he was frightened by the appearance of his countrymen and became depressed.
Of the entire Super Seven, the one who fears Homelander the most is Deep Sea.
Queen Maeve has the support of the Feminist Organization, Locomotive has the black BUFF bonus, Black is in cahoots with the Homelanders, and Starlight is an idiot who knows nothing.
The only difference is that although there is an animal protection organization behind him, his image and strength can only represent marine life, which is not completely consistent with the "great concept" of animal protection.
Animal protection organizations value the benefits that superheroes can bring more than protecting animals.
If Homelander had not been strictly "guarded" by Madeline, the animal protection organization would actually be more inclined to let the strongest superhero Homelander act as the organization's spokesperson.
Wearing the American flag, shouting for freedom and justice, such a superstar who is perfectly suited to America is much more useful than a freak with gills...
"I……"
The deep sea opened its mouth.
Whoosh——
A moment.
“Ah… uh uh…”
Homelander grabbed Deepsea by the neck and lifted him up.
The Deep Sea struggled in mid-air, his face turning blue—he looked more like a fish.
He was originally the weakest among the Super Seven, and even the top superhero stars under Vought Corporation could easily defeat him.
It was because of his obedience and understanding that Water Company finally chose him as one of the seven members.
But now it seems that the only valuable thing about the deep sea has been forgotten by him...
"Mr. Luke, I'm very sorry. It's my fault. I will give you a reasonable explanation later."
Although Madeline wished that her fellow countrymen could strangle Deep Sea to death right now.
But she knew she couldn't do that.
At least not now.
Vought spent significant resources to help the Deepsea board the Super Seven.
It has only been popular for a few years now, and with the popularity of Deep Sea, it can maintain its popularity for at least another one or two years.
Vought Corporation can gain support from a large number of ordinary people and various forces, although they do not value how much money these superhero stars can earn for Vought Corporation. They will earn a little if they can, and it doesn't matter if they don't.
However, the brand effect brought by this group of superheroes is what Vought Corporation needs.
They have long wanted to promote the legalization and popularization of "Compound No. 5".
Just like the emergence of Homelander today, the military's attitude towards Vought Corporation has gradually warmed up.
If nothing unexpected happens, the military should give in soon.
At that time, the superheroes under Vought Corporation will join the military and fully demonstrate to the military the super soldiers made by Vought Corporation!
Luke ignored Madeline's apology and looked at Xingguang: "Your work for today is over. Come to my office tomorrow and I will arrange new work for you."
Xingguang was stunned for a moment and didn't react.
"Go ahead and do what Mr. Luke said. I'll take over from Ashley."
Madeline added.
Ashley is Starlight's current assistant.
After Homelander killed Madeline, Ashley was promoted to Homelander's exclusive agent.
Starlight and Madeline looked at each other.
Seeing Madeline nod slightly at her, Xingguang didn't even think about saying thank you, and hurriedly rushed out of Shenhai's office, running out without looking back.
She is not an idiot.
It’s just that Vought’s previous publicity was so thorough that people subconsciously ignored the word “star” after the superhero star.
No, it should be said that young people in their teens and twenties across America think so.
The Super Seven are superheroes that symbolize justice!
They have saved countless civilians, resolved countless terrorist attacks, and made outstanding contributions to the peace of this country and the world.
It is precisely because of this recognized point, and the fact that Starlight did not go through any "wind and rain" on her way to the top, that she mistakenly believed that Vought Corporation was a fair and just company, and that the Super Seven were messengers of justice.
To put it bluntly, if the superhero show had revealed the old rule of "accepting unspoken rules to get a high position" earlier, Starlight might have made the same choice as in the original novel...
Both of them have misunderstandings about each other.
This also caused Xingguang to be in such a miserable state now.
In the underground garage, Xingguang buried her face in the steering wheel.
On the passenger seat was the deep V battle suit that he was going to wear tomorrow; the synthetic fiber glowed with a strange cold light under the moonlight.
Suddenly my phone lit up and a message from my mother popped up: "The whole town is waiting for your hero parade this weekend!"
The picture shows a star-shaped pillow she sewed when she was ten years old. The cotton cloth has turned yellow, but the words "The World Needs Heroes" embroidered in gold thread are still clear...
——
Deep sea office.
"Put him down, Homelander."
Madeline looked cold.
Homelander glanced at Madeline.
To be honest, he was very unhappy.
I had been planning to find Madeline today to solve some physical problems and relieve some mental stress.
However, Luke said that he wanted to move the next meeting forward to the morning for personal reasons, and after the conversation, he prepared to leave Water Company first.
If Madeline hadn't repeatedly reminded him that Luke was very important to Vought Corporation and the upcoming superhero militarization plan.
He might have already vented this anger a long time ago.
After hurriedly using Madeline's hands to solve some minor problems, the refreshed Homelander decided to accompany Madeline to meet Luke - if he could get the support of the major shareholders, the company would provide more convenience for future development.
Then, Luke suggested that he wanted to meet a new person - Starlight.
Madeline naturally agreed.
Although she didn't know why the major shareholder was attracted to this country bumpkin from Iowa...
As it happens, Madeline was just about to use the deep sea to make Starlight understand that Vought Corporation is a superhero company that cultivates stars, not a star company that cultivates superheroes.
Let her know that she should behave sensibly in front of the board.
However, what Madeline didn't expect was that Deep Sea was so courageous.
Doesn't this guy need to think about how a country bumpkin from Iowa could win the first place in the superhero selection contest without any support from anyone?!
Because of her baby face or her 'slim' figure?
Do you really think that you can win in the American entertainment industry just by your looks?
The heroines in the movies shot in the Holy Valley are all more beautiful than each other, but none of them can become a Hollywood superstar.
So, if there is a person behind the stars, you can guess it with your brain...
"I was wrong... I'm sorry! My countryman! I was wrong... Please, let me go, I beg you..."
Snap.
Homelander loosened his grip.
Deep sea fell to the ground.
However, he didn't care about the pain caused by the throat chokehold, and knelt on the ground, begging for forgiveness from his fellow countrymen.
Shen Hai didn't know who the strange man in front of him was.
But he knew very well that a person who could make Madeline look panicked was definitely not someone an "ordinary" superhero star like him could offend.
Even if he is a member of the Super Seven, it won’t work!
After all, except for Captain Homelander, the company can replace any other members of the Super Seven at any time by drawing on its superheroes.
Supersonic, Blind Spot, Sage, Second Generation Black...
Vought has extensive experience in replacing seven-member teams.
The original Super Seven were almost wiped out on the battlefield. Their captain, Soldier Boy, was killed by a bomb on the spot and disappeared. Vought Corporation still found a new captain to replace him.
There was no waste throughout the process.
To Vought Corporation, these so-called superheroes are just a group of special experiments.
Homelander frowned, somewhat disgusted.
This guy's tears got on his battle suit.
However, Luke, the major shareholder, was here, and it was not easy for him to kick the idiot out.
"Mr. Luke, we..."
Madeline wanted to say something else.
But Luke raised his finger and gestured to her to keep quiet.
Madeline didn't understand.
But she did as she was told, paused, and waited for Luke's instructions.
Although Madeline appears to be in great shape in front of the Super Seven, in fact, as the vice president, Madeline is not very popular among the top management of Vought Corporation.
If Homelander hadn't been willing to listen to her, Vought Corporation would have fired this troublesome woman long ago.
You know, their Water Company is a pharmaceutical company.
Using Compound No. 5 to create superheroes is just one of Vought Corporation's plans, but it is definitely not its critical mission.
Madeline's existence has caused Water Company to deviate somewhat from its original goal.
This also caused her to be boycotted by some senior executives of Water Corporation.
If Madeline could get the support of Luke, the major shareholder, the pressure on her would undoubtedly be relieved a lot.
She needed Luke's help.
Luke squatted down and looked calmly at the deep sea whose face was full of fear.
This guy was scared and anxious.
He can feel it.
As an evil god who was promoted to double-digit status by reversing the World Tree, Luke can clearly sense the negative emotions hidden in the hearts of intelligent creatures.
Just like the fellow countryman next to me.
He would release malice towards Luke from time to time.
This guy is just a giant baby, he does whatever he wants, but Luke doesn't care.
Children, if they don't listen, just give them a beating...
Luke placed his hand on Deep's head.
Shen Hai gave a flattering smile, as if he was facing his fellow countrymen.
That is, it looks more embarrassing than crying!
Bang--
A strong wind blew, as if a watermelon was shattered in an instant, the skull cracked, the brain splattered, and blood gushed out like ink.
Luke retracted his fist and stood up again.
With a plop.
The headless corpse in the deep sea staggered and fell to the ground.
"Have you got a handkerchief?"
Luke turned to look at Homelander, smiling.
His body was not stained with the brain matter and flesh tissue exploded from the deep sea. An invisible force compressed it within a certain range.
Madeline on the other side was about to scream.
Luke glanced at her, a bone-chilling chill surged into his heart, but she suddenly lost her voice.
Madeline's lips couldn't stop trembling, her face was as pale as paper, and her hands were tightly clenched on the corners of her clothes, her knuckles turning white.
Even the performance of our fellow countrymen is not much better.
Now, at the beginning of the story, although A-Zu has killed many people and helped Water Company do many dirty things, he did it for the development of his popularity and for Madeline.
Under normal circumstances, Chinese people rarely kill people.
Does this sentence sound a little ridiculous?
Our countrymen, who like crescent moons, are addicted to drinking milk, and always say "I can do whatever the fuck I want!", rarely kill people?
But it's true.
Today, A-Zu has the most obvious and unavoidable weakness - fans.
He needs the recognition and support of his fans, and even more so, he needs countless people to admire him, praise him, and love him...
This very point became Homelander's Achilles' heel, causing him to not execute humans as wantonly as the Superman in the DC world.
In other words, A-Zu is still half a normal person nowadays.
Now, as a half-normal person, A-Zu witnessed with his own eyes that his former "teammate" had his head crushed in an instant.
It was good enough that he could stand here with a steady mind, just his pupils dilated and his breathing a little rapid.
The Homelander looked at the smiling man in front of him.
He opened his mouth and said dryly, "Yes."
As a perfect superhero, he needs to show his strength and perfection at all times.
Whether in terms of ability or appearance.
Pull out the handkerchief you carry with you.
Luke took it and wiped his hands.
"Madeline." He woke up the dazed Madeline, "Find a new and obedient person to replace Shen Hai. If Edgar asks, just say it was me. Do you understand?"
Gulp——
Madeline swallowed nervously and nodded stiffly.
Is this guy really the major shareholder of the company?
Deepsea had only "tease" Starlight verbally, and hadn't taken any action yet, but Luke punched him in the head, looking even more brutal than Homelander.
At the very least, our countrymen have never had the habit of killing people over a disagreement.
Also, with this powerful force, is Mr. Luke also a super-powered person who has been injected with Compound No. 5?
But didn't she remember that Compound No. 5 would only be effective if injected during the mother's womb? Could it be that there had been new progress in the company's laboratory research?
Questions popped up in her mind one after another, and Madeline felt complicated.
After Luke wiped his hands, he did not return the handkerchief to Homelander.
Instead, he patted his shoulder.
"Come to my office tomorrow and I'll return the clean handkerchief to you." Luke smiled, "Also, I'm optimistic about you, Homelander."
Homelander forced a smile and nodded in response.
Although he really wanted to say no, it was just a handkerchief and he could buy a new one...but he probably thought that the madman in front of him would not want to hear his answer.
This madman!
Luke walked out of Shen Hai's office with satisfaction. (End of this chapter)