Chapter 31 Is Translucent Not Dead?
After Arthur killed Derek, the power he absorbed from the other's body was significantly stronger than Shuttle's, and even better than Steel Claw's.
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He was truly worthy of being the former No. 1 of Godolkin University.
You know, out of the hundreds of graduates from Godolkin University each year, at most five people can sign guardian contracts with major cities.
For example, students majoring in performing arts basically throw themselves into Hollywood after graduation, or flock to art halls like Broadway, the Metropolitan Opera House, the New York Philharmonic, and so on.
The remaining Metahumans from the crime-fighting major are sent down to various street communities, or form their own superhero teams, occasionally fighting crime, hosting live streams, filming videos, and using various ways to increase their fame, thereby also being able to gain some endorsements.
Barring any accidents, after Derek graduates, he will also become a guardian of some city, just like Steel Claw.
In terms of combat power alone, compared to Steel Clawin his prime who hadn't fallen into depravity, Derek might be slightly weaker.
But he is still young, and his superpower can still be enhanced.
Yes, superpower can be further improved and developed with age and hard training.
It is not as some people think, that once a superpower is awakened, it remains the same forever.
Arthur has a lot to say about this.
Whether it was the flight he had from the beginning, or the Super Strength and Super Defense that followed, it was only after he matured and developed them that they could display effects perfectly matched to their true values.
For example, compare his body to a high-performance car with five gears for acceleration.
If he were just a novice, he could at best linger between the second and third gears; but once he has trained to become an experienced driver, he can squeeze the entire car's performance to the limit.
The same applies to superpower.
It is precisely because Arthur has past training and sufficient actual combat experience that even if his car can be upgraded to sixth or seventh gear in the future, he can steadily exert its performance.
Unlike those Metahumans who cannot even control their own superpower, like a child holding a gun, hurting others and themselves.
It is worth mentioning that this situation is quite common at present.
Although Derek is not like this, asking him to take time outside of his studies to honestly train and develop his superpower instead of partying until dawn is even more painful than killing him.
Dealing with such an enemy, Arthur naturally has no worries at all.
It's the same as last time.
Arthur put the newly acquired power into his Super Defense.
Don't look at it as just simply enhancing his own defensive power; in reality, it is strengthening the intensity of his entire body, and by the way, the force of his punches will be more ferocious, and his speed when flying at full speed will also be faster.
Next, it's time for Arthur to accept the host's interview, interact enthusiastically with the audience, and carry out the post-match segments methodically.
Butcher put down the binoculars, patted Hughie on the shoulder and said, "Hey, kid, time to go."
Hughie was still shocked by the duel that had just taken place.
This was far more shocking to his senses than all the action, gunfights, and even superhero movies he had seen in the past.
At this moment, he seemed still somewhat immersed, and subconsciously said, "Leaving now?"
Bronze is still talking on the stage.
Butcher turned his head, stared straight at Hughie, raised the corners of his mouth exaggeratedly, and mocked, "Oh! Our big fan Hughie can't wait to lick Bronze! Do you want me to block other competitors for you, and buy some instructional discs for you by the way?"
Hughie's brain jolted, and he woke up completely.
He subconsciously glared at Butcher, wanting to retort with the same words, but after thinking for a while, he didn't know what to say, and finally moved his eyes away, dryly popping out two words: "Let's go."
Butcher looked at him with a smirk and led the way.
During this time, Hughie seemed to be trying to save face and added, "I mean, what about Popclaw? Isn't she our target?"
Butcher said in his authentic British accent, "While you were staring intently at Bronze's butt, I already observed that Popclaw is like a bitter woman in a convent who has forgotten what men look like for a lifetime, and every minute or two, her gaze turns to A-Train. Besides..."
Butcher didn't continue, because the subject he was about to mention had already arrived.
Frenchie, who hadn't been seen before, approached now and deftly handed over a USB drive, saying, "Surveillance from the VIP room of A-Train and Popclaw."
Butcher took the USB drive and smiled at Hughie.
Hughie stopped talking.
The three of them were about to leave when someone walked towards them... no, to be precise, two people.
"Arthur is too too too f***ing amazing! He made me hold my pee until now. Jordan, I feel like you should accompany me. But I have a question. Are you going to the men's room or the women's room later?"
"Women's."
Walking towards them was precisely the female form of Jordan Li, and Maverick who was only wearing a hat.
"Oh my god!" Hughie was instantly shocked, staring at this scene in front of him, dumbfounded, and subconsciously murmured.
Was his vision blurry? Or was everything that happened before fake?
Could it be that Translucent didn't die?
On the side, Frenchie was tense all over, one hand already silently reaching for the pistol hidden behind his waist.
Butcher pressed his hand and gave a warning look.
Subsequently, he grabbed Hughie on the other side and said naturally, "Kid, I know you put a big bet on Steel Soldier, although you lost everything, you have me. Don't worry, I'll introduce you to a job that's fun and pays well. Your type is still quite popular..."
Butcher was introducing the new path to Hughie as if nothing had happened, while Maverick and Jordan just glanced at them, completely unconcerned, and passed by directly.
By the time the distance between the two sides was completely widened, just as Hughie wanted to open his mouth to say something, Butcher already said, "Idiot, that's Translucent's son."
Hughie realized then.
On the other side.
The post-match interview finally ended.
Arthur, who had just returned to the backstage area after leaving the camera, was met by Cate, who couldn't wait to come to him, wrapped her hands around his neck, stood on tiptoe, and performed the most classic kissing scene at the end of a superhero movie.
Arthur did not refuse.
A minute later, he leaned close to Cate's already red ear and whispered, "Is the hotel booked?"
In Cate's light blue eyes, a hot flame seemed to be burning at this moment.
Her voice was slightly hoarse as she said, "Four Seasons Hotel Manhattan, 1215, specialty suite."
Arthur smiled, "Wait for me for half an hour."
The work in front of the camera was finished, and next there was some finishing work behind the camera.
Cate was very obedient: "Mm."
Chapter 32: Victoria Neuman
As a superstar and Superhero, after greeting the general public, Arthur naturally had to meet with the socialites who truly held the resources once he stepped off the stage.
Backstage, Arthur shook hands and chatted with each of them in turn.
Cyrus Vance Jr., the District Attorney for Manhattan, New York, praised him: "That was a brilliant duel. It is precisely because of Superheroes like you, Bronze, that the local crime rate has remained at a historic low."
Wilson Alan-Boles, the Chief of the NYPD Special Operations Division, was even more direct: "We eagerly look forward to Superheroes like you, Bronze, truly joining us."
As a member of Vought's vast network of connections, he had always supported the Superhero military contract bill that Vought had recently submitted to Congress.
Several congressmen, corporate executives, and Hollywood elites also came up to offer their congratulations.
Overall, in such a setting, regardless of what they were truly thinking, the atmosphere displayed was quite harmonious.
But there were always exceptions.
Arthur looked at the woman standing before him, dressed in a well-tailored black women's suit, with mixed Middle Eastern and Southern European heritage.
Had she not introduced herself as a congresswoman, Arthurwould have mistaken her for some Hollywood starlet.
"Your eyes tell me that I shouldn't be a congresswoman."
Victoria Neuman held Arthur's hand, looking at him quite assertively, and said this with a gentle smile.
Arthur felt the softness of the woman's palm, then politely let go and smiled, explaining: "Rather than blaming me, blame God for bestowing such a beautiful face upon you, Congresswoman Neuman."
Neuman was caught off guard.
But it must be said, after Arthur's remark, the smile on her face became much more genuine: "Vicky, just call me Vicky."
After speaking, Neuman looked him over again and said earnestly: "I think I understand why so many people like you, Bronze."
Arthur smiled faintly: "Call me Arthur. Does that include you, Vicky?"
Neuman pursed her lips and then said: "If you weren't a Metahuman, that is."
Arthur was surprised: "It sounds like you have a major issue with Metahumans, Neuman."
Neuman first shook her head, then nodded: "You are all too powerful, aren't you? Just like you demonstrated on stage just now. Firearms, tanks, artillery, F-22s—none of them can cause you the slightest harm. Humanity's so-called high-tech weapons are nothing more than scrap metal before you. There is simply no one who can keep you in check. It's like a ticking, undiffusable bomb; you never know when it will explode."
"Of course…" Neuman paused. Her brown pupils reflected Arthur's figure as she asked: "You would surely say that there are still Superheroes in this world. But if even Superheroes commit crimes, who will bring them to justice?"
Arthur shrugged: "As far as I know, Elmira holds quite a few Metahuman criminals."
Neuman smiled mockingly: "That is only a tiny fraction; there are still too many who remain at large. For example... Heh, never mind."
Neuman did not continue.
Arthur shook his head slightly.
In this land of talent and spirit that is America, while they ostensibly champion equality and freedom, in reality, they are most fond of racial narratives behind the scenes.
Now that the number of Metahumans has risen, a new class has naturally been carved out.
Of course, it is a class that oppresses others, rather than one where Metahumans are oppressed.
Arthur had always been too lazy to worry about such things.
Perhaps this Congresswoman Neuman would one day become the vanguard against Metahumans and Vought.
But so what?
There was one thing Neuman said that was right.
Metahumans are too strong.
As long as he still had his superpower, then nothing would ever be a problem.
"I won't disturb you any longer; some real movie stars are coming over soon." At this moment, Neuman put on a polite smile again, looked left and right, winked at Arthur, and turned to leave.
"Oh, right!" Just as she turned away, she suddenly thought of something, turned back, and said: "I forgot to congratulate you on winning today's duel, Arthur. Putting everything else aside, it truly was a spectacular match."
"Thank you." Arthur nodded politely.
Then, before he could take his eyes off Neuman's retreating figure.
The scents of different women's perfumes drifted over from both his left and right.
They were the very "real movie stars" Neuman had spoken of.
Quite a few Hollywood stars and film crews were present today.
The ones arriving now were the two leading actresses from the very popular film "Little Women," which had broken 200 million at the box office.
On his left, Emma Watson looked at Arthur with sparkling eyes: "Bronze, your performance just now was absolutely incredible! Is your body really made of flesh and blood, and not steel?"
After speaking, she extended her hand, still retaining a hint of reserve, not immediately reaching out to touch him.
Saoirse Ronan, who arrived on his right, had already touched Arthur's abs, directly and boldly extending an invitation to the Superhero who had just shown off his might: "Bronze, are you free tonight?"
Upon hearing this, Emma Watson glared fiercely at the woman beside her, cursing "bitch" in her heart.
Saoirse Ronan returned the glare without showing any weakness, similarly cursing "prude" in her heart.
The two had been feuding since they joined the cast, from their billing, roles, plotlines, and promotion to their contributions, and now, they were still fighting over a man.
If Arthur wanted to, he could completely pull these two glamorous actresses together and have them compete on the same stage.
But tonight, a real feast was waiting for him.
He could only politely refuse, and later, at the suggestion of the two unsatisfied enchantresses, he treated them equally and gave them his contact information.
After meeting the outsiders, it was finally time for his own people.
Perhaps stimulated by the two actresses, Cate leaned in with a sense of crisis, hooked her arm through Arthur's, and asserted her presence.
Arthur did not refuse.
"You did a great job, Arthur."
Shetty looked at the young man and woman before her, congratulated Arthur while simultaneously giving Cate a look that said, "You did just as well."
Cate tightened her grip on Arthur's arm, shifting her gaze with a slight sense of guilt.
Arthur asked with a very natural air of "concern": "How is Derek? Is he doing alright?"
Shetty had already learned of Derek's death.
Hearing Arthur ask this, she looked at him deeply, paused, and then said: "Derek... his injuries are very severe. He is currently receiving treatment, but the prognosis is not very hopeful."
Whether Derek died on the spot, or if he lingered for a while before succumbing to his severe injuries, carried very different meanings and consequences.
Regardless of whether Arthur intended it or not, Godolkin University had stood on his side from the very beginning, and that would not change now that the duel was over.
Naturally, the school's administration chose to delay the announcement of Derek's death, making a decision that favored Arthur.
Chapter 33 Cate: Do Whatever You Want
Arthur heard it too.
Having specifically studied in Hollywood, he sighed slightly and said, "It's just a competition. May God bless Derek."
Principal Indira Shetty, who was experienced and also a PhD in behavioral psychology, was even more impeccable: "May God bless him."
Only Cate looked stunned.
She suddenly realized that she still had a lot to learn.
The male and female foxes finished going through the motions of their "blessing."
Shetty turned to the side and took the opportunity to introduce Polarity, who had been standing to the side, to Arthur.
This black version of "Magneto" looked very amiable, lacking any of the domineering air a Metahuman with magnetic superpower should have, and even took the initiative to apologize for his son:
"What Andre did that time was really wrong. Arthur, I'll apologize to you on his behalf first. Later, he will also come to apologize to you in person."
Arthur naturally played along and kept things amicable.
After all, Andre had a father who was a member of the school board.
Besides, after the fight started that day, although the kid's performance was hesitant from beginning to end, overall it was still commendable.
Arthur didn't pursue it any further.
Afterward, Brink arrived with his prized protégé, A-Train.
A-Train was very respectful; he came up and greeted Arthurenthusiastically: "Hey, Bro, your match was amazing. It's a pity we couldn't be teammates before."
Come to think of it, this was the first time Arthur had seen a living, breathing official member of The Seven up close in reality.
The reason he said official member...
was because when he was in Los Angeles, he had occasionally seen Mr. Marathon, a former member of The Seven who was also a speedster but had been surpassed by A-Train and subsequently left the team in dismay, at Superhero mixers.
Arthur reached out to shake hands with A-Train and said calmly, "There will always be opportunities."
Upon hearing this, A-Train was slightly surprised but quickly nodded in agreement: "I admire that confidence of yours. Let me tell you, there really isn't a lack of opportunities lately. You heard about the Starlight incident, right? The video of her beating someone in the street has gone completely viral online. Madelyn is already thinking about replacing her."
Just last night, the newest member of The Seven, Starlight, caused quite a stir.
According to Starlight's own public statement, she was walking down the street that night when she happened to catch two men attempting to assault a woman, so she rushed over to stop them and beat the two men up.
This in itself was nothing.
However, there was surveillance footage at the time, and due to the angle, it only clearly recorded the footage of Starlight unilaterally beating up the two men, but failed to record the part where she saved the girl.
Furthermore, the two men who were beaten have already sued Starlight for assault, and public opinion online is very unfriendly toward her.
Professor Brinton, after hearing this, summarized in a deep voice: "This is the disadvantage of Superheroes fighting crime without a camera crew."
Shetty's eyes lit up: "So, does this mean Arthur's opportunity has arrived?"
Arthur shook his head, pouring cold water on the idea: "If what Starlight says is true, then as long as the girl she saved last night can speak up in time, not only will she be fine, but she can also use this wave of massive public opinion to turn things around and boost her approval rating even higher."
"Who knows if what she said is true or false." A-Trainshrugged indifferently.
In his eyes, Starlight just wanting to beat people up for no reason was perfectly normal.
Having a reason to beat people up would be what's abnormal.
Accustomed to fighting so-called crime step-by-step under the script arrangements of Vought, he didn't believe that Starlight actually threw punches at those two for the sake of protecting the so-called girl.
The reason for saying so was merely PR jargon.
"By the way, the day after tomorrow, I have a 'Race of the Century' super match at the Metropolitan Football Stadium. Of course, I am the fastest man on this planet, so winning is definitely guaranteed."
A-Train said at the end, glancing at Cate, who was snuggling up to Arthur like a little bird, and extended an enthusiastic invitation,
"If you're free, you and your girlfriend can go watch it together. I'll save you two of the best VIP tickets."
Upon hearing the word "girlfriend," the corners of Cate's lips couldn't help but curl high upward.
She turned her head and looked at Arthur with eyes full of anticipation.
Arthur naturally agreed immediately.
Late at night.
Four Seasons Hotel, Room 1215.
When Arthur, holding Cate—who had already been kissed until she was limp and intoxicated on the way—pushed open the door and entered, he finally understood why this place was called a themed suite.
The carefully arranged items in the room truly opened his eyes.
"How is it?"
Cate, who had booked the room herself, lifted her dazed face and asked with anticipation and a hint of shyness.
Arthur didn't expect that Cate, this pure and flawless little cabbage, hid such a wildly uninhibited heart inside.
He sighed slightly.
Not for himself, but for the girl beside him.
"I'm worried you won't be able to get up tomorrow," Arthursaid sincerely.
However, Cate pressed into Arthur's arms with seductive eyes.
She raised her fair hands, having already removed her gloves, affectionately cupped Arthur's cheeks, and whispered in a seductive, hoarse voice beside his ear:
"I am a Metahuman. You can do whatever you want to me."
What else could Arthur say? He swept Cate up into his arms.
In response, Cate's long, black-stockinged legs immediately clamped tightly around Arthur's waist, and without waiting for the next step, her sexy red lips had already taken the initiative and pressed onto his.
Boom— Clatter— Bang—
The room was lively from then on, as if experiencing a barrage of firecrackers; even the themed suite with excellent soundproofing couldn't block it out, and the noise was frighteningly loud.
When a hotel waiter passed by outside, he was frightened pale by the commotion inside and hurriedly rushed to ask the manager for instructions.
"You mean Room 1215? That's no problem." The manager looked very experienced and said calmly, "The guests in the room tomorrow will compensate for all damages. Last time the Female Titan came, even the hotel's outer wall was torn down, and wasn't it repaired quickly?"
After speaking, he looked toward Room 1215 with envy.
Who wouldn't want to possess a physique as incomparably powerful as a Metahuman's?
Especially when one could have intimate interactions with those untouchable female Superheroes on screen.
It's not that ordinary people can't do it.
It's just...
Thinking of his former colleague who was paralyzed after being sat on by the Female Titan last time, the manager shuddered violently.
Forget it, the risk is still too high.
He'd better just honestly entertain himself alone with the Starlight-brand dildo he bought a couple of days ago.
Chapter 34: Cate: The kid is really starving.
The next day, Four Seasons Hotel, Suite 1215.
The entire room looked as if it had just been baptized by a small tornado. The sofa, tables, chairs, wardrobe, TV, lamps, and all other furniture, even the ceiling, walls, and floors—everything was either cracked or collapsed.
On the only thing that remained relatively intact—the Four Seasons Heavenly Bed—a man and a woman were covered by a thin sheet. Their full forms were unclear, but the powerful arm and delicate, fair shoulder exposed were already alluring enough in the dim light.
Arthur opened his eyes. The ceiling, with a large hole punched through it, was the first thing that came into his view.
Looking at that large hole, the bits and pieces of last night quickly flooded back into his mind.
He had always been a man of his word.
He naturally had to fulfill the words he had said to Cate before the start last night with his own actions.
Without a doubt, this was yet another civil war between Metahumans.
The battle was more enduring and more heated than the one on stage.
Cate tenaciously demonstrated the resilience of a Metahuman, until the dam collapsed and the final string finally snapped.
At this moment, Arthur tilted his head slightly to look at Cate, who was resting on his arm and clinging tightly to his embrace.
The girl... no, the woman, was still fast asleep. Her fair, flushed face, which used to be delicate and slightly cold, now possessed a brand-new beauty, like bamboo shoots after a spring rain.
Looking further down, although she had a Metahumanconstitution, her skin, which used to be brilliantly white, was now covered in a dense array of purplish-red marks.
Arthur did not disturb Cate and gently pulled his arm out from under her neck.
For an ordinary person, having an arm pressed like that all night would surely result in severe numbness and soreness the next day.
Therefore, such a gesture is usually only shown at the beginning or in movies and TV shows; experienced friends never actually do it.
Fortunately, Arthur was a Metahuman.
Even though his arm had been pressed like that all night, he felt absolutely no discomfort when he pulled it out.
Afterward, just like an ordinary person, he didn't rush to get up but skillfully picked up the phone by the bedside to check it.
In just one night, there were already many messages on his phone.
Sigrid: "Finally saw that bastard Derek finish. Let's set a time; I agree to that new trick you mentioned last time."
Maverick: "Hey, bro, where did you go? Not throwing a party to celebrate?"
Maverick: "I get it, you and Cate are together! I told you all the superpower information I gathered about Cate before, and you still dared to take on the challenge, bro. I'm truly impressed. Anyway, good luck!"
Jordan: "Arthur, you're amazing! You're my role model!"
Luke: "Congratulations, Godolkin University No. 1 is well-deserved."
Miranda Jackman: "Oh my god! Darling, you are the real man! I'm so, so, so excited! Can I come to New York to see you?"
Anya Taylor-Joy: "(Evening gown photo) (Bathroom photo) (Wet look photo)... (Welcome to visit)."
Monica: "I've received a few more endorsement deals, as well as some movie production offers. I've already sent them to your email. Don't get too carried away and forget about business."
Shetty: "Remember to take proper protective measures."
"..."
Arthur scrolled through the messages from beginning to end; there were some from people he knew well, and some from strangers.
He selectively replied to some and took the opportunity to save the valuable images, which included a recent selfie of Emma Watson enjoying morning tea, as well as a video of Saoirse Ronan sweating while working out.
Afterward, Arthur immersed himself in scrolling through TikTok. Whenever he came across videos praising his performance last night, he would specifically stay to listen to all that flowery flattery, feeling a wave of satisfaction in his body and mind.
Half an hour later, a new notification about Starlight interrupted his video scrolling.
Arthur tapped to open it.
Sure enough, the girl rescued by Starlight had finally spoken out online. Public opinion regarding Starlight immediately took a 180-degree turn, and her approval rating soared once again.
"This woman... how is she even more troublesome than me?"
Starlight had only joined The Seven a few days ago, yet it felt like she appeared more frequently than the other veteran members did in a whole year.
Arthur shook his head and put down his phone.
An hour after waking up, he finally broke free from all temptations and got up to wash up.
Cate was awakened by a rich, delicious aroma.
She opened her eyes and slowly sat up, letting the sheet slide off her body, revealing a slender and curvaceous, fair-skinned physique.
Although there were many marks of battle on her skin, it possessed a beauty that felt fragile and broken.
"Hey, Arthur."
Cate tied her long blonde hair back casually. As soon as her eyes caught Arthur not far away, she greeted him generously.
"Hey, Cate." Arthur pushed over a food cart.
Cate followed his gaze and realized what the "culprit" that woke her up was.
The cart was densely packed with chocolate bread, danish pastries, almond croissants, slices of French toast, gluten-free pancakes, as well as blueberries, passion fruit, smoked salmon, oatmeal, lattes, Earl Grey tea, and so on.
Cate's eyes lit up instantly.
At this moment, her body was in desperate need of replenishment.
"Darling, you understand me so well!"
Cate got out of bed barefoot, speaking with delight while picking up an almond croissant and eating it in big bites, ignoring any ladylike image.
It seemed that not many American girls were truly ladylike.
Even if some of them looked more refined and noble than a lady.
Arthur tapped Cate's perky butt and reminded her: "Go wash up first."
Cate made an "OK" gesture, but when she headed to the bathroom, she didn't put down the croissant in her hand.
The kid was really starving.
Arthur could understand that; wasn't that why he specifically prepared a lavish food cart, leading Cate to exclaim that he "understood her so well"?
In reality, it was nothing special, just practice makes perfect.
Rat-tat-tat... Rat-tat-tat...
At this moment, a fierce noise suddenly erupted outside the hotel.
It wasn't the sound of firecrackers characteristic of the East.
But the tradition of America: the AR-15.
Arthur was already very familiar with this.
He calmly walked to the window and looked outside.
He saw that intense gunfire was erupting from a building not far away.
The New York police arrived quite promptly.
However, because the building was tall, the terrain was complex, and they didn't know how many gunmen there were, they didn't take action immediately. Instead, they first cordoned off the scene and began evacuating the crowd inside and outside the building.
Cate, wearing a bathrobe, walked over while wiping her wet blonde hair with a towel.
She also heard the gunfire and came to Arthur's side, following his gaze to look out the window, her eyes lighting up as she said:
"This is a great opportunity for publicity! Arthur, aren't you going?"
Chapter 35: Welcome to the Adult World
The scene of the shooting was in a bustling area with very dense foot traffic.
Even with police clearing the area, there were still many onlookers nearby holding up their phones, snapping pictures of the building frantically.
On top of that, this was Manhattan, New York, a natural focal point for all of America, and even the entire world.
As Kate said, this was indeed the perfect time to make a name for oneself.
Arthur, however, was in no rush. He turned to Kate and smiled, "You actually listened attentively in class."
Professor Brink often taught students how to distinguish between ineffective rescues and effective ones.
Take Starlight saving that girl, for example. If the girl hadn't stepped forward to speak up afterward, that would have been a classic ineffective rescue—the kind that could easily ruin a Superhero's future.
And this shooting at the building right now was, naturally, the most ideal form of an effective rescue.
Hearing this, Kate curled her lips, her tone playful, "That goes without saying. Otherwise, whose homework would I copy?"
Da-da-da—inside the building outside, another round of gunfire rang out.
Arthur glanced at it casually, then raised an eyebrow at Kate, "Then I must properly reward classmate Kate. Teacher Arthur's class is about to begin. Are you ready, classmate Kate?"
Kate didn't understand what he meant and thought it was some kind of signal for that kind of activity. Although her legs were still a bit weak, as a Metahuman, she nodded resolutely.
Then, she learned something new in the true sense of the word.
Arthur asked seriously, "Kate, do you know who the guardians of New York are?"
Kate thought for a moment and answered uncertainly, "Is it... The Seven?"
Arthur nodded and explained, "The Seven's range of activity isn't restricted, but New York is undoubtedly their base of operations. How do you think they would feel if an outsider stole their crime-fighting job in New York?"
Kate didn't understand, "Even if it's all just fighting crime, they should support and praise it, right?"
Arthur laughed, "Let me put it another way. The building outside is like the stage from last night, and The Seven are the 'me' scheduled to perform in that showdown and reap a massive amount of popularity in one go. Now, suddenly, an outsider pops up, steps onto their ring, steals the 'protagonist's role' that was supposed to be theirs, and even snatches the popularity that should have belonged to them. How do you think The Seven would feel?"
Kate finally understood completely.
The school's curriculum had made it clear to her that professional crime-fighting required a stage, lighting, photography, and even personal makeup to ensure one looked good on camera.
The ultimate goal wasn't just fighting crime; it was also to boost one's own fame.
Just like the building with the constant gunfire in front of them—it was a stage already set, just waiting for the protagonist to make an entrance.
The only thing was, who the protagonist would be wasn't determined by who arrived first; it had already been decided.
Kate couldn't help but feel a sliver of confusion.
The confusion stemmed from her most basic understanding.
Shouldn't fighting crime be the faster, the better? Otherwise, the longer it dragged on, the more likely the criminals were to cause greater harm to innocent people.
Just because the real protagonist hadn't arrived yet, they had to wait a while longer?
For a moment, Kate felt conflicted.
She agreed with the professional crime-fighting process taught at school; after all, it avoided many legal risks and planned for the long-term development of a Superhero.
But it was ultimately different from the Superhero she had known since childhood.
She had never thought much about this before.
But now, after Arthur pointed out that it wasn't that he couldn't go, but that the stage outside simply didn't belong to him, Kate had a new, profound realization.
She shared her inner doubts with Arthur.
Arthur stroked Kate's still-damp blonde hair and laughed softly, "Welcome to the adult world, Kate."
Back in Los Angeles, even as a local, he had received death threats from Steel Claw when he was fighting crime.
Let alone here in New York, where The Seven stood tall.
There was no need for members of The Seven to personally step in. To protect the unshakeable commercial value of The Seven, their best cash cow, Vought would never allow any outsider to interfere without reason.
Arthur looked back at the building.
With the renowned capabilities of Vought's crime analytics department, they must have already taken notice of this.
So, from The Seven, who would be coming next...
BOOM—a deafening roar suddenly erupted in the sky.
Arthur looked up.
A conspicuous American flag cape streaked across the sky and landed steadily in front of the building.
A dashing female figure vaulted over walls and buildings, moving at a speed imperceptible to ordinary people, and stopped at the building's entrance at almost the same time.
The arrivals were none other than Homelander and Queen Maeve.
The moment the two were identified, enthusiastic cheers and whistles erupted around the building.
The true masters of the stage had arrived.
Homelander flashed a warm smile, skillfully waving to the crowd and mingling with the citizens who supported him.
Beside him, Maeve stood with her hands on her hips. Although she was very impatient, she still put on a professional smile.
In an instant, what should have been a crime scene turned into a celebrity meet-and-greet.
"I bet they definitely rehearsed this to make such a synchronized entrance."
Arthur stroked his chin, watching the lively scene not far away, and said.
Kate was no longer conflicted. Looking at Maeve not far away, her eyes sparkled, "She is so cool!"
Many female students at Godolkin University admired Maeve. Even after Starlight joined The Seven and Maeve was no longer the only female member, that admiration remained unchanged.
After all, how could a lightbulb compete with a queen who fought with raw, visceral power and was tougher than any man?
Kate, who had been locked up at home in the past, also loved the labels of bravery, rebellion, and fearlessness that Maeve carried.
After a while, the fan meet-and-greet concluded.
Arthur noticed Homelander say something to the police chief, then the next second he shot into the sky, followed by a dash that smashed through the building's glass, entering the upper floors.
As for Maeve, she probably went to take the elevator.
"It's over."
Arthur withdrew his gaze and drew the curtains.
Kate also refocused her energy on her food.
Once her bodily functions were replenished.
Seemingly intentional, or perhaps unintentional, Kate looked up and gazed at Arthur.
Arthur understood instantly.
This was a novice driver who had passed the initial nervous phase and was now curious, confident, and bold, wanting to continue her studies.
Well then...
Arthur swept Kate up into his arms, and amidst her exclamation, began the second round of teaching.
Afterward, Kate snuggled into Arthur's embrace. Once her heavy breathing subsided, she thought seriously for a moment, lifted her face, and said, "Arthur, how about I change my major?"
Chapter 36: The Slacker and the Striver
"Change majors?"
Arthur was holding Kate's fair shoulders, and upon hearing this, he turned his head in surprise to look at her.
Kate's expression did not look like a passing whim.
She gazed at Arthur and said seriously, "I hope... to be by your side more in the future, to be able to truly help your career and become your support. So, I'm thinking of transferring to the School of Performing Arts to study Hero Management."
The Hero Management major basically just leads to jobs like being a Superhero agent.
Kate was planning to give up her own glamorous Superhero career, choosing to entrust everything to Arthurand become his behind-the-scenes supporter for the rest of her life.
It must be said that, influenced by her past experiences, there was always a hidden sense of inferiority deep within Kate.
Regarding this current relationship that perfectly matched all her fantasies, she was full of joy while subconsciously worrying about gains and losses, afraid that one day everything would cease to exist and she would return to that lonely self who was hated by her family.
Therefore, in this relationship, she took the initiative to lower her own status.
In order to be with Arthur better, she was even willing to change her major to help him more effectively.
Arthur was silent for a moment, then smiled, "You're trying to steal Monica's job."
Kate buried her head deep into the crook of Arthur's neck and said, "Any job is fine, as long as I can help you."
Arthur hugged Kate tighter, his tone becoming serious, "If you want to help me, then don't change your major."
"Hmm?" Upon hearing this, Kate lifted her head, looking at Arthur in total confusion.
In her view, if she wanted to help Arthur, it was only natural to choose a field like Hero Management that could practically assist his career, rather than remaining in the Crime Fighting major where she could only develop on her own.
By choosing the latter, not only could she not provide help to Arthur, but there might even be some competition in the future.
Kate voiced her confusion.
Arthur listened and sighed inwardly.
Sure enough, every place had its own deep-seated ideological imprints.
Just like the Superhero industry in this world, which had its own very unique ideological imprint.
Including Kate.
In the eyes of the vast majority of Metahumans, a superpower was more just a tool.
To put it essentially, it was a pure money-making tool, not for combat or anything like that.
That was the trend of the entire society at the moment.
The high or low of a Metahuman's lifelong achievements was determined by their fame and commercial value.
Most Metahumans accepted their existing superpowerrather than digging into their potential.
More often than not, they spent all their energy on enjoyment, and like stars, pondered how to improve their popularity in various aspects.
Like the supervillains in the Marvel world who, after gaining superpowers, spent all day thinking about revenge on society or were single-mindedly focused on conquering the world—in the eyes of the Metahumans of this world, they would only think these people were mentally ill, purely having too much time on their hands, insisting on making themselves miserable with such deep-seated hatred.
With that time, going out to do commercial appearances, taking endorsements, eating, drinking, having fun, throwing parties, and gaining fans—wouldn't that be much happier and more comfortable?
Arthur was very unaccustomed to this when he first arrived.
In his mind, if there was a large number of Metahumans enough to form a community, then there should be a distinction of superiority, a ranking of superpowers based purely on combat power rather than commercial value.
"What? Your superpower is ranked fifty-second? Step aside, I am twenty-second."
"You say your superpower is more popular with girls and has more commercial value?"
"Get lost!"
"A dignified superpower user, when did they fall to the point of going on stage to sell smiles?"
"It's truly a disgrace to our kind!"
"If you have that spare time, it's better to sign up for a superpower training class, properly develop your superpower, and beat all the competitors standing in front of you one by one."
"When the time is ripe, you can even join the national defense system or scientific research system, and get ahead from there."
"At worst, if you say you have grand ideals, you can completely set up your own organization, or become a supervillain, which can also be considered a spectacular path."
"In short, a superpower is the foundation of your survival; you must spare no effort to fully develop it. Then, even if you make a big mistake, you can believe in yourself once and break through the encirclement."
"What the hell is going to be a superstar?"
It can only be said that the customs and concepts of different places are still very different.
Just like the currently hot discussion about Metahumanmilitary contracts, America has been stalling, and the obstacles are very great.
If it were in the East, policies would soon be introduced to accept Metahumans into the national defense system, making them a member of the big family.
"Where would there be so many non-existent and unnecessary scruples?"
Arthur had lived here for so many years, and although he had adapted and even quite enjoyed the superstar life with champagne in hand, beauties in his arms, and being sought after by the masses, with his Eastern background, he saw things more clearly than other Metahumans.
Money, power, beauties, fame—these things, others can give to you, and they can also take them away from you.
But there is only one thing that others can never take away, and are even deeply fearful of.
That is your superpower.
It is the guarantee of everything.
Therefore, Arthur plays when he plays, but the serious business of superpower development and training has never been neglected.
It was precisely because of this accumulation, day after day over the years, that the process of Arthur taking down the first Metahuman was very easy.
The opponent could release lava-like fireballs from his hands; in terms of lethality, even if a Metahuman took a hit, it would inevitably melt a big hole.
However, from beginning to end, he had no accuracy, only shouting and yelling the whole time, just firing blindly based on feeling.
In the end, when Arthur rushed in front of him, this "Superhero" whose biggest hobby was burning people with fire, especially enjoying burning the elderly—ostensibly to reduce aging—didn't even have the courage to fight to the death. He was so scared that he knelt down on the spot, snot and tears flowing, crying and begging for mercy.
It was like a striver entering a group of slackers; naturally, he could go on a rampage.
Of course, with so many Metahumans, it's not like there are no strivers.
Arthur had specifically watched Queen Maeve's training videos.
In the video, she did not use strength or speed beyond that of an ordinary person, but with a long sword, she easily and gracefully defeated the siege of several big, burly men who were also holding weapons.
Arthur's eyes lit up as he watched, and he was very impressed.
Therefore.
Regarding Kate's proposal to change her major, Arthurrejected it.
Possessing such a powerful psychic superpower, running off to be an agent is really too much of a waste.
After all, what he truly needs by his side has always been strivers, not slackers.
Chapter 37: Female Superhero Suit
Arthur grabbed Kate's right hand, interlaced his fingers tightly with hers, and said slowly:
"Whether it's Superhero management or being an agent, the people who choose these jobs are never irreplaceable. In fact, there are too many people who can take their place at any time; they were never the unique one. But, Kate, do you know what?"
"You are the one who is truly unique."
Kate looked down at their clasped hands, then looked back up at Arthur:
"Because... my superpower?"
Arthur smiled and said: "It is you, Kate. Don't give up the asset that makes you unique and endlessly charming. That would be a real waste."
Kate quickly explained: "I'm not trying to give it up. I just want to use my superpower to help you more often."
In reality, after baring her heart in the hallway last night and seeing with her own eyes that Arthur was unaffected by her mind control, Kate no longer felt resistance toward her superpower.
Just as she said, she simply wanted to apply her superpower to Arthur's career.
There are always people who set up obstacles or mess with contracts, and that's when she could step in, right?
"I..." Kate wanted to explain more.
Arthur pressed his chest firmly against Kate's, feeling her heart, and shook his head:
"Superhero Agent Kate Dunlap? Completely plain and ordinary."
"Mind Queen, Professor V, Kate Dunlap? Now that would be truly cool."
Arthur gave Kate a big thumbs up, full of anticipation, and said:
"Believe me, Kate, you becoming a formidable Superherowould be the greatest help to my career. I look forward to one day standing side by side with you, instead of me always facing all the enemies alone. Also..."
Arthur looked straight into Kate's beautiful eyes and said earnestly: "Kate, you were never meant to be anyone's appendage. Do what you truly want to do."
After hearing these words from Arthur, Kate felt warm inside and was very touched.
Her eyes welled up with a thin layer of mist as she asked: "Really?"
Arthur nodded solemnly: "It couldn't be more real."
Kate turned her face away, quieted down for a good while, then turned back and smiled through her tears:
"I'll listen to you, I won't change my major! But—"
Her eyes shifted, she drew out the end of her sentence, and suddenly asked Arthur with a smile:
"Are you sure it's not because the version of me in the future wearing a Superhero suit, with tens of millions of fans on social media, standing in front of the screen accepting the cheers of thousands... would excite you more?"
Upon hearing this, Arthur was instantly "enraged".
He had just spent so long explaining himself so seriously and sincerely, how did it become ulterior motives?
But then again.
The image of Kate wearing a Superhero suit was indeed something to look forward to a little bit.
The style of the suit didn't need to be too avant-garde or bold.
Not like some female Superheroes whose V-necks are practically cut down to their navels, showing off their advantages to the fullest in front of the camera.
Kate is a pass; she doesn't have the assets for that.
But the style couldn't be too old-fashioned either.
It doesn't matter if the upper body is a bit conservative, but for the lower body...
Bulletproof-grade black stockings paired with a pair of sleek long combat boots would be both unique and eye-catching, perfectly showcasing Kate's unique charm.
Absolutely perfect!
As for the overall color scheme of Kate's Superhero suit.
Like his own, a matching couple's set in cyan-gold?
No, it's ultimately linked to green, which is too unlucky.
White?
Doesn't feel like it fits Kate's temperament.
Besides, most people's first impression of mental-type superpowers is never something pure and flawless.
Sigrid, who has the diamond superpower, is actually quite suited for white.
As it happens, Sigrid had mentioned to him a while ago that she planned to finalize her Superhero suit design before graduation and asked him to help her brainstorm.
At this moment, inspiration surged in Arthur; he had even thought of the design for Sigrid's suit, just waiting to mention it to her later.
As for the color of Kate's suit, he had already decided on that too.
Pure black.
Mysterious, dangerous, unfathomable, as if able to see through everything.
These are the very characteristics of mental-type superpower users.
Plus, Kate herself quite loves black; more than half of the clothes in her wardrobe are in deep black tones.
That makes it even more suitable.
A sleek, tailored pure black suit, with some gothic witch-style lace embellishments, paired with black stockings and long combat boots.
Arthur already had the image in his mind.
Thinking about the future, where that suit worn by Kate—the Superhero and superstar—which is played repeatedly on countless screens, could only be unzipped by him...
Arthur finally understood why Kate insisted so much last night on him wearing that cyan-gold suit all the way back to the hotel room.
Ahem!
The topic has drifted a bit too far.
Returning to reality, Arthur retorted solemnly: "Kate, your thoughts are too unhealthy. I am clearly thinking of you with all my heart, yet you think of me as that kind of person. It really makes me sad!"
"Is that so?"
After spending these days together, Kate was no longer distant with Arthur.
She rested her pointed chin lightly on Arthur's chest, looked up, and smiled:
"But someone just zoned out for several seconds."
Arthur kept a straight face, his brain immediately shifting gears:
"That was me seriously thinking about how to conduct your special training next?"
Kate was stunned: "Special training?"
The more Arthur spoke, the more he felt he was speaking with conviction, and it made so much sense:
"As a future Superhero, Kate, you must improve your combat skills. Not every enemy will just stand there obediently, letting you walk up and place your palm on them to control them. You need to hone a solid set of close-quarters combat abilities. As it happens, I am very experienced in this area..."
In the time that followed, Arthur spoke incessantly, and Kate listened, dumbfounded, her expression gradually shifting from suspicion to guilt.
Could it be that she really misunderstood Arthur?
Arthur not only encouraged her to be her true self, but also pointed out her shortcomings so carefully and helped her tailor a training plan so earnestly.
Yet she had such wayward thoughts about him in her heart.
Kate felt very guilty.
Therefore, when Arthur finished speaking, she expressed her gratitude with her actions, while also making up for her previous mistake.
"Oh, right!"
Just as Kate was about to shrink under the covers, she couldn't help but raise her head and seriously complain:
"Arthur, the nickname 'Mind Queen' you came up with is okay. But 'Professor V'? It's really too cheesy, too ugly."
Arthur shrugged: "Then how about 'Professor X'?"
Kate had already buried her head back down, her voice muffled: "Even worse!!"
That afternoon, at the Godolkin University combat gym.
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Loud collision sounds rang out from time to time in the cold-toned and sturdy arena.
Arthur, dressed in casual clothes, used a clean shoulder throw to just take down Kate, who had changed into a sports crop top and athletic pants, to the ground.
On the side, Maverick, who was watching the excitement with others, immediately egged them on, not fearing trouble:
"Whoa, whoa, Arthur, I thought you and Kate would be off on a honeymoon, why are you suddenly fighting here? Could it be... is this your unique way of dating? Or is it that Kate is actually being forced? Girls need to be brave and say 'no'! Kate, if you need backup, just say the word!"
Before Kate could reply.
Arthur had already turned around, revealing a smile that made Maverick's hair stand on end, and with a movement of his body, he said with a smile:
"Kate doesn't need to say anything. You, just get over here!"
Chapter 38: Let's All Come Together
While Arthur was speaking, his body suddenly lurched forward, and in the blink of an eye, he arrived in front of Maverick, reaching out with his five fingers.
Thanks to the fact that Maverick was wearing a hat at the moment, he very easily grabbed the other's invisible shoulder.
"Don't—" Maverick hadn't even had time to finish his plea for mercy.
Arthur smiled at him again, and then...
Bang!!
Maverick's entire body was heavily thrown flying out, slamming headfirst into the half-meter-thick reinforced concrete wall, sending bits of cement debris rustling down.
Translucent's carbon metamaterial skin was still quite tough, so Arthur wasn't worried at all that he would throw Maverick into any serious trouble.
He patted his palms, glanced around at the eager classmates nearby, and said casually with a smile:
"If you want to fight, then come at me all at once."
Luke's eyes lit up. Knowing that Arthur's current practical combat level was second to none in the school, he didn't stand on ceremony either. His entire body roared into flames, transforming into a blazing humanoid torch, stirring up a scorching heat wave as he fiercely charged over.
Seeing this in his eyes, Arthur hooked the corner of his mouth and commented:
"A nice superpower, it's just a bit wasteful of clothes."
Boom!
Luke threw a punch, and the high-temperature flames surrounding his arm burned the surrounding air until it violently distorted.
Arthur neither retreated nor avoided; his left hand went horizontal, his palm precisely blocking this blow.
Luke's eyes tightened as he exerted force again, but Arthur's hand remained motionless. Even the skin of his palm, licked by the flames, didn't show the slightest trace of burns.
Of course, the cuffs of his upper garment turned to flying ash in the blink of an eye.
Reality was different from movies after all.
Unless he was wearing that custom superhero suit costing up to seven figures at this moment, otherwise engaging in close combat with a fire-man like Luke, how could ordinary clothes possibly survive?
Seeing that Arthur was like an insurmountable mountain, no matter how much strength he used it was useless, and seeing that his flame superpower couldn't even burn the opponent by a fraction, Luke was inwardly shocked beyond measure.
At this moment, Arthur hooked his five fingers back to grip Luke's fist, and taught him like a know-it-all:
"The all-fire combat mode has a lot of advantages, but it has one weakness."
"Weakness?"
Luke wore a puzzled expression.
The next second.
The next second, Arthur kicked out with lightning speed, precisely hitting the bullseye.
Instantly!
Luke's handsome face turned the color of pig liver.
His two eyeballs looked like they were about to pop out of their sockets, his entire body curled up violently, both hands tightly covering his lower body, unable to even let out a complete scream from his throat.
The culprit, Arthur, innocently shrugged his shoulders at this:
"There's no help for it, no matter who comes, they'd all think of hitting this weakness."
Fortunately, this was just sparring, and he intentionally held back his strength, not leaving Luke with any irreversible regrets.
Just as Arthur was preparing to fling Luke far away...
Having apologized specially earlier, Andre, anxious to save his buddy, hurriedly directed both hands toward the iron trash can in the corner.
Instantly, the heavy trash can soared into the air, transforming into a whistling cannonball that fiercely smashed toward Arthur at an extremely fast speed.
Without even looking, Arthur casually grabbed into the air with his other free hand, easily stopping the trash can dead in mid-air.
Even though Andre directed both hands at the trash can and exerted force desperately, making the veins on his forehead bulge out.
That trash can couldn't advance even a single millimeter further, and could only continuously indent inward amidst the ceaseless wailing of metal.
Arthur looked over at this point, and noticing Andre's posture of curving and spreading his hands like chicken feet, he remarked:
"Why use your hands? Can't you just use your brain?"
Kate using her hands was understandable, but for a magnetic controller like Andre, executing his powers had no relation whatsoever to those two hands of his.
It was still the sickness of watching too many movies.
Arthur simply tossed the Luke in his hand toward Andre.
Andre instinctively got distracted, no longer caring about the trash can, and moved to catch his good buddy.
Arthur smiled as he bounced the heavily deformed trash can in his hand, planning to give these two brothers an even bigger "surprise".
Boom!
A powerful shock wave suddenly slammed into him.
Arthur lost his balance, flying backward for the first time.
But in an instant, he righted his posture in mid-air, executing a thousand-catty drop, and steadily landed back on the ground.
"Not bad."
Arthur raised his eyes, looking at Jordan in her female form not far away who had just released that shock wave, and finally nodded, offering a word of praise:
Jordan didn't speak, pushing out with both hands to launch a shock wave once again.
Arthur's figure flashed, moving horizontally at high speed, neatly and cleanly dodging this blow.
He strode toward Jordan.
Along the way.
Hum——
A high-speed figure instantly brushed past his side.
Arthur's body suddenly tilted, his footsteps stepping back sharply before he managed to stabilize his posture.
"Well done, Dean! Let's all go together, it's a rare chance to teach Godolkin University's NO.1 a lesson, we can't miss it!"
Maverick, who had already taken off his hat and was hidden God knows where, said excitedly.
If he weren't worried about Arthur discovering his location, he would really want to take out his phone right now to record everything that followed.
Without needing his reminder, Jordan had already seized the opportunity to push out another shock wave.
Arthur horizontally placed his left arm in front of his body.
Sizzle——
A long trace was instantly dragged across the ground.
Maintaining his blocking posture, Arthur slid backward seven or eight meters.
This wasn't over yet.
Inside the wall that Maverick had crashed a pit into earlier, thick, twisted steel bars suddenly burst through the wall. Under Andre's telekinetic control, dragging a sharp and piercing sound of breaking air, they instantly spanned dozens of meters, piercing straight at Arthur's back from all angles.
Without even turning his head, Arthur first threw a punch to blast apart a cluster of raging flames pushed from a distance by Luke.
Immediately after, his head tilted violently, his eyes narrowly avoiding a woman's hand that was as slender, well-proportioned, and distinct-jointed as a hand model's, yet possessed sharp, beast-like claws.
Staring at the woman in front of him—one of the few Eastern Metahumans at Godolkin University just like himself—Arthur had no thoughts of cherishing jade and pitying flowers, directly twisting his waist and throwing a punch straight at her chest.
At this very split second, the woman suddenly turned her head, her pitch-black eyes meeting Arthur's directly. Her pupils flickered with tiny specks of eerie peach-colored light.
"Charm? Mind control?"
"Too bad I don't buy that."
Arthur's movements didn't pause in the slightest, sending the woman flying dozens of meters away with a single punch.
During this time, the dozen-odd steel bars controlled by Andre had swiftly pierced forward, but they only punctured his outer garment and couldn't harm his skin by a single shred.
Seeing this, Andre clenched his teeth and quickly adjusted his strategy. Those steel bars instantly came to life, transforming into a dozen silver-gray long snakes that swiftly wrapped and constricted around Arthur's entire body from top to bottom, attempting to lock him completely in place.
At this split second, Arthur's attention still wasn't on the increasingly tight steel bars around his body. Instead, he turned his head and said with a smile to Kate, who had quietly crept up and was just about to reach out her hand:
"Darling, your intentions are too obvious."
Chapter 39 New Gossip
Although Kate could not mind-control Arthur, the two had an agreement: as long as her palm could touch Arthur, she would win.
This condition still held true now.
Before the special training, if Arthur had said that to her, Kate would have been stunned, felt guilty, and hesitated.
However, after experiencing a series of lessons, Kate did not hesitate at all this time; she reached out at top speed to press against Arthur's exposed skin.
Crack! Crack! Crack!
Arthur's body shook, and his super strength, far exceeding that of an ordinary Metahuman, exploded, instantly snapping all the steel bars reinforced by magnetic force.
Andre felt dizzy, and his hands dropped powerlessly.
Arthur smiled slightly at Kate, grabbed her sleeve, and threw her away with a gentler force.
Then, he looked around, his gaze sweeping over Jordan, who was rushing at him in concert while in his male form, Luke, whose body was still churning with flames, Ellie Han, whose fingers had grown sharp claws and a white fox tail had sprouted from behind her, Maverick, whose position was unknown, and Dean, the speedster who ran incredibly fast.
Arthur twisted his neck, a hint of an excited smile tugging at the corners of his mouth, and he suddenly clenched his five fingers, causing the air between them to burst with a crisp sound under the unbearable pressure.
The next instant.
He stepped forward with his right foot, the entire ground shook with a boom, and he rushed forward like an arrow released from a bow.
In the time that followed, a series of deafening, visceral sounds of fists hitting flesh rang out densely within the hall, like the clash of metal and horses.
Arthur threw a right hook, fiercely knocking Jordan (in his male form) to the ground.
He twisted his waist and whipped out a powerful leg kick, sending Luke flying sideways.
"Shit!"
Maverick suddenly appeared behind Arthur, lunging forward in an attempt to pin him to the ground.
Arthur simply leaned forward, sank his waist and abdomen, and grabbed Maverick by the back of the neck with a backhand.
"You need a bath!"
After saying this, Arthur performed a forward throw, smashing Maverick heavily onto the ground in front, creating a human-shaped crater, and the latter cried out in pain repeatedly.
Stones flew everywhere.
Ellie Han, who was attacking at high speed, flickered, and her five fingers clawed forcefully and diagonally across Arthur's chest, causing a sharp, teeth-gritting collision sound to ring out immediately.
Arthur's right hand suddenly reached forward, and before Ellie Han could withdraw and retreat, he clamped onto her sharp, delicate chin, lifting her entire body off the ground just like that.
Just as Ellie Han's long legs were kicking futilely in the air.
Having run several laps around the room and finally maximized his kinetic energy, Dean put on his goggles.
With a "hum" of a sonic boom, at a speed that no one could react to, he turned his shoulder and, carrying immense momentum, slammed fiercely into Arthur's chest.
Almost at that very instant, in a world that had become incredibly slow in Dean's eyes, he discovered with horror that Arthur's head was actually turning toward him bit by bit.
But in the end, it was still a step too slow.
Bang!
Arthur's whole body was knocked backward, smashing heavily into the wall behind him, causing plaster and concrete chunks to scatter and crack apart with a clatter.
Luke and Jordan (in his male form) exchanged a glance, flipped up without hesitation, and lunged at the wall, striking it simultaneously with a flame-burning left fist and a powerful right fist.
Arthur shrank his body, causing their fists to miss, blasting two large holes in the wall.
Before they could pull their arms out of the wall.
Arthur moved with the agility of a hare, first punching Jordan(in his male form) in the kidney, and as the latter couldn't help but curl up, he landed another punch straight onto the face presented before him.
Jordan (in his male form) didn't make a sound, sliding away across the floor.
Bang!
Almost simultaneously, Arthur's left cheek took a heavy punch from Luke, and the flames that swept in with it scorched the black hair at his temples.
The force that could have smashed an ordinary person's head into smithereens with a single punch, when landed on Arthur, only made his head tilt slightly.
In the blink of an eye, Arthur nonchalantly straightened his head, flipped his right hand to grab the fist Luke swung again, suddenly exerted force, pulled the caught-off-guard Luke toward him, and fiercely raised his right knee.
Bang!
The knee struck Luke squarely in the abdomen.
Luke couldn't help but vomit bile, though it was instantly evaporated by the flames on his body.
Arthur followed up with a kick, sending Luke flying as well.
Next, listening to the wind to determine position, he raised his left hand and caught a piece of metal shrapnel shot through the air by the recovering Andre.
Crack, crack.
Arthur closed his five fingers, and iron filings could be seen slowly falling from between his fingers.
He brushed the thick dust off his body, looked at the others on the scene who still had combat capability, nodded with satisfaction, and said: "Continue, I haven't even broken a sweat yet."
A quarter of an hour later.
Boom—a piercing sonic wave rang out in the room.
Dean, running at full speed, looked back repeatedly with a face full of nervousness and disbelief.
He saw Arthur suspended in the air, charging straight toward him horizontally.
As everyone knows, running on the ground with two legs cannot compare to flying in the sky.
After completely knocking down everyone else, Arthur had figured out the foundation of Dean, this speedster, so he immediately flew up and formally began the arrest.
If they were outdoors, Dean might have been able to hold out a bit longer.
But this was indoors, especially with Dean panicking and nearly tripping himself, so he was naturally seized by Arthur, who grabbed him at the right moment.
"Wait! I surrender!" Dean hurriedly raised his hands in surrender.
Arthur scanned the room at everyone lying scattered on the floor, all bruised and swollen, rolling in pain.
He earnestly taught a lesson on how to conduct oneself: "Dean, one must be a team player."
After saying this, Arthur delivered one last heavy punch.
Dean fell to the ground, howling.
The lesson was over.
Arthur was in a very good mood.
This was the first time he had fought so heartily for so long.
Before this, where could he find so many thick-skinned Metahumans to act as living targets to practice with him?
As for those who died at his hands, it was basically always a swift and decisive execution.
After all, in the face of life and death, there is no room for the slightest slack or holding back.
"Your stamina is terrifying."
Kate walked over looking exhausted, her tone full of admiration.
She knew that last night and this morning, it was always Arthur who was the active one and the one who expended more energy.
To this, Arthur finally threw out that famous saying: "I can do this all day."
Kate didn't refute him, lazily pressing her body against her boyfriend.
Arthur did not land heavy blows on his woman.
Therefore, Kate's face was still very pretty at the moment.
Unlike Luke, Andre, and Maverick, whose faces were now covered in bruises.
Especially Maverick—Arthur rarely got such a chance, so naturally, he swung hard at his face.
And there was Jordan; after being counseled by Professor Brink, she usually appeared in her female form, but at this moment, she was still maintaining her male form.
After all, Arthur wouldn't hold back just because she also had a female side.
He wasn't bisexual, after all.
Though here... there seemed to be a pair that was very wrong.
It was Kate who quietly pointed it out to him.
Arthur looked in the direction Kate indicated and saw Luke, with the flames dissipated, standing shirtless and very close to Andre, whose clothes were also mostly burned away after taking too many hits from his good brother.
The two seemed to sense it, but in this moment, it was as if they had unlocked some kind of shackles in their hearts, and when they looked at each other, there was a bit more of an inexplicable emotion.
Arthur and Kate were silently watching the drama.
Before they knew it, Maverick had sidled over, whispering in high spirits as he shared the intel he'd gathered from eavesdropping: "According to my exclusive observation, both Luke and Andre have clear bisexual tendencies."
Arthur wasn't too shocked by this.
Compared to the one speaking beside him, Luke and Andre, also Metahumans, were already among the normal ones.
It was just that because he knew them both, he was a bit more curious.
Kate, however, listened with great interest and was about to continue questioning.
But she saw Maverick change the subject, teasing: "Also, Arthur, you are also being stared at intently right now, hee hee."
Hearing this, Arthur first looked down at himself.
Having been burned by fire, pierced by steel bars, and subjected to various violent collisions just a moment ago, his clothes were already tattered and beyond repair, unable to cover that perfectly robust physique.
As for the person staring intently at him, it wasn't Maverick, but another woman in the arena.
Ellie Han, who had acted decisively and ruthlessly just a moment ago, but whose ears were now quietly turning bright red.
"Fuck!"
Kate reacted the fastest, grabbing her own coat and wrapping it tightly around Arthur from the waist down.
Then, she and Ellie Han locked eyes in a stare-down.
This also woke up the pair of Luke and Andre, and the others also got up, grimacing in pain.
Arthur coughed twice to divert everyone's attention and said: "Everyone, are you interested in watching tomorrow's Race of the Century?"
Chapter 40: The Century Race, Spiral Ascent
New York, MetLife Stadium.
The weather was fine, and the entire venue had been buzzing with excitement since an hour ago.
Banners and flags featuring the portraits and names of "A-Train," "shock wave," and the "Century Race" hung all around the stadium.
Nearly one hundred thousand people were streaming into the venue, ready to witness firsthand who would claim the title of "The Fastest Man in the World."
"This is a classic Century Race, a competition representing the highest level of athletic achievement. This is our heritage, our future..."
"A-Train, the world record holder, the fastest man on the planet!"
"shock wave, the fierce and unstoppable rookie!"
"The winner will not only receive the title of 'Number One' but also a very significant sneaker endorsement deal."
"Since Mr. Marathon retired, this is the peak showdown we have all been waiting for..."
On the massive screens at the venue and in the broadcast feed, the logo of Vought International flashed by, followed by a meticulously edited pre-race promo and passionate discussions from the commentators.
Meanwhile, at the entrance of Godolkin University.
When Arthur and Kate arrived, Luke, Andre, Jordan, Maverick, Sloan, and Dean were already gathered.
A black Porsche and a yellow-striped Ferrari were parked nearby.
"We aren't late, are we?" Arthur walked up and said casually.
"The timing is just right," Luke replied with a smile.
As he spoke, he glanced quickly at the radiant Kate beside Arthur, and sighed slightly in his heart.
After the fight yesterday, he and Andre had talked late into the night. Now, looking at Kate again, he knew there was no turning back; what was in the past should be allowed to rest in peace.
"Let's get going," Andre urged, waving his hand.
Although the Ferrari only had two seats, Sloan could fit in the trunk, making it just enough for seven people.
Arthur, however, didn't want to be so cramped.
"No need. I'll take Kate and fly over directly. See you at the venue."
With that, he wrapped his arm around Kate's waist and leaped into the air.
Boom—
The two shot straight into the clouds and quickly vanished into the sky.
Andre lowered his head.
"Then we..." He blinked, about to repeat what he had just said.
Dean stepped forward, lifted his hand to put on his signature wind-resistant goggles, and not to be outdone, said:
"I'll run there myself. Remember to drive fast; don't leave me waiting too long."
As the words fell.
Hum—
Dean's figure had already disappeared at the end of the road.
Seeing this, Andre paused and asked, "Does anyone else have anything to say?"
Maverick nodded, "In that case, Sloan won't have to be stuffed into the trunk."
Sloan: "Mmhmm—"
Andre let out a breath and opened the car door, "...Let's go then."
...
How high is the sky?
Ancients could hardly imagine it in their entire lives.
In modern science, the "sky" in meteorology usually refers to the troposphere, the lowest layer of the atmosphere, about 10,000 to 18,000 meters high. This is the "sky" we can directly perceive.
Further up, the internationally recognized beginning of space, the Kármán line, is at an altitude of 100,000 meters, which is the common boundary between the atmosphere and outer space.
Up here, one can faintly see the curvature of the Earth.
As for wanting to see the complete, round Earth, one would need to be at an altitude of 3,400,000 meters.
Arthur took Kate into the sky, not in a rush to head straight to the venue.
Seeing that Kate was very curious about everything in the sky, he simply held her tighter and continued to ascend.
1,000 meters. 3,000 meters. 5,000 meters. 10,000 meters...
In less than a minute and a half, Arthur brought Kate to a steady hover at an altitude of 20,000 meters.
This was roughly the Armstrong limit.
Even with the strongest physique, humans can only go this far without any protective measures.
Of course, this does not apply to Metahumans.
However, Metahumans also face issues like hypothermia and oxygen deprivation.
Unless one is like Arthur, with a physique strong enough to ignore all of this, one can only persist for a little longer at most.
Seeing that Kate was freezing, Arthur didn't continue.
"It's a pity; I wanted to take you to see the Earth. The shock of facing it directly can never be replicated by any picture."
As Arthur spoke, he brought Kate down to above the cloud layer at 7,000 meters.
Kate breathed a sigh of relief, rubbed her cold arms, and said, "It's okay. I'll go ride Musk's Dragon spacecraft sometime."
After speaking, she curiously looked at the endless stretch of clouds that had flashed by before, but were now beneath her feet.
She couldn't help but reach out to grab at them, though her fingertips naturally caught nothing.
Yet her eyes lit up, darting with thought as if she had suddenly realized something. She looked up, staring straight at Arthur, and said, "This place... is also breathtakingly beautiful."
Arthur understood instantly.
He knew the wild side deep within Kate all too well.
Thus, Kate made the first move.
Arthur followed suit, joining her in a true spiral ascent.
For a time, Kate's screams echoed through the clouds.
Outside MetLife Stadium.
Inside the van, Marvin, who had newly joined The Boys, handed a camera and a press pass to Hughie, carefully instructing him:
"This is your disguise. From now on, you'll be a mild-mannered reporter..."
Ever since The Boys confirmed the relationship between A-Train and Popclaw during Arthur's duel night, and that Translucent hadn't set a trap for them, they had set their sights on Popclaw.
During this time, Butcher recalled Marvin, nicknamed "Mother's Milk," and they secretly installed surveillance in Popclaw's home, accidentally discovering that A-Train was taking a drug called Compound V.
This was a huge harvest.
As long as they could prove that The Seven were a bunch of dirty, steroid-injecting junkies, it would be enough to destroy their heroic image in the public eye.
To that end, they had to obtain a sample of "Compound V."
Today's trip was specifically to steal the Compound V from A-Train's bag.
At this moment, Hughie was confiding his feelings about this period to Marvin.
Boom!
A short, sharp roar suddenly exploded in the sky.
The sound was extremely close, as if it were right nearby.
Hughie said with a nervous look, "Is Homelander here?"
Marvin calmly poked his head out and said, "As the biggest star, he always likes to make a grand finale entrance."
Soon, Marvin spotted a man and a woman walking out of a flower bed not far away.
"I look okay like this, right?"
Kate struggled to smooth out her blonde hair, which had been messed up by the strong winds, and felt quite uncomfortable as she walked.
She couldn't help it; she had been too engrossed while up in the clouds and accidentally used too much force, tearing her minimal pants to shreds. Fortunately, she was able to pull on a pair of jeans, so she had to make do with that.
"No problem, you look great."
Arthur felt that his flying skills had leveled up, so naturally, he had to shower praise upon the biggest contributor beside him.
Afterward, he held Kate's hand, walked out of the flower bed, and headed toward the entrance.
Marvin was pondering the identity of those two.
Hughie, who had crept over at some point, saw Arthur and suddenly realized, "It's him!"
Marvin turned his head, "You know him?"