After a period of intensive live experiments, good news finally arrived from Baron Strucker's laboratory in the Alps.
The final stage of screening for Compound V had been completed, and the serum stability had reached the standards required for preliminary mass production.
However, after extensive data comparison and clinical observation, the unique characteristics of the new generation of Compound V were also fully exposed.
"Sir, Baron Strucker's reports have been compiled." Skynet waved its arm, pushing several experimental data charts in front of Homelander.
"Regarding the mass-produced Compound V, we have summarized three core characteristics."
"Speak."
"Characteristic one," Skynet pulled up a set of genetic maps, "In the last batch of test subjects we sent, five people showed no reaction after being injected with high concentrations of Compound V; the compound was rapidly degraded within their bodies."
"After my in-depth testing, it was confirmed that these individuals all carry recessive Inhuman genes."
Skynet summarized: "Compound V cannot activate humans who possess Inhuman genes. This seems to be a genetic lock set by the Kree during their genetic engineering. Their superpowers can only be activated through resonance with elements contained in terrigen crystals."
Homelander was not surprised; it was normal for rejection to occur between the god-making technologies of two different civilizations.
"Continue."
"Characteristic two," Skynet pulled up another set of data, accompanied by several experimental videos.
"When Compound V acts on ordinary people, although the success rate of ability activation reaches one hundred percent, the quality of the awakened abilities varies greatly, exhibiting extreme randomness."
Skynet clicked on several videos to demonstrate.
"For example, this Subject Fourteen; the ability he awakened causes his fingernails to grow frantically at a rate of ten centimeters per minute, but the hardness of the nails is no stronger than an average person's, so he must trim them constantly."
"And this Subject Seventy-Two; his ability is to burst high-temperature flames from his pores, but he himself does not possess a fireproof constitution. He was severely burned the first time he used his ability."
"In short, sir. When ordinary people use Compound V, there is a more than sixty percent probability of awakening abilities that are not very useful. The proportion of people who can truly awaken abilities suitable for actual combat is not high."
"This is starkly different from the Inhumans. Although the strength of Inhuman abilities also varies, they were originally developed as biological weapons for the Kree. Therefore, as long as they successfully undergo Terrigenesis, their abilities possess certain combat or tactical attributes. Furthermore, after a short period of instruction, Inhumans can skillfully master and control their powers."
Homelander nodded. Compound V was essentially a crude genetic mutation drug.
For ordinary people who haven't undergone post-natal genetic editing, it was completely like opening a mystery box.
"So, what is the third characteristic?"
"Characteristic three," Skynet switched to another set of data, "Compound V's effect on non-natural superhumans. For example, the Hulk, Captain America, or those like Quicksilver who mutated due to external energy stimulation."
"When such individuals come into contact with Compound V, they do not develop new abilities; instead, it triggers a secondary evolution of their original powers."
Skynet summarized: "Although the specific direction of evolution cannot be predicted, genetic derivation based on their biological samples suggests that their overall strength after evolution will generally be greater than the previous two types of superhumans."
Homelander stroked his chin, his mind thinking rapidly.
These three characteristics determined that Vought Vanguard Hero Academy could not adopt a one-size-fits-all teaching model.
After thinking it over, Homelander turned to Skynet and issued an order.
"Skynet, after the academy opens, establish a sorting ceremony."
"Based on the characteristics of these three groups, divide the students into different branches for targeted cultivation."
Skynet quickly listed a plan on the holographic screen.
"Very well, sir. I have generated the structure for three branches."
"The first is the Osiris Division, primarily recruiting ordinary people activated by Compound V. Aside from a few individuals with top-tier abilities, the core employment direction for the remaining students is positioned as battlefield support, disaster relief, logistics, and security or clerical roles within Vought International."
"The second is the Helios Branch, composed entirely of Inhumans. The training system will focus on high-intensity combat drills, and their primary destination after graduation will be the V-Special Forces, serving as Vought's regular supernatural armed force."
"The third is the Obelisk Branch, accepting those who gained power through other mutations and underwent secondary evolution via Compound V. Their training will focus on the cultivation of individual heroism, and they will be deployed to major cities after graduation to serve as resident heroes, maintaining Vought's public image."
Homelander looked at the three branches Skynet had planned and tapped the table with satisfaction.
"Good, but not enough." Homelander thought for a moment and continued, "Add a fourth branch. The name will be... the Vitrum Branch."
"Very well, sir. What selection criteria should be set?" Skynet asked.
"This branch will not recruit directly from the outside. Its students will be hand-picked from the three branches mentioned above."
"There are only three criteria for selection: their awakened abilities must be top-tier; they must have blind worship and faith in Homelander; and their sense of obedience must be absolutely higher than their individual will."
Homelander spoke his ambition without any concealment.
"They will serve as our main force to break out of Earth and conquer other interstellar civilizations."
"My rules are simple."
"When encountering other civilizations, those who can accept Federation rule and cooperate with me to harvest popularity will be brought under our jurisdiction. If there is resistance..."
Homelander gave a cold laugh.
"Then label them as evil alien forces plotting against Earth and erase them from the Universe."
"Understood, sir. The branch system has been established," Skynet replied respectfully.
...
A week later.
Thanks to Vought International's World-leading 'Capsule Technology', the speed of infrastructure construction was startlingly fast.
In the outskirts of New York, a few kilometers away from the V.G.D. Headquarters Base.
A vast complex of buildings full of technological flair rose from the ground.
The much-anticipated Vought Vanguard Hero Academy officially opened.
Peter Parker walked through the spacious and bright academy corridors.
He was surrounded by young people just like him, all wearing uniform blue academy uniforms.
In the pre-school testing, Peter had been assigned to the junior class of the 'Obelisk' Branch; after all, he was still a minor.
He pushed open the door to the lecture hall and found a seat near the front.
The classroom soon filled with students, everyone whispering and excitedly guessing who the teacher for the first class would be.
Thud.
The door at the front of the classroom was pushed open.