Blowing someone's head apart with bare hands.
For the two punks, that was way too intense. So intense that their bodies shook and shook, trembling nonstop.
Then the two of them let out a scream and bolted out of the apartment building, rushing into the deserted alley.
Up ahead, the lights flickering at the alley entrance and the silhouettes of people passing by looked full of life.
They were just about to run toward it.
Suddenly, both their shoulders sank.
They turned to look. The white man in a baseball cap and plaid shirt had somehow appeared beside them.
Like an old buddy, he had casually slung an arm around each of their shoulders.
"Where you going? Didn't you just say you were going to dump me in a trash can?"
Alex glanced at a garbage bin not far away.
The two men's teeth chattered.
The one with earrings stammered, "I'm sorry! I was wrong!"
"Please don't kill me!"
The other quickly said, "I'm not with them!"
"Sir, please just let me go."
Alex smiled. He tapped both their necks lightly, then tossed them aside with a flick of his hands.
The two men first shot up into the air, then fell from above, and finally landed in the garbage bin in twisted positions.
Alex clapped his hands, walked out of the alley as if nothing had happened, and took out his phone to call Ashley.
"Help me clean up some trash."
———
A few days passed in the blink of an eye.
During those days, superhuman crime in the city shot up in a straight line.
Because the Seven had stopped their hero activities, those superhuman criminals had grown bolder and more ruthless, committing major crimes one after another, leaving New York's police overwhelmed.
Every day, requests for assistance piled up at the Seven Tower like mountains. But since Alex hadn't given the word, Ashley didn't dare to make any moves and temporarily shut down the support hotline.
Today, the costume department had finished two new battle suits.
Alex was trying one on in the command hall when the doors opened and the CEO, Edgar, walked in.
Alex showed off the black battle suit he was wearing, "What do you think?"
Edgar smiled, "It suits you very well."
"Do you have time to talk?"
Alex shook his head, "No. I'm heading out."
He walked away in the black suit.
Left behind, Edgar's smile faded. His face darkened as he took out his phone and made a call, "Have Starlight come to my office."
———
A moment later, the CEO was face to face with Starlight.
"What I was worried about has happened," Edgar said bluntly.
"Once the Seven can't work for some reason, the superhuman crime rate spikes."
"In just these few days, there have been more than fifty superhuman crime cases in the city. The criminals who used to be crushed by the Seven are now retaliating like crazy."
"If this continues, our company's brand image will suffer. It's time to act, Starlight."
"You're a reserve member of the Seven. It's time for you to step into the spotlight."
Wearing her old battle suit, Starlight said eagerly, "I can leave anytime."
Just then, a phone rang.
After answering, Edgar said, "Good. The superhuman criminal 'Ironhide,' who robbed Homeland Bank a few days ago, has just appeared at the Federal Reserve Bank."
"Go stop him, Starlight."
"And put on the new suit the costume department designed for you. I need you to show the world Vought's vitality."
Starlight froze, then shook her head, "No. That suit is too revealing."
"I won't wear it!"
Edgar looked at her, "Then you can go home, child."
"This isn't a game."
"If you want to keep being a superhero, you'll follow my arrangements."
"Think it over."
Starlight stood there in a daze.
Hesitation and struggle flashed in her eyes. After a moment, she said softly, "I understand."
———
[Chinatown]
Wearing a jacket, Alex stepped out of a taxi. As he passed a shop, he saw on a television inside that the Federal Reserve Bank robbery was being broadcast live.
A man with iron gray skin was smashing through police cars.
A reporter appeared in front of the camera and spoke passionately, ["It's been almost a week!"]
["The Seven have stopped their hero activities for nearly a week!"]
["In just this week, the number of superhuman crimes has exceeded the total of the past year combined!"]
["Perhaps some departments should reflect more deeply on what matters more. Stopping superhuman crime, or protecting their public facilities!"]
Alex smiled and quickened his pace. Soon he arrived at Lin Aida's home.
"Thank you so much, Mr. John."
Caitlin sat on the sofa and sneezed. She had caught the flu.
Dizzy and weak, she couldn't go out to buy medicine herself, so she had called Alex.
Alex had wanted to see her anyway and get closer, so he left Edgar behind and came to Chinatown.
After giving Caitlin her medicine, Alex turned on the television. The Federal Reserve incident was still playing.
After listening for a while, Lin Aida said, "This is all the Bureau's fault. If they hadn't sued Homelander, none of this would have happened."
Just then, the host on TV said, ["We've just received word. Vought has responded!"]
["They've dispatched a 'Seven Reserve.' It's said to be a backup team meant to support the Seven."]
["There's currently only one member."]
["She is, Starlight!"]
The camera shook, then focused on a helicopter.
Someone jumped from the cabin and landed gracefully on the ground.
It was Starlight.
"Oh, new look…", Alex let out a whistle, very fitting for a plumber's temperament.
On the screen, Starlight's wavy golden hair flowed freely. She was wearing the new battle suit, revealing and sexy.
Low neckline. High slit. Pale thighs fully exposed.
Immediately, the criminal Ironhide, who had been holding a police officer, went wide eyed at the sight of Starlight, practically drooling.
The host's voice came through the screen, ["Everyone, Starlight has arrived on scene."]
["Now let's wait and see whether this new superhero can replace the Seven, can replace Homelander!"]
In the footage, Starlight walked toward Ironhide with a cold expression. He threw the officer aside and made obscene gestures at her.
Starlight's eyes suddenly lit up. She thrust her hands forward.
A blinding flash erupted on site. When the light faded, Ironhide was sent flying, smashing through four or five police cars before finally stopping.
Cheers erupted from the surrounding citizens.
["Did you see that? Starlight just released something like a shockwave and blasted Ironhide away in one move!"]
But then Ironhide shook his head and stood up again.
He patted his chest as if nothing had happened.
Then he pointed at Starlight, made a throat slashing gesture, and charged at her.
Starlight unleashed another burst of light and shockwave. This time, Ironhide was prepared.
He raised his arms to block it.
Starlight kept firing shockwaves. After blocking several, Ironhide seized an opening and kicked a police car.
The car shot toward Starlight.
Her eyes glowed again, but this time the light was noticeably weaker.
She pushed forward with both hands. In a flicker of light, the police car was blasted away.
But from beneath the flying vehicle, Ironhide rushed out and punched Starlight, sending her flying.
═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═❀═
[email protected]/AmbitiousTranslator
🥳Joining P@treon keeps me motivated and eager to work diligently, so please consider joining.🥰 You can access upto 20 advance chapter through P@treon.