Free Web NovelChapter 40: 40: I think Homelander is like a candle
Don’t try so hard to fit in, and certainly don’t try so hard to be different. Just try hard to be you.
~ Zendaya
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The host forced the conversation in a different direction.
"We all saw how you used heat vision to blast through the bunker and melt everything within a one-kilometer radius. Can you control how strong it is?"
"It’s called Omega Beams, and yeah, I can adjust the power whenever I want."
"So how much power did you actually use to destroy Farid’s bunker?"
Hillel thought about it for a second, then held up three fingers.
"About... thirty percent?"
Surprise flashed across Jessica’s face.
Thirty percent.
That attack that melted the ground had only used thirty percent of his power.
If The Guardian went all out...
Jessica didn’t even want to picture it.
She quickly changed topics again.
"Ehm... The Guardian, we noticed you brought two young team members with you on this mission. Can you tell us about them?"
"Those are Cate and Jordan. Interns I personally recruited from Godolkin University." freeweɓnovēl.coɱ
"Interns? You took interns on a counter-terrorism op?"
"Yeah. Couldn’t just leave them watching SpongeBob in the office, could I!?"
The interview barely lasted ten minutes.
Just as Jessica was about to throw some tough questions at him, the door opened.
Homelander walked in.
Full suit up, big bright smile, perfect white teeth. He looked like a walking American flag.
"Hey! I’m not late, am I?"
Homelander strode over to the couch area and plopped down right next to Hillel.
The host and crew were all stunned.
This was supposed to be The Guardian’s exclusive interview. Homelander wasn’t supposed to be here.
Hillel wasn’t surprised at all.
Honestly, nothing Homelander did would surprise him anymore.
As a pro, Jessica adjusted fast.
"Oh! Everyone give a big round of applause for Homelander! Welcome to the interview!"
"Thanks, Jessica, right? Haha, I heard you were talking to my good brother so I figured I’d drop by and show some support."
Homelander threw an arm around Hillel’s shoulder, grinning like an idiot.
"After all, The Guardian is part of the big Vought family!"
Hillel glanced at him. The guy had basically shoved him out of the frame.
He was here to ride the coattails.
A panel popped up.
[Key Character: Homelander — Current Emotions: Jealousy, Resentment, Desire for Attention]
[Ability Points Gained: +156]
"So Homelander, what do you think of The Guardian’s performance yesterday?" Jessica asked, not afraid to stir the pot and poke right at Homelander’s sore spot.
"Oh, that was simply amazing!"
Homelander gave a big thumbs up. "The Guardian is one of the most powerful supes I’ve ever seen. His performance yesterday showed the whole world exactly how strong Vought really is!"
"As his good friend, I’m proud of him!"
Homelander’s smile was flawless and his tone sounded completely sincere.
If it wasn’t for the panel showing his real emotions, Hillel might have actually bought it.
Jessica nodded and turned to Hillel.
"The Guardian, your relationship with Homelander..."
"Um, Mr Homelander, could you move over a bit?" A young cameraman holding the camera frowned. "You’re blocking my shot of The Guardian."
Cameraman, danger!
The whole studio went dead silent. Everyone stared at the kid.
Homelander kept smiling, but everyone could see he was embarrassed as hell.
It was obvious to everyone that Homelander was trying to ride the hype and steal some of The Guardian’s spotlight.
Nobody dared say it out loud. Except this clueless kid.
[Key Character: Homelander — Sudden Emotional Shift: Jealousy, Anger, Humiliation, Killing Intent]
[Ability Points Gained: +892]
Pfft! Gotta control my laugh! deep breath, phew. Farming Homelander’s emotions really is the best.
Homelander recovered quickly, pretending he hadn’t noticed, and apologized to everyone.
"Oh, of course."
"Sorry, I didn’t mean to steal The Guardian’s spotlight."
"I was just so happy for him! Sorry!" fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com
The smile stayed perfect.
But Homelander’s heart rate had already jumped to 116 beats per minute.
No need to guess. That cameraman wouldn’t have a job much longer.
"Jessica," Hillel suddenly spoke up, "I think there’s something that needs clearing up."
The host wiped cold sweat from her forehead and tried to stay calm.
"You... you go ahead?"
"Yesterday’s mission wasn’t all my credit."
Jessica raised an eyebrow.
Homelander’s gloomy mood got interrupted. He turned to look at Hillel.
"This Middle East mission was originally supposed to go to Homelander. With Homelander’s strength, taking care of Farid would’ve been no problem at all."
Hillel smiled at the camera, "But Homelander gave the opportunity to me."
Eh..? A weird look crossed Homelander’s face.
A giant question mark floated over his head.
Did that happen?
He hadn’t even heard about this mission. Edgar had set it up directly and cut him out.
But Hillel’s acting was on another level.
"Homelander once told me: ’The Guardian, you’re still new and need a chance to prove yourself. You take this mission. I’ll have your back from here!’"
Hillel looked completely sincere, selling it so well that even Homelander almost believed it had actually happened.
The camera instantly zoomed in on Homelander. The global broadcast filled the screen with his face.
...
At Vought headquarters.
Edgar turned off the TV with a blank face.
He had deliberately put The Guardian in the spotlight and even hand-picked the reporters just to make Homelander jealous of Hillel and drive a wedge between them.
And yet this Guardian was arrogant and full of himself in private, but suddenly turned into an Oscar-level actor in front of the camera?
Are you fucking cheating!!
...
"Haha, that’s right!"
Homelander leaned back on the sofa and threw his arm around Hillel’s shoulder.
"I did say that! The Guardian is new and needs chances. As the big brother of the team, it’s my job to look after the rookies!"
This time Homelander’s smile was real.
The Guardian is fucking awesome!
This is a real brother. When one eats good, we all eat good!
A panel popped up:
[Key Character: Homelander — Emotional Change: Satisfaction, Surprise, Respect]
[Ability Points Gained: +445]
Hillel kept stacking the prize pool.
"And it’s not just this time. At Vought, Homelander is always looking out for me and others."
"He’s like the big brother of the team, always giving opportunities to others and taking the hard stuff on himself."
"Honestly, I think Homelander is like a candle."
Jessica played along. "A candle? Why do you say that?"
"Because he burns himself to give light to others." Hillel patted Homelander’s shoulder. "He shares his light with all of us, letting us stand in the spotlight while he supports the whole team from the back!"
"Homelander has bled and fought for Vought. He is the soul of Vought!"
"Vought shines because of Homelander!"
"Homelander is the only true hero of Vought!"
After he finished, Hillel started clapping first.
The studio staff looked moved too and jumped to their feet to applaud.
As a veteran host with years of experience, Jessica squeezed out two perfect tears.
"Homelander, what do you think of The Guardian’s take on you?"
Homelander sat on the sofa, barely able to hide how thrilled he was.
The whole world was watching this live, and every word The Guardian just said had put him right in the center of attention.
That’s right. He really was the greatest hero of Vought!!
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