Free Web NovelChapter 48: 48: Sam Winchester, Ehm, Mr. Marathon
When do you think people die? When they’re shot through the heart with a pistol? No. When they’re forgotten.
~ Dr. Hiluluk
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When Hillel flew back to Vought Tower, it was already dark.
The lights of Manhattan spread out beneath his feet.
Butcher and his crew shouldn’t cause any more trouble in the short term.
Hillel had Butcher’s weak spot. The guy could only play good boy and listen to Daddy.
As for Compound V, let them dig into it.
He wasn’t a normal supe. Judging by bloodline purity he wasn’t even human anymore.
Hillel had planned to go find Queen Maeve.
Farm some emotions from the cool older sister and get another big batch of ability points.
His phone suddenly vibrated.
Ashley sent a message: "Are you free to come to the conference room? Someone wants to see you."
Another one: "It’s a good thing! Absolutely a good thing! I swear!"
And another: "I beg you, please reply."
Hillel curled his lips.
Ashley was still as much of a kiss-ass as ever. Living in a world full of supes had anxiety baked into her bones.
...
The Seven conference room.
When Hillel pushed the door open and walked in, Ashley was standing by the long table with someone next to her.
Male, white, looked like the younger brother from Supernatural.
This was the speedster replacing A-Train. Mr. Marathon.
But every time Hillel saw him he always thought of Sam Winchester.
"Mr. Guardian!"
The man stepped forward and reached out his hand.
"I am Marathon. It’s an honor to have your favor."
Hillel didn’t shake it. He just hovered in the air and glanced at him.
Marathon, whose house was full of baby oil and who liked to snort pure stuff on the side.
Hillel didn’t want to know what was on the guy’s hands.
Marathon’s hand hung awkwardly in the air before he sensibly pulled it back. His smile didn’t fade.
"Being personally recommended by you is already a huge honor for me!"
Marathon cherished this interview chance.
Hillel landed and pulled out the chair at the head of the table to sit down.
"Ashley, go ahead."
Ashley switched into work mode immediately.
"After A-Train and The Deep’s positions opened up, The Seven is currently short two members. As per your and Homelander’s wishes, we need at least one speedster to fill A-Train’s spot. We had decided to go with a young face like Supersonic, but due to some disagreements regarding his personal life, we decided to go in this direction.."
Two photos appeared on the projector.
One was Marathon, the other was Shockwave.
Ashley finished giving Marathon’s detailed stats, then started tirelessly talking up Shockwave.
"We’ve already leaked the news on social media: #WhoWillBeTheNewMemberOfTheSeven#. The topic is currently trending third nationwide, right behind your and Homelander’s daily activities."
Ashley spoke faster and faster, eyes shining with excitement.
The value of a corporate slave lies in creating value for the boss.
Ashley was clearly that type.
"No matter who gets picked in the end, this wave of hype will push The Seven’s visibility to a new level. The public loves talent shows, competition, and picking sides. I’ve designed a two-week public voting segment—"
"Ashley."
Hillel cut her off.
"How much kickback did Shockwave give you?"
The conference room went dead quiet. Marathon’s expression turned weird.
Ashley’s smile froze instantly.
"I... what?"
"Don’t play dumb."
Hillel crossed his legs and tapped his fingers on the armrest. "In the voting segment you designed, Shockwave clearly got more exposure. The homepage recommendation slot, the order of the topics, even the comparison image puts him on the left. People’s eyes naturally go left to right. You’re deliberately steering the public."
"This... this is just a layout habit—"
"You’ve been living pretty good lately. I noticed when I flew back there’s a new Porsche Cayenne in your parking spot?"
"Also, Mr. Marathon’s proposal was decided internally. I never suggested adding extra options, so why the hell did you bring Shockwave in?"
Ashley’s heart rate shot up and her face went visibly pale.
"I... I can explain..."
"No! No! No! No need to explain!"
Hillel stood up and walked over to Ashley.
Ashley instinctively stepped back half a pace, but Hillel just patted her shoulder.
"Ashley, you don’t need to be nervous." fгee𝑤ebɳoveɭ.cøm
Hillel’s tone suddenly turned gentle.
"You’re a smart person. It’s normal for smart people to want to make more money. After all, you’re under a lot of pressure and need to splurge to blow off steam. But I don’t care whose kickbacks you take. I only care about who you listen to! Understand?"
Ashley looked up and met Hillel’s eyes.
She hadn’t expected Hillel to actually be more human than Homelander.
He exposed her and then just forgave her?
If this had been Homelander her brains would already be splattered on the wall.
Next to them, Mr. Marathon stared hard at the tabletop. What a fascinating table this was!
"Good!" ƒrēewebnovel.com
Hillel sat back down in the main seat.
...
[ Ashley Barrett — Emotional Shift: Sense of belonging, loyalty, gratitude ]
[ Ability Points Gained: +8,734 ]
...
Marathon didn’t dare say a word, even though the two people in front of him were openly making a deal that would decide his entire future.
"By the way." Hillel suddenly remembered something. "Do you have any plans tonight?"
Ashley froze for a second, then her face flushed a little.
"I... I have time tonight..."
"Then help me check Queen Maeve’s schedule for the next few days."
Ashley: "..."
"Queen Maeve..."
Ashley cleared her throat and switched back to work mode. "Speaking of which, I was just about to bring this up with you and Homelander. We’ve received some news lately..."
She lowered her voice. Marathon sensibly covered his ears.
"Queen Maeve might be... a lesbian. Paparazzi caught her with a woman at a bar in the West Village..."
"Oh? Who’s a lesbian?"
The door got pushed open.
Homelander strode in, cape flowing behind him.
Maeve followed right behind.
Maeve wore her usual heroine armor, face cold as ever, but the second she saw Hillel she quickly looked away.
"I, I was just saying—"
"I heard it."
Homelander walked over casually, a playful smirk at the corner of his mouth.
"Maeve is a lesbian? Interesting!"
His gaze shifted between Hillel and Maeve. So when Hillel took Maeve away last time, did nothing happen at all?
Oh ho!
Hillel’s into Maeve, Maeve likes women. What a love triangle!!
This was way more entertaining than any reality show Vought produced.
"Find a seat."
Hillel tilted his chin at Homelander.
Homelander glanced at Hillel’s seat. That was his main seat.
It was obvious the other guy had zero intention of giving it up.
Homelander’s mouth twitched, then he suddenly laughed and sat down on Hillel’s right.
"I’ll let you play captain for a day, just for fun, bro!"
Marathon finally found a bit of presence.
He stepped forward toward Homelander, hand outstretched, face full of eager smiles.
"Mr. Homelander! You look as great as ever. It’s truly..."
Homelander didn’t even lift an eyelid.
Marathon’s smile froze.
Fine, fine, fine. So that’s how we’re playing, huh!
"Marathon."
Hillel spoke up.
"Sir! I’m here!"
Marathon straightened his back immediately.
The awkward atmosphere from before vanished.
"What work arrangements do you have recently?"
Marathon’s eyes lit up. The other party was finally paying attention to him.
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