Now that they'd agreed to cooperate, Marcus saw no reason to hide the truth from his new allies. After all, they were both searching for Compound V.
"Compound V is a superhuman creation drug, but its effects are completely unpredictable. When someone uses enough of it, they gradually develop powers beyond human capability."
The revelation surprised both men. Billy and Hughie knew Compound V existed, but they'd assumed it was simply an enhancement drug for existing superhumans.
Now they understood Compound V's true purpose from this armored warrior. Enhancing superhuman abilities was just a side effect—this was a substance that could transform ordinary people into superhumans entirely.
"However, the younger you are when using Compound V, the greater your potential abilities. You two..."
The clone studied them carefully, transmitting the visual data to Marcus.
"Even with large doses of Compound V, you'd likely develop weaker abilities—sensory enhancement at best."
"But I don't recommend using it. As I said, before injection, there's no way to predict what power you'll gain. Strong subjects might develop Homelander-level abilities, but weak ones could become masses of living flesh without bones to support their bodies!"
The horrifying description immediately cooled their interest. Compound V's effects were completely uncontrollable. While gaining tremendous power sounded appealing, becoming a boneless blob of meat was nightmare fuel.
"So you came to us for Compound V?" Billy asked directly.
"Of course!" Marcus replied matter-of-factly. "You're ordinary people who won't attract attention. You're perfect for investigating Compound V while I handle the trash."
His blunt answer made both men pause. They hadn't expected this incredibly powerful being to covet Compound V.
Based on what they now knew, the substance could both enhance existing superhumans and create new ones from scratch. Marcus's goal seemed obvious—collect Compound V to strengthen his own abilities and overthrow Vought.
The two nodded slowly, processing these implications. Such a powerful ally would provide tremendous advantages, and they'd no longer need to worry about personal safety.
"Alright, we'll investigate Compound V. Just keep us protected!"
Billy agreed with a slight nod. While they were ordinary people, they had advantages—they could blend into crowds without notice.
"Excellent. I hope you bring back good news quickly!"
Marcus nodded as his clone transformed into pure energy and vanished before their eyes.
The sudden disappearance shocked both men. They'd never expected Marcus to disappear so strangely, dissolving into energy in front of them.
Marcus didn't concern himself with their reactions. He simply wanted the Compound V formula as soon as possible, and perhaps a look at Vought's laboratory subjects.
Vought wasn't the harmless corporation they advertised. This was an ambitious company with global aspirations—otherwise they couldn't have produced "heroes" like The Seven, who resembled terrorists more than protectors.
"If Compound V's effects could be standardized, the formula would be perfect. Though the power levels might still be weak."
Marcus mused to himself. His memory contained knowledge of many enhancement substances.
In certain Marvel realities, there were serums that could grant the power of a million stars—like the formula that created the being called Sentry.
Steve Rogers' super-soldier serum was also excellent, pushing all human attributes to peak levels.
Many such substances existed. Some people had even injected themselves with Hulk's blood to gain his abilities.
Without exception, these formulas produced remarkable results.
But Compound V offered distinct advantages. If he could solve the unpredictability problem, it would become an ideal means of mass-producing super-soldiers.
Marcus wanted to experiment with optimizing the substance completely.
When Clark eventually returned to his Kryptonian ship, Marcus could acquire that technology and integrate Kryptonian abilities into Compound V.
He felt confident about this approach. In his memory, Lex Luthor had used Kryptonian technology to create superhuman enhancement drugs.
Fusing Compound V with Kryptonian science might produce countless powerful beings.
"Speaking of which, I wonder which reality contains the Sentry. I'd love to witness that million-star power firsthand."
Marcus muttered his curiosity about the being who could supposedly release stellar-level energy.
After all, his current maximum was using Wisp abilities to open dimensional channels near stars and redirect their power.
He truly wanted to see what millions of stellar explosions would look like.
Over the following days, Marcus toured the city like a casual visitor.
Meanwhile, The Seven searched frantically for his clone, desperate to locate their mysterious attacker.
But no matter how hard they looked, Marcus's clone remained unfindable. The warrior who'd humiliated them seemed like a phantom.
Homelander stood at the Seven's meeting hall window, watching pedestrians below.
"Deep, any word from your sea life contacts?"
Hearing the inquiry, The Deep swallowed nervously from his seat.
"I'm... sorry, Homelander. No reports yet."
Despite both being Seven members, a hundred Deeps couldn't challenge Homelander.
He understood Homelander's strength and character perfectly. The man could murder anyone with a smile, even fellow team members.
In Homelander's eyes, Deep was as insignificant as everyone else—completely worthless.
Only two people earned Homelander's attention: A-Train with his suddenly enhanced abilities, and Queen Maeve, his former lover.
Deep's response clearly displeased Homelander, who turned with a slight frown.
"Then why are you still here? Get your sea creatures to find that bastard!"
Seeing Homelander's growing irritation, Deep immediately bolted from his chair and ran outside. Only after escaping the Seven's hall could he finally breathe.
He lived in terror of Homelander's volatile nature. Despite his intimidating name, Deep was barely stronger than ordinary humans.
If Homelander decided to eliminate him, his fate would be no different from any random civilian!