Starlight's actions deeply satisfied Homelander. Now the originally innocent newcomer had become like them.
She would be tormented by guilt over her actions, terrified that news of murdering innocent people might be exposed.
After all, numerous people had died in this bank, most killed by heroes like themselves.
Soon, everyone in the bank lay motionless on the floor, their blood pooling and staining the entire building crimson.
"Well, well. Should I expose your true nature?"
A voice echoed through the carnage, drawing The Seven's attention. Looking up, they saw streamlined armor covering a figure from head to toe—similar to the armored vigilante from previous encounters.
Marcus flexed his legs while pointing a video camera at the group.
"Hand over that camera!"
A-Train charged toward Marcus, but unfortunately his speed was pathetic compared to Gauss.
CRACK!
A-Train rushed forward at tremendous velocity, only to be launched backward even faster, crashing through the bank wall and landing outside.
"That guy was right—you're all scum!"
Marcus didn't reveal his identity, instead creating another persona for himself.
This approach would be more entertaining, making Vought believe he represented some secret organization specifically targeting them.
Seeing A-Train blasted from the bank, Homelander and Queen Maeve charged Marcus together. Even Starlight, fresh from her first murder, released brilliant flashes at Marcus.
"You're all..." Marcus's voice reached each of them the next instant. "Too slow!"
THUD-THUD-THUD!
Except for Homelander, who barely withstood Marcus's restrained assault, everyone else shot through the bank walls like artillery shells.
Even Homelander, who'd managed to resist the attack, required tremendous effort. His feet had completely sunk into the bank floor, carving deep furrows in the ground.
"Interesting. Seems there's still some fight left in you. Let's have some fun!"
Mach Rush
BANG!
Everything surrounding Marcus was suddenly drawn toward his starting position—even Homelander was caught by the intense suction, pulled helplessly in Marcus's direction.
THUD-THUD-THUD!
In the blink of an eye, Homelander absorbed several punches. Facing Marcus's assault, he had no time to react and could only attempt defense.
Of course, Marcus wasn't using full strength, carefully restraining his power just enough to deliver a thorough beating.
After several more strikes, Marcus suddenly raised his foot and kicked toward Homelander. Simultaneously, everything around them began freezing rapidly.
Heat Void
CRACK-CRACK-CRACK!
The blood-stained bank instantly froze solid, even Homelander's cape crystallizing before shattering under Marcus's attack.
Frost spread rapidly across Homelander's body, ice patterns forming on his face.
"Impressive—worthy of being The Seven's strongest member, withstanding such extreme cold."
Marcus spoke mockingly. Like his previous assault, he hadn't released Heat Void at full power.
Otherwise, someone like Homelander would have frozen solid instantly.
He was here for entertainment, not murder.
"Now it's my turn!"
Homelander roared furiously, his eyes erupting with heat vision as he tried to incinerate Marcus.
But his attack was meaningless against Marcus. Heat vision might work against others, but against him? That was a joke.
"Are you trying to light my cigarette?"
Marcus replied nonchalantly as terrifying heat waves erupted from his body, transforming into a blazing inferno that spread through the frost.
Heat Void
The extreme temperature rapidly evaporated moisture from Homelander's body. The next moment, the intersection of ice and fire triggered a massive explosion that engulfed both the bank and Homelander.
BOOOOM!
Bystanders outside heard only a scream before witnessing several heroes led by A-Train smash through walls and fly outside.
Then they saw a devastating explosion erupt from within the bank, instantly reducing the building to rubble.
"What... what's happening? How could there be such a massive explosion in the bank? What happened to The Seven?"
Everyone spoke at once, unable to understand the situation.
Soon they got their answer. After the explosion dust settled, streamlined armor with metallic luster appeared before them.
Standing atop the ruins, Marcus looked at the gathered crowd, placed one hand on his chest, and bowed slightly.
"Greetings, everyone. You may call me Gauss."
Instantly, Marcus appeared before the media reporters—faster than the supposedly world's fastest A-Train, startling the surrounding journalists considerably.
This was their first encounter with such a situation—someone surpassing the world's fastest superhuman.
Most importantly, according to Vought's published data, A-Train's speed was rapidly increasing.
Under these circumstances, they'd witnessed someone even faster than A-Train. This streamlined figure was clearly extraordinary.
"Since reporters are present, let's use your cameras to make an announcement! Everyone at Vought Corporation—here's some unfortunate news. I, Gauss, announce on behalf of the Tennō Council that you have become our prey. You cannot escape!"
As his declaration ended, the ruins behind him suddenly exploded as a tattered figure shot skyward.
"Oh? Seems your Homelander is still alive!" Marcus casually cracked his neck. "Then let me play with your lapdog first!"
Marcus vanished again, and Homelander, who'd launched into the air, was struck hard and crashed back to earth.
A cloud appeared overhead, and when it cleared, armor adorned with feathers materialized in the sky.
This was the Celestial Twin that Marcus had deployed in advance to complete his deception.
The clone now flew overhead while Marcus himself stood before the crowd, fighting The Seven in full view.
"Ha! Wukong, why did you emerge again? Are you that worried about leaving these toys to me?"
Marcus multitasked, speaking to his airborne clone.
The clone, under his control, responded with a different voice.
"Council meetings are so boring—I couldn't resist getting my hands dirty!"
Hearing this exchange, everyone present was shocked. These beings actually regarded The Seven as toys.
But witnessing both figures' casual attitudes, the surrounding crowd could clearly assess which side held overwhelming power.
"Fine, I'll leave Homelander to you—but don't steal the others from me!"
Marcus's form vanished again. The next moment, A-Train, who'd just recovered, was struck violently and launched skyward.
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