"The main purpose of my visit is to invite Mr. Sebastian Xiao to join our big family here at Vought. Our company plans to build the strongest hero team around him!"
Edgar sat down and went straight to the point, presenting Vought's invitation to Xiao. Yet his eyes constantly flicked toward Xiao Xingxiu, subtly reminding him of the contract he had previously signed.
"Of course, of course! We'd be delighted!" Xiao Xingxiu responded without hesitation. He understood Edgar perfectly. Vought had supported the Xiao family in their most difficult times. As such, even though Sebastian now had tremendous worth, trustworthiness and gratitude mattered.
Vought had long since recognized Sebastian Xiao's potential early on, and any breach of contract could have led to the family losing factories or property. Xiao Xingxiu had no reason to betray them. At this moment, interests aligned: Vought needed Sebastian's popularity, and Xiao needed Vought's marketing power—a true win-win scenario.
"Vought warmly welcomes Captain America to join us!" Edgar finally relaxed and placed two contracts on the coffee table.
"These contracts outline Sebastian's shareholding in Vought Company," Edgar explained. "One grants 2% dividends for each member of the new hero unit we plan to build. The other concerns inheritance of Soldier Boy's legacy: ten percent of Soldier Boy's power and influence."
Xiao Xingxiu examined the contracts. They were identical except for the profit-sharing percentages.
"Homelander!" Edgar gestured toward his companion—Homelander's piercing blue eyes flashed with crimson as he glared at Xiao.
"Fight me, and prove you're worthy of inheriting Soldier Boy's legacy!"
"What?!"
Theresa Xiao, who had been silently observing, immediately stood up.
"No! Absolutely not! My son will not fight anyone—this isn't about money!"
"I'm not asking. I'm ordering you!" Homelander roared, stepping forward. His maternal instinct was broken by Teresa's interference. His focus was utterly destructive, fueled by jealousy over Xiao's success.
"Ah~~~!" Theresa recoiled, instinctively closing her eyes as Homelander's fist lunged toward her.
"Can't you be more gentlemanly toward ladies?" Xiao's voice rang out. He grabbed Homelander's fist effortlessly, standing relaxed. No matter how Homelander tried, he couldn't withdraw his hand.
"This is impossible!" Homelander gasped, incredulous. Nothing had ever blocked him before. He increased his strength, but even the Xiao family floor remained unscathed.
"Nothing is impossible. I may only be Soldier Boy's successor, but I am more powerful than Soldier Boy!" Xiao lifted Homelander by the wrist with one hand.
"Let me go, you—!" Homelander screamed, kicking Xiao's lower body. The sonic boom from the attack was sharp, yet Xiao's energy absorption instantly nullified it, growing stronger from the force instead.
"Ah! It hurts~~~" The force of Homelander's kick reflected back, striking Homelander's wrist with excruciating impact.
"Come on, you're a superhero—can't you avoid using crooked moves?" Xiao rolled his eyes, letting Homelander punch and kick him as he pleased. Then he carried him to the window and threw him out, landing hard in the yard.
"Mom! I'm going to beat that kid! I'll be back soon!" Xiao lifted his American-style buckler and jumped down. He didn't chase for victory—he waited for Homelander's next move.
"F**k~!" Homelander rubbed his wrist, soaring into the sky. Scarlet lasers fired from his eyes, slicing through the air.
ZIZIZIZI~~~~~~~~
Xiao calmly raised his round shield, engraved with stars. The beam, hot enough to melt a building, vanished on contact, absorbed entirely. Even the paint remained intact. A faint golden glow shimmered on Xiao's skin, then quickly faded.
Despite maintaining the upper hand, Xiao sensed he was nearing his limit. Homelander's strength could easily throw a baseball from the ground to low-Earth orbit. Though only 13, just a few punches, kicks, and laser blasts pushed Xiao close to his maximum absorption capacity.
Every strike from Homelander was as powerful as several missile explosions. Treasure Boy truly lived up to his title. Xiao's excitement grew—absorbing energy, fighting, and enjoying the challenge.
"Your powers aren't Soldier Boy's at all, you liar!" Homelander exclaimed, trying to analyze Xiao.
Soldier Boy relied solely on physical enhancement—an invincible body. Xiao's ability, however, was absorption. He not only nullified all attacks, he converted them into his own strength, appearing every bit as invincible as Soldier Boy.
Even as Homelander launched lasers and brute force, Xiao absorbed them, effortlessly strengthening his own body. The successor of Soldier Boy had indeed surpassed his idol.