◇ I'll be dropping one bonus chapters for every 10 reviews. comment
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ You can read 50 chapter ahead on P@treon of which 10 are free Chapters. if you're interested: patreon.com/Heroicverse
------------------------------------------------
The frenzy on the red carpet was like a heat storm, almost short-circuiting the sound system of the Grand Theater.
Anthony was the eye of the storm.
He had just shouted, "You are the true heroes!" when a fanatical female fan in the front row rolled her eyes and fainted on the spot, being clumsily carried away by security guards.
"Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah——!!!!"
"Homelander! Homelander! Homelander!"
Amidst the screams, Anthony walked into the Grand Theater.
The interior of the Grand Theater was even more luxurious and frantic than the red carpet outside.
The air was filled with the scent of expensive champagne and popcorn butter.
Hundreds of camera flashes flickered, the media area was packed, reporters squeezed together like sardines, desperately extending their microphones towards Anthony, who was slowly walking into the hall.
"Homelander! Look here!"
"Anthony! What are your expectations for the box office?!"
"Tony Stark! Captain Rogers! Does your appearance signify a formal collaboration between the Avengers and Homelander?!"
Anthony was deaf to all the noise; he was enjoying it all.
"Yes... yes... this is the kind of grandeur a Best Actor should have!"
He smiled, constantly waving to fans on both sides, occasionally stopping to sign an autograph for an excited, fainting female fan, his movements so practiced it was as if he had rehearsed it ten thousand times.
"Thank you all, thank you for your support! You are the true heroes!"
After passing through the crowded hall, the group finally entered the main screening room.
Tony, Steve, and Natasha sat down in the VIP reserved seats.
The lights dimmed slightly, and a spotlight shone on the stage.
Vought Media's Chief Public Relations Officer, Ashley, walked onto the stage in a sharp silver suit and ten-centimeter heels.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to... a night of history!" The host's voice trembled slightly with excitement, but her professionalism allowed her to perfectly control the scene, her voice filled with passion, "...with our warmest cheers, please welcome—Homelander!!!"
"Ah—! Whoa—! Clap clap clap—!"
Anthony walked onto the stage amidst cheers, waving in greeting.
"Homelander! Homelander!" The host dramatically grabbed Anthony's arm, "We all know the story! The Battle of New York, the hero descends!"
The host's voice was high-pitched, "But do you really know him? What did he go through before becoming Homelander? What kind of pain and hardship forged this... Guardian of U.S.?"
"Tonight, homelander: origin will reveal the answer!"
"But before that!" The host drew out his voice, "Please, with your wildest screams, welcome—Anthony Starr! Homelander!!"
"Homelander!!! Homelander!!! Homelander!!!"
Anthony stood up, bathed in the spotlight, and flew onto the stage.
"As the host said, tonight is about homelander: origin," he took the microphone from the host, "But it's even more about the future."
"The Battle of New York, I saw a lot. I saw aliens, I saw... the Avengers."
He glanced at Tony and Steve in the audience.
"The Avengers, they are heroes. Tony Stark, Steve Rogers, they are all my friends, great warriors, and I am very grateful for their presence today."
A round of applause rose from the audience.
The host made an exaggerated expression, "My goodness! Mr. Homelander! We all know that you ultimately saved New York, then saved the President, and thwarted the Terrorists' plot! You almost single-handedly changed the World!"
The host paused, then threw out the question that Vought PR had fed him long ago.
"But, Homelander... you are only one person."
"And this World has too many threats. You can't be everywhere at once. When you're saving the President in Washington, Los Angeles might be on Fire. When you're catching robbers in New York, Chicago might be facing a crisis."
"Are you... tired?"
This question instantly silenced the venue.
Even Tony Stark raised an eyebrow, "Oh? Starting to play the pity card?"
Anthony's smile subtly faded by half, replaced by a "resolute" weariness.
"Yes... I am tired," he said candidly to the camera, "I can see through steel, but I cannot see through people's hearts. I can lift buildings, but I cannot hold every hand that needs help at the same time."
"The Battle of New York, I did my best. air force one, I did my best. But someone always gets hurt, someone always... doesn't get to me."
"So..." Anthony's voice suddenly rose, filled with power!
"I realized that the strength of one person is not enough!"
"This World is becoming increasingly dangerous. The United States... no, the World, needs more heroes."
The host picked up the conversation: "So... Mr. Homelander! You mean... you're going to form a team?! A team like the Avengers?"
"No," Anthony raised a finger, correcting him.
"We need to be stronger, faster, more transparent! We must be worthy of the people's adoration!!"
"Therefore, I, Anthony Starr, founder of Vought International," he paused, enjoying everyone's bated breath, "tonight, officially announce..."
"The Seven recruitment program... officially launched!!"
"Click click click——!!!!"
As soon as this phrase was uttered, the reporters in the media area went wild!
"What?! The Seven?!"
"He's forming his own Avengers? That's so fucking cool!!"
"My God! This is the biggest news tonight!!"
In the VIP section below the stage, Tony Stark rolled his eyes and drained his champagne.
"fuck," he muttered to Steve, "The Seven? Seriously? Sounds like some fucking country rock band name."
Anthony raised his hand, quieting the commotion.
"I know you want to ask, who will join this team?"
"Yes, we already have."
A proud smile appeared on his face.
"Over the past few months, I have been searching. Searching for those who are buried, misunderstood, and like me... talented."
"Tonight," he turned to the shadows of the stage, "I will introduce to the World, the first member to join The Seven!"
"She possesses unparalleled strength!"
"She possesses an untamed, yet incredibly strong heart!"
"Ladies and gentlemen... please, with all your enthusiasm, welcome—"
He took a deep breath and shouted the name: "—Queen Jones!!!"