Watching The Deep work so hard, Lamplighter swallowed nervously, then hurried forward and dropped to his knees before Axel with a loud thud.
"Ancestor, I… I am already retiring. My retirement is already in process. Please spare my life."
"You're retiring?" Axel asked.
"Yes, yes, I am retired. I have even returned all my dividends to the corporation."
"Since you are retired, why are you still here? Get out."
"Yes, understood. I will leave immediately."
Lamplighter scrambled up and rushed out of the office without looking back.
Watching him go, Ashley Barrett took a steady breath and remained standing stiffly in place.
Axel glanced at his hand, then casually patted The Deep on the neck.
"Well done, buddy."
"It is my honor to serve you, Ancestor," The Deep replied stiffly, forcing a rigid smile.
Axel released him and leaned back in his seat, his gaze sweeping across the few remaining members. He clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction.
"Ashley."
"I am here, Ancestor."
"Ask how long it will take for Homelander and A-Train to recover. Without them, this place feels empty."
Ashley hesitated.
"If you want them to recover faster, there is a method…"
"Compound V. Give it to them immediately so they can report back to me. I am supposed to lead The Seven, not babysit incompetents. Aside from Queen Maeve, who causes the least trouble, the rest are useless."
Ashley nodded quickly, though hesitation lingered on her face.
"Compound V will temporarily enhance their abilities. Even if A-Train improves, it will not matter much. But Homelander…"
She paused, uneasy.
"He has rarely used it because he was already the strongest. If he becomes even stronger…"
"Stop wasting time. Even if he becomes a million times stronger, I will still beat him down. Go."
Ashley said nothing more and hurried out.
Once she left, Axel leaned back lazily and let out a cold snort.
The sound alone made the office tremble slightly. Nearby, the unconscious Black Noir stirred and slowly regained consciousness.
The moment he saw Axel, he instinctively tried to flee.
"Black Noir."
Axel's voice cut through the room.
Black Noir froze instantly, his body trembling. After a brief pause, he dropped heavily to his knees, cracking the floor beneath him.
Axel waved his hand.
"Return to your seat."
Without a word, Black Noir forced himself up and moved back to his chair.
Now, nearly all members of The Seven were present. Axel tapped the table lightly.
"Do I need to introduce myself?"
"No, no," The Deep said quickly. "I am The Deep, responsible for aquatic operations and outreach. Ancestor, I fully support every decision you make."
"I will follow your orders as well," Translucent added, clutching his injured shoulder. "Even if you want surveillance on the President, I can deliver proof of anything."
"Disgusting," Maeve muttered, shooting him a glare.
She turned to Axel.
"You defeated Homelander. Why let him recover, and even allow him to grow stronger? If it were me, I would eliminate him immediately. He is still the most dangerous one here."
Her voice hardened.
"I will stand with you. More than these hypocrites."
"That is nonsense," Translucent snapped. "She used to be with Homelander. I saw it myself."
Axel tapped the table once.
"Enough."
Silence fell instantly.
Maeve exhaled and steadied herself.
"I will not deny it. But you know what he is. Refusing him was never an option."
"Quiet."
Axel cut her off again, his tone impatient.
Both of them fell silent.
Axel leaned forward slightly, his expression turning cold.
"I did not come here to listen to your arguments. I came to be welcomed. I am your new teammate. Shouldn't there be some basic courtesy?"
He stood and opened his arms.
"Come on. From today onward, we are a team. Whatever Homelander did before, I can do better."
No one moved.
They exchanged uneasy glances, unsure if this was a trap.
Axel's expression darkened.
"Get up."
"Yes!"
The Deep reacted instantly, rushing forward and hugging Axel tightly.
"Welcome, Ancestor. I am glad to serve under you."
Axel patted his back.
"I am glad to have you as well."
He then looked at Maeve.
After a brief hesitation, she stepped forward and gave him a short, restrained hug.
"Welcome," she said quietly.
She quickly pulled away.
Axel's hand lingered briefly before she removed it without comment.
Seeing this, Translucent relaxed slightly.
At least Axel was not much different from the others.
He stepped forward, preparing to greet him as well, but suddenly stopped.
At the same moment, everyone else stiffened.
Their gazes shifted behind Axel.
Outside the office window, floating silently in the air, Homelander had returned.
Milestone
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