"Second, Vought had developed more than one kind of Compound V. It could not only grant babies permanent superpowers, but could also give adults temporary or permanent superpowers, though there might be costs I didn't yet understand."
Of course, he knew exactly what the cost was. Temporary Compound V caused cancer. An ordinary person could only withstand one or two doses. When you took the third, you might see your own brain matter leaking from your ears in the mirror.
If you took five doses, you were basically guaranteed to die.
The only apparent exception was the future Butcher.
Under the effects of Compound V, his cancer cells had actually developed an extremely faint self-awareness.
Not only did they absorb the drug's side effects, they had also become somewhat like Venom from Marvel next door, capable of enhancing Butcher's superpowers, extending tentacles, and so on.
Combined with the fact that Butcher himself was a Monkey Version Homelander, this made him a one-of-a-kind existence in The Boys' World.
That was why Li Wei had always tolerated him and even played babysitter more than once.
But he certainly couldn't tell everyone present this part of the truth. Otherwise, where would they find the courage to use it willingly?
From beginning to end, what he wanted was never these people's friendship. He only wanted their superpowers!
The group immediately stirred. Ever since they had discovered that Asian girl in the basement, they had suspected something along those lines, but they had never been able to confirm it.
Now, they fully understood Gambit's implication: use Superheroes' powers against Superheroes!
Hughie was especially interested. "Temporary?"
"That's right. According to the intelligence I obtained, there were several temporary versions as well. Vought seemed to be preparing to sell one weakened model to the military. You remember that Vought was essentially a pharmaceutical company, right?"
Only then did everyone nod in sudden realization. The excessive activity of Superheroes had once made them overlook this crucial point.
"Could it be strong enough to contend with A-Train?" Hughie pressed.
He had encountered A-Train more than once before, but only today had he truly felt the extraordinary intimidation the man carried. He had truly felt death's threat right beside him!
Li Wei shook his head. "That, I can't guarantee. In fact, randomness had always been a hurdle Vought couldn't overcome."
"Otherwise, given Vought's greed, do you think they wouldn't mass-produce Homelanders and try to rule America, or even the entire world?"
The group fell silent. Capital was always greedy. If Vought could have done that, they definitely wouldn't have hesitated in the slightest.
Frenchie was concerned with another issue. "What would the cost be? Addiction like A-Train's?"
He had always been very interested in chemistry, and had personally used various tools to take down several actual Superheroes, though they had been third-rate ones.
But those Superheroes' strength had still left a deep impression on him. If given the chance, how many people wouldn't want to become Superheroes? He was no exception!
Li Wei shook his head. "I initially had the same suspicion. Later, I discovered that A-Train's abnormal behavior was due to heart disease. His heart was already nearing the point where it couldn't bear the burden of his Super Speed, so he needed drugs to forcibly keep himself going."
"As for the kind Vought wanted to sell to the military, it had been specially modified and significantly weakened. It only offered basic enhancement, with no superpowers at all."
Hughie said with slight excitement, "So if we want to fight Superheroes this way, Compound V is our final option?"
Li Wei nodded readily. "That's right!"
For a moment, everyone couldn't help feeling excited. This was the first time they had seen real hope.
Butcher clapped his hands. "All right, boys. Let's not think too far ahead for now. We don't have any Temporary Compound V in our hands anyway."
He gave Mother's Milk's shoulder a firm pat, comforting his old partner, then stepped forward. "Gambit, thank you very much for everything you did for us today. Next, we'll do our best to pursue both of these paths."
Even a casual thought made it clear that neither route would be easy or simple, but they had finally found a clear direction—a direction filled with hope.
After a brief pause, Butcher continued, "Do you know about my situation?"
Though his tone remained fairly calm, everyone noticed that his entire body was trembling involuntarily. Clearly, his heart was nowhere near as calm as he appeared.
Li Wei shook his head. "I offer my regret and sympathy for what happened to you, but I'm sorry. The relevant intelligence had been heavily sealed off, and I didn't currently have the authority to access it."
"Perhaps when I become one of The Seven, I'll have a chance to investigate further."
Butcher instantly looked like an old dog with a broken spine, losing most of his spirit. Even his body hunched over noticeably.
Frenchie and Mother's Milk couldn't help sighing inwardly. Of course they knew how important this matter was to Butcher.
Only Hughie felt somewhat confused. He vaguely knew that Butcher had his own hardships, but he didn't know the full story.
But he immediately noticed that Gambit didn't seem to be finished.
He hurriedly spoke up. "Gambit, do you have other information or speculation?"
The others quickly looked over, and they all saw obvious hesitation and conflict on Gambit's face. That was very rare for him.
Butcher couldn't help revealing a pleading look. This concerned his lover, and he would rather show his weakness before the other man.
Li Wei sighed. "All right. I actually have a guess. She might still be alive!"
Butcher immediately perked up. "Ha, I knew it. Becca had to still be alive!"
Becca had been missing for years. The police had long ago ruled it a suicide, and her sister had even erected an empty grave for her, but he had always believed that Becca wasn't dead!
Li Wei blinked. Yes, she wasn't just alive—she had even given birth to a son, who was already around ten years old. Unfortunately, he wasn't yours. He was Homelander's.
But neither you nor Homelander, the adulterer himself, knew about it for the time being. This was a secret known only to a tiny handful of Vought's upper management, including Vice President Madelyn.
However, once Homelander recognized Butcher, he would certainly investigate the secrets hidden within with great enthusiasm. With his incredibly high efficiency and intimidation, he would surely uncover the truth soon enough.
Homelander deeply hated deception, and with his extraordinary hearing and other abilities, Madelyn, who was merely an ordinary person, could never remain calm while he tested her. Her death was only a matter of time.
As long as he kept a close eye on Madelyn and watched whether she suddenly disappeared or died, he could roughly tell how much intelligence Homelander had obtained.
After celebrating alone for several breaths, Butcher forcibly calmed himself and solemnly thanked Li Wei. "Thank you for the information, Gambit. I'll definitely do everything in my power to help you become one of The Seven!"
He wasn't even a Superhero yet, but Butcher's words were astonishingly bold. So Li Wei casually brushed him off with a few perfunctory remarks, and everyone present completely understood.
In truth, Li Wei had done it on purpose.
He knew just how fierce Butcher became after taking the drug. Aside from being unable to fly, he was basically a copy of Homelander.
But he also knew that someone like Butcher was extremely proud deep down. The less Li Wei cared, the harder Butcher would try to accomplish that goal.
Still, he offered a little advice. "If you really want to help me, go after The Deep."
"The Deep has a pair of gills around his kidneys. That's his weak point. Perhaps you can use the same method you used on Translucent and try again."
"And you should all be able to tell that he isn't very smart."
At that, Li Wei couldn't help wanting to laugh.
At Godolkin University, at most five of the best graduates each year had a chance to become Superheroes. Maeve, A-Train, and the others had all been undisputedly first place in their years.
Only The Deep had been sixth. He struggled badly with academics, and even that sixth place had come through Vought's backroom manipulation. Otherwise, his actual grades would have been even worse.
The Deep had only gained his current position by riding the wave of marine environmental protection.
Aside from that, the only thing The Deep could really boast about was his acting, which had fooled most outsiders.
If Li Wei were in his place, there would be no need to work for Vought at all. The ocean was full of treasures.
With The Deep's powers, making it onto the Forbes list—or even taking the top spot—wouldn't be particularly difficult.
Instead, he spent every day running around everywhere, while Vought took most of the money.
Li Wei had previously heard Starlight say that among The Seven, The Deep received the lowest personal cut.
Butcher nodded. "All right, I understand. Thank you again for your help, Gambit."
Now, Hughie, Frenchie, and Mother's Milk all felt the change in Butcher.
It seemed that after hearing Becca might still be alive, he had become a completely different person. He had even said thank you more than once, something they never could have imagined before!
Li Wei smiled. Suddenly, he heard a string of vehicle sounds in the distance.
Military jeeps sounded quite different from ordinary cars. Ordinary people might not be able to distinguish them, but the difference was obvious to his ears.
"All right, the CIA is here. I should leave. I hope everything goes smoothly with your next actions."
"And I hope that one day, I'll be able to meet you without wearing this mask!"
Butcher grinned. "Of course. That day will come!"
Before you continue