Point the Way

"Second, Vought has developed more than one type of Compound V. It's not only possible to give infants permanent superpowers, but also to grant adults temporary or permanent ones—though there may be costs I'm not yet aware of."

In truth, he knew exactly what those costs were. Temporary Compound V causes cancer. A normal person can only withstand one or two doses. On the third shot, you might see your own brain matter leaking from your ears in the mirror.

If you take five shots, it's basically a death sentence.

The only exception seemed to be Butcher from the future.

Under the influence of Compound V, his cancer cells had actually developed an extremely faint self-awareness.

Not only did it absorb the drug's side effects, but it also became somewhat similar to Marvel's Venom, capable of enhancing Butcher's superpowers, extending tentacles, and so on.

Coupled with the fact that Butcher himself was a Monkey Version Homelander, this made him a unique existence in The Boys' World.

This was also why Li Wei had tolerated him all along and played babysitter more than once.

But he definitely couldn't reveal this part of the truth to the people present, or where would they find the courage to use it willingly?

From start to finish, what he wanted wasn't their friendship—he only wanted their superpowers!

The group immediately stirred with unease. In truth, ever since they'd discovered that Asian girl in the basement, they'd had their suspicions, but they'd never been able to confirm them.

Now they fully understood Gambit's subtext: use superpowered abilities to fight superpowered beings!

Hughie was the most interested: "Temporary?"

"That's right. Based on the intel I've gathered, there are multiple types of temporary ones as well. Vought seems to be preparing to sell a weakened variant to the military. You all remember that Vought is essentially a pharmaceutical company, right?"

The group nodded in sudden realization. The overactive presence of superheroes had once made them overlook this key point.

"Can it be strong enough to contend with A-Train?" Hughie pressed further.

He had encountered A-Train more than once before, but only today had he truly felt the man's extraordinary intimidation—the genuine threat of death right beside him!

Li Wei shook his head: "Well, I can't guarantee that. In fact, randomness has always been the hurdle Vought can't overcome."

"Otherwise, do you think with Vought's greed, they wouldn't mass-produce Homelander clones, trying to rule America, or even the entire world?"

The group fell silent. Capital is always greedy. If Vought could achieve that, they wouldn't hesitate for a second.

Frenchie focused on a different issue: "What's the cost? Something like A-Train's addiction?"

He had always been interested in chemistry and had personally taken down a few real superheroes with various tools—though they were third-rate.

But their power had still left a deep impression on him. If given the chance, who wouldn't want to become a superhero? He was no exception!

Li Wei shook his head: "I initially had that guess too, but later I found out A-Train's abnormality was due to heart disease. His heart can barely handle his Super Speed anymore, so he needs drugs to forcibly maintain it."

"As for the type Vought wants to sell to the military, it's been specially modified and greatly weakened—only basic enhancement, no superpowers at all."

Hughie grew a bit excited: "So if we want to fight superheroes this way, Compound V is our last resort?"

Li Wei nodded readily: "Exactly!"

The group couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement. This was the first time they'd seen real hope.

Butcher clapped his hands: "Alright, boys, let's not overthink it for now. After all, we don't have any temporary Compound V on hand."

He gave Mother's Milk a firm pat on the shoulder to comfort his old comrade, then stepped forward: "Gambit, thank you very much for everything you've done for us today. We'll do our best to pursue both leads from here."

Though it was obvious that neither path would be easy or simple, they had finally found a clear direction—a direction full of hope.

After a brief pause, Butcher continued: "Do you know about my situation?"

Though his tone remained calm, everyone noticed his entire body trembling involuntarily. Clearly, his inner state was far from composed.

Li Wei shook his head: "I'm sorry and sympathetic to what happened to you, but I'm afraid the relevant information is heavily classified. I don't have the clearance to access it yet."

"Perhaps once I become one of The Seven, I'll be able to investigate further."

Butcher instantly deflated like an old dog with a broken spine, losing most of his spirit, his body even hunching unconsciously.

Frenchie and Mother's Milk couldn't help but sigh inwardly. They knew how important this matter was to Butcher.

Only Hughie felt a bit confused. He vaguely knew Butcher had his own troubles, but not the full story.

But he quickly noticed that Gambit didn't seem to have finished speaking.

He hurriedly asked: "Gambit, do you have other intel or guesses?"

The others quickly looked over, and they all saw Gambit's obvious hesitation and struggle—something very rare for him.

Butcher couldn't help showing a pleading look. When it came to his beloved, he would rather show his vulnerable side.

Li Wei sighed: "Alright, I do have a guess. She might still be alive!"

Butcher's spirits immediately lifted: "Ha, I knew it! Becca must still be alive!"

Becca had been missing for years. The police had long since ruled it a suicide, and her sister had even erected an empty grave for her. But he had always believed Becca wasn't dead!

Li Wei blinked. Yes, she wasn't just alive—she'd given birth to a son, now over ten years old. Too bad it wasn't Butcher's, but Homelander's.

But neither Butcher nor the adulterer Homelander knew about this yet. It was a secret held by only a few Vought higher-ups, like Vice President Madelyn.

However, once Homelander recognized Butcher, he would definitely be eager to dig into the hidden secrets. With his extreme efficiency and intimidation, he would surely uncover the truth quickly.

Homelander hated deception. With his superhuman hearing and such, Madelyn—just an ordinary person—could never stay calm under his probing. Her death was only a matter of time.

As long as he kept a close eye on Madelyn and watched for her sudden disappearance or death, he could roughly gauge how much intel Homelander had already grasped.

After reveling alone for a few breaths, Butcher forced himself to calm down. He thanked Li Wei with utmost sincerity: "Thank you for the intel, Gambit. I'll do everything in my power to help you become one of The Seven!"

He wasn't even a superhero yet, but Butcher's tone was already absurdly bold, so Li Wei brushed it off with a few perfunctory words. Everyone present understood completely.

In truth, Li Wei had done it on purpose.

He knew exactly how ferocious Butcher could be on Compound V. Aside from not being able to fly, he was basically a knockoff Homelander.

But he also knew that someone like Butcher was fiercely proud at his core. The less Li Wei cared, the harder Butcher would try to achieve that goal.

Still, he offered a bit of advice: "If you really want to help me, go after The Deep."

"The Deep has a pair of gills in his kidneys—that's his weak spot. Maybe you can try the same method you used on Translucent."

"And you can all see it—he's not the sharpest tool in the shed."

At that, Li Wei couldn't help but want to laugh.

Godolkin University only allowed at most five top graduates each year to become superheroes. Maeve, A-Train—they were all undisputed number ones in their years.

The Deep was sixth. His academic performance was painfully lacking, and even that sixth place was rigged by Vought behind the scenes. His real results would have been even worse.

The Deep only had his current position because he rode the wave of ocean environmentalism.

Aside from that, the only thing The Deep had going for him was his performance skills, which fooled most outsiders.

If it were Li Wei, there'd be no need to work for Vought at all. The ocean was full of treasure.

With The Deep's powers, making the Forbes list—even topping it—wouldn't be particularly hard.

But look at him now, running around all day while Vought took the lion's share.

Li Wei had heard from Starlight before that among The Seven, The Deep's personal cut was the lowest.

Butcher nodded: "Alright, I understand. Thank you again for your help, Gambit."

At this, whether it was Hughie, Frenchie, or Mother's Milk, they all felt the change in Butcher.

It was as if, upon hearing that Becca might still be alive, he had become a completely different person. He'd said "thank you" more than once—something they never could have imagined before!

Li Wei smiled. Suddenly, he heard a series of car engines in the distance.

Military jeeps and regular cars sounded quite different. An ordinary person might not tell them apart, but to his ears, it was obvious.

"Alright, the CIA's here. I should go. Hope your next moves go smoothly."

"And I hope one day I can meet you all without wearing this mask!"

Butcher grinned: "Of course. That day will come!"