"Homelander Messenger"

"~~~!"

As a melodious opening tune played, the image brightened from darkness, revealing a live news studio.

The camera first focused on a dynamic projection of the Kremlin's main entrance, then gradually pulled back and panned right, revealing a female host in a white suit seated at the side of an L-shaped desk. She spoke quickly:

"Hello, everyone, and welcome to this edition of 'New York Looks at the World.' I'm Monica Electra. Three days ago, on July 18, a terrorist attack of an extremely vile nature broke out in the town of Mozhaisk on the outskirts of Moscow. Who planned and organized this attack? What impact will it have on us? And could it affect relations between the United States and Russia?"

The host deliberately paused.

The camera pulled back again until it showed the entire studio. On the other side of the L-shaped desk sat a military guest in a United States Army uniform, an officer with graying temples.

"To discuss these issues, we are honored to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Denzel Wharton of the United States Army, also an expert on the former Soviet Union."

"Hello, Monica." As soon as the host finished speaking, the officer smoothly took over. "Hello to everyone watching 'New York Looks at the World.' I'm glad to be here and help clear up your questions."

"Then, Colonel, I believe that, like you and our viewers watching at home, you have seen the footage and interviews released by Russian news outlets. Who do you and the military believe was most likely behind this terrorist attack?"

"Hmm..." The lieutenant colonel appeared thoughtful, as if carefully choosing his words before answering. "Based on the information currently available, one thing we can be certain of is that the people who attacked Ruff Military Industry were highly trained, with military proficiency equal to—or even surpassing—that of some active special forces units around the world.

"Furthermore, years of research and intelligence analysis have shown that the turmoil and chaos following the dissolution of the Soviet Union led many former Soviet military personnel to defect, flee the country, become mercenaries, or simply turn into underworld assassins.

"So, judging by their extensive combat experience, coordination, clear objectives, and proper division of duties, there is a high probability that the operatives behind the terrorist attack were former Soviet military personnel.

"As for who planned the attack, neither the military nor I can give a definitive answer. There are simply too many possible suspects—for example, competitors of Gogoski-Ruff Military Industry, or extremist organizations hoping to return Russia to the Soviet era. All are possible."

"Former special forces involved in a terrorist attack... my God. Just hearing you say that gives me chills. Thank goodness I live in the United States, in New York..."

Bzzzt!

Before the host could finish her remark, the screen was abruptly shut off by someone, plunging back into darkness and returning the meeting room to silence.

The large screen broadcasting "New York Looks at the World" had been installed in an exceptionally spacious, well-lit conference room.

Through the fan-shaped floor-to-ceiling windows on the south side, one could see the brilliant blue midday sky and the Empire State Building two blocks away.

From that, it could be inferred that the high-rise containing this conference room stood on Manhattan Island, on the eastern coast of the United States.

And with the words "Vought International" visible everywhere, the true identity of the building was obvious: it was the headquarters of the arms company that had developed Compound V—

Vought Tower.

At that moment, three people sat around a V-shaped table designed after the Vought International logo.

With his back to the floor-to-ceiling windows, seated at the pointed tip of the V-shaped table and clearly holding the highest status, was a dark-skinned man in a suit. Behind his glasses, his expression was one of indifference.

On the left side of the table sat a male researcher in a white lab coat with a receding hairline, while on the right sat a female executive dressed in a blouse and short skirt.

The three were Stan Edgar, Vought International's board representative and president; Jonah Vogelbaum, chief security officer and director of research; and Madelyn Stillwell, Vought's vice president.

"Ms. Stillwell." Edgar broke the silence and addressed Madelyn first. "The attack on the Ruff Research Center has caused quite a stir. I assume you have already investigated who organized, planned, and carried out the attack, haven't you?"

Hearing that, Madelyn glanced at the paper files in front of her. Her eyes drifted slightly as she answered, "Mr. Edgar, we actually have no way of pinpointing who the mastermind was. However, the only organization that knew Soldier Boy's exact location and had the capability to arrange a raid on that scale was the CIA."

"The CIA. Of course, I could have guessed they were the most likely possibility without you telling me. But Ms. Stillwell, can you be one hundred percent certain it was the CIA? And not an American arms manufacturer that competes with Vought International?"

When Edgar reached the end, he placed particular emphasis on "American."

Though Edgar maintained his inscrutable expression and demeanor, Madelyn still felt immense pressure. She raised a hand to wipe away the cold sweat beading on her forehead and hurriedly said:

"I cannot be one hundred percent certain. Atlas has recently been occupied with mining operations in Africa and voluntarily withdrew from all arms tenders this year and next. Meanwhile, Translucent's intelligence gathering in Seattle confirmed that although they remain strongly opposed to the Superhero Security Act, they are also watching the attitudes of their competitors and waiting for the right opportunity.

"Besides, Atlas signed a cooperation agreement with us not long ago to create stylish new uniforms and armor for The Seven, who are about to make their debut. Their aesthetic standards have always been high, so they can be ruled out.

"Next is Lockheed Aerospace Manufacturer. Their entire focus this year and next has been on acquiring and merging with Martin Marietta. At present..."

"No need to continue. Anyone could have found that out." Edgar interrupted Madelyn's report and turned his gaze toward Vogelbaum. "Dr. Vogelbaum, how is Homelander Messenger's condition? Can he surpass the Soldier Boy we have already discarded in every metric?"

"In theory, there is absolutely no problem." Vogelbaum was much calmer. "Soldier Boy may be slightly stronger than John in terms of physical durability, but in laser output, strength, speed, reaction time, and other areas, John has already broken every record. Even if our competitors have Soldier Boy as a weapon, it will do them no good.

"The only issue is his condition..." Vogelbaum looked at Madelyn across from him and said meaningfully, "That is where our Vice President Stillwell will need to help. After all, nothing can truly control him."

"I'll do my best." Madelyn let out a heavy sigh.

(End of chapter)