Petty Mortals

Bio-Field: Retains all effects of 'Steel Body +2'. You can now use the Bio-Field to protect yourself and nearby objects from harm, isolate environmental effects, and extend the Bio-Field to objects you touch to protect their structure.

Azu's lips could not stop curling upward when he saw that line.

He had finally unlocked 'Bio-Field.'

This was an ability Homelander did not possess in The Boys. Now that Azu had it, he no longer had to use his own body to withstand his opponents' attacks head-on.

All attacks would be intercepted by the 'Bio-Field.' Unless they could penetrate it, no matter how powerful they were, they would never reach Azu's body.

Beyond that, Azu could also use this field to isolate himself from environmental effects.

The high altitude no longer made him feel cold, and even entering lava would not harm him.

Finally, he could extend the field to people or objects he touched. That way, whether he lifted a person or an object, whatever he touched would not be crushed by the immense pressure, but would accelerate or stop along with him.

Bio-Field strengthened his defense, Heat Ray enhanced his offense, and Self-Replication expanded his tactics.

Combined with his other Talents and items, Azu could tangibly feel himself growing more and more powerful.

At that moment, the doors to the command hall opened.

Holding an electronic tablet, Ashley hurried inside.

"We have trouble, Homelander."

In his good mood, Azu looked toward her.

Ashley turned on the television, where a video was playing.

In the video, Azu descended from the sky and landed inside a military camp. Not long afterward, he hurled an officer into the air.

The camera switched, revealing a pool of blood. The mangled officer's corpse had been censored.

Then several more clips appeared on the screen.

There were scenes of Azu tearing open an ambulance, as well as footage of him blowing up the Walmart parking lot.

Watching the footage, Ashley wore a pained expression and kept glancing back at Azu. Yet Azu had a smile on his face, as if he did not care in the slightest.

At that point, a host appeared on the screen.

"This is simply outrageous."

"I remember Homelander himself said not long ago that even superheroes had to obey the law."

"And this is what he calls 'obeying the law'?"

"As everyone can see, Homelander recklessly disrupted public order and damaged public property. In one recent incident, he even killed a military officer!"

"In my opinion, he is nothing but a thug! A demon!"

"Now, let us hear what Colonel Yuri has to say."

The camera shifted, and Colonel Yuri, who had previously handled the Silver Tree Town incident, appeared on screen.

The colonel gave the camera a slight nod before the host spoke.

"Colonel Yuri, I heard that a town was placed under temporary military control two days ago?"

Colonel Yuri nodded. "That's right, sir."

The host continued, "The situation seemed quite serious. You even established a temporary camp there. Was that the one shown at the beginning of the video?"

Colonel Yuri gave an affirmative hum. "Yes, that was the one."

The host looked at the colonel. "Then could you tell us what happened that day? I mean the part involving Homelander."

"I received word that Homelander and The Seven were not permitted to participate in the incident that day. Is that true?"

Colonel Yuri nodded for the third time. "That is true."

"We were notified to place a town under military control. This matter fell within the military's jurisdiction, and in principle, no outsiders were permitted to interfere."

The host pressed, "But Homelander interfered anyway, didn't he?"

"Regrettably, yes."

Colonel Yuri shook his head. "I don't know where Homelander got the news, but he just appeared in the camp with a whoosh."

The host winked at the camera. "No doubt, his landing pose was very impressive. I'd bet he practiced it in secret for a long time."

"So, could you tell me how that unfortunate officer was thrown away by Homelander?"

"Did Homelander's actions constitute the murder of a military officer?"

Colonel Yuri clearly hesitated before saying, "It was an accident."

"Sergeant Mike was emotionally agitated at the time. He wanted to stop Homelander from interfering, and his words were rather forceful, even somewhat disrespectful."

"So I believe Homelander did not do it deliberately. He simply failed to control his strength."

The host sighed. "Poor Sergeant Mike. Because he spoke a little too harshly and said a few inappropriate things, Homelander threw him into the sky and made him an aerial acrobat—without a parachute."

"In any case."

"Homelander has violated multiple Federation laws. The Department of Homeland Security has now filed consolidated charges with the Federation Supreme Court over this matter and several others."

The host pointed at the camera. "That's right, Homelander."

"Federation law is no joke. You have crossed the line."

"Now, it is time for you to pay for your reckless actions!"

"I have received word that the Federation Supreme Court has already issued Vought a subpoena, ordering Homelander to attend a hearing in three days."

"At that time, he may explain and defend his actions."

"I can hardly wait to listen."

"Let us see whether Homelander is truly an Angel who protects us and the Federation."

"Or an uncontrollable demon who acts with utter impunity!"

"Next, we'll take a commercial break. When we return to the live studio, we'll discuss more details with Colonel Yuri."

Ashley picked up the remote, turned off the television, and faced Azu.

"Homelander, the Security Bureau's many charges are all unfavorable to you. I've arranged a meeting with the legal team. You need to meet them this afternoon."

Azu laughed heartily and spread his hands. "Look at the politicians in our country. They do not mention what I did or what I stopped at all."

"Those bastards with bellies full of fat can sit in their offices drinking coffee, do some primitive exercise with their mistresses at night, and enjoy their wonderful lives."

"That is because someone drives away the darkness for them. Someone like me."

"And now, all they care about is that I damaged public property and turned some guy who did not understand even basic respect into an aerial acrobat."

"Looks like these important people have gotten too comfortable."

Azu narrowed his eyes, the corners of his mouth lifting.

Perhaps it was time to remind them just how small they were!