An immense shock and indescribable emotion washed over everyone again and again like waves.
Countless people wept before their screens. Some even fell to their knees and prayed for that man.
Fervor, emotion, awe, adoration.
Those intense feelings surged into a torrent of Popularity Points that engulfed Homelander.
"Alert! Popularity Points +1,225,421!"
"Alert! Popularity Points +1,322,421!"
"Alert! Popularity Points +1,584,420!"
Bruce Wayne had only just recovered from the searing pain.
He leaned weakly to one side, deeply moved.
"He took on all our sins and punishment..."
Alert! Special Popularity Points +20,000! (From Bruce Wayne)
Mera clutched her chest as tears spilled from her eyes.
She watched Homelander writhe on the ground, her heart aching.
Atlanteans revered the strong, but they held even greater reverence for a noble soul willing to sacrifice everything for the weak.
"He is a true king... a king worth following even at the cost of our lives."
Alert! Special Popularity Points +20,000! (From Y'Mera Xebella Challa)
Deathstroke Slade pulled off his battered mask, admiration in his eyes.
As an assassin, he was cold and ruthless. But as a warrior, he respected true strength.
"You're the real deal. I owe you my life, brother."
Alert! Special Popularity Points +15,000! (From Slade Wilson)
Every hero generously contributed their own emotional response.
Meanwhile, Homelander thrashed on the ground with all his might, laughing wildly to himself.
I'm making a killing! A killing!!
I'm a fucking genius! The Oscars owe me three statuettes! Best Actor, Best Director, and Best Screenplay!
But this grand performance had only just begun.
What epic superhero movie could do without the crushing menace of a merciless villain?
As the co-star of this grand performance, Dago understood his master's intentions perfectly. A villain had to show his utmost