Homelander raised his head and looked at the largest holographic billboard above the plaza.
It should have been looping an advertisement for Coca-Cola or some popular actress's luxury goods.
But now, the entire screen was occupied by Homelander's handsome, smiling face.
Beneath the photo was a line of bold English text:
[Humanity's beacon, Homelander. We will always await your return.]
And it was not just the largest screen.
As far as the eye could see, most electronic displays and projections on building exteriors were filled with prayers for him.
He arrived beneath Vought Tower, where a steady stream of people had gathered of their own accord.
No one spoke loudly. They simply placed white candles on the ground in silence, while bouquets of flowers were neatly piled before Homelander's statue.
Homelander stepped forward and strolled casually into the crowd.
He greedily savored the people's love and longing for him, his vanity immensely satisfied.
Suddenly, a strangely familiar figure entered his view.
In the long line of mourners, a little boy with curly brown hair tightly held a woman's hand.
This is... Peter Parker? Homelander recognized him.
Then that woman beside him must be Aunt May. Mm, she's still quite charming.
Homelander silently floated over and stopped beside them.
Peter was wearing a Homelander-themed hoodie today, with the iconic eagle design printed across the chest.
"He'll come back, right, Aunt May?" Peter's voice carried the stubbornness unique to a teenager.
May Parker gently pulled Peter into her arms and softly patted his back.
This woman, who had raised Peter alone and had once been nearly crushed by life's burdens, was dressed quite respectably at the moment.
Especially with the gleaming Vought senior employee badge pinned to her chest, which made her look even more confident.
"Of course, Peter. He's Homelander. He