"You?" Hope looked at him in surprise.
To the world, Homelander was a symbol of strength, the God of Humanity.
She had never heard of him accomplishing anything in scientific research.
"Daniel and I developed the Enlarging-Shrinking Lamp together," Homelander said without batting an eye.
"I know the physical model behind it inside out. If I take part in the experiment myself, I can guarantee we'll make progress at least 300% faster."
Hope's eyes lit up. Having one of the technology's creators join them would be a lifeline.
"That would be wonderful!" she said excitedly. "I'd be delighted to have you on our technical advisory team!"
"Hope, I think you've misunderstood me."
Homelander raised a hand, stopping her.
"I'm not here to offer advice from the sidelines. I'm here to lead this experiment with you."
"That means... you'll need to show me the complete formula for Pym Particles."
"The complete formula?" Hope's smile froze, and she immediately sobered.
Pym Particles were her father's life's work, a secret he would rather have taken to his grave than revealed.
He had given her the formula only because he had yielded to his daughter and was desperate to save his wife.
That did not mean she could share it with anyone she pleased.
"I... I can't do that." Hope avoided Homelander's gaze as she refused him gently. "The formula is extremely complex, and... it's incredibly dangerous. I can't show it to anyone. I swore to my father when he gave it to me."
"I know what worries you, Hope. Pym Particles are your father's life's work, and you're afraid the technology will be misused."
Homelander did not grow angry at her refusal. Instead, he slowed down to make sure she heard every word.
"But if I only serve as an adviser, I won't