A moment later.
Jessica suddenly curled her lips into a domineering smile and took the initiative to open her arms.
Skye refused to be outdone. Her eyes curved as she smiled sweetly and stepped forward.
The two women embraced.
"Not bad, Agent." Jessica patted Skye on the back.
"You too, President." Skye replied.
Then they released each other, turned, and walked away in opposite directions.
The instant their backs were turned, both their eyes ignited with the determination to win.
New York, Vought Advanced Medical Center.
VIP intensive care ward.
Ancient One had passed the critical stage. She sat propped up in her hospital bed, watching the news on the television mounted on the wall.
The ward door opened.
Homelander walked in, pulled over a chair, and sat beside the bed.
"Master, you look much better," Homelander said.
Ancient One turned to look at Homelander.
A rare, utterly relaxed smile bloomed on her face, as though an enormous burden had finally been lifted.
"You're here, Anthony."
"Congratulations. You created a miracle."
"I was only fulfilling my responsibility, Master," Homelander said modestly.
Ancient One took Homelander's hand and spoke softly.
"I have lived for a long time, and I have faced countless desperate situations."
"But I never imagined that I would one day witness Dormammu meet such an end with my own eyes."
"For all these years, the Astral Mark Dormammu left behind had plagued me. It was a curse I could not escape. But now..."
Ancient One looked into Homelander's eyes, her gaze filled with complicated emotions.
"I can't feel anything anymore. The mark is gone."
"You gave me freedom. Thank you, Anthony. I don't know how I could ever repay you."
Notification! Special Popularity Points gained +30000! (From Ancient One)
Hearing the system notification, Homelander broke