The video ended.
The phone screen froze on Carl's mangled body.
The air was eerily still. Becca had leaned over and watched the entire video with them, and now stared at Homelander as if he were a monster.
Homelander did not notice Becca's increasingly grim expression. His attention was entirely on Ryan.
At that moment, he was nothing more than a father showing his child his power.
With a hint of anticipation and pride, Homelander said, "Did you see that, Ryan? We're the most superior species in this world. We can do anything. These ants who dare stand against us are nothing to fear."
He grinned broadly, as though he could already hear Ryan saying:
"Dad, you're amazing," or, "Dad, I want to be just like you when I grow up."
No such words of approval or admiration came from Ryan's mouth.
After a long wait, all he got was Ryan's slightly trembling body.
Homelander looked at his son in confusion. "Ryan? What's wrong?"
Ryan raised his head, his mind in turmoil.
After all, he was only a child, without such a clear sense of right and wrong.
In his world, his mother told him that life was precious and that he must not hurt others casually, but his father's words were the complete opposite.
Two entirely different worldviews collided in his mind.
The bloody, horrifying images he had just seen made that collision even more intense.
"I'm scared..." Ryan said.
"Why would you be scared?" Homelander did not quite understand. "Ryan, that person wanted to destroy our lives."
"You lunatic!" Becca's voice rang out. Her face was pale, but her gaze was firm.
She walked straight to the door without ceremony and pointed outside. "Get out of here right now. Ryan is just a child. What did you show