"I have to go," Carol said.
Wei wasn't surprised at all.
In the past few days, she has seen Carol fly into space and to the moon more than once; this small planet can no longer contain her.
Where to?
"Let's go explore the universe," Carol said, gazing up at the starry sky. "And while we're at it, let's visit Hala."
" The Kree Empire's homeland?"
"Go settle the score." Carol nodded. "Some people owe me an explanation."
Will you come back?
Wei asked one last question.
Carol glanced at her, then at Maria, who was playing with Monica not far away.
"The Earth is my home." She smiled. "I'll be back."
After saying that, she didn't linger any longer. She transformed into a golden shooting star, soaring into the sky and disappearing in no time.
Wei stared at the direction where the shooting star disappeared, standing there for a long time.
She took out a lighter from her pocket, intending to light a cigarette, only to find that the cigarette pack was empty.
"Cut."
She cursed and turned to go back into the house.
Before we knew it, it was 2000.
This is an era of hope, and also an era of chaos.
The whole world has become lively.
Beneath this bustling scene, a far more dangerous change is taking place.
The number of Metahuman has increased over time.
Playing with fire, becoming invisible, lifting cars like dumbbells...
Most of these Metahuman are guys who have been exposed to some inferior Compound V.
What followed were all sorts of masked heroes and criminals.
The bank robbers didn't use guns; they just smashed the vault door open with a single punch.
The world is becoming more dangerous every day.
As the only company in the world that can "manage" Metahuman, Vought International's position is unshakeable.
Vought's heroes appeared in the news, at disaster sites, and wherever a "savior" was needed.
Its shadow has seeped into everyone's life.
Vought International, Public Relations and Brand Management Department.
Hans Landa stood in front of a wall of screens, hundreds of which displayed chaotic scenes from around the world.
He didn't look at the fires and ruins.
His eyes were fixed on the constantly scrolling number at the bottom of the screen—the "Global Fear Index".
This is a model developed by the Vought Data Analytics Department, specifically designed to calculate just how scared ordinary people are.
"Minister."
Deputy Miranda Priestly approached and handed over a report.
"The global fear index has risen by 27% in the past three months."
Sales of guns and home security systems have reached a new high since the Cold War.
"Very good."
Hans Landa smiled contentedly.
"Fear is the best business."
He walked to the desk and sat down.
People need security; they dream of a savior, someone who can bring order.
A new advertising campaign pops up on the main screen.
[ Vought Security Upgrade Plan: Heroes Are Right Beside You]
In the advertisement, a middle-class family is having dinner in a warm and cozy atmosphere.
Suddenly, a loud bang was heard outside the window. An out-of-control "wild superhuman" had smashed through the roof of the neighbor's house.
The family was so frightened that they hid under the table.
Just then, a golden light streaked across the sky.
A hero dressed in Vought uniform landed in front of them, smiled at the family, and then easily dealt with the monster.
The advertisement ends with the Vought logo and a tagline.
"The world is in chaos, Vought will protect you."
Miranda nodded after reviewing the proposal.
"Simple, direct, and takes people's anxieties to the extreme."
"This is just the first step," Hans said. "It's not enough to just frighten them; we need to give them some new idols to worship."
He switched screens.
A brand new team of heroes appeared on the screen.
Five people, three men and two women.
They wore matching blue and white uniforms with Vought's "V" logo on their chests.
Her looks and figure are top-notch.
"Who are they?" Miranda asked.
"Our new product," Hans said with a smile, "The latest masterpiece from the General Administration of Scientific Research. Perfect, powerful, and obedient."
Where's the script?
" The Strategic Operations Department has made all the arrangements."
"A supervillain wants to pollute the city's water supply. The New Guardians will descend from the sky and save New York at the last minute."
"They'll become big stars," Miranda asserted.
"Certainly."
Hans stood up and straightened his tie.
"War creates heroes. Now that there is no war, we have to create our own."
The General Administration of Scientific Research, five floors underground.
Dr. Horton stood in front of a row of glass culture chambers.
Each cell contained a completely naked person.
They are the " New Guardians ".
"Boss."
Horton spoke into a camera above the culture chamber, his voice trembling with excitement.
Lynn Morris's face appeared on the screen in front of him.
"How's it going."
Lynn's voice remained as calm as ever.
"Perfect! Boss! This is simply a work of art!"
Horton waved his arms.
"We succeeded! Chimera Project was a success!"
He pointed to the people in the incubation chambers.
"The skeletons were made using the strongest Kree genes, ensuring their combat effectiveness and physical strength."
"They added Skrulls gene fragments, making their cells incredibly adaptable and capable of self-repair. They don't get sick, they don't get scarred, and they're always at their peak."
"Finally, using Compound V as a catalyst, these substances were perfectly inserted into the human body."
Horton ran to the control panel and pulled up the body data of a " New Guardians ".
"They're stronger than Captain America, and their regenerative abilities are faster than the Human Torch. They're the perfect biological weapon."
"But their most perfect aspect..."
Horton's smile turned ecstatic.
"Their brains are completely blank!"
"We used personality reconstruction technology to erase all those useless personality traits and emotions. All they have on their minds is how to fight and their loyalty to Vought."
"They will have no questions, they will not disobey, and they will not have any messy emotions. They are your most loyal soldiers."
Lynn Morris listened quietly without reacting.
He looked at the screen at those handsome " New Guardians " whose eyes were devoid of any emotion.
After a long while, he finally spoke.
"I don't just want soldiers, I want stars. Soldiers are expendable resources, stars are assets that can generate a continuous stream of income."
"I need them to have personality, a story, and the charisma to make fans spend money on them."
"Doctor, you can infuse them with some charm."
Horton paused for a few seconds, then that familiar, unsettling smile returned to his face.
"Of course, boss."
"Sure."
What kind of charm do you desire? A rebellious playboy? A gentle and considerate boy next door? Or a tragic hero burdened with a sorrowful past?
"We... can offer personalized customization!"