Chapter 257: Night of Universal Hallucinations 『 Part Six 』
「 "Even though I say that, surely the Express still has one final struggle left in it?!"
Argenti bowed his head slightly, his emerald eyes filled with an unshakable resolve: "Velite, I will escort you to your destination. A Knight keeps his promises."
Velite rubbed his reddened eyes vigorously, his voice trembling on the verge of tears: "Don't think that just because you keep saying things like that, I'll be moved. I'm famous for having a heart of stone, you know!" 」
「 .....」
〜Vought Cinematic Universe, The Boys Worldline〜
Homelander stood before the conference room on the top floor of Vought Tower, the neon lights of New York reflected in his blue eyes. His fingertips drummed a rapid, dense rhythm against the glass, every tap tightening the nerves of The Deep and Ashley, who stood behind him.
"Your approval ratings have dropped by ten percent."
Ashley glanced at the data on her tablet and spoke with extreme caution.
"Even among the die-hards, some are saying you don't measure up to that Knight of Beauty."
"I really should twist this b*tch's head off,"
Homelander thought to himself. If only she weren't so useful for handling interest rates, taxes, HR issues, and the like…
The Deep swallowed hard and squeezed out a sycophantic smile:
"Those people don't understand anything, they're just a bunch of sheep following the tre—"
Homelander spun around violently, cutting The Deep's words short.
"Shut up, you fish-stinking waste of space,"
He said in a low voice.
He snatched the computer from Ashley's hands, his finger swiping across the latest social media metrics on the tablet—discussion regarding the "Knight of Beauty, Argenti" was climbing at an alarming rate. The comment section was flooded with sentiments like "This is a true hero" and "I wish there were knights like this in real life."
As his finger continued to scroll down, Homelander's face grew increasingly ashen. Numerous fan-edited videos of Argenti had already appeared online, along with trending topics directly comparing the knight to him.
Observing his expression, Ashley immediately took a step forward:
"We can manufacture some topics, guide public opinion, or perhaps introduce a new member to The Seven…"
"Oh."
Homelander stared at her for two seconds, then suddenly grinned, reaching out to seize her jaw in a crushing grip.
Terror and panic were instantly etched into Ashley's eyes. Her lips were squeezed into a comical shape by the immense force, resembling the mouth of a fish. Her throat struggled to produce a raspy, indistinct sound, like an explanation… or perhaps a plea for mercy.
As the pressure from his palm increased, Ashley's face gradually turned pale.
"You're right… But that's not enough."
He finally released his hand, and Ashley gasped greedily for air as if granted a great amnesty.
"I want this."
Homelander pointed at the sky screen, where the Knight of Beauty was comforting the Trailblazer and others. Looking at Argenti's gentle expression, his smile slowly twisted.
"No, I want something even more 'perfect' than him."
Ashley understood his meaning immediately, but The Deep failed to react in time, asking tentatively:
"You mean…"
"The Knight of Beauty—one of Vought's newest members of The Seven. Handsome, elegant, and noble as a fucking prince straight out of a fairy tale."
He sneered.
"Go find someone suitable. Whatever abilities Argenti has, find someone with the same."
Ashley clutched the tablet tightly to her chest. The thought of leaving this conference room kick-started her brain, which had been frozen for several minutes, into overdrive:
"I'll arrange for the best plastic surgeons and hire screenwriters to tailor a persona for him. Yes… and we'll shoot a promo for him about Beauty and chivalry! I guarantee you will be satisfied with this."
Homelander nodded with satisfaction, but in the next second, his expression suddenly darkened again.
"Listen,"
Homelander said.
"Ashley, I don't give a fuck how much PR and resources you use—but if my approval ratings don't show signs of bouncing back within three days… I will reach through your ribs, rip out those two lumps of silicone from your chest, and shove them into that mouth of yours that's only good for kissing ass. Do you understand?"
Ashley nodded desperately.
Homelander slowly stood up. He straightened his uniform and reverted to that sunny, righteous hero expression.
"Good. Now, when you get the fuck out, remember to close the door."
—
「 While everyone was speaking, Welt had already finished inspecting the engine. If there were no strong objections from those present, they could begin preparations.
"Mr. Welt—please wait a moment." Argenti suddenly interrupted. "My apologies—a thought suddenly occurred to me, one that might help everyone resolve this crisis. While the Express is preparing, I hope to have the opportunity to discuss this with the Stelle alone."
"You! Even at a time like this, can't you just say what you mean?" March 7th expressed a hint of dissatisfaction.
"This idea… if proposed publicly, would surely be immediately rejected by you all. But as a Knight, I must help the Express solve this problem."
Seeing that there was still time, Welt granted them a moment for private discussion.
After taking the Stelle aside, Argenti frankly stated his idea: "I wish to disembark from the Express and engage the Giant Sting head-on—I will attack its stomach lining with my spear, inducing spasms that will cause it to vomit the Express out."
Stelle's eyes widened: "Just you alone?"
Argenti nodded: "I struggle to describe this phenomenon… but when I witness certain things, a sentiment of Beauty arises from the bottom of my heart. It is vague, perceivable only through instinct."
"Perhaps I have walked the galaxy alone for too long, unaware of where this feeling stems from. But as a knight, I realize my obligation is to safeguard the seed that embodies beauty, standing as a bulwark to defend it against all..."
"And now, the Astral Express is that seed. It gives me a sense of belonging, a warmth like home. I believe this stems from the deep bonds between you all. Therefore, I vow to use my body as a shield to defend this wisp of warmth, rather than living in ignoble safety, letting it become a shield that protects me instead." 」
「 .....」
〜Type-Moon World, Carnival Phantasm Worldline〜
"Interesting."
Seeing Argenti intend to strike out alone, Gilgamesh revealed a rare hint of approval.
"At least he knows how to adorn his final act with fresh blood, rather than wailing like a beaten dog. Argenti… This King shall remember his name."
Kirei Kotomine stood in the shadows, his tone carrying a measure of surprise:
"Oh? You would actually appreciate such an act of foolish self-sacrifice?"
"Foolish?"
Gilgamesh scoffed.
"Kirei, your vision remains as narrow as ever. This man knows full well that the path ahead offers a slim chance of survival, yet he presses forward regardless. His courage alone is enough to be called heroic."
Looking at the slime left on the ground by the dead True Stings inside the train, Gilgamesh frowned in disgust:
"However, these filthy insects daring to defile the battlefield with such an ugly form truly displeases This King."
Kirei Kotomine narrowed his eyes:
"But is it not precisely because of this ugly existence that the magnificence of the Knight is thrown into relief?"
"Hmph, you actually said something decent for once."
Gilgamesh lightly swirled the wine in his goblet.
"However, This King is curious about the true face of this insect. A monster capable of swallowing a train whole… This King would indeed like to see it."
—
( Translator-kun: I didn't know that The Boys has another shared universe, and their universe is called the Vought Cinematic Universe. So starting in this chapter, I'm gonna use Vought Cinematic Universe for The Boys and their shared universe. )