Hearing Axel's question, Madelyn's expression brightened immediately as she hurried to explain.
"It's like this, Ancestor. Seven minutes ago, Transoceanic Flight 37, traveling from Paris to Chicago, was hijacked over the Atlantic Ocean."
The information came directly from NORAD. One of her contacts there had passed along the classified update.
"If the intel is accurate, there are three to five hijackers onboard. But there are definitely people backing them from the outside. Someone interfered with the Air Force response and even tried negotiating with the military."
The more she spoke, the more excited she became.
"Lord Ancestor, haven't you always wanted a proper public debut?"
Madelyn stepped closer, unable to contain herself.
"What could be more impactful than saving an entire passenger plane? There are relatives of several congressmen onboard. If we rescue them, the chances of superheroes being integrated into the national defense system will skyrocket."
She quickly pulled out a tablet and opened a satellite map.
"And the best part, the plane is currently over the middle of the Atlantic."
She pointed at the blinking signal on the screen.
"International airspace, outside every major jurisdiction. No one can stop us there."
Because of agreements signed with the United Nations, their organization's superheroes were heavily restricted outside U.S. territory. Any unsanctioned operations created legal and political problems.
But this situation was different.
"If we bring that plane back safely, public opinion alone will force Congress to support our proposal."
Madelyn leaned forward against the desk, excitement practically overflowing from her voice.
"Once we're officially connected to national defense, everything changes. Military cooperation, government funding, international operations. The organization will explode in value."
Her breathing became uneven as she stared at Axel with open admiration.
"Our profits next year could increase fivefold, maybe even tenfold. Better facilities, better influence, better resources for you and the others."
Then she lowered her voice.
"You could control far more than you do now, Lord Ancestor."
Axel looked at her eager expression and suddenly laughed.
"Madelyn, what the hell is wrong with you?"
He shook his head.
"This is about saving lives."
Madelyn froze.
"You... actually care about that?"
Axel clicked his tongue.
"Don't look so shocked. I had parents too. I wasn't born crawling out of hell."
Then his grin turned arrogant again.
"Just because I occasionally kill people and enjoy a few entertaining hobbies doesn't mean I can't save someone once in a while."
He stood and casually patted her shoulder.
"As promised, if you serve me well, I'll usually grant your requests."
His thumb brushed lightly against her cheek as he smirked.
"Since you worship me like a god, then I'll answer your prayers."
Axel turned toward the window.
"Wait here. I'll bring the plane back."
Then he added with a grin:
"Hopefully there are at least a few attractive women onboard. If all I get after saving hundreds of people is applause, that'll be a terrible deal."
Flames suddenly ignited inside his eyes.
In the next instant, fire engulfed his body completely.
Then he vanished.
Far above the Atlantic Ocean, inside Transoceanic Flight 37.
The cabin had descended into chaos.
Three hijackers armed with rifles and explosives controlled the passengers while terrified cries echoed throughout the plane. Children screamed, women sobbed, and several men desperately tried negotiating.
Near the front of the cabin, two flight attendants knelt on the floor with guns aimed at their heads.
Then fire bloomed in the reflection of their eyes.
Axel stepped out of the flames.
The two attendants stared at him in complete shock.
Axel looked them over and smirked.
"Wow, this is one hell of a welcome."
He glanced at their kneeling posture and laughed.
"For a second there, I almost thought this was some kind of special service."
Before either woman could respond, one of the hijackers behind Axel panicked and opened fire.
Bang!
The bullet struck Axel directly in the head.
Then shattered harmlessly against his hair.
Fragments ricocheted through the cabin, causing nearby passengers to scream as pieces of metal cut into their skin.
Axel casually helped the two stunned attendants back to their feet.
Then he slowly turned around.
Clap. Clap.
The sharp sound of applause echoed through the cabin.
Axel grinned at the horrified passengers.
"Some of you probably don't know who I am yet."
His smile widened.
"But trust me, you're about to."
He spread his arms dramatically.
"Ladies and gentlemen, today's live rescue performance only costs fifty dollars per person."
Then he vanished from sight.
Bang!
His fist punched straight through the hijacker's skull.
Blood exploded across the cabin walls as the corpse collapsed instantly.
Screams erupted everywhere.
Some passengers cried in horror while others shouted in relief.
Axel pulled his bloodied fist free and flicked the remaining blood off his fingers.
Another hijacker farther down the aisle immediately raised his weapon.
Axel snapped his fingers.
The cabin door behind the terrorists exploded open.
The sudden decompression tore both hijackers off their feet before hurling them screaming into the night sky.
Axel casually tossed the corpse after them.
Passengers clung desperately to their seats as violent winds ripped through the cabin. Hair, luggage, papers, and oxygen masks flew wildly through the air.
Then, with a lazy motion of his finger, Axel shut the cabin door again.
Silence returned.
The passengers sat frozen in disbelief.
One trembling flight attendant pointed toward the cockpit.
"H-Hero... there's still one more hijacker!"
She struggled to steady her breathing.
"He took the captain hostage and killed the co-pilot!"
"Yeah, yeah, I got it."
Before Axel could finish speaking, a gunshot exploded from inside the cockpit.
Bang!
The cockpit door suddenly burst open.
A terrorist rushed out covered in explosives, charging directly at Axel with madness in his eyes.
At the same time, far away in another world, the story of Black Myth: Wukong had already reached its turning point.
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