The command hall fell into complete silence.
Everyone looked at Starlight.
Even though Starlight could feel Maeve's encouragement, she couldn't say a word.
Homelander smiled faintly and snapped his fingers.
A photo immediately appeared on the screens in the command hall.
It was a picture of Starlight together with Mick, the head of the experimental facility.
Homelander said, "You should know who this is, right?"
"That's right, Mick, the supervisor of the experimental base."
"When you led people on a tour of the facility, you took a photo with him."
"The strange thing is, the department Mick is in wasn't on the list of areas open for visits."
"So, how did you end up there?"
Starlight clenched her fists slightly, as if making a decision.
But at that moment, a hand rested on her fist.
Then she saw Maeve shake her head.
Homelander acted as if he hadn't noticed the small exchange between the two women.
He smiled, and continued.
"Coincidentally, right after you appeared in that lab, that same night, during an inventory check, they found some items missing."
"They tried to check the surveillance footage, but it had been heavily interfered with."
"However…"
"Before the footage cut out, they captured this."
Homelander snapped his fingers again.
A video appeared on the screen.
In the footage, the laboratory door opened, and a staff member walked in.
Just as the door was about to close, another figure slipped inside.
It was Starlight, with her big wavy hair and sexy styling.
Moments later, the footage was heavily disrupted, and nothing could be seen clearly.
Homelander crossed his arms and smiled, "So, Starlight,"
"do you have anything to explain?"
Starlight did not respond.
The tall Ice Princess had already stood up, a chill emanating from her.
She said in a deep voice, "Homelander, what's there to explain?"
"It's obvious we've got a traitor among us!"
As she spoke, an ice spear formed in her hand and shot toward Starlight like lightning.
Homelander didn't stop her.
Stormfront yawned.
Light rapidly flared in Starlight's eyes.
But at that moment, a fist slammed into the ice spear.
The spear shattered completely.
Maeve withdrew her fist, glared at the Ice Princess, then said to Homelander, "Before things are clarified, it's better not to jump to conclusions."
The Ice Princess had long disliked Maeve. She muttered "old woman" under her breath.
Then she raised her voice.
"This isn't clear yet?"
"She obviously stole something to deal with Homelander."
"Queen Maeve, could it be you're her accomplice?"
Before Maeve could answer, Homelander said coldly, "Did I tell you to speak?"
"Sit down!"
That terrifying pressure made the Ice Princess not even dare to breathe. Looking aggrieved, she sat back down.
Then Homelander glanced at Maeve and shook his head slightly, signaling her not to interfere.
After that, he walked toward Starlight.
The light in his eyes gradually intensified.
"Starlight, now you can explain."
"But remember, you only get one chance."
A massive pressure surged toward Starlight like a tidal wave.
She clenched her fists and raised her head.
Then she said in a low voice, "Yes."
"That's right."
"Everything is just as Stormfront said."
Hearing this, Maeve couldn't help but close her eyes.
The light in Homelander's eyes grew three times brighter, though the smile on his face didn't change.
"Go on. I'm listening."
Starlight seemed to throw caution to the wind and stepped forward.
"Homelander, do you remember the question I asked you?"
"Your answer made me feel like you're just playing a game called being a superhero."
"That disappointed me, and it scared me."
"I was worried you would hurt innocent people."
"Just like what you did in the Empire State Building in Manhattan!"
"You're too powerful."
"There's almost nothing in this world that can restrain you."
"If one day you don't feel like playing the superhero game anymore, and start playing as a super-powered criminal, I can't imagine what the world would become."
"So yes, when Stormfront said you were a threat, I was moved."
"And I did help them steal Compound V."
Element Woman and Electric Man glanced at Homelander fearfully, then secretly looked at Starlight with a hint of respect.
Homelander's smile widened.
"So, because my answer didn't meet your standards, you betrayed me, betrayed this team?"
Suddenly, his smile disappeared, "You're very naive."
"And very foolish."
"A few words were enough to incite you."
"And before I even took any real action, you had already passed judgment on me."
"My God, Miss Starlight."
"Even a judge needs evidence to deliver a verdict."
"But you, based only on a few words of mine, decided I was guilty."
"You're far too shallow."
Starlight's chest rose and fell violently. Her face turned red, but she had no reply.
'That's right. Even a judge needs evidence. There must be witnesses and physical proof before sentencing someone.'
'And the accused is even allowed to defend themselves.'
'But I didn't have any evidence at all. Just based on a few words, I decided Homelander was a threat.'
'Starlight, how can you be this childish!'
The light in Homelander's eyes had grown so intense it was about to shoot out.
"Starlight, do you have anything else to say?"
Those words clearly meant for her to leave her last words.
Maeve gritted her teeth, suddenly stood up, and stepped in front of Homelander.
"Homelander, please don't do this."
"Starlight made a mistake, but she was also incited by someone first."
She looked toward Stormfront.
Stormfront's mouth formed an "O" shape, about to say something.
But Homelander turned around, the golden light in his eyes radiating intense heat, making sweat instantly appear on her.
"Wait, Homelander."
"I already confessed this to you."
"At the time, I was also misled by Butcher."
The corner of Homelander's mouth lifted slightly, "That does sound familiar."
Maeve immediately said, "If Stormfront made a mistake because she was misled, and you forgave her, then can you also forgive Starlight this once?"
Stormfront curled her lips, "Your Majesty, that's not the same thing."
"Homelander forgave me because I made contributions first, and I already punished myself with lightning."
"What, you think a few light words can clear Starlight of guilt?"
Homelander nodded, "She's right."
Maeve said in a deep voice, "Leave Starlight to me. I guarantee she'll make contributions for you."
"And I will also punish her."
Homelander narrowed his eyes slightly, "Are you sure you want to do that?"
"Maeve, understand this."
"If you protect her today and she makes another mistake in the future,.you'll be implicated."
Maeve looked at the girl and remembered that night at the Empire State Building, when Starlight had stayed behind without hesitation.
Back then, she had seen her younger self in Starlight.
So she nodded, "I'll correct her."
Homelander looked at Starlight again.
Then suddenly burst out laughing.
"Well, then it's fine."
He walked over and stood beside Starlight.
He lightly patted her shoulder, "You're very lucky."
"You should thank Maeve properly."
Then Homelander said, "Now, let's discuss another matter."
"I've recently taken over a unit."
"Delta Force."
"Next, they'll be dealing with super-powered criminals. I need volunteers to act as criminals so they can get used to fighting supers."
The Ice Princess immediately raised her hand, "Homelander, I'll do it."
Homelander glanced at her, "Miss, if you play a criminal, I'm afraid the soldiers will get too excited."
Then he pointed at Electric Man, "You."
"In a few days, come with me to the base."
"As for your work," he looked at Stormfront, "Can you handle it?"
Stormfront laughed, "No problem."
"Then it's settled."
The meeting ended, and everyone dispersed.
Maeve gave Starlight a look, and the two went to the lounge.
———
It was decorated in a bar style.
Maeve walked to the liquor cabinet, took out whiskey and champagne, and began mixing drinks.
Starlight sat nearby, feeling uneasy, watching Maeve mix the drinks, wondering what she was going to say.
Soon, Maeve prepared two cocktails and placed one in front of Starlight.
"Try it."
"I have some confidence in my mixing."
Starlight was startled and asked tentatively, "Aren't you going to say something?"
Maeve asked back, "Say what?"
"Sorry, I've never been a teacher."
"So I don't know how to lecture people."
"I think the best lesson is experiencing things yourself."
"I believe today you've already experienced something and learned from it."
Starlight was a bit surprised. Holding the glass with both hands, she said, "Homelander was right. I was really foolish."
Maeve nodded, "That's true."
"But who hasn't done something foolish before?"
"Just that, girl, this time you were a bit too foolish. You almost lost your life, you know?"
Thinking of the way Homelander's eyes had lit up earlier, Starlight nodded.
Maeve patted her shoulder, "Have a drink, then change your clothes and go out for a walk."
"Buy some clothes, or watch a movie."
"Anything. Relax a bit."
"But you need to carve today's lesson into your heart. Don't make the same mistake again."
"And remember, if you lose your life for your own beliefs, that's one thing."
"But don't throw away your life for someone else's beliefs. That's just stupid, completely stupid."
Stormfront's figure flashed through Starlight's mind.
She couldn't help but tighten her grip slightly on the glass.
"I understand."
"Thank you."
She took a sip of the cocktail, hesitated, then carefully asked,
"Can I ask why you helped me?"
Maeve looked at her.
Smiled.
And said, "Because you reminded me of something."
"But I can only help you this once."
"If there's a next time, I'll probably end up suffering with you."
Starlight said seriously, "I won't make the same mistake again."
"Then it's settled."
Maeve raised her glass, "Cheers."
"Cheers."
———
[Wednesday Evening]
Homelander wore faded jeans and a printed T-shirt, with a baseball cap, and came to the music shop Angelina had bought.
As he walked in, he saw a man talking to Caitlin.
Homelander narrowed his eyes slightly.
He heard the white man say, "Caitlin, are you free tonight?"
"I'd like to invite you to dinner."
Caitlin shook her head with a smile, "Sorry, Mr. William."
"I've already made plans with a friend."
The man named William chuckled, "That's easy, just bring your friend along."
"No, we plan to buy groceries and cook ourselves."
The man didn't persist. He shrugged, "Alright."
"Next time, then."
"You have to accept my invitation next time."
"Also, the guitar tone you adjusted is really excellent."
"If you ask me, working in a small shop like this is wasting your talent."
"If you want to change jobs, maybe I can introduce you to something."
Caitlin said politely, "Thank you, Mr. William."
"But for now, I'm not planning to change jobs."
"Alright, I'll be going then."
"Goodbye."
William turned around and saw Homelander.
His expression changed slightly, but he quickly smiled and walked past him.
Outside, he got into a car.
The driver glanced toward the shop and said with a grin, "When did you start going after a blind girl?"
William smiled, "Just changing tastes once in a while."
"I've played with plenty of women."
"But as for a blind one, I haven't tried that yet."
"And she's very pure, like a little flower in the countryside."
"I think it'll be quite interesting."
The driver laughed, "Really?"
"But it looks like she already has a boyfriend."
"And you're a public figure. You should watch your image."
William glanced toward the shop, his gaze landing on Homelander.
"A blind girl and a plumber, pretty fitting."
"The fact she has a boyfriend makes it more exciting."
"That's what makes it fun."
The driver shrugged, started the car, and drove off.
Inside the music shop, Homelander glanced at Kimiko, who was nearby pretending to be interested in a violin.
Then he walked over to Caitlin and saw her new guide dog lying quietly on the ground.
Homelander crouched down and gently patted the Labrador's head.
Caitlin tilted her head slightly, listening, then smiled, "Mr. John, you're here."
Homelander whistled, "Caitlin, you're impressive."
"I didn't even make a sound, and you knew it was me."
Caitlin smiled, "I can recognize people by their footsteps, but only those I'm familiar with."
Then she said, "I can leave now."
"Let's go to the supermarket."
Homelander stood up and handed her the dog's leash.
The two walked out of the shop.
On the way, Homelander looked at the Labrador leading ahead.
"Have you given it a name yet?"
"Not yet."
Caitlin asked, "Do you have any suggestions?"
Homelander smiled, "What do you think about the name Arthur?"
"Arthur?"
Caitlin nodded, "Then Arthur it is."
"When we get home tonight, I'll tell him he has a name now."
The two went to the supermarket to buy ingredients, then returned to the apartment to cook.
While eating, the TV was playing news about a terrorist incident.
It also showed the leader of an armed group.
Homelander glanced at the lower left corner of the screen, where a name was displayed: Najib
"By the way, Mr. John, did you know?"
"A young lady moved into the second floor."
"Her name is Kimiko."
"She's also disabled. I can't see, and she can't speak."
Homelander said curiously, "If she can't speak, how do you know her name?"
Caitlin smiled, "She writes it on my palm."
Homelander nodded in understanding.
"I think the two of us can become friends," Caitlin said while tidying the dishes.
Homelander found it amusing, 'Your future good friend is following you around every day already.'
At that moment, Caitlin picked up the utensils and walked toward the kitchen.
Homelander went to open the door for her.
As he pushed the door open, a dazzling, multi-colored glow filled his vision.
He narrowed his eyes slightly and grabbed Caitlin, "Wait a second, Caitlin."
Caitlin was startled, "What's wrong?"
Homelander smiled, "Looks like we can go on another 'trip' again."
Caitlin paused, then asked, "Is the door open?"
.
.
.
A moment later, Caitlin was ready.
This time she carried a handbag with cash inside.
Homelander glanced at the Labrador, "Not bringing Arthur?"
"No."
"I'm afraid something might happen to him."
"And no matter how long we stay in another universe, when we return, time here barely moves."
"So there's no need to worry about Arthur getting scared."
Homelander didn't insist and nodded, "Alright, let's go."
He had Caitlin place her hand on his shoulder.
Then he unfolded his bio-force field, covering both of them, and led her into the light.
———
Passing through the dimensional gate didn't feel particularly special. After a flash of brightness, Homelander heard clanking sounds and felt slight swaying.
When the light faded, he found himself and Caitlin inside a subway car.
There weren't many people inside.
On one of the seats, a young man lay there.
At that moment, a homeless-looking man walked over and mischievously placed a bottle on the young man's forehead.
A strange scene appeared.
Even though the subway kept swaying, the young man, still asleep, maintained extraordinary balance.
The bottle didn't fall.
This scene felt familiar to Homelander, though he couldn't recall where he had seen it.
Just then, the young man seemed to have a nightmare and suddenly woke up, leaping into the air.
He ended up clinging upside down to the ceiling of the subway.
At that moment, Homelander knew which universe he had entered.
And who that young man was.
This was the Spider-Man universe!
And that young man was Peter Parker!
This scene was from The Amazing Spider-Man 1, when Peter Parker, after going to Dr. Curt Connors' lab, was bitten by a spider and began to develop his powers.
Sure enough, lines of information appeared before Homelander's eyes.
[You have actively initiated a multiverse event.]
[Event Name: The Amazing Spider-Man.]
[Description: As one of the Spider-Man universes, this version differs from others. At this time, Peter Parker is still a high school student. After accidentally discovering a mysterious briefcase, he begins a journey to uncover the truth behind his biological father's death. Your arrival at this moment, what kind of changes will you bring to this universe and this superhero?]
[Event Requirements: None.]
[Note: You may act freely. When you leave this universe, the event will end. Your actions during the event will be evaluated, and rewards will be issued.]
[Event begins!]
At that moment, a wave of startled cries came from the subway car.
Peter Parker seemed to realize something as well.
He dropped down to the floor, looking around in confusion.
His gaze briefly met Homelander's.
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