[Sage Grove Psychiatric Hospital]
Inside the control room, Wilson and Ryan stood before a row of surveillance monitors, watching the "psychiatric patients" in hospital gowns display all kinds of superpowers on the screens.
"What exactly is this?"
Wilson couldn't help looking at Stormfront beside him.
The night before, this woman had talked with him for a long time. Their conversation had been about the "patients" in Sage Grove Psychiatric Hospital.
If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, Wilson wouldn't have believed that Vought had already been secretly improving Compound V.
They were no longer satisfied with creating superhumans from children, finding the process too slow. They were now researching a way to turn adults directly into superhumans.
"As you can see," Stormfront smiled, "This is a plan. A great plan."
"If it succeeds, then a new era is about to begin."
"Mr. Secretary, just imagine it. With nothing more than an injection of Compound V, every one of our soldiers could become a superhuman."
"When that day comes, who in the world could stand against our Federation?"
"Vought started this research a long time ago. The original plan was to share it with the Federation after achieving results."
"But now, I think it's necessary to do it ahead of time."
Wilson said with a grim face, "Stormfront, who exactly are you?"
"I'd guess that not even the Seven, not even Homelander, knows the secret of this place."
"As someone who only recently joined the Seven, how could you possibly know something like this?"
Since Stormfront had come to work with Wilson, she had already prepared her explanation, "Nothing gets past you, Mr. Secretary."
"You're right. My real identity isn't this one."
"A long time ago, I had another superhero name."
"Back then, people called me Liberty."
Wilson froze.
Of course he knew Liberty. When he was young, that name was known by many people.
"Impossible!"
"You're Liberty?"
"Then why do you still look so young?"
Stormfront walked over to Wilson and whispered into his ear, "I'm still full of energy, especially in that department. You'd know if you tried."
She winked at Ryan before continuing, "Actually, who I am isn't important. What's important is that, Mr. Wilson, I can provide you with an army."
"A superhuman army. The 'patients' here."
"I believe that with them, plus your little 'Guardian,' you won't have to keep watching that man's mood anymore."
Wilson looked at the woman, "Do you know what you're saying?"
"If I tell Homelander everything you've just said, you'll end up in a very bad situation."
Stormfront didn't care, "You won't do that, sir."
"What would you gain from it?"
"And believe me, Homelander doesn't like me."
"He could kill me at any time."
"The only reason he keeps me alive is to torment me or amuse himself."
"It's just like how a cat that catches a mouse doesn't necessarily kill it right away."
"Homelander could kill me at any moment. So the only thing I can do is kill him before that happens."
"But I can't do it alone, so I need more allies."
"For example, the Federation."
She crouched down again and looked at Ryan with a smile. "For example, our little Guardian."
Wilson looked at her and said, "I'll think about it."
"But even if I agree, we can't act that soon."
"Ryan still needs training."
Stormfront looked up, "Let me train him. I promise I'll turn him into the perfect warrior."
Wilson glanced at Ryan, "I'll discuss it with the Guardian before giving you an answer."
Stormfront smiled, "I hope you won't keep me waiting too long."
Wilson said, "You can come to my house tonight. By then, I should have an answer."
Stormfront walked over to Wilson and whispered into his ear, "Should I change into something more interesting?"
Wilson smiled, then left with Ryan.
———
[Inside the Car]
Ryan said, "I don't like her."
Wilson followed his lead, "Neither do I."
"But, Ryan, she's probably the strongest superhuman besides Homelander, if she really is Liberty."
"So that means if you learn from her, you'll grow faster."
"And then you'll be able to do what you want to do sooner."
Ryan clenched his fists as Homelander's figure flashed through his mind, "Okay."
"I'll accept that woman's training."
Wilson reached over and rubbed his head, "Good boy."
———
[Franklin District, Basement]
Corwin burst out laughing, "I must've heard wrong just now. Or maybe, Mr. John, you're really funny."
"I am funny."
"But I'm serious too."
"Your Shining Light Liberation Army hasn't accomplished anything so far. Maybe you should consider replacing your leader. For example, with me," Alex smiled at the man in front of him.
Corwin's face immediately darkened.
The men in the basement instantly raised their rifles and pistols, their gun barrels aimed at Alex.
Levin let out a roar. His body rapidly swelled, tearing apart his shirt as white fur grew across him. In the blink of an eye, he had turned into a werewolf.
Looking at Levin's long claws, Corwin took two steps back until he reached Kenji.
"What kind of monster is this?"
Kenji was also startled. He hadn't expected Levin to be able to transform.
Alex smiled, "Don't be nervous. As long as you don't do anything unnecessary, Mr. Levin won't attack you."
He looked back at Corwin, "If you can't make the decision, then let me meet your leader."
Still shaken, Corwin looked at Levin, "I need to make a phone call."
"Go ahead."
A moment later, Corwin returned and gave a dry cough, "The leader is willing to meet you, but he has one condition."
"Let's hear it," Alex pulled over a chair and sat down himself, completely at ease, as though this were his own home.
Corwin said, "We have an operation coming up."
"The leader wants you to take part in it."
"He wants to use this opportunity to see your attitude and where you stand."
"If you help us complete the mission successfully, he'll meet with you."
Alex nodded, "No problem."
Then he smiled charmingly, "But let me be clear first."
"If you dare play games with me, I'll have Mr. Levin eat every one of you."
"I'll find your families and friends and kill them one by one."
"So..."
"Don't lie to me."