Marvel : Mutant God

Vought Tower. Photo studio on the 35th floor.

Vought International's photographer captured promotional images of Richard dressed in Sephiroth's signature black coat. Though Richard's public introduction had only just begun, advance marketing materials required immediate preparation.

Beyond various promotional posters and video clips, Vought's marketing department had developed a comprehensive rollout strategy for their newest hero. This included scheduled interviews, cameo appearances in superhero films currently in production, personal promotional videos, and planned public appearances.

From a personal standpoint, Richard disliked this celebrity-like promotional approach. However, to successfully complete his world challenge and become this universe's most recognized superhero, he needed to participate in these marketing activities despite his reservations.

Without such coordinated publicity, even saving lives worldwide wouldn't establish him as a household name within his limited timeframe, much less elevate him to the most famous superhero.

After completing his latest promotional photoshoot and magazine cover session, Madelyn Stillwell and Homelander—who had been observing from the studio periphery—approached with professional smiles firmly in place.

"How are you finding the photoshoot experience?" Madelyn inquired with practiced cordiality.

"Fine," Richard replied casually.

Though responding to Madelyn, his attention remained fixed on Homelander rather than the middle-aged executive. In both appearance and costume, Homelander matched Richard's recollections perfectly. The hero also wore that carefully cultivated professional smile that never reflected his genuine thoughts.

"Ashley mentioned you were shooting your latest promotional materials," Madelyn continued. "I thought it appropriate to bring Homelander to meet you."

"Though you're not officially teammates yet, early acquaintance never hurts."

As she finished speaking, Homelander immediately interjected:

"What's your relationship with Edgar?" The blonde hero demanded. "Why did he arrange your admission to the Seven?"

Though smiling, Homelander's tone lacked any pretense of warmth.

Most individuals would have hastily provided detailed answers to Homelander's interrogation. Richard, however, was not most individuals.

Dismissing the implicit threat in Homelander's tone, Richard responded with casual indifference: "If you're so curious about that, why not ask Edgar directly?"

Upon hearing Richard's flippant response, Homelander's professional smile instantly evaporated. He fixed Richard with a cold stare as his eyes emitted a faint crimson glow.

Heat vision, huh? I have that too.

Witnessing Homelander's glowing eyes, Richard activated his own heat vision, matching the red illumination perfectly.

"Are you certain you want to fight me here?" Richard challenged.

Though Richard hadn't publicly demonstrated his abilities to the general population, he had revealed certain powers to facilitate Vought's marketing efforts. Specifically, he had disclosed possessing every ability Homelander commanded—plus additional powers over fire, lightning, wind, ice, gravity, and magnetic fields.

Essentially, Richard had presented himself as Homelander with significant upgrades.

Hearing Richard's challenge, the crimson glow in Homelander's eyes intensified.

Despite Madelyn's pre-visit admonition to avoid direct conflict with Richard, Homelander interpreted Richard's response as deliberate provocation.

Just as Homelander prepared to unleash his heat vision—intending to educate Richard regarding the Seven's actual leadership—Madelyn placed a restraining hand on his shoulder, subtly shaking her head.

Registering Madelyn's signal, Homelander's eyes returned to normal.

"We'll leave you to continue your photoshoot," Madelyn stated diplomatically.

With that, she escorted Homelander from the studio.

Once outside, Homelander declared with solemn conviction: "I can defeat him. He's no match for me. I have absolute confidence."

Despite Homelander's certainty, Madelyn harbored considerably less optimism. As a formidable businesswoman with decades navigating corporate politics, she recognized that Richard's displayed composure wasn't feigned.

Moreover, she had witnessed Richard's unmistakable contempt for Homelander.

Where did he come from? Why haven't I heard of him before? Did Edgar provide him with Compound V?

Multiple theories cascaded through Madelyn's analytical mind.

Unable to determine Richard's true origins, she assumed he represented another Compound V subject. She could never have imagined that Richard was actually a transplant from the Marvel Universe.

After Madelyn and Homelander's departure, Richard resumed his photoshoot.

Time flowed swiftly. Three days passed in a blur.

During this interval, beyond cooperating with Vought's marketing machinery, Richard primarily focused on entertaining various attractive women he'd invited back to his hotel.

Though such behavior might generate certain negative repercussions, Richard refused to live a monastic existence merely to complete his world challenge. While the challenge rewards held importance, living enjoyably remained equally vital.

10:00 AM. Vought International's annual shareholders' meeting, Vought Tower.

Beyond presenting the corporation's financial achievements to shareholders, this year's meeting included an additional agenda item: the formal announcement that Richard and Starlight would become the Seven's newest members.

The public had long anticipated Starlight's admission, given her "Most Popular Award" victory in the talent competition. Richard, however, remained largely unknown to the general population.

Despite Vought's aggressive ten-day promotional campaign, Richard's limited public appearances and absence from heroic activities left him a stranger to most citizens.

Most people recognized only his name and appearance, falling far short of genuine admiration or enthusiastic support. According to marketing department surveys, his current approval rating among adults aged 18-49 registered a meager 0.36%—specifically, 0.35% among women and a paltry 0.01% among men.

These figures placed him astronomically behind Homelander and Queen Maeve, and even trailing Vought's third-tier heroes.

Within Vought's approximately 280-person superhero roster, Richard's approval rating languished among the bottom three.

Despite these discouraging statistics, Richard remained unconcerned. His low approval stemmed solely from his lack of active heroism. Once he began operations and demonstrated abilities far surpassing Homelander's, his popularity would skyrocket.

With his extraordinary power and attractive appearance, failure to generate enthusiastic public support would reflect severe personal inadequacy.

Outside Vought Tower, two black Rolls-Royces parked sequentially before the ceremonial red carpet. Surrounding streets and plazas overflowed with fans gathered from across the country—perhaps the world—for this momentous occasion.

Beyond these enthusiasts, numerous reporters and photographers clustered around the red carpet, equipment ready.

When the first Rolls-Royce halted at the carpet's edge, Starlight emerged from the rear compartment. Clad in her platinum uniform, her long golden hair framing delicate features and fair complexion, she stepped gracefully onto the carpet, her mother following close behind.

The moment Starlight appeared, the assembled crowd erupted in screams of adoration. Camera flashes illuminated the scene as photographers frantically captured her arrival.

Though she had dreamed of joining the Seven since childhood and had served several years as a local hero in Des Moines, Iowa, the spectacle before her left Starlight momentarily stunned.

"Iowa's Sweetheart."

"Des Moines' Guardian."

These labels had previously defined her. However, beginning today, she would shed these regional identifiers and become known simply as a member of the Seven!

As Starlight descended from the vehicle, Ashley quickly approached, extending her right hand. "Welcome to New York," she greeted brightly. "I'm Ashley, Head of Talent Relations."

After their handshake, Starlight asked incredulously, "Are all these people here just for me?"

"Who else would they be here for, dear?" Ashley replied with a knowing smile.

Hearing Ashley's response, Starlight's expression brightened further. Though she'd achieved modest fame in Des Moines, this represented her first experience receiving a true superstar welcome.

As she indulged visions of her brilliant future within the Seven, the second Rolls-Royce stopped at the red carpet's edge.

When its rear door opened, Richard emerged—his flowing silver hair catching the light, his black coat moving with elegant precision. Compared to Starlight's reception, Richard's arrival generated no celebratory cheers. Even the camera flashes reduced noticeably, diminishing by more than half.

This stark disparity in treatment immediately caught Starlight's attention. Having just arrived in New York that day, she remained unaware of Vought's marketing campaign promoting Richard throughout the city. She had never seen him before, knew neither his name nor that he would be joining the Seven alongside her.

"Who is he?" Starlight inquired of Ashley after noticing Richard's arrival.

"Richard Wesley, codename 'Silver Angel,'" Ashley explained promptly. "He'll also be joining the Seven. You'll be teammates going forward."

Ashley then approached Richard with unmistakable deference, her manner suggesting interaction with a superior rather than a colleague. "Mr. Wesley," she addressed him respectfully, "the shareholders' meeting has been underway for some time. I'll escort you to the venue's backstage area."

Richard first glanced briefly at Starlight, then responded with measured calm, "Lead the way."

His tone conveyed absolute composure, as if Ashley's deferential treatment were entirely expected. From his perspective, such treatment indeed seemed appropriate.

For Starlight and her mother, however, Ashley's behavior struck a discordant note. Though they had no prior knowledge of Richard, they clearly recognized the unusual respect Ashley demonstrated toward him.

Under normal circumstances, Ashley—as Vought's Head of Talent Relations—would never display such subservience toward someone joining the Seven that very day. Yet that was precisely what they witnessed.

This unusual dynamic stemmed partly from Madelyn Stillwell's specific instructions and partly from Ashley sensing an even more intimidating presence from Richard than from Homelander himself.

Following Richard's acknowledgment, Ashley immediately escorted him, Starlight, and her mother toward the event's backstage area.

En route, Starlight found herself unconsciously studying Richard. Though she'd never encountered him before, one fact registered with certainty: Richard possessed undeniable attractiveness. His handsome features, impressive height, flowing silver hair, and retro-styled black coat created a striking impression.

As a normal twenty-three-year-old woman, Starlight found Richard's appearance and demeanor leaving a profound initial impression.

Shortly thereafter, they reached the backstage area. Upon arrival, makeup artists promptly surrounded them, prepared to apply final cosmetic touches before their presentation.

Starlight accepted the makeup artists' attention, allowing them to enhance her stage-ready appearance. Richard, however, reacted differently.

Before any makeup artist could approach him, he stated firmly, "Stay away from me. I don't like makeup."

His declaration momentarily stunned the assembled artists, who turned questioningly toward Ashley.

"My oversight," Ashley quickly intervened. "Mr. Wesley has never favored makeup application. You may proceed elsewhere."

Whether past or present, Richard maintained his aversion to cosmetics. Moreover, he considered his natural appearance requiring no artificial enhancement.

While Starlight received her final makeup adjustments, Madelyn Stillwell continued addressing the assembled shareholders from the main stage, detailing Vought's performance over the previous fiscal year.

"I have an extraordinary surprise for everyone," Madelyn announced with practiced enthusiasm. "The members of the Seven—including the world's fastest man—are here in person."

"Now, please welcome... A-Train!"

As Madelyn concluded her introduction, the circular spotlight focused on her swept dramatically to the venue's side entrance.

Under the audience's collective gaze, A-Train—sporting his blue-and-white uniform and signature goggles—bounded onto the stage.

After briefly embracing Madelyn, A-Train accepted the microphone and addressed the crowd: "After years of distinguished service and remarkable achievements with the Seven, my good friends 'Lamplighter' and 'The Deep' have entered retirement."

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