Chapter 79: Chapter 79: Reaping the Benefits
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"Found him."
In just a few moments, Homelander locked onto a rooftop in Times Square.
There, a signal tower-like device was set up, guarded by two sleek silver Raptor armors and one imposing, black-plated suit with a classic design and flowing cape.
And inside that black armor was Jeff.
Despite locating his target, Homelander didn't attack right away; after all, the event had no time limit.
He had another purpose.
"Knowing the politicians of this country," he thought, smirking, "once they learn that Mr. Z is after Project Zero, there's no way they'll resist getting involved."
"If they want to get their hands on the tech too, then a good show's about to start."
"So why should I take the lead for those politicians?"
"Let them duke it out first, and I'll clean up the mess afterward."
He grinned, thinking, "And if the feds can't handle Mr. Z, maybe they'll offer me a little incentive."
"For now, I'll just keep Jeff on his toes."
Just then, his sharp eyes caught movement below.
Several drones approached from a distance, flying low to Manhattan, using clouds for cover.
Though they didn't look like combat drones, they bore the emblem of the Federal Air Force.
It was clear that the chaos in Manhattan had already drawn the attention of the feds and the military.
Although the drones weren't weaponized, the involvement of the Air Force hinted that the government had a keen interest in Project Zero.
Given the situation, it looked like the feds were prepared to risk it all—even the potential destruction of Manhattan—to save Arnold.
"Does that mean the Zero armor is really that valuable?"
"Valuable enough for the government to risk Manhattan just to get Arnold out?"
Homelander clicked his tongue. "Too bad I've already taken on this event. Otherwise, I'd lend Mr. Z a hand just to see what kind of tech 'Zero' really is."
He shook his head, chuckling to himself. "Nah, I'm not Tony Stark. Tech isn't really my thing."
Meanwhile, the drones were already over the East River, breaking into formation to enter Manhattan from multiple directions.
But just then, a streak of silver shot out of Manhattan at blinding speed, intercepting a drone with a catastrophic collision—it was one of the Raptor armors.
Raising its arm, the suit fired two small missiles from its wrist launchers.
The missiles locked onto a drone, tracking it with precision despite its evasive maneuvers.
Without countermeasures, the drones didn't stand a chance, each one ultimately shot down.
The last two drones met the same fate, helpless against the Raptor's speed and agility.
One by one, they plummeted into the East River, sinking to the depths below.
At NYPD headquarters, the screens displaying the drone feeds flickered out, drawing frustrated sighs from everyone in the room.
Police Commissioner Lowe, who had been stripped of command, casually sipped his coffee and munched on a donut, watching the Defense Department officials' faces darken with frustration. A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
After all, it wasn't every day that he got to see these "elites" so flustered.
Just then, Defense Department Chief of Staff Jersey approached him—a man in his forties with a receding hairline and thinning hair, a clear testament to the stress of his job.
"Commissioner Lowe," Jersey said, voice heavy with urgency, "I need every officer available."
"Pull up footage from every street, alley, and public area on Manhattan."
"I need to know exactly how Mr. Z has set up this island."
"And tell me—how many officers do we have left on the island?"
At the same time, on Manhattan's 15th Street, a car cruised down the road.
Inside, Edgar looked out the window, then turned to Maeve beside him. "We'll be taking a helicopter out of here shortly. Be prepared in case we're intercepted."
Maeve nodded. "Don't worry, Mr. Edgar. We'll protect you."
Edgar smiled, but just then, his phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, his face stiffened slightly.
"Good evening, Secretary," he answered smoothly.
On the other end, the voice sighed. "I wish I could say it was a good evening, Edgar."
"Look, I need a favor."
Edgar's white teeth flashed in a smile. "So the feds are after Project Zero, too?"
"Why not? After all, though Vought has its superheroes, I don't think you'd pass up an opportunity to level up."
Edgar chuckled. "You know me well, Mr. Secretary."
"But remember, I'm a businessman."
"While Zero does sound intriguing, I don't make investments without returns."
The Secretary chuckled. "You haven't changed."
"Rest assured, it won't be pro bono."
"We've convinced Arnold to agree to share the Project Zero tech with the government—and Vought."
"But, there's a catch—you need to get him out of the Empire State Building."
Edgar looked out the window. "Sounds like you've already made attempts, but ran into... resistance."
The Secretary didn't confirm but said, "If you need more time to think, I'll give you one minute."
Edgar chuckled. "Just sharing the tech isn't enough. And honestly, I'm not too invested in armor tech."
"Even if Olga shared it, they'd still lead the field."
The Secretary laughed. "Fine. If you get Arnold out, I'll consider Vought's proposal to integrate supes into the military."
"Deal." Edgar's voice held a faint smile.
"Good. Then, I trust you'll send Homelander to extract Arnold?"
Edgar's face stiffened before he replied, "Such a small task—any other member of the Seven could handle it."
"No need to trouble Homelander."
There was a pause before the Secretary said, "So it's true, then. Vought can no longer control Homelander?"
"After tonight, Edgar, we'll have to discuss that."
Then, the line went dead.
Edgar let out a slow breath, slipping his phone back into his pocket before turning to Maeve.
"I need you to head back to the Empire State Building and take care of something."
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