Chapter 540 Let’s draw lots then.
Looking at Homelander’s concerned face, Nebula’s previously restless heart suddenly cooled, and she felt like a deflated balloon.
She lowered her head and walked up to Homelander.
"I’m sorry," Nebula said, her face full of guilt. "I failed. Please punish me."
If you fail, you accept punishment.
This was the only rule of survival Thanos had given her since she was a child.
Every failure she experienced was accompanied by disassembly, replacement, and cruel experiments.
She was already prepared to accept any kind of torture.
However, the expected reprimand did not come.
A warm, large hand gently pressed onto her shoulder.
Homelander’s voice, as gentle as a spring breeze, rang in her ears: "Look up at me, girl."
Nebula carefully raised her head, her gaze meeting Homelander’s eyes, which were full of heartache.
"With me, you will never receive any punishment, Nebula."
"But I failed..." Nebula whispered.
"You only lost a match, but you did not fail," Homelander interrupted her.
"Do you know why you lost to that The Hood?"
"It’s not because you aren’t strong enough, but because you know what compassion is and understand what mercy is. In this cold Universe, that might be a weakness..."
"But here, you have won the most noble quality of humanity!"
"And this quality makes you, in my eyes... the most beautiful Nebula!"
Nebula stared blankly at the man in front of her, her heart racing uncontrollably.
In her entire life, no one had ever praised her beauty like this, nor had anyone ever affirmed her weakness.
Her vision began to blur, but Homelander became increasingly clear, as if a beam of light was shining on him.
Notification! Gained special popularity value + 30000! (From Nebula)
The sunflower is spitting out sunlight again!
Homelander laughed heartily in his heart, but on the surface, he remained as affectionate as ever.
"Buddy," Tony coughed lightly from the side, interrupting this tender moment.
He stared intently at Homelander and asked: "What exactly was that thing just now? It could actually make someone refresh like pressing F5."
The others also cast curious glances.
"That’s called a Senzu Bean," Homelander explained. "It’s a miraculous item I accidentally obtained on an ancient Planet on the verge of destruction when I was lost in the Universe."
"As long as a person still has one breath left, eating it can perfectly heal all injuries, instantly recover all fatigue, and keep someone from being hungry for ten days."
"Holy shit..." Star-Lord Quill’s eyes lit up. "How many do you have? Can you give me a few jars? I could use them for long-distance interstellar travel!"
"Just this one," Homelander rolled his eyes at Quill. "It’s my trump card for saving my life."
Hearing this, everyone fell silent.
Nebula was even more shaken, and she asked Homelander: "This is... your trump card for saving your life? Why would you use such a precious thing on me? I’m just a..."
"Don’t say that, Nebula," Homelander shook his head and continued. "Never, ever feel that your life is worthless."
Homelander scanned everyone present, every word ringing out powerfully.
"In this team, no one’s life is more noble than another’s. I am your boss, that’s true. But I am also your family."
"If it were Tony, Steve, or Peter lying here today, I would just as unhesitatingly take out this bean."
"Because in my opinion, My, Anthony’s life is not more precious than any of yours."
"To protect my family, I am willing to pay any price... This is my principle!"
These words landed heavily in everyone’s ears and hearts, echoing repeatedly.
Steve clenched his fists, his eyes full of respect.
Peter Parker was already a complete mess from being moved, wiping his eyes while sobbing.
Even the usually cynical Tony had a bit more absolute trust in his peripheral vision as he looked at Homelander.
Including everyone present, everyone’s eyes held a little something extra when looking at Homelander.
Notification! Gained special popularity value + 10000! (From Steve Rogers)
Notification! Gained special popularity value + 10000! (From Tony Stark)
Notification! Gained special popularity value + 10000! (From Peter Parker)
Notification! Gained special popularity value + 10000! (From Thor Odinson)
Notification! Gained special popularity value...
Watching the special popularity value climb rapidly, Homelander was very satisfied.
"Alright, everyone," Homelander turned around and looked at the scoreboard outside the arena.
Current score: Earth camp 0 : 1 Black Order.
"The sentimental time is over," Homelander’s eyes sharpened. "The first match was the tuition we had to pay. Next, it’s time to let them see an Earthling’s counterattack."
As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere on the platform was instantly ignited.
Except for Ancient One, who kept her hands in her sleeves and maintained a calm expression, the others could no longer suppress their anger.
Nebula’s miserable state and that defeat full of deception were like a slap in the face to everyone.
"Let me go," Tony pointed at the Black Order’s platform on the opposite side. "Those guys’ tricks have pissed me off! Believe me, even a lord of hell can be dismantled. Every. Single. Piece."
"Tony, your toys can’t handle magic," Thor stepped forward and pushed Tony aside. "Those guys are all cowards who play with tricks. Let me go, I will make them understand why gods are to be feared."
"Mr. Homelander! Everyone! Please listen to me!" Peter Parker also squeezed forward, like a cheerleader eager to show off. "I must go! I got the highest score in the Pioneer Academy’s simulation battle! Plus, my Spider-Sense is very sharp right now, I can dodge all attacks. Let me go avenge Miss Nebula!"
"Quiet, kid," Tony pushed Peter behind him. "This is none of your business. A high schooler from Queens should just stay in the back and watch how the adults handle the crisis."
"I’m not an ordinary high schooler, Mr. Stark!" Peter’s face turned red with anxiety as he protested loudly.
Captain Rogers came between the two to interrupt the argument and then expressed his opinion.
"We need a guaranteed win to stabilize morale. The opponent’s situation is complicated, and I have the most tactical experience. It’s safest for me to go next."
This was subsequently opposed by both of them.
Everyone refused to give in, all having reasons why they must go up, arguing endlessly.
Everyone was holding their breath, urgently needing an outlet to vent their anger.
Finally, all eyes converged on Homelander, waiting for him to make the decision.
Homelander looked at this group of high-spirited leeks and couldn’t be bothered to make a choice.
He made the final decision: "Stop arguing. Since everyone wants to go, then let’s draw lots."
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