Kevin stood in front of the dilapidated warehouse, his eyes scanning the crumbling exterior. The brickwork was cracked, and several windows were shattered, letting in streams of sunlight that cut through the dust swirling in the air. The door hung slightly off its hinges, creaking ominously as a breeze pushed it open and shut.
A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. The owner had been more than happy to part with the decrepit building once he saw the thick wad of cash Kevin offered. It wasn't much by normal standards, but to a desperate man looking to unload a worthless property, it was a godsend. Now, Kevin was the proud owner of a dilapidated warehouse.
Pushing the door open, he stepped inside and took a deep breath, immediately regretting it as he choked on the thick dust. The interior was even worse than the outside. The floor was littered with debris—broken wood, shattered glass, and rusty metal scraps. Cobwebs draped from the rafters like ghostly curtains, and the whole place smelled of mildew and decay.
He took a few cautious steps forward, his boots crunching on the rubble-strewn floor. Sunlight filtered in through the broken windows, casting long, eerie shadows that danced along the walls. The roof had holes in several places, allowing more light to stream in and highlighting just how much work needed to be done.
Kevin walked deeper into the warehouse, the sounds of scurrying insects and the occasional squeak of a rat echoing through the vast, empty space. He kicked aside a rotting piece of wood, uncovering a nest of spiders that quickly scattered. He grimaced but kept moving, mentally cataloging the repairs he would need to make. The walls were stained and peeling, the concrete floor cracked and uneven.
He reached the far end of the warehouse, where a rickety staircase led up to a loft. The railing was broken in several places, and the steps looked like they might give way at any moment. Kevin carefully ascended, testing each step before putting his full weight on it. The loft was small and cluttered with more debris, but it offered a decent view of the entire space below.
From up here, he could see just how extensive the damage was. The roof would need to be patched up, the windows replaced, and the entire place cleaned from top to bottom. It was a daunting task, but Kevin felt a flicker of excitement. This warehouse, as run-down as it was, could be his sanctuary. A place to lay low, to think, to plan.
Kevin walked back down the stairs, his mind already racing with ideas. He would need to clear out the debris first, then start on the structural repairs. Maybe he could section off a part of the warehouse for living quarters, set up a small workshop in another corner. It would take time and effort, but he had both in spades.
Kevin stood outside the PRT office of Brockton Bay, taking in the impressive sight. The headquarters was built upon a converted oil rig, an imposing structure rising from the water with a blend of industrial might and architectural beauty. The steel and glass gleamed under the midday sun, reflecting the blue expanse of the sky and ocean. It was a fortress in itself. The forcefields, the location and everything all.
Taking a deep breath, Kevin approached the entrance, his footsteps echoing on the metal walkway that led to the office area. The guards at the door eyed him warily as he approached, their hands resting near their sidearms. Kevin maintained a calm demeanor. They were doing their job, he could do nothing about it.
"Halt," one of the guards commanded, stepping forward. "State your purpose."
Kevin raised his hands slightly in a gesture of peace. "I'm here to meet with the officials. I want to register."
The guard glanced at his partner before nodding. "Proceed to the scanner."
Kevin walked through the security checkpoint, feeling the subtle hum of the scanner as it swept over him. He could sense the technology probing for any concealed weapons or dangerous materials. It's energy was something which made his hair tingle for some reason. The device beeped once, indicating he was clear. The guards relaxed slightly and stepped aside to let him pass.
Entering the large office area, Kevin was struck by the contrast between the utilitarian exterior and the sleek, modern interior. The lobby was spacious, with polished floors and large windows offering stunning views of the ocean. Potted plants added a touch of greenery, and the air was cool and refreshing.
He made his way to the reception desk, where a young woman with a friendly smile greeted him. "Good afternoon. How can I assist you today?" She spoke up first.
Kevin returned her smile, albeit a bit strained. It was not that he wanted to do this. However this was the best course for him. "I'd like to register myself as a rogue parahuman."
The receptionist's smile faltered for a split second, her eyes widening ever so slightly. She quickly composed herself, her professional demeanor snapping back into place. "Of course, sir. Please have a seat while I notify the appropriate personnel."
She gestured to a seating area with several comfortable-looking couches. Kevin nodded, giving her a reassuring smile, and made his way to one of the couches. He sank into the soft cushions, glancing around the room as he waited.
The lobby was bustling with activity. People in suits and uniforms moved with purpose, carrying files, conversing in low tones, and occasionally casting curious glances in his direction. Kevin could sense the undercurrent of tension that permeated the air—no doubt a result of the constant threats they faced from villain capes and the ever-looming danger of the Endbringers. Brocton Bay in itself was a circus with three teams of clowns afterall. Clowns who were dangerous and held no qualms.
"Excuse me?" a voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see a man in a neatly pressed armour suit standing before him. His face had a visor and he held a halberd. "I'm Armsmaster. If you'll follow me, we can get started on your registration process."
Kevin stood, shaking the agent's hand firmly. The man's grip was strong. However, he was by nowhere naturally strong as him. Kevin didn't express his strength even a little. There was a time and place for evrrything. Besides Armsmaster was a highly renowned hero.
"Kevin, Lead the way."
Armsmaster guided him through a series of corridors, their footsteps echoing in the quiet hallways. They arrived at a small conference room where a table and several chairs were arranged. A stack of forms and a laptop were set up, ready for the registration process.
"Please, have a seat," Armsmaster said, motioning to the chair across from him. "We'll start with some basic information. Your full name Mr Kevin?"
"Kevin Fox," Kevin replied, settling into the chair with a smile. No need to go with Levin. It was better to discard it here.
"Your age?" Armsmaster asked.
"16." Kevin replied with a smile.
"And you identify as a rogue parahuman?" Armsmaster pressed on.
"That's right." Kevin replied with a smirk.
Armsmaster nodded, typing on the laptop. "Can you please describe your abilities for the record?. . . . . . . . . . . . Its entirely optional." Armsmaster said after seeing his frown at him.
Kevin took a deep breath. "I would like to keep some of the things secret. However for the record, you can write that I can manipulate matter." He informed with a smirk. He wasn't going to give full account of his powers. There were powers which were better kept secret, lest they label him as an S class threat.
Armsmaster looked up, his eyes narrowing slightly behind the visor. Kevin could see through the visor without any problems. The powers from an Opticoid easily helping him.
"That's quite a statement. Have you used these powers in any unlawful activities?"
Kevin shook his head. "No. I just want to find a place where I can earn some money. You see my powers have a very helpful commercial use."
Armsmaster continued to type, his expression neutral. "Understood. We'll conduct a more thorough assessment of your background, but for now, we'll focus on getting you registered. Are you currently affiliated with any groups or organizations?"
"No," Kevin said, leaning back in his chair. "I'm solo."
He made a few more notes before looking up again. "Alright, Mr. Kevin. This is just the beginning of the process. You'll need to undergo a medical examination and a few capability assessments. We'll also conduct a background check. If everything checks out, we'll discuss your options and potential roles within the PRT's framework."
Kevin nodded. "Sounds fair. But why medical?"
"Some parahumans possess abilities which can affect the people around them. Some release aura, some had a background form or radiation emanating from them. There have been many cases over these years. We simple assess any sort of harmful effects intentionally or unintentionally emitted by the parahuman." Armsmaster replied calmly.
"Hmm, fair." Kevin replied. He could see the logic behind the test.
"Speaking of which. There's also the wards which you can join? You will receive a stipend, college fund and many other benefits." Armsmaster pointed out.
Kevin immediately knew that it was simply him trying to recruit for the wards. Afterall it was his job basically.
"I don't think I want to go to college, so a college fund is out of option for me. I will opt for GEDs, besides I am going to make more money from my services rather than wards. It's better to make some cash quietly than getting stuck into conflicts." Kevin replied politely.
"It's your wish. However, rogues, those who work with villains or commit crimes for pay are immediately labelled villains. Similarly, Rogues who push too hard for political issues tend to be labelled heroes or villains." Armsmaster warned lightly with a frown. He had seen many rogues getting embroiled in cases ultimately making them either heroes or villains.
"Understood. So neutrality and staying out of both the sides." Kevin affirmed with a questioning look.
Armsmaster nodded. "Also, finally, you will need to sign up and tell the services you will provide for the details. There's also the power testing, though that's completely optional." Armsmaster spoke up neutrally.
Kevin thought for a second. Well, he had never considered it this deeply. Afterall, he could work on many fields.
"I think, you may write me as a supplier mainly. You know, I can supply exotic materials such as metals, alloys. You just need to give me a sample. Ohh, I am also a mechanic and has some interest in engineering and all." Kevin replied with a thoughtful look. Yes, he could work on those particular areas.
"Noted." Armsmaster thought with a frown. A possible Tinker perhaps, he realised. Breaker too, if his words about supplying were true.
"Will you do the power testing?" Armsmaster asked with a frown. It will be easy to gauge his capabilities more easily if they were able to see him in action.
"Another time. I have a place to go. Hope you don't mind." Kevin replied with a apologizing smile. He knew the man wanted to see him in action. However he wasn't going to give him that satisfaction for now.