I paced back and forth inside my room. Learning how to suck in Theikos had been good and I would've definitely done it again if I were to repeat it but the problem is- I don't really know what to do next afterward. There are a lot of options out there for Mutants sure but the problem is I don't really know if I'm fit for the more... morally good job out there. Biting my lower lip, I started to mentally categorize my options, 'Hero?' A big NO because for one, that job is shittier than what's being put on TV, and second, becoming some superpowered police force for the Aristrocrats isn't exactly something that someone like me would want.

'Villain then.' I considered that option for a single second before dismissing the thought. 'Yeah, I don't think I want to be on the opposite side of The Paragons. Or the Modern Pantheon. OR Peerless himself.' So that means I have the option of either going rogue or just not do anything at all. The first one is just bad on so many levels because going around and not picking a side in the Cape business is a death sentence. Not using my powers is also a bad thing because this is supposed to be my ticket out of the slums.

So I don't wanna be Good because working for the top brass makes me sick, I don't wanna be Bad because the heroes will kick my ass and I don't want to go Rogue because that's worse than both former options combined. So I'm now left with what? 'Being a Merc?'

Even thinking about it makes me confused so I just placed that as an option to the side for now. 'Then I guess I can join gangs and be a part of the grey area. Act like everything is fine and rule over a small kingdom of homeless people and societal rejects.' Technically, the grey areas aren't so bad and compared to the chaotic, thieving villains of the upper sections of the city- the organized crime of the slums is actually pretty good with all their brothels, clubs, drugs, and everything else in between that the "enforcers" here sell.

The question is though, "Do I want to be a part of all that?"

And the answer will obviously be a resounding no. Money in exchange for being some sort of superpowered grunt is a no for me since the gangs basically kill each other and their raids against other gangs have a higher mortality rate than both heroes and villains combined. Powers or not. 'So the only option is to be a merc then.'

Honestly? The option doesn't sound that bad after thinking about it. Working for different people earns me money and it always doesn't guarantee me getting into fights. Who knows? Maybe I'll get a job that's just me protecting someone for an entire day and nothing happens during that time. The more I think about it, the more being a merc sounds like a good idea. And as for picking sides; Because as alone as they are most of the time, rumors go around in the slums that mercenaries, powered or not, retaliate unity against discriminate killing of fellow mercs so there's a bit of reassurance on that part.

'Mercenary it is,' I feel a bit worried about what's gonna happen to me when I work as one but then I'd probably feel the same way no matter what I pick. 'So I have a job now, what's next? A costume?'

I tapped my leg. 'It's either I rebrand entirely or I continue with looking like a clown. Changing my name is obvious but the costume should change right?' I frowned. It's not like I can keep my identity from the people at the top so I'd have to register as a Mutant at one point because it'll get discovered no matter what, 'With all the resources the Aristrocrats have, it would honestly surprise me if there's someone out there hiding from them.'

From Mutants who can see the past, to some guy who can recognize charred bodies to even someone who can even go as far as being able to tell just who Doughey ate from just touching pieces of his blob; the Aristrocats most likely sent people like that to investigate the ruined cannibal that killed a lot of rich and influential people going there to watch the show. 'Chances are, I've already been discovered by their people.'

Fuck. I should probably register as soon as possible shouldn't I?

I stared somewhere on my left, my eyes focused on a discolored spot on the wall right below a shelf with a small trophy that had a blue 2nd place ribbon wrapped around it. Standing up, I made my way to the spot and dusted off the shelf as well as the trophy before sliding my nail on a peel to the top right of the discolored spot. I pinched and pulled the wax paper off.

The foot wide hole on the wall had been what it was when I covered it up two years ago, dark and dirty. Sitting at the center is a safe with a broken lock, pulling it out of the hole alone caused the door to creak and open. A bit of its contents spilled out, a roll of cash held together by a yellow elastic wristband, I took the wad of cash and put it on my bed before checking the rest of my stuff; a piece of paper with a number on it and a phone.

With shaking hands, I grabbed the phone and dialed the number. It rang once, then twice-

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"Hello." Knowing that I'm safe on this side of the phone, I freely shuddered. The voice is as deep and unnerving as it was all 4 years ago. I stared at the phone, visibly shaking. I really don't like what I'm doing but the only person who can guarantee my registry as a Mutant without any strings attached to it is this guy and he seemed to have reached the end of his patience because he went straight to the point, "Tyler if you're worried about me smashing you to bits, don't."

I can basically feel him smile. Ick. "Uh-" I chuckled, "thanks?" I honestly didn't know what to say.

"Don't be. So, what do you need?" Is the man's curt and professional reply. "Don't tell me you need a new set of identities arranged?" he asked with suspicion.

"Nope, not all." I'm not digging into that entire thing again.

"Okay, then what is it?"

"Well... I want you to help write me up with something- I need to get registered without getting caught in cape politics." Fuck it. Ripping the band aid off now feels like a better idea than letting it sit and dry.

The line went silent for a few seconds. Then- "Ah. So... you've been blessed."

"You can say that." I did my best to stay calm even after the man's inspired tone. I really didn't like it when insane but rational mutants talk about their powers as if it's a religion. "I'm a magic user. If that helps."

"Oh, so you're exactly like the original then?" The way he asked that is casual but I looked around to see if anyone is listening in. He must've sensed what I was thinking because the next thing he said is reassurance of the privacy of our call. "Now then, since you now know that this call is completely private-" As fucking if. He's probably recording this entire thing as we speak, "Can you tell me more about your powers?"

"It's not exactly typical." I unrolled the wad of cash and started counting.

"How so?" He asked curiously.

"Uhmmm..." The amount of money looked good so far, around 3 months of rent worth of weight, "You know how most magic users are basically divided into two categories?" 356... 379... The number of Digits the young me saved just kept increasing.

"Three, actually." He briefly answered, "We have your typical Magicians, then the self proclaimed Cultivators or Body Enhancers, and last but not least, the Enchanters,"

"Oh. Okay." The amount totaled to around 685 Digits. Not bad in terms of actual wealth here in the slums but it's only enough to get me registered twice. And that's not taking into account that I'm gonna have to take rides to reach the upper parts of Gloria to get into a registration building. "What does Enchanters do by the way?"

"They're not that dissimilar from Body Enhancers, just that instead of using Theikos to make their body permanently stronger, they do it to items to give them a myriad of effects that go from a simple fireball in a ring to a nuke inside a necklace."

"Can Enhancers make items that make you fly?"

"Hm... the strong ones. Yes. Why?"

I must've reached the limit of his patience again because he's now asking me directly for reasons. I gave in, there's no point in hiding it since he's gonna be the one to watch over my registration regardless, "Well I think I'm some sort of Body Enhancer."

"Is that so?.." He asked quickly and causally but his tone is just laced with curiosity and it made me shiver. It made me think that he's thinking of me as some sort of Lab Rat. I didn't like that feeling. "Can you elaborate?"

Again, he's asking me directly and again, I had to give in. There's simply no point in trying to hide it. "Well, back in the circus-"

"Ah, your job, right? My condolences about all those other people."

"-I realized that I can gather Theikos inside of me and temporarily boost myself?" I know that Body Enhancers permanently get their stuff, that much is common knowledge and it's because of that that I'm so confused that my powers are temporary.

"Temporarily?" A tense silence came for a few seconds before he broke it again, "That is very interesting. Tell me, what did you gain during these temporary boosts?"

"Super Strength. Enough to burst through metal bars even though I've just gotten my magical powers." Just because I had no choice the first few times doesn't mean that I'm not taking the opportunity to hide from him. The man likes information and he uses them to his advantage. Really, most if not all capes keep a secret or two about their abilities to themselves.

"That is indeed very interesting!" I flinched at the sudden shift of tone, "So you're telling me that you've gotten a temporary strength boost using Theikos?"

Ah shit. I know where this is going. "Tell me, how did it feel when you did? Did it feel exactly like the moment you gained your magical prowess or is it more lackluster?"

"I don't know. I was panicking and I didn't pay attention. We can test it out in the registration office though." I gave him bait.

He took it, "Of course." he chuckled, "Now, after registration, what are you planning on doing? Surely not become a hero? Or even a villain? Right? You only ever had one option and knowing you-"

"I'm becoming a merc," I said and he started laughing.

"Then I would like to hire your services one day." He replied.

"Not now?" I asked skeptically.

"Not now. You're still unused to your power."

'More like you still want more information about my powers before moving in and capturing me.' I thought with a grimace. Well, if he wants to prepare for that time, then so will I. Keeping the fact that I can slow down my perception a secret was the right choice. Trump cards should always be kept after all. "Thanks. I guess? I'll hold you to that."

"Of course. Now, let's talk about more of how everything felt back in the circus. I'm also very curious about Doughey." I waited for his questions but he went silent for a few seconds before coming back with the sounds of walking and eventually the sound of someone tapping and writing something down on a keyboard.

I held back a groan but pushed on through the questions regardless.