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Chapter 4 - Chapter 4- Home Sweet Home

Nobody's POV:

Tommy trudged wearily towards his dilapidated apartment, his feet dragging along the pavement with each step. The once-vibrant blue paint on the exterior walls had faded away, revealing a worn-out building riddled with visible cracks that snaked their way across the surface. The overall appearance of the building gave off a feeling of neglect and decay, as if time had taken its toll on the once proud structure, leaving behind a haunting reminder of its former glory.

As he approached the entrance, Tommy couldn't help but notice the lush vines that had claimed the walls as their own. The vibrant green leaves intertwined with each other, making it seem like they were trying to take back the abandoned space. Nature had taken over the building, determined to breathe life back into it. However, the sight of the vines only added to the eerie atmosphere that surrounded the place, as if the building was trying to cling to life amidst its abandonment.

The windows were covered in a thick layer of dust, obscuring any glimpse of what lay inside. The front door, once a sturdy barrier between the outside world and the sanctuary within, now sagged on its hinges, barely clinging to its frame. It creaked ominously as Tommy pushed it open, revealing a dimly lit hallway that seemed to stretch on endlessly.

As he stepped inside, the musty smell of neglect and abandonment filled his nostrils, causing him to wrinkle his nose in discomfort. The floorboards creaked beneath his weight, protesting the intrusion into their long-standing solitude. The walls, once adorned with photos and memories, now stood bare and lifeless, their faded wallpaper peeling away in strips. Dust particles danced in the air, illuminated by the faint rays of sunlight that managed to filter through the cracks in the boarded-up windows.

Tommy couldn't help but feel a sense of unease as he made his way through the apartment. The silence was deafening, broken only by the occasional scurrying of unseen creatures in the corners. The rooms, once filled with laughter and warmth, now stood empty and desolate, their emptiness echoing through the halls. The atmosphere was haunting, as if the ghosts of the past were still present, lingering in the shadows and waiting to be discovered. Tommy couldn't shake the feeling that he was treading on the memories of those who lived there before him and that the apartment complex held secrets that he may never uncover.

Tommy/Theseus POV:

As I stepped into the shabby and worn-down apartment, the musty smell of old furniture and the creaking sound of the wooden floorboards filled the air. I couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief as I closed the door behind me, shutting out the noise and chaos of the city. The apartment may have been ragged, but it held a certain charm that made it feel like a sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

My body ached from the hour-long journey I had just completed, and my feet were sore from the long walk. Despite my weariness, I felt grateful to have a place to call my own, a place where I could escape from the outside world and recharge.

However, my momentary tranquility was disrupted by the realization that I had an interview scheduled at Hero's Tower the following day. I remembered that the trials, which every prospective candidate must undergo to be considered for the job, had been sent out via email earlier that day. Although I hadn't read the details yet, I knew that I had to peruse the email to determine the appropriate attire and adequately prepare myself for the challenges that lay ahead.

With a mix of anticipation and trepidation, I opened the email that held the key to my future. As I read through the details, my mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead. The various stages of the trials, which were designed to test the physical and mental abilities of each applicant, were outlined in detail. Problem-solving tasks, physical endurance tests, and other challenges were all part of the trials, and I knew that I had to be fully prepared to face them.

The email also provided suggestions on suitable attire, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and a polished appearance. I made a mental note of the recommendations, but my stubbornness prevailed, and I decided to wear a hoodie tomorrow, believing that my skills and abilities should speak louder than my choice of clothing. Nonetheless, I made sure to prepare myself thoroughly, ensuring that I would be ready to face the trials that awaited me at Hero's Tower.

Nobody's POV:

He spent the rest of the day vigorously training, determined to be ready for the upcoming trial. He meticulously crafted responses to any possible question that the heroes may ask him during the first interview. However, he deliberately avoided making his responses too formal, as that made him apprehensive. 

After he was done with his interview preparation, he devoted his time to sharpening his fighting, observation, and problem-solving skills. He practiced his combat techniques with utmost focus and precision, analyzing every move he made. He observed his surroundings with a keen eye, noticing even the slightest details that others might overlook. He worked on solving complex puzzles and riddles so that he would be ready for any challenge that the trial might throw his way.

Overall, he was determined to be at his best and ready for anything that the trial might bring.

As the sun began to set, he found himself standing at the entrance of his patrol route. However, as he prepared to leave, a niggling feeling at the back of his mind made him pause. Suddenly, the promise he had made to himself last night came flooding back. He had resolved not to patrol the area today, as the top three heroes were on the lookout for him. The thought of being caught by his pursuers sent shivers down his spine, and he decided to heed his inner voice. He turned around and made his way back to his bedroom. Once there, he set his alarm for five in the morning and retired to bed, eager to get some rest before his early morning walk to the Hero's Tower. 

Lying in bed, he couldn't help but think about the three heroes who were constantly on his trail. They were known for their relentless pursuit of villains and vigilantes alike, and he had become their latest target. He knew that if he slipped up, they would catch him, and there would be no escape. With this in mind, he tried to clear his head and focus on getting some rest. Eventually, he drifted off to sleep, hoping that the next day would bring a new dawn and a fresh start.