Chapter 2: HOMRA

The rest of the day went pretty peacefully. No more exploding cars, no more fights. One per day was the normal number for a high school in Baltimore.

When classes were over, Mark left the school with his friend William. The pair were most likely going to hang out for a bit before Mark had to get to his afterschool job.

Conner on the other hand acted as the chauffeur for Caitlin and Eve. He brought the pair of them back to Eve's house to grab some spare clothes before he brought them downtown. He dropped the pair off in front of an inconspicuous office building before taking off.

Conner drove to a large, flashy building 10 minutes away from where he dropped off the girls. Unlike their unassuming building, this one was black and red while giving off a menacing yet majestic vibe. It stood out from all the corporate buildings around it that were just shades of grey.

This was HOMRA. It was one of the best private security companies in the world. It made millions per year and its influence was expanding by the day. The company would send out its members to protect whoever could afford it.

It was both the bane to heroes and relief to nations. By having their own company and providing the security themselves, HOMRA had stabilized the chaos that many lesser villains caused. While villains would still be active in cities with HOMRA members, they would be less active.

Heroes hated them due to doing this all for profit. Although some heroes worked for the government and got paid for their work, they were never as biased as HOMRA who only would work for the highest bidder.

Someone had even recorded HOMRA members watching a riot occur and killing dozens but only attacking the rioters that threatened the businesses they were protecting. This both raised and sunk the company's reputation. It showed their professionalism but also how little they cared about the little guys.

After flashing a guard his work ID, Conner drove under the building and into the parking garage. After parking his car, he made his way to the stairs. These led up outside the building. Once he got there, Conner made his way to the lobby.

When he entered, the inside of the building resembled the outside. It was both frightening while also drawing people in. There were very few people in the lobby. Besides the employees, there was only one person there that was trying to get to his appointment.

Conner walked toward the employee entrance before swiping his ID over the scanner and making his way into the elevator lobby. After pressing on one and getting inside, he once again scanned his card. The elevator quickly took off and brought Conner to the top floor.

Once he got off, Conner walked out of the elevator and saw a beautiful blonde woman sitting at the receptionist desk. Once she saw who it was, she gave him a small smile.

"Hey, Conner. You better hurry up and change. I scheduled a meeting for you in 25 minutes while the Guardians of the Globe and Director Cecil are all waiting for you in Conference Room B. 4 of the Dukes are keeping them busy but you will probably be needed for that," the woman said as she walked after Conner who went into one of the offices.

Conner walked into the innermost officer with the woman following behind him and closing the door. Conner then began to strip down to his under while the woman went to a closet on the side of the room before bringing out a suit and briefcase.

Conner put on the suit. It was a suit created personally by their R&D department. It had all the detail and exquisiteness of an Italian suit while also being able to resist the most common forms of firearms, cuts, and burns. This was due to the Vibranium used for it.

After he donned the black and red suit, Conner opened the briefcase and pulled out a full-face mask/helmet. It was shaped like a black skull while also having a mohawk of red hair. Conner put on the mask and his entire demeanor changed.

He was no longer a simple high schooler named Conner but was now the boss of one of the most dangerous companies in the world. He was now the Red King.

Red King walked out of the room and went to the elevator before heading down a level with his assistant Anna following behind him. As soon as they got off of the elevator, they could hear the angry voice of a man.

"For the last time, we don't have time for you all! Get your boss here now or I will personally go up there and drag him down here," the voice said.

"The boss is busy. He doesn't have time to be dealing with such a small matter as this. You should be glad that you are being received by this many of us in the first place, Immortal," a woman said. "Cecil. I suggest you keep a tighter leash on your dog here."

"What did you say?!" The Immortal asked with rage dripping off each word.

"You heard her. We are each busy running a multi-million dollar company and don't have time to waste on such things. Any one of us could have given you the same answer all 3 of us are giving or the one our boss will give. We aren't breaking off the contract," another man said.

The Immortal and several others began to argue with the Dukes of HOMRA. Neither side seemed to be giving in or trying to compromise.

Red King and Anna shared a look before walking into the room. The moment they did, the entire room went silent as all eyes went on the pair. No, as all eyes went on the Red King.

The Guardians of the Globe looked at Red King with vigilance and caution while the 4 Dukes each had nothing but respect in their eyes. This was the effect of the Red King.