P.3

Here’s a 5x compressed summary of chapter P.3 in 544 words:

E.S.Reaver starts a PHO thread compiling news articles about the controversial cape amnesty on Gimel. The articles highlight a growing trend: villains rebranding as heroes, often with no witnesses left to contest their past crimes. One article details two young villains in black raincoats, infamous for a torture case pre-Gold Morning, now reportedly working with the Wardens. Another focuses on Rachel Lindt, aka Hellhound or Bitch, now seemingly allied with heroes despite her brutal past during Brockton Bay’s warlord era. The Fallen, a villainous cult, is also expanding, potentially exploiting the amnesty for recruitment. A final article reveals that some villains are receiving housing and utilities, seemingly as a form of extortion to prevent them from committing crimes.

E.S.Reaver argues that justice is being sacrificed for convenience and that these “second chances” come at the expense of others’ safety. Dive Bucket points out the lack of infrastructure to handle imprisoned villains. Erasmus suggests exiling them to Bet, while mlekk (a user with a peculiar typing style) argues against it.

Mangled_Wings enters the discussion, advocating for a pragmatic approach to dealing with villains. They categorize villains as being at rest, in motion, or changeable, arguing that only the changeable ones are worth attention. They claim to be a villain and to have worked with over twenty others, asserting their understanding of the situation. New_Ohmstar questions their authority, while Ron_of_Couches adds articles about Valkyrie’s interview and the disbanded team Shepherd’s Crook.

Mangled_Wings reiterates their villainous status and pragmatic approach, mentioning their cooperation with heroes. They claim to be getting stronger and smarter, unlike those who complain online. Point_Me_@_The_Sky offers to help them verify their identity on the site.

■

In a private chat, Point_Me_@_The_Sky guides Mangled_Wings through the verification process, which involves taking a picture in costume. Mangled_Wings reveals they’re already in costume and chooses the “Villain” label despite Point_Me_@_The_Sky’s suggestion to choose “Cape” to avoid negative attention. Mangled_Wings expresses their disdain for self-pitying individuals and their restless nature.

■

Strange_Mammal invites Mangled_Wings to a group chat with Cap and Heart_Shaped_Pupil. They use first initials as codenames. Mangled_Wings claims to have learned to use a computer in under an hour, despite being online all day. Heart_Shaped_Pupil, revealed to be K, expresses excitement about working with Mangled_Wings and mentions old videos of them. Cap announces their departure, planning to reconvene later. Heart_Shaped_Pupil leaves to download the videos.

Strange_Mammal confronts Mangled_Wings about their lie regarding their computer skills, pointing out the discrepancy in their online time. Mangled_Wings dismisses it, warning Strange_Mammal not to get on their bad side. Strange_Mammal backs down, and Mangled_Wings leaves the chat.