Henry Advent's Questionnaire

1. What town or city do you live in? Why do you live there instead of anywhere else? Describe your home.

Link Answered before Henry Advent's first Contract.
 

I live at 716 West Schubert Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60614. Chicago, a city of insignificant stature, appeals to me only because Discover Financial Services, the company that employs me, has its headquarters in Riverwoods, Illinois, a nearby and equally unremarkable location. The city itself is nothing special, hardly noteworthy, yet it offers a sufficient number of upscale restaurants. These establishments provide the perfect backdrop for my displays of affluence to colleagues who undoubtedly regard me with a mix of envy and admiration as I frequent them with calculated regularity. The homeless population, an unpleasant and persistent irritation, is something I deftly sidestep on my meticulously planned routes to and from the office. The very thought of allowing them to soil my impeccably tailored suit is abhorrent. As for the nightlife, Chicago offers little of interest. However, should my coworkers decide to indulge in an evening out, I would not permit myself to appear disengaged or antisocial. After all, maintaining appearances is crucial in my line of work. My home is large and luxurious. On my patio, I have my own basketball half-court, where I practice every day so that I wouldn't make a fool of myself if anyone were to want me to play. Although large, I ensure my home is clean down to the last detail, and that the interior decoration provides a sleek, modern look.

2. How do you get your money right now? What do you spend it on?

Link Answered before Henry Advent's first Contract.

My income is derived from my position at the firm. The work itself lacks excitement, but that is inconsequential to me; I’m not there for amusement. My compensation package is substantial, with a high salary and an abundance of stock options, enabling me to sustain both my luxurious residence and my opulent lifestyle. I allocate funds towards a diverse array of music soundtracks, with a particular fondness for Huey Lewis and The News. Expenses such as dry cleaning for my bespoke suits, high-end furnishings for my apartment, dining at exclusive restaurants, and other such necessities are routine. In essence, my wealth is merely a conduit for indulging my elaborate fantasies.

3. Describe your Ambition. What are you striving for? How far would you go to achieve this? Would you kill for it? How close to death would you come for it?

Link Answered before Henry Advent's first Contract.

My ambition is straightforward. I simply desire to be superior to everyone else. It’s no secret that I am a paragon of human excellence, but that’s insufficient for me. I crave more—and I will stop at nothing to attain it, regardless of the consequences or the cost involved to others. Human life is meaningless to me. Morality is irrelevant to me. I have no regard for anyone other than myself. I would kill for it. I would torture for it. I would even murder my own family for it. Yet, I have never been close to death. Naturally, that should not surprise you, but I would willingly stare death in the eyes for it—if he could handle my gaze.

4. What was the most defining event of your life (before signing The Contract), and how did it change you?

Link Answered before Henry Advent's first Contract.

As I was walking down the road one day, returning to my immaculate apartment from my prestigious job, I encountered something so vile, so revolting, that I couldn't restrain myself. A homeless person, crouched in an alley with a dog, both of them filthy and ragged, contaminating the very air I breathed. I couldn't tolerate such an affront to my sensibilities, so I manipulated the man into believing I was there to help him, then shot him without hesitation. The dog ran away before I could deal with it accordingly. This is precisely why I now keep a silenced pistol concealed within my suit at all times.


5. Name and briefly describe three people in your life. One must be the person you are closest to.

Link Answered before Henry Advent's first Contract.

I suppose I can describe three very important people in my life. The first is Henry. Henry is impeccably groomed, with a meticulous morning routine. He is a highly accomplished individual, living in my house, and acts as an intermediary, dealing with all the insufferable people I must interact with daily. Their mere presence repulses me, yet Henry navigates these social interactions with ease, maintaining a veneer of civility I find both admirable and convenient.

The second person of note is my secretary. She is efficient and reliable, performing her tasks with a precision I demand. However, beyond her utility, she holds no particular significance to me. She is a tool, a necessary component in the well-oiled machine of my life.

The third person doesn’t exist. They are a figment, a placeholder for the void where genuine human connection should reside. In truth, I require no one else at all.