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PROLOGUE
You…
Me?
I sense your pain.
Who is this?
I don't have much time. I would like to make a pact.
Great, I'm getting scam-called in my dreams now?
You are pure of heart. A worthy saviour.
Look, I don't know who you are, but can you please find someone else to bug? I have work at six and I'm not interested in whatever kind of hustle you've got going on.
You are not dreaming. Your soul is floating on the astral plane.
The astral what-now?
The astral plane.
…Okay. Fine. I'll take the bait. Let's say I believe your… weird pact or whatever. Then what.
You will be sent to a school. A faraway place with many lives that are in danger. I implore you to accept. You are one of few worthy applicants.
Me? ...Worthy? I'm sorry, but you definitely have the wrong person. Besides… why would I leave my entire life behind for definitely-a-scam? What about my phone? I can't live without that!
One cannot conceal the truth in the astral plane. I sense that you do not enjoy your life much.
Well… yeah, it sucks. Whatever. It's my life, so leave me to it!
Your life could be different. What happened to you is a matter of circumstance. But circumstances can be changed. You should not wallow in despair.
I can wallow in despair if I want! It's my fucking choice! Wait, what do you mean by circumstances?
…Hold up. How do you know about that?! Who are you?! Get out of my head! Leave me alone!
It is as I said. Truths cannot be concealed on the astral plane.
I don't want to talk to you anymore! That's creepy! Leave me alone!
I offer to fix it.
…
I take your silence for a not-no.
I…
…
Can you do that?
It can be done. The soul does not know bodily bounds. Its true form shines through no matter the vessel.
How do I know I can trust you?
As I said, truths cannot be concealed in the astral plane. If I have lied to you, you would know.
Right… And this pact… you want me to go back to school? And do what there?
There is a deep, deep rot at the heart of this school. It threatens not only the world you will travel to, but also your own. You must reach the bottom of it. Undo these terrible machinations. And in the process, I will make desired… adjustments.
So, basically, you want me to be Enola Holmes?
…If that is the way you wish to phrase it.
...
...Sure, Why not? It's better than cleaning toilets for a living, I guess. If… you really think I'm cut out for it?
I believe you are good at heart. If you allow that to guide you… then perhaps you might stand a chance.
I promise I'll do my best...
…I hope.
…
…
…
The color of your soul… it shines a bright orange, like vibrant flames. I see your courage, honor, and passion shining through. You let your sense of justice and what's right guide you when things get tough, no matter what the consequences are. But deep down, you doubt yourself and second guess your decisions. Be careful not to let the fire within you be too easily swayed. And remember never to forget your bravery, and most importantly, to trust yourself when it is the hardest to do.
Now… all I require of you is a name.
…
…
…
That is the name you wish to go by? Your final decision?
Very well.
You will wake up in a place different from where you slept. Remember what I said, and never waver. May the fire that burns bright inside you save us all… Arula Lionhart.
TWISTED WAND