Twisted Wonderland Book 6: The Watchman of the Underworld

Chapter 28: Contract Negotiation

"Did you just say you're trying to use blot?!" Vil questions.

"It's not THAT surprising," Idia says, rolling his eyes, "Sustainability's a hot topic right now. Social, environmental, economic... Magic's no different. People call blot a 'waste product,' but... We consider it a valuable energy resource. And we gotta recycle where we can, right?"

"An energy resource, huh," Jamil says.

"And to carry out this valuable research, Styx thinks they're justified in kidnapping potentially useful specimens. Real noble operation you guys got here," Leona says.

Ortho apologizes, "I'm sorry they seized you without explaining anything. But I assume none of you want to overblot again, right? And I'm positive none of you want a Phantom using you like a seed potato. So it's extremely important you learn more about the properties of your own magic and blot. Styx HQ has the most advanced research labs in the world. No one else's readings are as accurate and detailed as ours. And undergoing thorough examinations will greatly benefit you in the long run."

"My, what an enticing sales pitch," Vil responds, "Let me guess: if we don't participate in your data collection, you won't let us go back to school?"

"I'm glad you catch on quickly, Vil Schoenheit," Vil says.

"Yeah, so, let's get the paperwork outta the way," Idia says.

But Riddle says, "Actually, there is another detail you need to explain. Why was Briar dragged into this? She's never overblotted like the rest of us, so then, why did you have her brought here?"

Briar then says, "To be honest, I've been wondering about it myself. I've never overblotted before, not even once since I got here."

"I suppose I left that detail out. We have brought you here because of your magical abilities. Styx has gotten wind of you being able to perform an unusual and powerful magic that allows you to heal these five who have gone into Overblot. You were brought here so that Styx can learn about your magic, how you can heal the Overtblotted victims, how strong is that magic, and how it can carry out Styx's mission, especially finding out who and rather, what you possible are," Idia says.

"What do you mean by what?" Briar asks.

Ortho then says, "Well, there is still a lot of research to prove that theory, especially the form you are in now and about what became of them... However, we are around 75% percent sure that you might be the last of a special species of fairies with unique powers. One that can heal those who became overblotted since ancient times... The Salubrious Fae. Also known as the Blot Healers,"

Everyone, especially Briar exclaims in shock, "WHAT?!"

"Sheesh, you don't need to be so loud," Idia says, having his ears covered.

"How did you expect us not to react?" Riddle questions in shock.

"I have to agree. Briar is a human," Azul says.

But Vil says, "However, we have seen Briar display these kinds of magical abilities during the school year... more than once I might add."

"We suspected you wanted Briar for that reason, to continue with your Blot Research and maybe learn more about Briar's magic," Leona says.

"But still... I'm a human, not a fae. I'm not like Sebek, or Lilia, or Tsunotaro," Briar says.

"Who?" Leona questions.

Vil sighs, "I understand he's okay with letting you call him that name, but still, I'm not sure about that nickname?"

"Maybe, but Malleus seems to be okay with it. He said I can call him whatever I want," Briar says.

Riddle says, "So it's true, you did become acquainted with Malleus?"

"Huh? Since when did you two become friends?" Azul asks.

"It kind of happened a while back, during the Spelldrive tournament investigation," Briar says.

Idia says in shock, "Eh? You actually became friends with Malleus Draconia?"

"Wow. That's really amazing, I would like to hear how you first met," Ortho says.

"Maybe another time," Briar says.

Then turns to Idia, "But still, I'm very confused? Why do you think I'm a Salubrious Fae?"

"It's difficult to explain. However, we know that we'll do whatever we can to know for sure. Until then, we're going to focus on your unique magical abilities," Idia says, "For now, everyone, take a look at the tablets at your seats."

Everyone looks to see the tablets in front of them, and see writing appear on it.

"What's all this?" Azul asks.

"It's an NDA—a non-disclosure agreement," Idia says, "Just sign it once you read everything, 'kay? We'll email you a link where you can download a copy if you fill out your email address.

"Excuse me? You drag us here against our wills and now you expect us to SIGN AN NDA?" Vil says with a frown, "There's an armed guard in here. We're CLEARLY signing under duress."

"Ugh, I bet you're the type that never reads the manual then yells at tech support about how it's not working," Idia says a deep frown, "Could you save the aggro for after you've read it? The contract's meant to protect you too, you know. Like I said before—you don't hurt us, we don't hurt you. If you agree to cooperate, you'll receive all the latest blot treatments. The examinations take about 24 hours. That's it. All you have to do us give us 24 hours of your time.

Then we wrap everything up nice and neat, and everyone goes home happy. I didn't ask for this job, you know. I could be grinding out an event with my favorite character RIGHT NOW. You wanna get outta here fast? Read it. Sign it. Bam, done."

Everyone remains silent after that and is not pleased.

Leona growls in anger, "Rrrgh... Radish Sprout's actin' all high and mighty now that he thinks we're defenseless. If it wasn't for this stupid collar, I'd turn all his hair to sand."

"Why, Leona. For once we agree on something," Vil says.

One hour later...

"Dude... Who actually reads every word from top to bottom and asks nitpicky questions about each point?" Idia questions.

Vil says to Idia, "Well, you have to make sure you understand and agree with the terms before signing something. That's common sense."

"Agreed. If I got caught in some contract because of the fine print, I'd never live it down," Azul says.

Even Riddle agrees, "Vil and Azul are absolutely right. What if the terms contained something illegal?

"You guys are seriously stubborn... Guess that's why you're the SSR Epic Troublemakers," Idia says in a monotone voice, but is deeply annoyed on the inside.