☾︎𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐘𝐒𝐈𝐀𝐍?!☽︎ (𝚃𝚠𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚆𝚘𝚗𝚍𝚎𝚛𝚕𝚊𝚗𝚍)

❅Book 3.4: Press-Gang Contract❅

Me and Jack just walked down the hallway from the cafeteria, talking about the test.

"Number two, huh? It's impressive for someone magicless," Jack spoke. I shrugged " It's nothing really. I'm used to hard study, that's why I get a grasp on the question,".

We then notice a large group of students who have the anemone on their heads, like the idiots. " Wonder where they went," I muttered.

" Oh, it's the Hall of Mirrors... The place that leads to every dorm," Jack whispers. The two of us follow the group of students who have the anemone on their head.

" I was so sure I'd make the top fifty!" (Heartslabyul student)

" Blast it all, I've been had! That cheating cephalo-punk!" (Savanaclaw student)

" My school life is doomed now. Doooomed!"

I smirked. For a student who has obtained the ability to use magic, they are still cheating like a bullshit they are. To think they lose to me, a magicless student is pathetic.

" Huh? It's not just the three stooges... There are other students here with sea anemones coming outta their heads.
I'm seeing some sophomores and juniors in here, too. And they're all going through the mirror leading to Octavinelle Dorm," Jack muttered.

I sighed " this is what I said about the bastard crow. Some of these students are in fact a dumbass,"." I was expecting you to do this stu-" Jack stopped his words before apologies" ah, sorry... didn't mean to sound rude,"." Ah no I understand your thinking," I dismissed his words.

" Let's follow them," Jack said, holding my wrist. The two of us went through the Octavinelle dorm gate.

"Fuiyoh....," I was in awe. It really felt like the classic Little Mermaid stories. Everything is underwater. Jack too in awe " For real?! Night Raven College is so cool!".

He regained his senses " Ahem* Just remember we're treading on another dorm's turf. Keep your wits about you,"." We're basically in enemy territory. Stay on guard too, Jack,".

" Holy mother of cheddar cheese Pringles, look at all these people,". The whole lounge are filled with students with anemone. Jack whispers " There's gotta be a hundred-no, closer to two hundred people here. What is this place, anyway? Some kinda coffee shop?
"Mostro Lounge"? Where did Ace and the others go?"

I heard applause from the podium. It's Azul! He smiled, with hands wide " Well, well. What are we here? A band of misfortunate souls who failed to break into the top 50. Welcome to the Mostro Lounge.
I'm sure you're all WELL aware of who I am, but let's go over it again anyway. My name is Azul Ashengrotto. I am the housewarden of Octavinelle Dorm, the manager of the Mostro Lounge cafe, aaand...
...as of today, you have to listen to everything I say," he show that sly smile.

" Say what??"

"Shh, stay low Jack," I whisper to him. He nod, as we continue listen. " You made a bet with me, and subsequently lost. As per terms of our contract, you are to devote yourself to my service until such time as you graduate," Azul tap the contract on his hand.

I heard a familiar screamed " Hey, hold on. This is all a huge scam!" It's Ace. Azul notice it and spoke " You're...Ace Trappola, a freshman, if memory serves. Your accusations are insulting, frankly.
I upheld my end of the bargain and provided you with an impeccably flawless study guide for your exams.
If you used it properly, you should have scored at least a 90,".

" Yeah, and I did. I got a 92!" Ace said. Azul smile in joy " Why, that's wonderful news! I'm delighted to have been of service,"." But you never told me you'd given the same study guide to this many other people!" Ace state.

Deuce jumped in " Yeah, Ace is right.
No study guide could help us break into the top fifty when the deck's this stacked!"." When everybody else is scorin' over 90, even with my 85, my spot in the rankings is no different than when I was failin'!" Even Grim spoke up.

"... they're such an idiot..." I frowned, pinching my nose bridge. Azul continue spoke " Have you boys never heard of client confidentiality?
"I want an easy way to score high marks. I don't want to flunk out. I want to goof off until the night before the test..."All of you fools-I mean, gentlemen-had your own reasons for seeking my help with your finals,".

"Details such as who made a contract with me, what kind of contract it was, and why it was made... That's all privileged data.
Who am I to divulge someone's personal information to a third party?
I am a man of integrity, thank you very much.
You will find this exact topic covered extensively in the non-disclosure agreement clause on page 127 of your contract,
I simply abided by its terms," (Azul)

Grim pointed towards his mouth " O-okay, then what happens to the fire magic I put up as collateral for the study guide?". Other student jump in as well.

" Y-yeah! And what about my water magic?" (Pomefiore student)

" Give me back my signature spell!" (Scarabia student)

Azul chuckled" What's this? Have you really forgotten the terms of your contract?"I will provide you with a final exam study guide. In exchange, you will leave one 'personal specialty' in my possession." "Should you earn a spot among the school's fifty highest achievers, your power will be returned to you..."
"...and I will continue to provide you with study guides for all exams until such time as you graduate.","

" "However, in the event that you do not earn a spot among the school's fifty highest achievers..."
"...you will act with absolute obedience to me until such time as you graduate."
As outlined in the contract, I now control every part of your beings down to every last hair on your heads.
In other words, your powers are mine, to return or not as I please,".

" I will grant your wish to walk as a human....but in exchange you will give me your voice..." That words rang on my head. It's the exact same statement way from Ursula itself. We're dealing with someone who can takes and grant with an exchange.

Ace yelled " That ain't fair!". " I suspected Ace and Grim to do this. But Deuce? I can't believe they fall this deep for a rank," I sighed.

" Y'know, I've been listening to this whole spectacle...and ALL of you disgust me!" (Jack)

"!?!?!?" (Everyone)

" J-Jack?! What are you doing here?" (Deuce)