Twisted Wonderland Book 3: The Merchant from the Depths

Chapter 4: Press-Gang Contract

"I wonder why they came here of all places?" Tanzanite wonders.

"I have an odd feeling we're about to find out," Briar says.

Suddenly, a snap appears and the lights turn off. Then a spotlight turns on, and walking into the spotlight, is Azul, the housewarden of Octavinelle Dorm. Everyone has their eyes focused on him.

Azul says, Well, well. What have 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."

"Say what?" Jack says, stunned.

"What did he just say?" Briar asks, shocked.

Sereia, and the others are just as shocked.

Azul continues, "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."

Suddenly, coming up from the crowd, Ace angrily says, "Hey, hold on. This is all a huge scam!"

"You're...Ace Trappola, a freshman, if memory serves," Azul calmly says, and continues, "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 says.

Then Azul says, "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 angrily says.

"Yeah, Ace is right," Deuce replies, "No study guide could help us break into the top fifty when the deck's this stacked!"

Then Grim says, "When everybody else is scorin' over 90, even with my 85, my spot in the rankings is no different than when I was failin'!"

"Have you boys never heard of client confidentiality?" Azul questions, and says, "'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."

"O-okay, then what happens to the fire magic I put up as collateral for the study guide?" Grim asks, looking pale.

A Pomefiore Student asks, "Y-yeah! And what about my water magic?"

And a Scarabia Student demands, "Give me back my signature spell!"

"What's this? Have you really forgotten the terms of your contract?" Azul responds, "'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.'"

Then says, "'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.

"That ain't fair!" Ace shouts in anger.

Briar and the others have heard everything that has happened.

"No wonder Grim and Ace weren't fighting with magic," Sereia says, surprised.

"It's because Ace and Grim have given Azul their magic in order for study guides and ways to get good scores," Briar says.

"Can anyone really leave their power with someone else?" Jasper asks.

"It sounds like it will be impossible," Tanzanite says, worried.

"And it seems that many of the students do the same," Briar says.

Just then, Jack steps in and angrily says, "Y'know, I've been listening to this whole spectacle...and ALL of you disgust me!"

Everyone gets surprised and looks to see Jack stepping forward with pure anger.

Deuce asks in shock, "J-Jack?! What are you doing here?"