Pristine's Problem | ONC 2024

09 | invisibility attained, manipulation retained

"Will my powers return after a month?"

Hemant noticed the boy's voice wavering in hope as Alan voiced his concern, imbued in apprehension. Alan's fingers fidgeted furiously and his body sweated in pounds despite the heavily air-conditioned room.

Avoiding remarks like 'No, my child!" and the like to keep the deal strictly business-oriented, Hemant answered, "I can assure you that your powers will return back, no matter where you are. Sir, you don't have to worry about treason or betrayal, because magic binds our principles. Magic is pure in its form – it only tends to help humans, not harm them."

Alan bore into his client's eyes and verified the credibility in his words. Summoning all sources of psychological derivations accompanied by a tint of magical experience, Alan's brain confirmed that the man was a paragon of morals. His words weighed in sincerity and support, which made Alan ultimately make his decision, basing his foundation on Hemant's undefiled answer.

"I don't want to take any of your time, Mr. Ahuja. Let's finish the deal."

Hemant nodded, maintaining a good range of stolidness. He patiently waited for the golden words to slip from his client's mouth.

"I am okay with the payment. Let's proceed."

Containing the excitement from exploding abruptly, Hemant asked, "Are you sure, sir?"

"Yes."

Second thoughts were always the primary obstacles that make us confuse our decision, let alone thinking. Alan firmly inlaid roots of confidence, making them permeate and infuse with all the nerves, as he decided to take the road – either taken or untaken.

Hemant instantly proceeded to prepare the paperwork of their contract and hastily banged the keys of his personalized desktop. Taking silent glances at the client, Hemant assured the agent's healthy state and conscious mind.

"Done, sir!"

Hemant rushed towards the hefty printing machine that amassed a huge area and waited for the mundane invention to do its magic. He returned back with the printed paper and placed it on the desk, making his client's eyes wander through its critical contents.

"Please sign here, sir," Alan received the indication with slight cynicism that kept bubbling through his entire time in the Magistrate. Diluting the frothy liquid, Alan hastened to sign the contract, mentally establishing the fact that he cannot back off now. He felt the tension of the atmosphere elevate as Hemant's tilted face and eagle eyes were directed towards his action, making the waves of uneasiness submerge him.

"Thank you, sir!" Hemant immediately grabbed the paper before Alan could check the perfection of his signature. Keeping his mouth zipped from creating further problems, Alan waited for the next orders.

"All the paperwork for this deal has been finalized, sir. Now, for the payment, please go to the laboratory which is located at the right end of the same corridor to hand over your power. Our volunteers and staff will help you if you have difficulty in finding the location."

Alan absorbed his orders and held his hand for a customary shake to conclude the deal. He smiled at his agent and stood up from his seat. As he approached the metal knob of the door, he was halted by his agent.

"Alan!"

Hemant stood up from his recliner and moved out of his desk as he observed Alan turning his face in response to the call.

"I ought to inform you of this as a brother, Alan," Hemant uttered, making Alan as usual confused.

"It is no more a secret that your family has been afflicted with the 'Andrei's death' case, and my intuition is that you have set out to solve the crime because you don't believe that a human had done it."