The Earl's long fingers danced over the pages of his ancient codex, like an expert pianist, and summoned a duplicate of the contract that was in the Codex. Then, gave it to me.
Taking the document in hand, I proceeded to read its contents slowly and carefully, absorbing each advantage and disadvantage before officially committing and sign both the copy and the original within the codex itself.
As I grasped the copy of the contract and rolled it, a sense of gravity settled upon me, knowing that I had just sealed a pact that would irrevocably alter the course of my existence.
But before I could drink the red vial and embrace my newfound identity, a question popped into my mind, demanding a quick answer.
"Before I proceed," I began, my voice steady but laced with hidden curiosity, "there's something I must know. You don't have to answer these speculations if you'd rather not, but I can't help but wonder about your other clients...
I noticed that my page bears the number 1 and that your grimoire contains 22 pages, coincidentally mirroring the number of cards in the major arcana tarot deck.
Is this a mere coincidence? or is there something more to it? And, to cut to the chase, is there among your clientele someone gifted with the ability to travel through space and other realms, in scientific terms, a wormhole control?"
The Earl's response was a mixture of admiration and amusement, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. "Well, well, well," he exclaimed,
"You're sharper than you look, my young friend. Indeed, the correlation with the major arcana is no accident—I have a strong passion for symbolism and mythology in general.
As for your inquiry, it's a fascinating one, but sadly, I'm bound by the sacred trust between contractor and client, similar to the priest and the person who confesses. I cannot reveal the identities of my clients, nor expose the nature of their abilities. After all, not knowing someone's ability is a strength to them and a weakness to you."
Leaning in conspiratorially, he added, "However, I will say this much: such powers do indeed exist within my clientele. But whether they will use it for good or ill, well, that's a mystery you'll have to unravel on your own.
And as for these realms you speak of, they are known as alter-rooms.
But why the sudden interest, I wonder? Are you seeking to eliminate a potential threat, or perhaps forge an alliance with this certain contract holder for your own gain? The possibilities are endless, my dear boy.
Now, enough chit-chat. Drink the vial, and let the games begin!"
I grasped the crimson vial tightly, feeling its warm glass against my fingertips as I uncorked it. With a swift motion, I tilted it back and drank its contents in a single gulp, the liquid sliding down my throat with a metallic taste that left me strangely refreshed.
To my surprise, it wasn't unpleasant—it carried a certain allure, like a forbidden elixir that promised power beyond comprehension, an allure similar to the Apple Of Eden.
As I finished, a sense of a newfound confidence surged through my veins like wildfire. The Earl's expression mirrored my own excitement, as he observed the transformation taking place before him.
"Ah, splendid!" he exclaimed, "You've certainly embraced your newfound potential with class, my dear Eros. I can already sense your god complex affecting the type of ability you will be blessed with.
A wild imagination tempered with an unhealthy dose of confidence. But no matter, it will make for quite the spectacle indeed."
He then shook my hand, made his farewells, and as he prepared to depart. "Until we meet again, young Eros," he whispered, his voice trailing off into the shadows.
In response, I couldn't help but smirk, feeling a surge of gratitude for the powers bestowed upon me and a hint of defiance of this godly entity.
"Consider it a compliment, dear Earl," I said, my tone laced with determination. "Rest assured, you won't be disappointed. In fact, I predict you'll soon be joining the ranks of my Unholy Rebellion. Let the dance of the macabre begin!"
But as these words left my lips, the Earl corrected me with a cryptic twist that sent shivers down my spine. "Ah, but you misunderstand my dear boy," he interjected while wearing the most twisted grimace. "It is not the dance of the macabre we call for, but rather, the Carrington Event. LET THE CARRINGTON GAMES BEGIN!"
"What? The Carrington event????? Are you talking about the cosmic-"
Before I could question his statement, the shadows enveloped him in a vortex, consuming him in a blink of an eye. In an instant, he vanished into thin air, leaving behind only questions that yet have no answers...