That night, Ash and Elma had a very lengthy conversation.
They talked about their lives on Earth, how they were both big fans of the novel "Legend of the Lost Prince" and how they had both suddenly transmigrated into this world with only one message embedded in their minds.
[Want To Return Home? Change The World And Reach The Perfect Ending!]
This meant different things to the both of them.
While Ash's decision was to remain an Extra and expertly manipulate key moments so that he achieved the ending he envisioned, his counterpart thought she would drastically alter the scenarios so they would have different outcomes and ramifications.
For example: what would happen if the White Death was never caught?
This would drastically change the storyline.
All of these alterations would chaotically reshape what the world previously was into a brand new tale—a story unrecognizable from its initial state.
As for how she was able to easily orchestrate those murders, especially as someone with Earth's modern sensibilities, the answer was simple: Elma did not view the people of this world as actual human beings.
Everything here existed in the novel, which meant none of it was real.
It was similar to the way people engaged in incredible violence in games—even hyper-realistic ones—and how anyone could do whatever they wanted in their dreams without any real-life ramifications.
To her, this was like a dream—one she would wake up from if she completed the objective. It all made sense to Ash, and he perfectly understood her motives and the action guiding them.
Whether it was Britta, or Seth, or anyone else in this world or in the Empire… they were all characters in a story they read.
They weren't real—at least, not in the way that the two of them were.
"There could be other Transmigrators in this world." Ash revealed to Elma. "What do you think of that?"
"Yeah… I can see that now." She responded.
Just like him, she previously thought she was the only Transmigrator. As a result, a lot of her actions and plans centered around herself and tilted towards the more brutal aspects of nature—not particularly minding the moral consequence of her actions.
After all, it was 'her' dream.
However, with the introduction of new players, things had gotten a little more complicated.
"Not everyone will be as understanding as you. " Elma sighed. "Many will frown at my actions, even though it was all for reaching the objective."
"That's why we have to keep it a secret."
Ash had previously recommended a Soul Contract, and he brought it up again.
"Let's enter an agreement." He began. "I'll promise not to try and kill you or tell anyone about your involvement in the White Death incident or the fact that you're a Transmigrator with multiple Souls and a second Familiar. I would have promised not to harm you as well, but we could be involved in competitions in the future, and we might have to fight each other at that point… so you have to understand why I can't agree to that."
Elma nodded in perfect understanding.
She wasn't stupid, and since she had read the novel, she knew about the competitions and many other incidents that would require students to face each other in combat or other ways. Besides 'harm' could be interpreted in many ways, so a Contract completely eliminating that would be too severe.
"In exchange, you'll promise not to tell anyone about my secrets—me being a Transmigrator, having two Souls, and having a second Familiar."
Surely, that was an acceptable deal—all things considered.
"So, I can try and kill you?"
"I mean, you won't be able to, and you honestly have no reason to… but sure, if that's what will give you the assurance that you can trust me… then okay."
Elma made a smug smile at him upon hearing that. "You really want me to trust you, huh?"
"Yes." He nodded. "Two Transmigrators are better than one."
Having a partner who understood the novel would really help him in completing the main objective. He could rub minds with the person, and they could execute whatever plans they eventually developed with much better efficiency.
A subordinate was preferable, but a partner wasn't a bad idea as well.
"So… what do you say?"
************
Ash found himself walking by himself after escorting Elma to her dorm.
They had successfully concluded the Soul Contract, which meant they were officially partners at this point. Of course, Elma used this chance to pitch the idea of them dating, but he instantly shot her down.
He wasn't planning on being tied down yet, plus she was still Seth's interest at the moment.
It wasn't wise to change that… at least, not without a good reason.
'It's been a very stressful night, but it looks like I'm finally done with that big headache.'
In all honesty, he had no idea what to expect when he confronted Elma. This was because he didn't at all know what the person behind the mask was actually like. He had a good idea now, though, which gave him some measure of relief.
Still… he could tell that she didn't fully trust him.
'It's normal.' He shrugged. 'I can't actually hurt her in any meaningful way, and she can kill me at any time… that should cause her to lower her defenses in time.'
All in all, it was a productive night—one that was about to get even longer.
"Sorry I'm late." Ash said as soon as he arrived at the diner at the edge of the Beta Area in the Apprentice Wing.
He was speaking to a lanky boy seated not too far from the entrance.
"A-Ah, it's no problem." Dustan responded with a beaming smile. "I arrived not too long ago."
This response made Ash laugh silently, glad to see the very cliche excuse being used in such a manner. Regardless, he could see that Dustan was taking their friendship very serious, and the fact that he was happy to see Ash despite the latter arriving considerably later than their agreed time-frame, showed his commitment to their relationship.
'This is good… very good.'
Ash sat directly opposite Dustan, elbows on his desk as his face rested on the back of his flattened hands.
"Once again… congratulations on being promoted to Alpha Class." Dustan re-ignited the conversation after moments of silence.
"Thank you, Dustan." Ash grinned nicely. "About that… I have a proposition, but it hinges on a question."
"What question?"
Ash leaned closer, his smile widening as he parted his lips.
"Do you still want to get into Alpha Class?"