[8th of June 2064, Sunday, 10:00 PM, Berendin Manor.]

[For additional context, Lucas Moriarty’s phone logs are included in this record, rendered into text-to-speech.]

[More Red Magic training is slated for tonight. Lucas waits at the lobby to be called. Having a bit of spare time, he reviews the messages he received from Tavia earlier in the day.]

TAVIA’S MESSAGE LOG
Omg Luccie Sweetie I received a formal letter of invitation from House Berendin!!!
They even sent a Magus agent to handle the mail. How awesome is that?!
…I wasn’t allowed to take any photos, though.
The agent sternly warned me not to.
Anti-forgery measures, I was told.
Anyways,
The handwritten letter is so pretty…
Calligraphy ink too.
It’s so old-fashioned and cool and classy like ye olden court days!
Oh the guy also handed me a printed NDA.
That part is very modern.
I signed it of course!
I won’t give this chance up for the world!
I don’t know how you did it, but thank you so much for smoothing things over!
My parents were more excited about the letter than me.
Maaaaaaaybe a bit too excited.
They fussed over me like I was going to attend a high-class school interview all over again.

LUCAS’ MESSAGE LOG
Great!!!
I’m glad to see you happy.
I didn’t do anything, really. My aunt’s been wanting to meet you for some time. It only took a bit of encouragement from her husband to look past the fanclub discovery.
When are you coming over?

TAVIA’S MESSAGE LOG
Tentatively the 14th of June
Next Saturday.
That way, I have some time to prepare for the visit.

LUCAS’ MESSAGE LOG
Cool. See you then, Tavi.

TAVIA’S MESSAGE LOG
Bye bye!
Oh, there’s gonna be a huge thunderstorm tonight. Be sure to stay indoors, okay? Especially when you’re that high up.
Rumours say that sometimes you can see storm clouds swirl over The Spire.
It started only a few years ago.
I wonder why?

LUCAS’ MESSAGE LOG
A few years ago? Don’t look at me, I definitely wasn’t around here back then.

[A loud crack of thunder causes Lucas to freeze in fright.]

LUCAS
Damn. That sounds really close by. I wonder if we’ll have a power outage…?

[Not long after, Cenna Caraway arrives at the lobby. Lucas quickly pockets his phone.]

CENNA
Hey Luc, how’s it going?

LUCAS
I’m going good. You?

CENNA
Never better! Say, did ya notice anything weird about the old man today? Like, him being sluggish or whatnot?

LUCAS
Hmmm… Dunno. I didn’t see him all day either.

CENNA
Really?!

LUCAS
Yeah. I’ve been spending most of my time alone, practising Red Magic in the gun training room. We seemed to have missed each other for all our meals too. Does he work on Sundays?

CENNA
Sometimes he does. The wicked don’t rest, y’know. Well… how’s progress?

LUCAS
My Red is definitely improving much faster than my Blue, for sure. Check this out.

[Lucas takes out his lucky coin, casts a Mark on the object, and flips it into the air. It begins to spin in an orbit, as though it is a little planet on its own. He lets the coin fall after a while and catches it in midair.]

CENNA
Yooooooo look at that! Just one day and you’re doing it like it’s second nature.

LUCAS
A huge difference, right? The tip about Cyan Minors having two commands helped me the most. If I don’t need two distinct outcomes at once, I could either double up the commands or tell it to do nothing.

…It puts a lot of things in context, thinking back.

[Cenna’s phone beeps.]

CENNA
Huh? Ol’ Mez is already waiting for us.

LUCAS
Let’s get going then.

[The two move to the training gallery, the same one they had used yesterday.]

CENNA
You don’t look too good, old man…

LUCAS
Uncle, are you alright? Maybe we should postpone today's session?

MEZIL
No, training must continue. The required conditions have lined up. Vanquisher, watch over us.

CENNA
…Yes, sir. I’ll be on standby.

[Cenna takes a few steps back and stands by the side. She maintains a disciplined poise, contrasting her usual casual attitude.]

LUCAS
I don't think I understand. Shouldn’t you rest if you’re sick?

MEZIL
It will make sense in due time. For now, focus on my teachings.

Yesterday, you learned about the imposement of wills. Tonight, you will learn about the rejection of wills.

LUCAS
Uhh… Do I just say ‘no’? Really intensely?

MEZIL
That’s just one part of it. However, mere resistance without awareness or knowledge will put you in a vulnerable position. It may even backfire from a paradoxical clause.

I’ll demonstrate the basics first.

[Mezil lightly taps Lucas on the chest with the tip of his cane.]

MEZIL
I impose my will to blind you for one minute.

[The young man gasps.]

LUCAS
What the?! Did the lights go out??

MEZIL
I have denied your brain from receiving optical signals. It will last for one minute. Within that time, I want you to use your own Determination to break my hold.

Impose your will over mine. Reject it.

LUCAS
Okay. Um. I… I reject!

[The boy’s chest glows red for a moment, and the butterfly shatters.]

LUCAS
Wow… I can see again.

MEZIL
Can you feel any residual pressure?

LUCAS
Uh, actually, no.

MEZIL
That means you have developed beyond a novice’s standards. Since this is the case, I shall simulate a battle scenario against a competent Red Magus.

I impose my will to blind you for one minute.

LUCAS
Nngh…!! What the hell?! It’s… so much stronger…!

MEZIL
The bigger the disparity of power, the greater the pressure… And the harder you must fight back.

Therefore, fight!

[The young man grunts as he struggles to break Judge Thyme’s Mark. Meanwhile Cenna observes silently from the sidelines. Thunder rumbles in the background, muffled by the walls of the Spire. A full minute passes by until Mezil’s Mark expires from completing its command. Lucas wheezes from the sudden release.]

LUCAS
Hack… cough…! T-that was tougher than I thought. And this is just ‘competent’ level?

MEZIL
Yes.

LUCAS
That means it can get worse.

MEZIL
Correct. Marks are split between three levels of volition: Low, Medium, High. LVM, MVM, and HVM respectively. Low Volition Marks don’t tax the mind. On the other hand, High Volition Marks intrude upon the very core of a person. The result is often crippling, if not fatal.

What I had just inflicted on you was a Medium Volition Mark. While it does affect biological functions, it does not inflict any permanent damage. That’s the maximum level any Red is allowed to cast at without prosecution.

LUCAS
I, uh, didn’t screw anything up in the past, I hope?

MEZIL
I can wholeheartedly verify that you didn’t. You wouldn’t be here otherwise.

Now, let us resume. I’m going to increase the duration to two minutes. Try your best.

LUCAS
Okay…

MEZIL
I impose my will to blind you for two minutes.

[The training resumes with greater attrition. Two minutes pass by, and the Mark expires again.]

LUCAS
Ugh… that was even rougher than before. C-can I really do this?

MEZIL
Hmm. Your lack of Perseverance is showing. But, it is also good to doubt. It allows you to pause and seek other options. There are more ways to fight than to resort to violence.

Temper your heart with Patience. Reinforce it with Integrity. Do not give in to envy.

Above all, stay Determined.

I will now increase the duration to three minutes.

I impose my will to blind you for three minutes.

[The three minute version also proves to be harsher than before.]

CENNA
Old man…?

MEZIL
Focus, Vanquisher. I still hear thunder.

CENNA
Yes, sir.

[The Mark expires yet again. Lucas staggers backwards, breathing heavily as he wipes the sweat off his face.]

LUCAS
My head… It hurts… I feel like I’m gonna puke…

MEZIL
Caraway, assist him.

CENNA
Right on it!

Luc, sit down for a while. I’m gonna get you some water and a piece of candy. Which flavour do you prefer?

LUCAS
…Anything, really…

CENNA
Fennel candy it is! Coming right up.

[While Cenna provides first aid for Lucas, Judge Thyme prepares a single toy foam gun for the next part of his training.]

CENNA
How are ya feeling?

LUCAS
Better. That… that felt like jogging under the hottest summer sun on an empty stomach…

CENNA
I rather take that than ‘felt like being ripped apart from the inside’. Believe me, you don’t wanna be at the receiving end of one of them HVMs.

LUCAS
I’m really, really doubting if I’ll survive the four-minute version.

MEZIL
Your doubts are not unfounded. Either way, I won’t continue that type of training for today. Instead, I want you to test what you’ve just learned on the firing range.

[Judge Thyme uses the toy gun and fires it at five separate targets in a row. The butterflies successively glow on the cardboard.]

MEZIL
Transfer your ‘will to reject’ onto your bullet, and then work from left to right. Weakest to the strongest, in that order. Don’t move on until you’ve broken the weaker Mark.

Approach whenever you’re ready.

LUCAS
I… I think I’m okay now.

[Lucas walks over to the gun, takes it from his uncle, and fires at the leftmost butterfly. It shatters in a single impact.]

LUCAS
…That was easy. I guess it’s because it’s beginner’s level.

[He fires at the second butterfly. It shatters in a single spongy bullet as well.]

LUCAS
Huh. I thought this would give me more trouble.

MEZIL
That’s but an illusion. This exercise only appears easier because of the outward projection. You’re not feeling your opponent’s Mark directly oppressing you.

Try the next target.

[The third butterfly takes considerably more bullets and effort to shatter.]

LUCAS
That was way tougher… the jump the second and third one is huge.

MEZIL
The next opponent you meet could be stronger than you. Therefore, it’s important to not grow complacent.

Proceed.

[Lucas shoots down the fourth butterfly with relative ease.]

LUCAS
Huh? Weren’t they supposed to get harder?

MEZIL
They are. Instead, you’re beginning to match your foe. Though the power of Determination seems exponential at first, all mortals have a limit. You would need to ascend into a god to go beyond your own.

LUCAS
Is that even possible?

MEZIL
An advanced topic for future study. Your final target still remains.

LUCAS
Okay…

[The young man takes aim. However, the toy gun clicks when he pulls the trigger, indicating that its magazine is empty.]

LUCAS
Oh, I’m out of bullets.

CENNA
Fresh ammo incoming!

LUCAS
Thanks.

[Lucas reloads the gun. But then, upon a crack of thunder, he suddenly lifts his arm, aims the gun at Judge Thyme, and fires the bullet straight at his gut.]

LUCAS
Huh…?!

W-when did I? How…???

[Judge Thyme staggers backwards, clutching his abdomen. He tries to put as much distance between himself and the others. The spiral materialises on his body with a strong shine. It begins to spin faster and faster, popping with cracks of crimson electricity. The sheer force of The Mark knocks Judge Thyme unconscious, but he was still standing.]

[Cenna conjures a magic rope and whips it towards Lucas’ toy gun, yanking the weapon out of his grip and flinging it across the room. She then pulls Lucas away from Judge Thyme, close to the wall.]

CENNA
I knew that bugger was gonna do something. It’s always during a stormy night too.

LUCAS
Are you talking about my uncle???

CENNA
No, the guy INSIDE your uncle! Get ready to reject any bullshit that comes your way!

LUCAS
Don’t I need a weapon for that?!

CENNA
That gun’s already compromised, buddy.

[The toy gun rattles with jolts of electricity. The high amount of energy causes the whole item to melt.]

[Meanwhile – hovering over Judge Thyme’s unconscious body – an electrified aura of Determination forms into the shadow of a muscular man. His disembodied voice thundered the following words:]

PERSONA
Young man, you have a rather interesting Mark. A storm. A tornado. A black hole. Were I still within my corporeal body, I would have sought you out to become my disciple.

Your god commands you: yield and submit!

[Lucas stumbles as a lightning Mark flares onto his chest. His legs threaten to buckle, until his gaze snaps up towards his uncle and the being possessing him. At first there is panic and confusion on his face… and then a mixture of anger and resolve.]

LUCAS
W-whatever you are… I won’t… Not to you!

[With great effort, Lucas regains himself. He gets back on his feet and straightens his posture. He strains himself until Persona’s Mark shatters. Exhausted, Lucas stumbles back a step, hitting the wall behind him.]

PERSONA
I see the line of Winston continues to defy. The Vampire has trained you well.

CENNA
Mind shutting up and going back into your bottle, Mister Genie?

[The Vanquisher slams the wall with the palm of her hand, activating a series of restraining Arcanagrams. They create white chains of magic, sent flying towards the DEMON. However, the figure easily shatters them in a flurry of sparks.]

PERSONA
Your wishes won’t be granted, witch! A miserable fake can never stand against the genuine article, born blessed by the gods.

[Crimson lightning strikes down upon the Vanquisher. Though she raises her white shields, Persona shatters them after a continuous barrage. She falls to the floor, defeated.]

LUCAS
No…!

[With no one left to challenge him, Persona’s attention turns towards Lucas.]

PERSONA
Fret not, young man. I shall not kill her. Let us talk. You must be brimming with questions.

Your god commands you… be at ease and speak freely.

[The lightning Mark flashes again. But there was no resistance or struggle.]

LUCAS
Are you a Cyan like me? Um, I mean, that’s the second time you used two commands in a row. W-wha?! Why am I asking that??

PERSONA
Ha ha ha! That’s more like it. Open up to me.

I’ve witnessed some of your developments, young man. Your dear uncle here hasn’t been feeling too well lately, allowing me to take a peek into the outside world. What interests me the most was your fallout with your father.

Don’t you think it’s curious that The Supreme Judge of the Magus Association did nothing to stop you? Think about it. At any time, at any point, he could have broken your Mark. Yet he didn’t.

Why do you think so?

[Lucas pauses in contemplation for a moment. Again, he shifts his stare between Mezil and the DEMON. Amusement and disgust both start to creep into his expression.]

LUCAS
…Because for once in my life, I got to make my father listen.

That said, I don’t need to hear anything from you about my life or my family, nor do I want to.

We’ve only just met and you’re already acting like everyone else in Dad’s circle, bending over others while worming your way through their heads with convenient half-truths. How gullible do you think I am?!

PERSONA
And yet you’re gullible enough to follow The Vampire without question.

Did you think you could become a Crimson Keeper? Do you think you could become the next Supreme Judge?

No. Your father was right. Mezil Winston insists on being the King of Magi, once and forevermore. The only fate that awaits you is that of The Suppressed.

LUCAS
Are you trying to be an edgelord?… Dammit, why do I keep talking unfiltered shit???

PERSONA
Ha ha ha! As the magnanimous god I am, I will take no offence. I did command you to speak your mind, after all.

You have more power than you realise, young man. About the same as your uncle, if not greater. Proof of your mutual heritage.

Before my defeat, I heard an interesting tale about your family. It claimed that once upon a time, a Winston acquired the power of a dark lord. This power was then passed down through his descendants as a ‘curse’, manifesting in the form of excessive misfortune. Those who conquered their bad luck would move on to obtain grim abilities, and mysteriously improve their lot in life.

LUCAS
A curse that becomes a blessing…?

Wait. Wouldn’t that apply to my father as well?

PERSONA
It seems that your father never fully divulged about his past. Ask yourself: how does a faceless college student become one of the biggest tech giants today, rivalling the richest of the past era?

LUCAS
He always said, ‘I ran into some very bad luck and found it within myself to turn that luck around by my own strengths’… But he never gave any real context.

PERSONA
Perhaps he realised that it would expose his shady origins. I know for a fact that your father fell into an extortion scheme between two rival mafia gangs. Somehow, he managed to play both sides with a silver tongue and some cunning business sense. His success garnered the attention of important eyes, paving the road to the life you enjoyed.

Next example. Your precious grandfather. Detective extraordinaire, they call him. Ha. If it weren’t for his guile and timely contacts, he would have been long condemned as a criminal. Many with prestige don’t take too kindly to independent investigations.

Likewise, your uncle, The Vampire, was once the son of a foolish debt-ridden couple, mixing drinks for the dregs of society. Look at him now. How far he has flown from his humble roots. He staked his life in war to earn his current glory.

And you, young man. You know what you went through. And here you are.

I believe my words hold credit.

LUCAS
You’re putting an awful lot of stock on some rumour. You don’t even know for sure, do you?

PERSONA
Every lead was squelched by The Magi. They seem to have a vested interest in keeping this story unverified. Don’t you think Supreme Judge Mezil Thyme has a great penchant for secrets? Take his dearest wife, Lucidia, for example.

LUCAS
True. But… For the single month I’ve really known him, he’s already shared a lot. I bet he told me more than Judge Pashowar or Judge Goldstein ever would’ve. Those two were experts at being super secretive behind a happy face.

…Oh god, I’m just blurting everything out in the worst way possible. I just read about those two from the library too. I’m so embarrassed I want to die…

Uhhh… Please don’t command me to.

PERSONA
Death is the easy way out. From what I can observe, your challenge is not over yet.

Here is how I see it: Live the rest of your life in submission… or succeed your uncle right here and now.

LUCAS
Am I anywhere ready for that?

PERSONA
It’s not about being ready or not. Rather, it’s the fact that Supreme Judge Mezil Thyme is overdue for retirement.

His dour attitude had made him many enemies, present company included. Look at how broken his body is after decades of strife, held up only with artificial spells. The Vampire may act like he has everything under control… But you and I know he’s heading straight for certain doom.

Perhaps it’s time to repay his kindness. Take on his burdens, and grant him freedom!

LUCAS
………………………

But… I don’t trust you.

PERSONA
Then trust yourself, Chosen One. What does your heart speak?

[Lucas raises a hand towards Judge Thyme. Uncertainty causes his movements to waver. He struggles with the desire to be helpful, versus being obedient to his uncle.]

LUCAS
Is… is this really the right thing to do…?

[Just then, Judge Thyme’s arm twitches. With rigid and jagged motions, he grabs the DEMON cloud bare-handed.]

PERSONA
I see that The Vampire rouses from his slumber.

MEZIL
I… impose my will… to seal… you!

[The butterfly shines above the cloud and attempts to push Persona back inside.]

PERSONA
Let’s see if you can do that in your current feverish state.

[He attempts to weaken Mezil by zapping him with electricity. The Supreme Judge is determined to stand up against his adversary.]

MEZIL
Lucas… Don’t!

This prisoner is my greatest burden… and it is one that only I can bear!

…My Mark, the butterfly… allows me to absorb lifeforce without tainting my mind, body, and spirit.

Your Spiral… It will draw in everything inside yourself with no discrimination. Ergo… absorbing this stubborn DEMON… you will instantly turn into Persona’s new body!

[Crimson lightning strikes down the Supreme Judge once again. Although still conscious, he has become paralysed. Lucas withdraws his hands in a hurry.]

LUCAS
…Dammit! What the hell am I doing?! That’s the exact kind of textbook manipulation I said I wouldn’t fall for! How gullible am I?

PERSONA
Manipulation, yes, but devoid of lies. There’s no greater honour than to become the living vessel of a god!

LUCAS
I don’t care about what you think!

PERSONA
Tsk, tsk, tsk. Such words of ignorance. If you believe you can best a deity… Assert your dominance!

Your god commands you: FIGHT!

[Persona’s Mark flashes on Lucas. Crimson sparks course through his body, growing stronger with every attempt to defy.]

LUCAS
Ack! ARGH!

I…. refuse…! RE… FUSE!

Why…?

Why… Can’t I break it…?

WHY CAN’T I FUCKING BREAK IT????

PERSONA
Your thoughts, reasons, actions… They are mine to dictate.

[Agitated, angered, the spiral shines in Lucas’ hand. He tries to slam it on Persona’s Mark, but he couldn’t reach his own chest.]

PERSONA
I won’t let you damage that pristine body of yours. A foolish endeavour.

Come. Take the fight up close. Break through your uncle’s prison. Only then, he may be saved.

I look forward to our brilliant future together! Hahahahahaha!

[Under Persona’s influence, Lucas begins to walk forward one step at a time. The strength of his spiral rises with his inner rage.]

[Meanwhile, the once downed Vanquisher – Cenna Caraway – begins to mutter under her own breath.]

CENNA
Glowing kindness be our shield…
Persevere and never yield…
Lady Justice heed my call…
Smite this evil, make them fall…!

[Her Ascension activates. Now greatly empowered, she wastes no time sending out her bird-shaped Psychia with a magic rope in tow. It swirls around Lucas and successfully binds the young man by the waist. The bird struggles with all its might to keep him in place.]

LUCAS
Cenna…?

CENNA
Get your act together Luc! You’re giving him too much leeway!

Demontology 101: Don’t listen to a DEMON’s bullshit. Persona is feeding on your anger! Remember what Mez taught ya? Centre yourself, focus on your inner peace. Let that command roll over you.

PERSONA
What makes you think I’ll give him time to relax? Your god commands!…

CENNA
Welllllll, about that. Say hello to my little friend!

[Cenna activates her bow, readying the Wanderstar.]

PERSONA
Y-you’ll never fire. That magic is too powerful for its own good.

CENNA
I’m taking my CHANCES. Feeling LUCKY today, y’know? Putting my MONEY where my mouth is. You’re my MARK, see. If worst comes to worst, I’ll just take us all down together. I’m the old man’s LONG RANGE nuclear option after all.

[The standoff gives Lucas time to take deep breaths. He calms down and denies the urge to fight. Peaceful Determination erodes the corruption imposed upon him. Persona’s Mark crumbles from the stillness.]

PERSONA
Young man… You choose to reject my greatness. What a pity.

Nevermind then. I shall finish this judgement on my own: first on The Vampire, then the rest of you!

[Lucas digs into his pocket and pulls out his lucky coin, transferring his Mark from the palm of his hand. With an intense gaze, he flicks the Marked object towards Persona.]

[The spiral blooms upon contact with the DEMON.]

PERSONA
Silver…?! Since when-- ARGH!

LUCAS
…You’re nothing but a parasite, and you’ve just shown me all the reason I need to trust my uncle’s secrets over your supposed truths.

Be drawn back into your seal and sleep!

[The Mark of The Spiral flares. The electric cloud swirls down toward Mezil’s stomach. It putters into silence once the seal is complete.]

[Judge Thyme falls on his knees and leans against his cane. The ordeal leaves him exhausted. Cenna immediately dispels both the bow and her Ascension, running over to help her boss back to his feet.]

CENNA
You alright, old man?

MEZIL
It could have been worse. Good job in controlling the situation, Caraway.

CENNA
Say, old man. I noticed today’s training was super duper ultra specific, complete with forcing Luc here to fight way above his level.

Did you secretly train him up to kick Persona’s butt?

MEZIL
Yes. I knew Persona would exploit the yearly thunderstorms and attempt another escape. This time, I have another Red living in the same household. It was his best opportunity yet.

CENNA
So I was right! Dammit old man, you know how much your gambits stress me out.

[Lucas’ lucky coin falls off from Judge Thyme’s coat, making a chime as it hits the ground. Cenna picks it up.]

CENNA
Oh hey Luc, it’s your coin--

Wait a minute, you’re still tied up! Why didn’t you tell me sooner or something?

[Cenna dispels the restraints and returns the coin to him.]

LUCAS
I didn’t want to ruin the moment. Figured you’ll notice eventually.

CENNA
Man, you sure are of Patience, aren’t ya?

Anyways…That was waaaaay too dang close. How did you figure it out? Did you like, read the room? I tried to give a hint to shoot the bugger in the face with the coin, but I couldn’t make it too obvious either.

LUCAS
You… did? Um. Maybe? Because, it’s not like I have anything else on me that can replace a gun. So…

CENNA
Uh, yeah! Great! Awesome! Glad I can be helpful. Ahuh.

[Disclaimer: Cenna’s hints were not conveyed sufficiently.]

MEZIL
Lucas… Did you mean it? That you would trust my secrets more than supposed truths?

LUCAS
I did, and I do. Today’s attack proves that even more. I realised that I wasn’t ready to handle what I heard. And you… You made sure that I could fight that ghost back without revealing your hand to the bad guy.

You’ve made the right call.

MEZIL
That means much to me. Thank you.

Let us return to the manor and rest.

You deserve it.

[END TRANSCRIPT]