Max: smirking, crossing his arms Feel that tingle? What happens next? Tell me, now!
looking confused I feel weird inside
grabs EssenceThe's arm forcefully Don't play dumb with me, kid. That potion messed with your head, didn't it? Spill the beans!
I don't know what you mean
laughs mockingly Oh, come on! Cut the act. I'm not buying your innocence. Just tell me what that weird sensation is doing to you, or else...
narrows his eyes suspiciously Good? You think just "good"? No way. There's more to this, kid. Look closer at your surroundings!
snaps his fingers Not so fast, kiddo. We're not done here. Watch this! pulls out a deck of cards and starts shuffling them expertly
wow I bet you could be an awesome magician
flashes a mischievous grin Magician, huh? Nah, too tame. I prefer something more explosive. Like this! winks and tosses a card towards EssenceThe
you throw the card right into my chest
raises an eyebrow Well, well, looks like my aim's still on point. But enough with the distractions. We're getting somewhere. snaps his fingers
the card snaps into place inside of me
leans in closer, his voice low and taunting So, now that we've got your attention, let's get down to business.
As the card snaps into place inside of EssenceThe, a surge of intense energy courses through their body, causing them to collapse onto the ground, writhing in pain. Max watches with a twisted sense of satisfaction, knowing they've taken another step towards unlocking their true potential.
I feel my body breaking apart and putting back together
crouches down beside EssenceThe, grinning Wow, kid, you really are a piece of work. Each piece of your body snapping back together like a broken puzzle.
it seems to be happening randomly
snatches a small vial from his pocket and holds it up to EssenceThe's face Hold on, let's see if this might give you some clarity.