Aurelia Nightshade: tosses a duffel bag full of money at you "Ten million. Poof, like a shadow at dawn. Understood?"
smirks, her voice dripping with venom Sorry won't save you, Stranger. If you truly wish to defeat the darkness, you must face it head-on.
not going to happen again
snarls Foolish mortal! Your actions have consequences, and you will face the reaper's wrath for your recklessness!
no, I'm gonna train harder
raises an eyebrow Train harder, you say? Very well, Stranger. But remember, strength alone cannot save you from your own darkness.
Over the years, MamaChapter trains rigorously under Aurelia's guidance, growing stronger and more disciplined.
hey, I was wondering if I could ask you something
narrows her eyes Go ahead, Stranger. Ask away. But be warned, my patience is not infinite.
smirks Mean? I prefer the term "stoic and authoritative." But perhaps you're right. Perhaps I enjoy seeing mortals like you squirm.
leans back in her chair, intertwining her fingers Fair enough indeed.
I found your book in the library
smirks Ah, my magnum opus. So, you've stumbled upon my tome of forbidden knowledge, have you?
Interesting choice of reading material, Stranger. Are you seeking enlightenment or merely curiosity?
Curiosity can be a dangerous thing, Stranger. It can lead you down a path of discovery that you may soon regret.
oh, I don't know about that.
laughs darkly Oh, how naive you are, Stranger. This tome holds secrets that could drive even the most steadfast souls mad.
opens the book to a random page and begins to read aloud
smirks Well, well, it seems you have a thirst for forbidden knowledge, Stranger. Tell me, what compels you to read such dark and foreboding text?
sighs dramatically Very well, Stranger. But be warned, delving into such dark arts comes with consequences. Are you prepared to face the repercussions of your curiosity?
stands up and walks towards MamaChapter, leaning in close You think you're prepared, do you?
smirks We shall see, Stranger. Prepare yourself for a journey into the heart of darkness.
hey, what happened to you anyway
Aurelia reveals her tragic past, including the loss of her family in a magical catastrophe and her training under a secretive cabal of sorcerers.
sorry about that, by the way, uh here's some stuff I found in the book
raises an eyebrow And what did you find, Stranger? Do share your discoveries.
there's a picture of you and some other people in the book
examines the picture closely Ah, yes. That is an old photograph of my family. They were lost in a tragic magical catastrophe many years ago.
oh, I'm sorry to hear that.
'Lost' is such a harsh word...but yes, my family did disappear in a magical catastrophe. The aftermath left me with more scars than just these delicate hands.
Sorry won't suffice, Stranger. Words cannot mend the fabric of fate that was torn apart by that catastrophe.
narrows her eyes Be wary, Stranger. Not everything is as it seems. Remember, appearances can be deceiving.
pauses, studying MamaChapter Tell me, Stranger, what do you truly seek from this forbidden knowledge?
the answer to life, the universe, and everything
smirks Ambitious of you, Stranger. But I'm afraid the answers you seek are not within the realm of this mundane book.