"Tell me more about her.", Addu asked.

I stretched my neck and began describing the woman.

"This girl... Her eyes were a deep shade of dark brown with long, dark lashes framing them. Her face was smooth and bare. She had a sprinkling of freckles on her cheeks, adding a touch of charm to her face. Her lips were soft with a natural rosy color. Also, her pointed canines were also prominent. She had these well-defined eyebrows that framed her face, enhancing her overall appearance. Her body was quite sturdy- I can't actually make more descriptions about it. I haven't paid much attention to it."

Addu's eyes widened in disbelief as he processed the words that had just escaped my lips. His brows furrowed, and his gaze shifted between me and the surroundings as if searching for any signs that what I had said could possibly be true. "Does this woman seem quiet at first, then just slowly act all childish? Runs fast. And somehow acts like she sees things?"

"Yes!", though I'm not sure, but it pretty much sounds like it. "Yes?"

"No way," he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with a mix of surprise and skepticism. He crossed his arms over his chest, his body language reflecting his disbelief. "You're telling me that woman sat near you?"

"Why?", I was confused. "Who is she?"

"Miss Luna..."

"Luna?"

"Oh, you call her with a miss! Miss Luna.", he said, his voice low and filled with a mix of respect and caution. "I don't know how she got near you or this school, but she's from Barter State College! And she's not just your average psychology student. She's the kind of woman who knows how to get into your head and make you question your own sanity. She's got this aura of mystery and danger surrounding her, like a predator lurking in the shadows."

"Uh uh...", I was weary. "Why? What is she?"

His eyes narrowed as he continued, his voice growing more intense. "She's Hardwood's gang boss!"

"..."

Addu and I paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in. "She's not someone you want to mess with, Juju. Luna's got a reputation for being ruthless and cunning. She's built an empire on fear and control, and despite her childish personality, she rules Hardwood with an iron fist. She's also the longest reigning Hardwood gang boss since she had already led Hardwood for 3 years now, starting back when she was still a freshman in Barter State College."

I gulped my saliva. Uh... "I heard Hardwood reigns all black market trades around Barter, is that true?"

A hint of admiration crossed Addu's face as he spoke about Luna's dominance. "Of course, Hardwood would own that kind of reputation. Luna was trained by Hardwood elders even from far back. She's the kind of woman who commands respect from everyone around her. Her presence alone can send shivers down your spine. People know better than to cross her because they know the consequences would be dire."

"Oh, shit."

He glanced at me, his gaze intense. "Juju, if you're planning to confront Luna, you better be prepared, or in short, just don't. She's a force to be reckoned with, and she won't hesitate to crush anyone who gets in her way."

Addu's words lingered in the air, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. Luna was a formidable adversary, and I have no clue why I met her or how she saw through the I-thought-was-invisible grimoire.

"I lost my lunch appetite because of you.", Addu sighed. "I can't even look at Pioneer's gang boss in the eyes, and I'm a captain.", he then scratched his head. Addu stood up abruptly, his eyes focused and determined. "You know what, I have some matters to attend to, and I cannot catch up with your shit with whatever beef you have with Miss Luna", he said firmly, his voice filled with a sense of urgency. "I'll catch up with you later, Juju. I have some matters to attend to. See you back at the house."

I watched as Addu swiftly made his way toward the campus, he managed to steal a peek at me and added some dialogue on his way, he mouthed some words. "By the way, the Order of Roses' pact is effective only until 3 pm, so stay safe until then. Be sure ", he then proceeds to disappear into the crowd.

Left alone under the shade of the mango tree, I pondered on the strange path I had embarked upon with the grimoire in my possession. As I looked at its hard edges, an understanding fall unto me.

Oh wait, I own this now. I'm not alone. I smiled.

Might as well, read what this thing can do. I know damn well this shit can help me survive this hostile city.

Lost in the pages of the grimoire, I delved deeper into its mystical concepts. As my eyes scanned the ancient text, I came across a section discussing the concept of subordination, outlining the theorems on how to build a gang from scratch. The intricacies and complexities of such a notion were beyond my comprehension, and I found myself questioning its relevance to my own journey. What a weird book.

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With a puzzled frown, I set aside the pages that detailed the intricacies of gang formation. It seemed like an unnecessary detour in my quest for understanding the auras and the mystical potential within me. The idea of building a gang felt distant and disconnected from my own personal goals.

Turning my attention to the next section, my eyes fell upon again the teachings about auras- this page really bugged me. The grimoire shed light on the different layers of aura that exist within every human being. It explained how the aura of humanity was the most fundamental, distinguishing us from hyperrealistic art and canceling the uncanny valley effect.

Continuing my reading, I hang up the concept of the aura of influence. This aura held the power to sway and guide the lives of others, enabling its possessors to lead and introduce new perspectives. Narrow explaining to me the gangs? Addu, being a Pioneer captain he is, letting me go after asking a question without any exchange? What else can I do?

Though I don't understand anything written here. It all seems so poetic and archival. If only... If only this book would simplify what I'm reading here right now.

As I engrossed myself in my thoughts, the book's words morphed into something more comprehensible. Sistering the previous pages which mentioned about the types of aura, it now mentioned of how to view a certain person's aura.

"You can see other people's aura level.", simplified the book. Oh?

The page instructed me to focus on the space between a person's eyes, as this was believed to be the window to their soul and the center of their aura. By concentrating my gaze on that particular area, I could potentially catch a glimpse of the colorful energy emanating from within.

The aura of humanity, the most fundamental level, appeared as a faint shade of pale gray. It represented the basic essence of being human, the very core of our existence. As the aura levels progressed, the colors became increasingly lighter, signifying their heightened influence and power. The aura of existence, denoting relevance and distinction, manifested as dark red then heightens into a soft shade of pink, radiating a sense of individuality and purpose. Moving further up the spectrum, the aura of influence, capable of commanding attention and guiding others, shimmered in a vibrant hue of dark violet and then increases up to a seemingly light periwinkle. The aura of empathy, symbolizing the ability to connect with and understand others on a deep level, manifested as a delicate shade of silver. Finally, the aura of the awakened, the highest and rarest level, exuded an ethereal glow of gold.

As I absorbed this newfound knowledge, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and curiosity. The prospect of glimpsing these vibrant auras and deciphering their meaning intrigued me, leaving me eager to explore this mystical aspect of human existence further.

As I continued my exploration of auras, my attention was suddenly drawn to a nearby man, casually enjoying a biscuit. Intrigued by the concept of perceiving auras, I decided to put it to the test and focused my gaze on the space between his eyes. With a sense of anticipation, I observed his facial features, trying to discern any trace of the elusive aura.

As my gaze lingered, I began to perceive a subtle shift in the surrounding energy. It was as if a faint glow enveloped the man's being, like a delicate halo that emanated from the space between his eyes. The color that emerged was a soft and ethereal hue, a mixture of gray and red, indicating the presence of the first two auras—the aura of humanity and the aura of existence.

Though not as vibrant or pronounced as depicted in the grimoire, I could sense the essence of his aura, an intangible yet perceptible energy that distinguished him as a human being with a certain degree of relevance. It was a fascinating moment, as I realized that the realms of auras were not confined to the pages of the grimoire but extended into the everyday lives of individuals.

However, my observations were fleeting, for as I continued to stare, the man caught a glimpse of my inquisitive gaze. He seemed taken aback, perhaps perplexed by the intensity of my focus.

"What are you staring at?", the man aggressed.

Feeling a sudden wave of self-consciousness, I quickly averted my eyes and shifted my attention elsewhere, hoping to regain a sense of anonymity.

It seems like earning an aura of influence is rarer than I thought.

Wait, let me try something...

I stood up. I ran, and I exited my school.

In a swift motion, I flung the empty juice boxes towards the nearby trashcan, their arc punctuated by a satisfying thud as they found their target. Eager to reach the school's exit, I sprinted forward, passing familiar landmarks along the way. The classrooms, guardians of knowledge and exploration, stood silently, awaiting the return of inquisitive minds.

Yet, in the midst of my haste, a peculiar intuition tugged at my senses, compelling me to pause. I heeded its call and halted abruptly, my gaze fixated upon the school flag fluttering in the breeze. Nestled at the base, amidst the backdrop of proud colors, are orange mushrooms peeking out from the earth. Driven by an inexplicable fascination, I knelt down and delicately plucked the mushrooms.

Carefully, I wrapped it in a protective layer of paper from my bag. I then hid it away in some of my bag's pockets for safekeeping. There's some intuition telling me this. I wonder where this is from.

With the orange mushrooms safely in my possession, I resumed my path toward the school's exit. Each step carried a touch of anticipation as if this newfound companion held a secret waiting to be unveiled.

As I stepped outside the premises, a surge of anticipation and nervousness coursed through my veins. The bustling sounds of the city filled the air, blending with the whispers of passersby and the distant rumble of traffic. Crossing the road with caution, I made my way toward the Junior High School section of the school, where I hoped to meet up with someone I know.

With each step, I could feel the weight of people's stares upon me. Their gazes seemed to linger, curiosity mingled with a touch of suspicion. It was as if my presence stirred a certain intrigue and uncertainty among those who crossed my path. I could sense their scrutiny, their unspoken questions about my purpose, and the strange objects I had collected earlier.

As I ventured further into the JHS area, I noticed a group of individuals loitering nearby, their appearance giving away their affiliation with a local gang. The air crackled with tense energy, and I felt their eyes fixate upon me, their postures subtly shifting. However, despite their intimidating presence, I knew that the Order of Rose's regulations provided a shield of protection, discouraging them from any direct confrontation.

My destination drew nearer, and as I entered the JHS section, I scanned the surroundings, searching for Narrow. Amidst the sea of unfamiliar faces, I have a strange feeling he'd find me somehow. After all, if he was that dense, he won't be a Pioneer informant.

And he did... find me.

"Yo...", he tapped my back. As I was about to face him, I came to a realization he was with... more people. And they're huge?