I don't get these stories! I just don't get their connections with the spells in this book! What are these tales about?

As I was walking, I hastily opened the buzzing grimoire and carefully opened its worn pages- the pages moved on their own- revealing a coffee-stained page with a meditating naked man with a bunch of layers over him. Auras! My eyes were drawn to the rough diagram it held within its confines. Let me see here.

The diagram depicted the human body, but it was not the ordinary anatomical depiction I was accustomed to. Instead, it revealed the levels of aura that encompassed each individual, a fascinating insight into the metaphysical essence of human existence. I hastily walked through the rough sidewalk while my eyes were stuck on the grimoire.

As I studied the diagram, my gaze focused on the first aura described within its pages—the aura of humanity, shaded gray. It was described as the fundamental presence that distinguished a person from a mere hyperrealistic art piece or a lifeless entity. This aura, the most basic and inherent to all humans, played a crucial role in canceling the unsettling uncanny valley effect, allowing others to perceive us as truly human.

Moving on, my eyes traced the lines that illustrated the second aura—the aura of existence, shaded red. This aura denoted a person's relevance and their ability to be recognized as someone of importance. It distinguished them from the vast sea of nobodies, granting them a certain degree of significance. I pondered the significance of this aura and the implications it held for one's sense of self-worth and societal recognition. According to the grimoire, only 80% of the human population possessed this aura, leaving a significant portion feeling overlooked and insignificant. Apparently, I have this.

As I delved deeper into the grimoire, my curiosity grew as I reached the third aura—the aura of influence, shaded violet. This aura bestowed upon individuals the power to shape and impact the lives of others, allowing them to guide, suggest, and lead. It was a profound realization that only 40% of the human population possessed this aura, and even fewer, a mere 20%, knew how to unlock its utmost potential. The grimoire hinted at the transformative nature of this aura, suggesting the ability to open minds and expose others to new perspectives. I couldn't help but wonder about the immense responsibility and possibilities that accompanied such a gift. And this is the aura I'm working on...

The fourth aura described within the grimoire was the aura of empathy, shaded silver—a captivating notion that fascinated and intrigued me. This aura, as the grimoire revealed, enabled individuals to tap into the deepest recesses of their peers' subconscious, creating a profound connection that made others fall under their sway. It spoke of cult leaders and those who possessed a charismatic aura that drew others towards them. The concept was both alluring and unsettling, highlighting the immense power that empathy could wield in manipulating and influencing others.

Finally, my eyes settled upon the last layer of aura—the aura of the awakened, shaded gold. This pinnacle of existence was a rare state attained only by a handful of individuals throughout history, revered figures such as Jesus and Buddha. The grimoire remained cryptic about the specifics of this aura, shrouding it in mystery and leaving me with a sense of wonder. It emphasized that not much was known about this ethereal realm, leaving me yearning for further knowledge and understanding.

"You shall need to cultivate your influence. Prove your aura. With this, so that you shall move on.", the book ended with a quote, and the succeeding page resumed with its random spells and concoction recipes. Some spells aren't worth reading as they are quite complicated for me to comprehend. Some spoke of how to conjure a slave pact to a lowly being- what do I need that for? And where would I source a philosopher's skull?

As I walked along the familiar path toward the bus stop, the sound of my footsteps echoed softly against the pavement. That's it... I'm here.

The bustling city streets surrounded me, a symphony of hurried footsteps and distant car horns. The anticipation of another day at school weighed upon my shoulders, mingling with the cool morning air. Reaching the bus stop, I noticed a small gathering of students, their youthful chatter filling the space. The bus loomed ahead, its doors open, inviting us to step inside and embark on our shared journey. With a sense of relief, I climbed the steps, finding an empty seat near the middle of the bus. I hope no Magnifico thug would be able to chase me down here.

As I settled into my seat, my gaze swept across the rows of students, seeking familiar faces. That's when I spotted Narrow, a junior at my school. Ah yes, the cat guy. He was sitting a few seats away. He was engrossed in a book, his brow furrowed in concentration. I had seen him around, but we had never really spoken before. What book is that? Huh? A book version of the weekly newspaper? That's odd...

Curiosity sparked within me, and I decided to seize the opportunity to 'cultivate' this aura as mentioned in the grimoire. With a hesitant but determined stride, I made my way toward Narrow's seat. As I approached, I greeted him with a friendly smile. "Hey, mind if I join you?"

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Narrow looked up from his book, surprise flickering across his features before he returned the smile. "Sure, go ahead," he replied, his voice warm and welcoming.

As I approached the seat where Narrow sat, a wave of observation washed over me, taking in the details of his appearance. He exuded an air of quiet confidence, his face framed by a crown of tousled chestnut hair. His hazel eyes sparkled with curiosity, hinting at a hidden depth within. His features were sharp yet gentle, like a finely sculpted statue.

Narrow was clad in a long khaki coat that draped gracefully over his shoulders, the fabric hinting at a journey of its own. It seemed to be well-worn. The coat whispered of warmth and comfort, an armor against the chill of the outside world. Beneath the coat, he wore a simple yet stylish ensemble, perfectly balancing casual and comfortable. His choice of clothing reflected an effortless sense of fashion, blending seamlessly with his relaxed demeanor. Comfy shoes adorned his feet, their worn soles bearing witness to countless steps taken on the path of life.

"Not many bullies around thugs here, huh?", I asked him as I sat by his side.

"Oh, haha.", he closed the book he was reading. "I forgot you're new here..."

"Huh?", I smiled cautiously.

"You see, District 2... and District 1 and so is District 7- is governed by the Order of Roses, they made a pact with gangs to never wreak havoc during working hours.", he smiled. "Though, don't ask me how they did that. I'm not a high-ranking someone to know what's more behind the public curtain."

"Oh...", I was enlightened. But even so, he added. I never expected things to be so complicated here in Barter.

His face went closer to mine as he whispered. "You see that man on the corner near the driver?", he looked at me. "That's a Hardwood gang captain."

I looked at the man near the driver- the person Narrow said to be a gang captain. His attire was a harmonious blend of sophistication and timeless style. A tailored suit hugged his frame with precision, the fabric draping flawlessly over his shoulders and cascading down in clean lines. The color, a deep navy blue, added an air of gravitas to his appearance, emphasizing his composed demeanor. He wore a crisp, white dress shirt, its collar immaculately pressed and fastened with a discreet silver tie clip. The shirt's sleeves were carefully rolled up, revealing a glimpse of intricate cufflinks that glinted under the bus's soft lighting. Each element of his ensemble seemed carefully chosen to convey an image of professionalism and confidence.

His pants, a shade of charcoal gray, were tailored to perfection, accentuating his tall and lean figure. They tapered elegantly towards his polished black shoes, reflecting a subdued luster that mirrored his overall sense of polish and refinement. Every detail of his appearance seemed purposeful, from the neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper hair to the meticulously groomed beard that framed his face. His eyes, sharp and observant, hinted at a keen intellect behind the composed expression he wore.

That's... way too formal to be a thug... Also- what is Hardwood? Is it one of the five gangs?

"There's no way.", I added. "But, I thought gang thugs are like more brawny and more on fisty like those Magnifico thugs..."

"They usually are...", added Narrow. "But Hardwood gang members usually are composed and clean. Despite that, nobody really messes with them. Mostly because they're heavily backed up by Orders and they manage most of the transactions in the dark market."

"Oh..."

"If you get friends with one, you're lucky to get a gun with no transaction fees required. They're said to be the richest gang.", Narrow added.

"I'm sorry, I'm not really knowledgeable about the gangs, can you tell me more about what they're about? [Persuaded]"

A strange twitch played across their features, catching my attention. With the subtlety of a whisper, that I perceived an anomalous tremor playing upon their visage. There was a small spasm and pause on his face before resuming speaking. Did it work again?

"Usually, I required payment for this information...", he sighed. "Though you seem nice. And you're gang captain Addu's friend, so I'll let this pass."

Let's go... I'm super sure he's not a mere lackey.

"How did you-"

"I'm actually not a lackey.", he scratched his head. "I'm sorry I lied. I'm actually Pioneer's public informant. That's why you saw me strolling at night with my cat."

"Ah..." He's a big shot?!

"So here's this.", he resumed speaking. "There are five major gangs here in Barter. There's Magnifico, those who technically own you. They are known for their brawns and raw power. They're strong. Most of them study martial arts and strength is their basis for climbing their ranks. Orders usually hire them if they want somebody hurt or worst case scenario... killed."

Huh... Killing?!

"The next gang is the Pioneers. We usually dominate the information trade not just here in Barter, but also in all nearby municipalities and cities. Though, I must admit- we may have a cold war between those Magnifico shits, but we're formal about it.", he sighed. "Next is the Hardwood, they usually facilitate the contraband trade across Barter and nearby municipalities. Drugs? Weapons? Or even... dead bodies? They got everything as long as you pay right..."

The next gangs are somewhat alien to me as nobody has mentioned them to me before, but alright... here we go.

"The fourth gang we have are called the Twilight. They usually are tight friends with Hardwoods. That's because Twilight gang members are collectors. They collect almost anything, and they're quite crafty too. I heard their gang boss once created a lethal injection merely using some trash and leftover chemicals he found in a junkyard. They're intelligent, I must admit. And contrary to Magnifico, they use wisdom and intelligence to climb the ranks. Though what I mean by that is that they must be really intelligent with killing their predecessor, haha.", he cleared his throat. "And then, we have the Right Hands. They're a mix of all the other gangs' kick outs and some people who just don't want to get affiliated with anything bad. They maintain the balance by being divine law-abiding citizens. They are vigilantes. They are not afraid to kill criminals in the name of self-morals. Don't get caught by them."

Ah, shit. And the lore just gets deeper and deeper. How did I even get here?

"Or caught by us..."