Okay, pause.
I walk out of my room like it's a normal day, planning to microwave some leftover biryani, and BAM—man's just there. Sitting on my couch. Legs crossed. Holding a black briefcase like he's here for a PowerPoint presentation on my death.
Bro. The Collector. In my house. In real life.
I straight up freeze. Like I forgot how to breathe. I'm standing there in my chappals, hair looking like I lost a fight with a ceiling fan, and he just gives me a lil' nod like,
"Ah, debtor. We meet again."
NO THANK YOU. RETURN TO SENDER.
"Wh–how did you get in here?!" I yell, tryna act like I own the place when I clearly don't even own peace of mind.
He doesn't even blink. "Doors mean little to those who own your blood."
EXCUSE ME????
I'm halfway to calling 911 and then I remember: I signed up for this. Kinda. Technically. Accidentally.
Anyway—
He sets down the briefcase on the center table. Opens it. Inside? Nothing but a single red slip with my name on it in big, fancy cursed-font letters. You know the vibe.
And then he says,
"Would you like to pay your dues now, or shall we proceed with the penalty clause?"
Penalty clause??? Bro I can't even pay for shampoo, what dues???
"I don't have money," I say, fully ready to cry.
He nods, completely expected that. "Penalty it is."
And then… the briefcase glows. Like actual glow. Blood red light. And the air? Heavy. Like the vibe got possessed.
A screen appears mid-air, again. Why does this feel like an unskippable cutscene?
[NEW TASK: PENALTY CLAUSE INITIATED]
Summon and survive a DEBT WRAITH for 24 hours.
Failure = Full Soul Forfeiture
Timer starts once summoning begins. Good luck, lol.
I swear that "lol" was in there. I'm being clowned by the demonic UI now.
I look at him, deadpan. "You're kidding, right?"
He's already standing up. Dusts off his cursed suit. And then he just—vanishes. Like he melted into the shadows. Like a horror movie jump scare except I'm the one inside the movie.
I run back to my room and slam the door like it's gonna save me. I'm pacing. Sweating. Having a full breakdown while trying not to knock over my old water bottle tower.
Then the lights flicker.
Then they go out.
Of course they do.
I'm sitting in the dark, with a Wraith summoning timer probably counting down somewhere invisible, and no clue what's gonna happen next.
I whisper to myself like an idiot,
"This is fine. I'm fine. Totally normal student experience."
...right?