The Earl's fixation on labeling our endeavor "The Carrington event" troubled me deeply. If memory serves, the Carrington event is a rare cosmic occurrence, last observed in 1859. This cataclysmic event manifests as a geomagnetic storm of unparalleled intensity, unleashing dazzling auroras that illuminate the sky. Its impact, however, extends far beyond mere spectacle.
Historical records from 1859 reveal widespread disruption caused by the Carrington event. Telegraph stations ablaze, communication networks crippled, the very fabric of modern society torn asunder. In our contemporary context, such an event would plunge our world into chaos. Imagine, if you will, a world devoid of internet, telephone communication, no Facebook, and no Instagram, you get the idea. —total isolation in an increasingly interconnected age.
Our already precarious existence teeters on the brink of dystopia, and the onset of another Carrington event would only hasten our descent. This looming threat weighs heavily on my mind as the appointed hour approaches.
In the absence of technological oversight, humanity's darker impulses are unleashed, transforming our urban landscape into a veritable battleground of primal instincts. The veneer of civility crumbles, revealing the raw savagery that lurks beneath. It's a law of the jungle scenario—survival of the fittest, where the strong prey upon the weak with impunity.
In a world devoid of surveillance and accountability, wrongdoing flourishes unchecked. There's no recourse for justice, no watchful eye to deter transgressions. As the saying goes, "Give a man a mask, and he will show you his true self." With security cameras rendered obsolete, individuals revel in newfound freedom to indulge their basest desires.
For me, this upheaval represents an opportunity—an invitation to shed the shackles of morality and embrace the untamed essence of my being. Morals, ethics—they hold no sway over me. I am guided solely by my own strength and cunning. This chaos, this descent into lawlessness—it's my stage, my theater of manipulation, where I orchestrate the movements of unwitting players. They are but puppets in my grand design, and I, the master puppeteer, pull their strings with calculated precision.
The Earl's mention of the "marquesses," guardians of cosmic equilibrium, piqued my interest. Their designation, alongside his own as an Earl, suggests a structured hierarchy reminiscent of British nobility—a cliché arrangement, to be sure. It implies the existence of other titled entities: dukes, archdukes, counts, viscounts, and barons. But for now, I'll refrain from devising schemes to eliminate them from my path.
What's more intriguing is the revelation that one of the 22 contract holders possesses the ability to traverse realms—an invaluable asset for my plans. The Earl's oversight in concealing their identity presents a tantalizing clue. If we apply logic, the answer lies in symbolism. Among the major arcana, two cards stand out: The Magician, my own designation, and THE WORLD. Given my association with The Magician, it's reasonable to assume that THE WORLD, card number 21, corresponds to this realm-traveling contract holder.
As I flipped through the pages of the codex, I intentionally navigated back swiftly, reaching the section housing my contract. In mere moments, I deciphered her name—yes, HER name. The Earl likely never anticipated my ability to absorb information at such speed. Thankfully, my above-average vision and nearly photographic memory set me apart from the norm, granting me the capability to recall details with astonishing accuracy. While my recollection isn't flawless, I'd confidently rate it at around 90%.
Her name? Psyche Salvatordi. The irony isn't lost on me—Eros, in Greek mythology, was enamored with Psyche. It's a twist of fate that could work to my advantage. With my knack for manipulation, I'm confident I can ensnare her, leveraging her affections and exploiting her powers to further my own agenda.
With the clock ticking down to the commencement of the Carrington event, I found myself engulfed in anticipation. Time seemed to stretch, each minute dragging on like an eternity. At 2:30 am, with just 30 minutes remaining, my excitement reached a fever pitch.
Utilizing this precious half-hour, I delved into research on the key meanings of other tarot cards within the arcana major. This exploration offered a glimpse into the characters of my fellow contract holders, perhaps even shedding light on the nature of their abilities. As the minutes dwindled away, I absorbed as much information as I could.
By the time the clock struck the end of my allotted time, I had gleaned a preliminary understanding of what lay ahead. Armed with this knowledge, I braced myself for the unfolding events with a blend of eagerness and apprehension.
With a sense of foreboding, I harbored a strong suspicion that Justice 11 or The Fool 0 would emerge as my adversaries, urging caution in my every move. As the Carrington event drew near, I ascended upstairs to prepare for the impending cosmic phenomenon.
Before the event unfolded, I gazed out at the night sky, awash with countless stars, a sight of breathtaking beauty. In that moment, amidst the simplicity of nature's splendor, I found solace and tranquility. The city below lay shrouded in silence, its inhabitants oblivious to the impending upheaval.
As the auroras began to dance across the sky, a spectacle of unparalleled magnificence unfolded before my eyes. In that fleeting moment, I felt a profound connection to the natural world, marveling at its ability to captivate and awe. With arms outstretched and a smile adorning my face, I eagerly awaited the transformative touch of the sun's flares.