THE MOMENT
"I know the spells are all exorcisms," Glory got to the point as soon as she and Principal Mundo were alone in his office. She prepared her case and had plenty of evidence to prove what she knew because she expected some sort of denial. Instead, the Principal tilted his head at her in confusion and his eyes glowed with soft green energy.
"What's your favorite number?" he asked. But, Glory wasn't going to let herself be distracted. She'd made an amazing discovery and somehow, in the entire school's history, she was the first one to notice.
"There are no actual healing spells in any of the books," she said instead of answering his question.
"Huh, interesting," Mundo nodded, then stood from his desk. He walked around it toward the door and Glory turned on her seat to watch him.
"Why is there no healing magic anywhere in this school??" she asked his back as he walked out the door without giving her another word.
"I can answer that question for you," a new voice spoke up from behind Principal Mundo's desk. Glory whirled around to find a pale woman in a white suit sitting in the principal's chair. "...though, you might find the truth to be somewhat disturbing," the woman said.
"Who are you? How'd you get here??" Glory had dozens of new questions; but, she was careful not to ask too many. She did not want to forget why she was there. The woman smiled at her.
"My name is Dana Sharp. As for how I got here, it is a school of magic after all," she said. "Principal Mundo informed me that an unusual student was curious about the curriculum here."
"When? HOW??"
"You're curious, I like that," Ms. Sharp replied. "Unfortunately, I am quite a busy woman, so I will have to limit your questions. I can answer your question about the lack of healing spells and, one other one. After that, I'll have Principal Mundo return and answer any other questions you may have." Glory shut her eyes to try and prevent any new thoughts from happening while she considered her questions. Ms. Sharp's limits only added more questions on top of the ones she caused just by appearing. But, her reassurances that the Principal would answer more questions helped. In fact, that gave her a question she thought was worthwhile.
"Why are you here?" she asked. "If Mundo can answer my questions, why did he call you?" Ms. Sharp nodded.
"That's a good question. Simply put, I'm his boss. This school is owned and operated by my corporation, Sharp Development," she said. "Of course, any one of my employees could have come. Luckily, you asked why I was here. You're unique enough that I wanted to introduce myself to you personally. To be the first person you meet before you step out into the wider multiverse."
"Multiverse??" Glory couldn't hold the question in as she sat up straighter with wide eyes. Ms. Sharp shook her head.
"Mundo will explain that to you," she said.
"Why did you want to meet me first?" Glory asked. Her mind was trying to make sense of everything and the question came out naturally before she could stop it. Ms. Sharp smiled.
"Mundo won't be able to answer that one for you," she said. "So, do you think you're ready to hear the truth about this school?" she asked. Glory nodded eagerly; she'd almost forgotten about that.
"You've discovered a majority, if not all, the spells are exorcisms instead of healing...," Ms. Sharp said. "....where do you think those spells came from?" she asked.
"Huh?" The question surprised Glory. She was expecting answers. "I don't know?" she shrugged. "The school founders and other wizards over the years wrote them?" Ms. Sharp shook her head.
"No one wrote them," she said. "They were generated randomly for the sole purpose of having something in the books that looked like magic."
"What?" Glory couldn't see why anyone would do that; but, she didn't find it particularly disturbing. "Why?" Even as she asked the question, Glory realized the school belonged to a corporation. "You're lying to the students??" she asked. Ms. Sharp smirked and shook her head.
"Not at all," she said.
"The spells aren't what they claim to be," Glory said. "Even if it's the same effect in the end, you're still lying to the students."
"Not if there aren't any students here," Ms. Sharp replied. She continued explaining before Glory could respond. "Everyone else in this school, student and staff alike, is what's known as an NPC. Principal Mundo, and now you, are the only 'real' people here." She paused; but, Glory could only stare at her with her mouth agape as she tried to process the information.
"The content of the books doesn't actually matter if there aren't any students to learn it. It's all a game for others to play," Ms. Sharp said. Then, she stood from the Principal's seat. "I believe that sufficiently answers your question; but, Mundo will elaborate if need be," she said.
"What?" It was the only thing Glory could utter. Ms. Sharp smirked as a tall black portal opened in the air next to her.
"Up until now, your entire life has been fabricated," she said as she stepped into the portal. Glory heard the door open behind her but she was focused on Ms. Sharp. "Now you get to be in charge of your own life," she added as the portal began to close. "Congratulations."