Fun fact! That beetle character was originally going to have a more prominent role before I rewrote this chapter entirely, but I liked his design so I decided to include him in a more minor role in the rewrite.

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Nereus: You- when- HOW?!
Maskaro: Come on, Nereus. Don’t you know?

[SPLOSH-]
Officer: ?

Maskaro: A magician never reveals their secrets.