Josh's POV (Matthew Patel)
"Shit, my head is spinning."
I was dizzy, probably because of the eventful evening the night before.
I instinctively headed to the bathroom. As I washed my face to try to calm my hangover, I was surprised by an unfamiliar yet familiar face in the mirror.
It was like a trigger, and tons of information flooded into my mind. Some were happy memories with a teenage girl, and others were painful.
These memories often had one thing in common: my hatred and love for this girl.
"Ramona Flowers..."
If someone could see my face at the moment I uttered that name, they would have seen a certain obsession shining in my eyes, but it quickly disappeared.
"It's impossible, I can't be in a work of fiction," I said in shock before falling backward as I lost my balance.
I remember drinking with friends, and after that, it's a total blackout.
"Shit, I need to keep calm first," I muttered, holding my head to try to regain control of my emotions.
Let's summarize my situation. I'm Josh Parker, an ordinary student who was invited by his friends to a drunken party.
I drank like crazy, and after passing out on my bed, I woke up in Matthew Patel's body, who happens to be a fictional character from the Scott Pilgrim franchise.
"If I'm dreaming, I'll eventually wake up, but otherwise..."
I could only take on a solemn expression in the face of my situation.
"Don't worry, Josh, there are worse situations," I said, getting up off the floor.
I could have ended up in SNK as Eren Jaeger or Erwin, so being an Indian destined to be beaten up by a Canadian in front of his ex isn't so bad.
After putting my mind in order, I took a shower and returned to my room.
I could see things I hadn't noticed before because of the hangover, like the magic circle drawn on the floor where I had woken up.
"I see, I remember it now."
Before I found myself in this body, Matthew Patel had tried to perform an occult ritual to make a contract with a different kind of demon than usual.
"I don't know where you ended up, Matthew Patel, but I promise that if all of this isn't a dream, I'll be better than you," I muttered, taking one last look at the magic circle before getting dressed.
After getting dressed, I took a picture of the magic circle before cleaning it up and putting away Matthew's belongings.
"What should I do now..."
In my past life, I didn't really have any great ambition. If all of this is real, I want to be something more than just a cog in society.
After thinking that, I raised my hand close to my face and ignited my fist.
"The occult, huh..."
Although the Scott Pilgrim universe isn't a very powerful one, it has its charm, and I even have powers in this reality.
*Bing* Phone sound.
"Who could that be?" I muttered, looking at the messaging app.
Unfortunately, it wasn't someone interesting, just my bank notifying me that I was in the red.
"Fuck, I have the same problem in both my lives."
...
After a quick breakfast with the little I had in my refrigerator, I headed to the only place where I could easily make money.
"Tell me, Matthew, why did you want an urgent meeting with me?" Gideon Gordon Graves asked in a casual tone.
He is the leader and founder of Ramona's League of Evil Exes, but also a famous music mogul.
"I would need help with a project."
"I have scripts for several films, and I know you have connections in that industry since you're quite close to Lucas Lee."
"So, I thought you might be interested in venturing into another sector besides music," I said calmly.
There was a silence, and Gideon and I stared at each other for a long moment.
"My dear Matthew, do you really think you deserve for me to invest in you?" he said sarcastically.
I already knew it wouldn't be easy since Gideon is an individual with an enormous ego. He must be thinking that if he couldn't get a foothold in the film industry, then how could I help him.
"I'm not asking for your help for free, Gideon."
At my statement, Gideon's mocking smile had disappeared to be replaced by a surprised expression.
"And what can you give me?" he asked, crossing his arms.
"I bet my life," I said seriously.
Currently, I wasn't entirely sure if this reality wasn't a dream or if my situation with Matthew was temporary, but that didn't stop me from wanting to improve my financial situation.
Anyway, all the films proposed to Gideon are famous in my time, so I'm not risking anything. I also need to improve my occult knowledge, so gaining more money and influence is necessary.
"You're just giving me your life as collateral?" he questioned doubtfully.
"Yes," I simply replied.
"Hahaha," the sounds of Gideon's laughter echoed in his office.
"You're hilarious today, but I accept after all. A magician can be profitable in a circus," he said nonchalantly, as if he wasn't talking about a human life.
"I'm glad you've accepted, and what about the contract?" I asked.
"You'll discuss those formalities with my secretary. I'll let you handle the formalities," he said, getting up to leave.
In the end, things went smoothly.
I ended up concluding an author loan contract with Gideon's secretary, which seemed reasonable to me.
I was entitled to 30% of the revenue on all my films whose scripts I had proposed. I wanted to get more, but unfortunately, she reminded me that it's Gideon who would handle all the formalities.
So I accepted without complaining; it's better than trying my luck in Hollywood and risking having my films stolen or worse.
With Gideon, I don't fear my films being stolen since it would go against his basic personality.
"Yes, Gideon is far too proud to steal something from poor Matthew Patel," I muttered as I left the building.
While waiting for Gideon to take care of my films, I should find a job, and I also need to get Matthew's body in shape.
"There are also these powers that I need to train."
I really have work to do before I meet that idiot Scott and that little bitch Ramona Flowers.
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Author's Note: There are no Scott Pilgrim fanfics, and it annoys me a bit since I'd like to read one, so here I am writing one (I have like Gravity Falls for a similar reason).