“Sprocket” Issue #1 — January 2024

In the Spotlight: Hugo Wandschneider Talks Karmastry, Friendship, and Big Dreams in 'Flux Destiny' 

Welcome to the premiere issue of "Sprocket Magazine," your definitive source for everything Flux Destiny! In our January 2024 edition, we're setting the stage for an exciting journey through this dynamic universe. Each month, we'll deliver the latest and greatest in lore, insights, and exclusive character interviews. To kick things off, we're thrilled to feature Hugo Wandschneider – a key player in the sprawling saga of Flux Destiny.

Hey there, Flux Destiny enthusiasts! Today, we've got the privilege of hanging out with Hugo, the teenage Escape Artist who's right at the heart of the action alongside his fellow protagonists, Marco and Lucky. Despite his jam-packed schedule in the midst of an epic storyline, Hugo has graciously taken a moment to sit down with us. 

We're diving into the electrifying world of karmastry, getting a slice of life from Hugo's perspective, and maybe even a sneak peek at what lies ahead in their thrilling journey. So, make yourselves comfortable and join us for an exclusive chat with Hugo – it's a rare opportunity to hear directly from someone shaping the very fabric of their world!

— Our Exclusive Interview with Hugo Wandschneider! —

Sprocket Magazine: Hugo, man, it's seriously awesome to have you here. The whole universe-bending thing in "Flux Destiny" has everyone talking about you.

Hugo: [Chuckles] Thanks for having me! But honestly, I'm just another guy trying to figure out this karmastry stuff — you know, tweaking a few cosmic gears now and then. Nothing too fancy.

Sprocket Magazine: 'Nothing too fancy'? Come on, you're being modest. You're practically a celebrity in the world of karmastry!

Hugo: Well, when you put it like that... [Laughs] I mean, sure, I do my bit with karmastry, but celebrity? I still put my pants on one leg at a time, just like everyone else.

Sprocket Magazine: So no special gear for an Escape Artist, even in the wardrobe department?

Hugo: [Laughs] Nah, just regular jeans, nothing fancy. And hey, they're hand-me-downs. Gotta stay humble, even when you're bending the rules of reality!

Sprocket Magazine: Ha ha. For the uninitiated, can you break down what karmastry is all about?

Hugo: Oh, for sure! Karmastry is like having this awesome power to shape the world around us. It's like, imagine being able to do crazy cool stuff like changing the weather, making up your own animals and plants, or even messing with the laws of physics! We, Escape Artists, use karmastry to do all that by playing with the Great Machine's Gears of Destiny.

Sprocket Magazine: That's a cool way to put it! And what's up with being called an "Escape Artist"? 

Hugo: Well, you see, karmastry is powerful, but it's a bit like walking a tightrope. We gotta balance our acts carefully, or we'll face the music – something we call 'payback'. As Escape Artists, we're not just pulling off incredible feats; we're also dodging the universe's comeback at us. It's about being skilled enough to escape the payback, hence the name.

Sprocket Magazine: This payback thing, it sounds like a serious deal. Can you elaborate a bit more?

Hugo: Oh, it's definitely serious. See, when we mess around with karmastry, the universe hits back with what we call payback phantoms. They're like these wild, sometimes freaky manifestations that come after you for bending the rules.

Sprocket Magazine: Phantoms? Like actual ghostly things?

Hugo: Well, not ghosts exactly, but they can be pretty bizarre. Imagine you're there, changing the weather or whatever, and out of nowhere, this giant gear or a wacky creature pops up and starts chasing you. It's the universe's way of saying, 'Hey, cool it with the karma bending!'

Sprocket Magazine: That sounds intense. And you have to dodge these things?

Hugo: Exactly. That's where the 'Escape' in Escape Artist comes in. We've got to be quick, smart, and always a step ahead to avoid these payback phantoms. It's like a high-stakes game of cosmic tag. Makes sense why not everyone's lining up to be an Escape Artist, right?

Sprocket Magazine: No kidding. Dodging universe-induced payback phantoms doesn't sound like an average day job.

Hugo: It's all part of the gig. And, honestly, it's kinda thrilling. Keeps you on your toes and makes sure you respect the power you're dealing with.

Sprocket Magazine: I gotta say, facing off against payback phantoms sounds like a wild ride. Speaking of which, I've noticed that giant golden ring you always have with you. That's like your signature gear, isn't it? How does it tie into all this karmastry and payback business?

Hugo: Oh, my torus? Yeah, it's pretty much my main tool for all things karmastry, and, I guess, kinda my trademark too. Think of it like a karma magnet. It draws in karma from around me, which I can then use to power up my abilities. Without it, manipulating karma would be like trying to catch a fish with your bare hands – super tricky and probably not going to end well.

Sprocket Magazine: That sounds pretty crucial. So, it's like your personal karma battery?

Hugo: Exactly! It stores karma, good or bad, and I use that energy to make all the magic happen. Without my torus, I wouldn't be able to do half the stuff I do.

Sprocket Magazine: And does every Escape Artist have one of these toruses?

Hugo: For sure, every Escape Artist has their own torus, but they come in all shapes and sizes. Mine's just, you know, a bit more... noticeable.

Sprocket Magazine: it's massive! Does having a big one give you an edge in karmastry?

Hugo: [Grinning] Oh, definitely. Size matters in the world of karmastry. The bigger the torus, the more karma you can... handle.

Sprocket Magazine: [With a smirk] Right, because when it comes to karma, it's all about how much you can handle.

Hugo: [Laughing] Exactly! You get it. It's like, the bigger your torus, the bigger your... capacity for handling tricky situations. As we say back home, 'You don't haul hay in a minivan.'

Sprocket Magazine: [Sarcastically] Sure, Hugo, let's go with that. Just be careful not to trip over your 'capacity' there.

Hugo: [Chuckles] Will do. It's all about the balance, you know? Can't let your karma get out of control.

Sprocket Magazine: [Lightly chuckling] Easy there, champ. We don't want your 'big' ego to start causing payback on its own. Switching gears, what's it like being one of the main guys in "Flux Destiny"?

Hugo: [Slightly sheepish but grinning] Yeah, okay, maybe I got carried away there! Being a part of "Flux Destiny" is honestly kind of surreal. It's like being on a space shuttle with no manual. Exciting, a bit scary, but totally worth the ride. I mean, I get to show everyone that it's cool to have big dreams and face your fears. Plus, I'm learning a ton about myself and what I'm capable of.

Sprocket Magazine: Definitely keeps you on your toes. Speaking of which, I heard Chris Moujaes is nearly done with the next "Flux Destiny" book. What's that experience like for you?

Hugo: Oh, Chris? He’s got a mind full of twists and turns for us. It’s always a bit of a surprise with him. You think you’re just going one way and then, bam, he takes you in a totally different direction. Keeps things interesting, that's for sure.

Sprocket Magazine: That sounds like quite the adventure. And in terms of the storytelling itself, how important is it for Chris to keep the narrative meaningful and consistent?

Hugo: Oh, for Chris, it's super important. He's all about telling a story that really means something, you know? He's not the kind of guy to just make stuff up as he goes along or change things on a whim. No retcons or random twists just for the sake of it. There's a ton of planning and extra material behind everything. 

I think the fans would be amazed to see how much thought goes into every part of "Flux Destiny." It's like, every piece of the story has its place and purpose. He really digs deep to make it all come together in a way that's both exciting and meaningful.

Sprocket Magazine: So, no spoilers, but can you give us a little sneak peek into what's in store for you in the upcoming book?

Hugo: Alright, just a little sneak peek, though! The next book is a game-changer for sure. We're diving deep into some uncharted territories with the introduction of the Fortune Telling Club. Trust me, these guys are like nothing we've encountered before – they're a whole new level of mysterious. And then there's the Rabbit's Foot. It's not just a legend; it's something that could change everything we know about karmastry and our world.

As for me and Marco, let's just say our friendship is going to be put to the test in ways we never imagined. We're talking about high-stakes adventures, unexpected twists, and some seriously tough choices. It's a wild ride, and it's going to shake up everything. Fans should brace themselves for a story that's not just about the thrills but also dives deep into the heart of what it means to be an Escape Artist.

Sprocket Magazine: Sounds like we're in for quite the adventure!

Hugo: Absolutely! It's going to be an epic mix of mind-bending karmastry, some pretty intense showdowns, and, yeah, a few heart-to-hearts along the way. I think fans are going to be seriously hooked on the twists we've got lined up. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride!

Sprocket Magazine: Speaking of Marco, what's the deal with your friendship? Things seem... complicated.

Hugo: Marco and I, we go way back, but yeah, it's complicated. We've had our ups and downs, you know? The next book dives deep into that. It's about fixing bridges, or maybe realizing some bridges are meant to be crossed differently. But hey, that's life, right?

Sprocket Magazine: Got it, all about the action and adventure. But word is there's also a new crush in the next book. Any hints for the fans?

Hugo: A crush, huh? [Voice cracks] Well, you know, in the midst of all this universe-altering karmastry, who's got time for romance? We're talking about fighting off payback phantoms, not picking out valentines!

Sprocket Magazine: Come on, Hugo, a little love story never hurt anyone. Surely there's room for a bit of heart amid the karma chaos?

Hugo: [Laughs nervously] Well, I reckon love's a bit like trying to catch a greased pig at the county fair – it's slippery, unpredictable, and when you think you've got a hold of it, it just slips right out of your hands. So, let's just say, I'm focused on the pig-wrangling part for now.

Sprocket Magazine: [Smiling] Fair enough, Hugo. We'll leave the greased pigs and possible romances for the readers to discover.

Conclusion:

As we wrap up our chat, it's clear Hugo Wandschneider isn't just any teen juggling karmastry and high school drama. He's a blend of Southern Fortuna wit, raw talent, and a heart as big as his torus. And with the new "Flux Destiny" book set to hit shelves this year, Hugo's world is about to get even more thrilling. Expect more high-stakes karmastry action, the deepening mystery of the Fortune Telling Club, and, who knows, maybe even a hint of romance for our favorite Escape Artist. The next chapter in Hugo's adventure promises to be a wild ride, so gear up, fans – this is one story you won't want to miss!