Froy immediately recalled where he had heard the word ‘lantern’ before.

It was unmistakably part of the name for a secret experiment overseen by the imperial palace long ago – the ‘Prophet of the Lantern’ experiment.

‘But why is it being mentioned here…?’

In truth, he had never understood why that particular word was used for the experiment’s name, merely assuming it symbolized illuminating the path ahead.

Yet the moment the great fortune-teller spoke those words, the scattered pieces of information swirling in his mind instantly fell into place.

‘The Prophet of the Lantern must refer to someone possessing [The Guiding Lantern] ability, or at the very least, it’s related to that ability.’

While lacking concrete evidence, his instincts were nearly certain.

The imperial palace had coveted the ability Rosha possessed. How they had become aware of its existence was unclear, but it dated back far enough for them to sanction a secret experiment over it.

‘Under no circumstances can her ability reach the Emperor’s ears…’

Froy’s grave gaze settled upon Rosha, who appeared flustered, her expression tense.

Yet Rosha, understandably, had no chance to ponder how Froy had arrived at such conclusions from the mere word ‘lantern’.

‘He knows about my ability?’

Had it become so widely known?

The revelation of her ability’s true nature was an immensely sensitive matter. She could never forget the countless pursuits and ambushes she had endured in her previous world for carelessly divulging it, incidents that had nearly cost the lives of her loved ones on numerous occasions.

Naturally, she couldn’t simply let this pass.

“…How do you know that name?”

Despite Rosha’s fiery demand for answers, the great fortune-teller readily obliged:

“It was recorded. As you likely experienced on your way here, this ravine’s space is warped to only allow entry to those who know the path. That’s because this place was once the record repository of the Magic Kingdom from the ancient era.”

“The Magic Kingdom, you say…?”

“You witnessed it yourself in the magic you wielded, didn’t you?”

Indeed. The cityscape manifested by the spell she had used during the third trial was the actual visage of a kingdom from the ancient era – the kingdom Queen Arzhena, ruler of the ice palace, had reigned over.

‘I had my doubts, but… it was a real occurrence after all.’

The revelation was shocking. Could all the trials be based on actual events?

If so, what were the demons and people appearing in them?

Had they been preserved as components of the trials?

As Rosha became lost in contemplation, the fortune-teller began explaining about the record repository that had once existed within this ravine.

“I don’t know who created this place, but… they erected spells to regulate the temperature, keeping it suitably cool yet not overly humid for preservation purposes, while also barring general access.”

Furthermore, the caretakers residing within were granted authority to manipulate the ravine’s spells to handle intruders.

The issue was that this area had unexpectedly become part of a desert region.

“When I discovered this place over 70 years ago, most of the records had already decayed to oblivion. Only a few scraps remained, barely legible amidst the rot and crumbling. One of them pertained to the individual possessing [The Guiding Lantern] ability.”

“…What did it say?”

“Nothing consequential, just a record stating that the bearer of that ability had resided in the Magic Kingdom for a time.”

Fortunately, it seemed the entry only described the ability as ‘guiding the path’, without detailing its precise functions.

However, it did mention that whenever the bearer used their ability, a brilliant star would appear in the sky.

“I’m a fortune-teller who observes celestial phenomena and star movements. When you used that extraordinary magic, I witnessed the guiding star shining brilliantly.”

“…”

“And I sensed a deity descending upon this land. It was but a fleeting moment, however.”

Through the veil, the fortune-teller’s wrinkled lips appeared to curve into a faint smile, as if the era of gods and magic didn’t seem so bad for one who had spent a lifetime gazing at the stars.

The elder mentioned having brought the records discovered here back to the Atica royal palace, but they had degraded far beyond usefulness compared to their initial state upon discovery.

When asked if any other records were memorable, most contained only trivial matters.

‘…So many unanswered questions remain.’

Who was the individual recorded as possessing [The Guiding Lantern]? What had led the ancient Magic Kingdom to its downfall?

And more fundamentally, why was she experiencing these events in the first place?

As the fortune-teller studied Rosha intently, he continued:

“You emanate an exceedingly complex light of destiny. That’s why I wished to meet you. Now I see he carries a similar burden.”

The elder briefly glanced at Froy but didn’t seem inclined to elaborate further.

Typical of their profession, the fortune-teller was quite reticent, even if a more thorough explanation would have been preferable.

Plunk-

After a momentary silence, they turned towards the sound of water.

The warriors, having already removed their outer garments, had entered the clearing’s pristine pool, cooling off from the heat and perspiration.

Perhaps due to Atica’s sweltering climate, the people seemed quite accustomed to bathing outdoors in such a manner, exhibiting utter nonchalance in this open setting.

“Those fools only know how to use their bodies, tsk.”

Despite the admonishment, the elder’s softened expression suggested no ill intent towards them.

“An amusing bunch. To think such pure, mindless fellows could emerge from the land where the Magic Kingdom once stood. I wonder what happened.”

For the first time, Froy nodded in response to the elder’s words.

However, Rosha alternated her gaze between the warriors frolicking in the pool and the observing elder, pondering.

‘No matter how brilliantly the desert night’s stars may twinkle…’

Perhaps those warriors weren’t the true reason the fortune-teller had settled here.

It was then that the elder, once again regarding Rosha, indulgently inquired:

“Since you’ve come all this way, would you like me to cast your fortune?”

“Truly?”

“Do you think I’d jest? Well, a simple fortune reading won’t take long, so you may have it before departing.”

Rising sluggishly, the elder retrieved a cloak and a small cloth pouch from the corner of the dwelling. Within the palm-sized pouch were various colored stones.

Watching the elder’s preparations with keen interest, Rosha posed a question:

“Don’t you use things like tortoise shells or wooden sticks?”

“Old-fashioned. Out of style these days.”

“So stones never go out of fashion?”

Unfazed by Froy’s interjection, the fortune-teller replied:

“Stones are eternal. Aren’t even the stars above essentially just stones?”

While the man seemed unconvinced, Rosha regarded the elder with newfound perspective.

‘Knowledge of the stars has likely not yet proliferated in this world.’

The saying ‘wisdom comes with age’ seemed to apply perfectly to the figure before her.

After a brief contemplation, the elder reached into the pouch and retrieved a handful of stones, scattering them across the cloak before carefully observing their patterns.

“Hmm…”

Whatever he perceived caused the wrinkles on the fortune-teller’s brow, visible through the veil, to furrow slightly.

After a momentary pursing of lips, the fortune-teller spoke with a hint of displeasure.

“It seems unwelcome guests will soon arrive. Take caution, as you may become embroiled in troublesome matters. Though I suspect you’ll handle it well enough.”

* * *

Indeed, the great fortune-teller’s divinations, trusted even by the royal family, proved accurate once more.

Having taken shelter within the ravine during the day to avoid the scorching sun, they only returned to the palace as dusk fell.

And the next day, the unwelcome guests truly arrived – envoys sent by the Marcia Empire’s Emperor.