The Whispering Verses
Chapter 88: Whispering Poems

While Shad was unconscious, Father Rath took the keys from his pocket, went to 6 St. Derain Square, and stored the items that couldn’t be brought into the church at Shad’s home. He also fetched a change of clothes and used Shad’s one-sleeved coat, still carrying his scent, to lure the temporarily unsupervised Mimia to the church.

“This morning, when I opened the door to your second-floor apartment, your cat nearly scratched my face off. That little thing must have thought I was a thief,” the priest remarked with a hint of amusement. However, he wasn’t upset at the orange tabby; in fact, he seemed fond of cats. “Still, she behaves very well when she’s with you. If you’re ever too busy, you can leave her at the Dawn Church. Not only can she help catch mice, but the young nuns here also adore cats.”

Now that Shad was awake and it was confirmed he hadn’t suffered any aftereffects from facing the Evil God, the priest gave him the all-clear to return home. Since it was already late, he invited Shad to stay for dinner at the church, during which he tried to gauge Shad’s interest in learning about the faith of Mr. Dawn.

Shad, intrigued by the True Gods of this world, had many thoughts about religion, faith, and culture but wasn’t in the mood to discuss such topics. After dinner, he bid farewell to the priest. As they parted ways in Dawn Square, the priest reminded Shad to wake up early the next morning so they could visit Dr. Schneider, who was still recovering from his injuries.

With Mimia in his arms, Shad left Dawn Square under the night sky. However, instead of heading straight to 6 St. Derain Square, he made his way to Grett Street on the eastern edge of the square, hired a carriage, and traveled to Quill Street in the university district of Tobesk City.

Tobesk, the capital of the Northern Kingdom, was home to several higher education institutions, including the Drarian Royal Mechanical Academy specializing in steam and mechanical studies, as well as comprehensive universities like Tobesk University. These schools were concentrated in the eastern part of the city, forming what was known as the “university district.”

Miss Louisa rented an apartment at 211B Quill Street in this district. Despite being a rental, the surrounding environment was just as pleasant as St. Derain Square. The winding streets near the Drarian Union Theological Seminary were primarily inhabited by students, lecturers, and professors, which was why Shad initially assumed Miss Louisa spent much of her time on campus.

It was already quite late when Shad, with Mimia in his arms, alighted from the carriage at the intersection of the seminary’s tree-lined avenue and Quill Street. The avenue, bordered by lawns, was dimly lit by gas lamps, and a few couples strolled leisurely. Only around Yodel Palace and here in Tobesk could one find areas safe enough for nighttime walks.

Quickening his pace, Shad navigated the area by checking the building numbers until he found Miss Louisa’s address mid-street. Before he could open the door, the apartment’s entrance swung open. A brown-haired female diviner stepped out, and Miss Louisa, who seemed fully recovered, stood at the doorway to see her off. Miss Louisa wore a blue house dress with her golden hair flowing freely, while the short-haired diviner was dressed in a tailored long dress that accentuated her figure.

Miss Louisa spotted Shad and his cat first, and as he approached, Miss Anat belatedly noticed him. In the light spilling from the entryway, the three greeted each other and exchanged pleasantries, confirming everyone’s good health. Shad explained that he needed to speak with Miss Anat.

“Oh?” Miss Louisa glanced curiously between the two but refrained from asking further questions. She simply mentioned that they’d see each other at Dr. Schneider’s the following day. She truly seemed back to her usual self.

Miss Anat, knowing what Shad wanted to discuss, bid farewell to Miss Louisa and joined Shad. The two didn’t linger to talk on the street. As a diviner affiliated with the Prophets’ Association, Miss Anat also needed to return to the city center. Together, they boarded a carriage.

“You may speak now,” she said once the rhythmic clatter of hooves echoed along the tree-lined avenue. Earlier, she had murmured a spell to ensure the coachman couldn’t overhear.

“Are you and Miss Louisa really all right?” Shad asked, holding Mimia close. The cat showed its claws to Miss Anat—a timid gesture of defiance, as if warning her not to cause harm.

“Even though you already asked me this earlier, I’m still glad your first question is about our well-being. We’re fine; the priest’s potion helped a lot,” she replied. Unlike Shad, who sat upright, Miss Anat leaned slightly against the carriage wall, her body relaxed. “Even without divination, I know what you want to ask. Go ahead.”

She was honoring her promise to explain everything if they survived. Shad’s expression turned serious as the carriage veered onto another road.

“What is the Whispering Verses? An Unknowable-level relic?” He had come here so late for this very question.

“You’re familiar with Unknowable-level relics? Did Professor Garcia from the History Academy mention them?” Miss Anat raised her eyebrows but then shook her head. “The Whispering Verses isn’t a ‘relic’; it’s a grand prophecy. After the Fifth Epoch ended, people discovered relics left behind by the Witch Emperors of the final era. Most weren’t relics with whisper elements but rather ordinary objects. Inscribed on these items were strange sentences, stitched together in various ancient languages. From their journals, it was inferred that these sentences formed a complete poem named the Whispering Verses.”

“What does it say?” Shad pressed.

Miss Anat didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she gazed out at the night. Shad waited patiently, understanding she needed time to gather her thoughts. Finally, she spoke softly amidst the clatter of hooves.

“No one knows the full content of the Whispering Verses. I only know it foretells major events of the Sixth Epoch. Thirteen Chosen Ones will emerge, akin to the heroes of ancient fairy tales or the protagonists of knightly romances. They’ll face numerous trials and ascend to the Thirteenth Ring.”

Shad could already envision an epic tableau unfolding in his mind. “And then? What’s the purpose of the thirteen Chosen Ones?”

Miss Anat continued, “When all the Chosen Ones have appeared and either all survive to ascend to the Thirteenth Ring or all perish, a door will open, and everything in the material world will change.”

“A door? What kind of door?” Shad asked.

“I don’t know. I haven’t had the chance to consult the church leaders or academy professors about the Whispering Verses, but I believe the door conceals the secrets of the Old Gods’ downfall and the True Gods’ rise. Opening it might unveil ancient truths or even allow the one who opens it to ascend to godhood. But it could also unleash something catastrophic enough to destroy the world. It’s both destruction and rebirth. And the worst part? According to the Whispering Verses, the door is destined to be opened.”

Shad frowned. If everything Miss Anat said was true, the emergence of the Chosen Ones would disrupt the world’s order. Beneath the prosperous Steam Era, dark undercurrents stirred. “This is terrible. Who are the Thirteen Chosen Ones?”

“No one knows. In fact, unless someone happens to obtain the corresponding part of the Whispering Verses, their identities are impossible to determine. I certainly don’t have it, but I have other means.”

She still gazed out the window.

“Who is Iluna Beas?”

“I don’t know... Oh, wait, I do.” She turned to Shad with a slight smile, though her eyes held no amusement. “Detective, I haven’t discussed this with the others because you’re outside of fate. You absolutely cannot be one of the Chosen Ones. I’m telling you this because I want to invite you to join me.”

“For what?” Shad asked.

“To seek out and witness the Thirteen Chosen Ones and help them. Since the door is fated to open, and it holds both peril and opportunity, I want to witness it firsthand and ensure it doesn’t lead to the world’s destruction.”

She extended her pale hand toward him, her violet eyes meeting his.

“Shad Suellen Hamilton, will you help me?”