The Whispering Verses
Chapter 89: Shade and the Fortune Teller

“Are you… trying to save the world?”

The moonlight bathed the city, and the carriage moved slowly through Tobesk's dark night. Shad glanced at that hand.

“No, I just want to ensure the world doesn’t collapse because of this. It sounds absurd, doesn’t it? Something a Three-Ring Warlock like me shouldn’t even be concerned with. But I saw it—the survival of the world depends on those who eventually stand before the door. All thirteen of them together, or only some, or even just one; the outcome will differ. The best choice… I’ll only know it when I meet them.”

Shad locked eyes with those purple eyes for a moment before reaching out to clasp the woman’s hand. She smiled faintly, but when she tried to withdraw her hand, she found that Shad wasn’t letting go. Of course, he didn’t mean to take advantage. His voice was deep:

“Matters that affect the entire world will inevitably touch me sooner or later, even if I don’t wish to get involved. I’m willing to join you in witnessing and finding the thirteen Chosen Ones, guiding or helping them. But as a foundation for our cooperation, I think we should first build mutual trust.”

The path of divine ascension Shad sought required gathering divinity, which inevitably involved dealing with dangerous relics tied to Evil Gods or remnants of the Old Gods. Proactively engaging with the inevitably troublesome thirteen Chosen Ones might actually aid his search for divinity.

He held the diviner’s soft hand tightly, gazing into Miss Anat’s violet eyes.

“I can comprehend the meaning of any text, any language. But while I can read and understand, I can’t speak or write them.”

“So that’s how it is. Well, I’ve paid steep prices to make near-flawless prophecies. To date, I’ve only made one major error. I originally thought our group would consist of only four people, but then you appeared. Even though you’re just a One-Ring Warlock, I still invited you because of this reason: you are the only person in the world absolutely not a Chosen One. I don’t have to worry about you learning too much about the Chosen Ones from me and disrupting my foresight of the future.”

Shad nodded slightly and released the diviner’s hand. She flexed her wrist and teased him:

“Is this how you treat all women?”

“Apologies. That was indeed a bit rough. But back to the topic of Miss Beas—since we’re cooperating, you should share some information with me.”

Shad didn’t explain why he understood all languages, and Miss Anat didn’t reveal the source of her precise prophecies. This was an unspoken understanding between them.

“Iluna Beas, a Two-Ring Warlock of the Church of the Sun, is the first Chosen One in the prophecy of Whispering Verses. She represents the power of Balance. As for her identity, only the Church of the Sun and the two of us know for now. Of course, I know this secret because of my prophecy.”

“Balance?”

Shad mulled over the meaning of the word while Mimia, his orange tabby, dozed beside him. He then asked:

“How many people know about Whispering Verses and the Chosen Ones?”

“The complete content of Whispering Verses isn’t in anyone’s hands. The Five True God Churches and the Three Grand Arcane Academies undoubtedly know about it. Some ancient organizations, such as the ‘Blood Spirit School’ or my own ‘Prophets’ Association,’ are also aware.

The witches’ relics inscribed with the verses are controlled by different factions. Regarding the first Chosen One, the Church of the Sun knows the most. And coincidentally, Iluna joined the church’s Warlock squad voluntarily even before they found her. Perhaps the Sun God truly blesses His followers.”

Shad nodded, exhaling deeply.

“So, what’s the plan? Are you going to approach Iluna Beas? Do you need my help?”

Miss Anat smiled.

“Detective, I don’t need your help for now. Actually, I’ve already approached her. I orchestrated a chance meeting while she was heading to the market outside the city. I disguised myself as an ordinary fortune-teller and resolved some of her doubts. I suspect she’ll come to me again soon. Then, as a ‘mysterious prophet,’ I’ll offer her guidance until she’s convinced I’m a Warlock. Only then will I reveal my true identity to her and propose cooperation.”

“That’s a good plan.”

Shad praised her. This method would both establish contact and foster Iluna’s respect for Miss Anat.

“When I reveal myself, I’ll introduce you to her. Detective, you mustn’t intervene before then. My plan is meticulous, and besides, you’re still… not strong enough. Your primary task now is to strengthen yourself. Once you’ve gained sufficient power, I’ll surely have many things that require your help.”

This arrangement was logical. There was no need for Shad to involve himself in Miss Anat’s well-crafted plan. Moreover, he still needed time to study. While the Lakeside Manor incident had been resolved through his efforts, it had largely been a stroke of unrepeatable luck. Miss Anat’s plan would undoubtedly involve conflicts among Warlocks, a level of danger Shad wasn’t ready for yet.

“What if she contacts me directly?” Shad asked.

Miss Anat seemed skeptical but replied, “Then play the part of a normal detective. Don’t let Iluna know you’re a Warlock before my plan is complete. That would disrupt my carefully laid out strategy and increase your risk. Oh, and about the power you used with the thirteen-ring sigil—can you still wield it? You don’t have to answer if it’s inconvenient.”

Shad understood she wasn’t prying into his secrets but assessing their respective capabilities.

He nodded. “I can, but the conditions are strict, and it’s dangerous.”

But it was also immensely powerful, rivaling even deities.

Miss Anat nodded knowingly. “Good. That will at least prevent the worst-case scenario. But don’t worry too much. I’ll handle the interactions with the first Chosen One. I’m not just any Three-Ring Warlock.”

“Let’s hope so.”

“One more thing. My apologies.”

She looked at Shad.

“For what?” he asked, puzzled.

“For taking you to the third floor of Lakeside Manor and promising you wouldn’t be in danger, only to put you face-to-face with an Evil God. I could brush it off with an ‘I didn’t expect that’ excuse, but I won’t. I’m sorry for putting you in harm’s way. It was the greatest mistake I made during the Lakeside Manor incident. Detective, I’ll find a way to make it up to you.”

“Oh, that… Don’t worry about it. I followed you willingly. And besides, if not for that, I… Who can predict everything? Your prophecies come at a cost. You can’t divine every event, especially those involving deities.”

Shad said, listening to the voice of the short-haired, brown-haired diviner. Holding the dozing Mimia, he gazed out of the carriage window.

The city, shrouded in mist, drifted into slumber. Beneath the serene night sky, the three moons, unchanged for millennia, illuminated the earth but could not pierce every shadow.

The Chosen Ones, the great prophecy of the Witch Emperor—these were the protagonists of an era of upheaval. As an outsider, Shad had no idea what role he would play in the unfolding story, nor what the future held.

But for now, he understood some things, learned others, and found friends. Seeing this peaceful night, he finally felt like he belonged here.

“Say something,” he murmured in his mind.

【What would you like to hear?】

“Anything. Just say something.”

Gazing at the steam city’s nocturnal scenery, he heard the woman’s soft laughter amidst the rhythmic clatter of hooves:

【Sixth Epoch, Universal Calendar Year 1853, summer. As the wind brushes the city, you finally begin to understand this world. After your bloody banquet ends, the story’s first protagonist will appear. When the golden scales of balance begin to tilt, someone must add weight to the side. You foresee an epic tale, a steam age of great transformation. Unwillingly caught in its tides, you traverse the grand tapestry of this era to the rhythm of hoofbeats—will you act?】

The outsider tilted his head, gazing at the bright moon outside the window. Miss Anat’s violet eyes observed Shad. The orange tabby, pretending to sleep, peeked at Miss Anat. Moonlight streamed through the carriage window, casting a glow on the cat’s fur.

It truly was a tranquil night.

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