Early the next morning, Shao Yun, Lumine, and Paimon met with Nahida at the time and place she had specified.
As they walked along, Paimon suddenly showed a blissful expression, still savoring the memory of last night's dinner.
She licked her lips and said with lingering delight, "Mmm, the grilled meat skewers Nilou treated us to yesterday were so good! The juicy, tender chunks of meat, mixed with those special spices—ah, I really want to eat them again!"
As she spoke, drool was practically forming at the corner of her mouth.
Hearing her words, Lumine couldn't help but laugh. She recalled how Paimon had devoured everything the night before and teased, "You know, if I hadn't stopped you, you probably would've emptied Nilou's whole wallet!"
Embarrassed, Paimon scratched her head and muttered under her breath, 'I just thought it was too delicious, I couldn't help myself…'
…
At that moment, the three arrived at the corner of a street staircase, where a small fortune-telling stand was set up.
As they curiously observed the little booth, Katheryne—possessed by Nahida—appeared before them.
She waved her hand gently and greeted them with a smile. "You're here. Perfect timing."
The moment Paimon saw Katheryne, she instinctively wanted to call out Nahida's name but quickly changed her words mid-sentence.
"Na… Katheryne, is there something we need to do?"
Nahida smiled softly and explained to them, "This is the fortune-telling stall that Setaria often visits. Our first stop for gathering intelligence."
Shao Yun examined the booth with interest. Though simple in design, it carried a mysterious air.
The owner was a young girl, barely into her teens. Behind the counter, two small cats—one black, one white—lay curled atop a wooden crate.
They yawned lazily, occasionally batting at each other's paws with soft pink pads.
The table in front of them was cluttered with all sorts of strange fortune-telling instruments, none of which Shao Yun recognized.
At that moment, the young fortune-teller's back was turned toward them, her posture adding to the mystery.
Paimon, unable to contain her curiosity, whispered to Nahida, "Are we supposed to ask her about Setaria?"
Nahida gently shook her head and answered softly, "Not exactly. We already know most of the information about Setaria."
"What matters now is that you pay attention to the fortune-teller's manner of speaking and key details."
Paimon scratched her head in confusion. "'Manner of speaking' and 'key details'? What do you mean by that?"
Before she could ask further, the fortune-teller—a little girl named Nabiya—began to chant an elaborate introduction.
"Oh, lost lambs of fate, have you grown uncertain of your destiny?"
"The divine voice of wisdom often graces my ears. Should the gods show mercy upon you today, perhaps I can help guide your way."
Hearing those cryptic and overly theatrical words, Paimon interrupted with suspicion. "Huh? Really? Do you talk to her that often in secret?"
Nabiya, caught off guard by Paimon's blunt and out-of-place question, almost choked on her own saliva.
She spun around, pouting in mock reproach. "Oh my, dear guest, that's not very cooperative of you! You're completely ruining the sense of mystery and excitement after the reading!"
Seeing the atmosphere grow awkward, Nahida quickly cleared her throat and smiled warmly. "Ahem, please forgive my friend's straightforwardness."
"In truth, we came because my friends here are feeling a little lost about the future. We were hoping you could use your remarkable talent to guide them."
As soon as she finished speaking, Nahida pulled out a small pouch of Mora and poured the coins into the wooden box before Nabiya.
Shao Yun's eyes widened at the sight.
Where did Nahida get all that Mora? Don't tell me she borrowed Katheryne's body and swiped it from the Adventurers' Guild?
He couldn't help but think, Wow, Nahida, you big-eyed little Archon, you've learned to be sneaky now! The world's really gone downhill!
Of course, it was only a joke—after all, he was someone who'd robbed banks himself.
Nabiya's expression shifted into one of mysterious satisfaction. "Heh, since the guests have paid their fee, very well…"
But before she could finish, the two cats suddenly noticed Shao Yun. Their pupils shrank, and they hissed in warning.
"Mrrrow!"
Their bodies tensed, backs arched, fur standing on end. Their tails swished aggressively as they raised their paws in a defensive display toward Shao Yun.
Their gaze locked onto his every movement, sharp and unblinking.
Following the direction of the cats' hostility, Nabiya's eyes also turned toward Shao Yun.
"Oh? It seems Harut and Marut don't quite welcome you…"
She narrowed her eyes mischievously, lips curling into a sly grin. "Could it be that you've offended the gods before?"
Paimon turned to look at Shao Yun, muttering under her breath, 'More than just offended, I'd say…'
Lumine nodded with a smirk, arms crossed. "You could say he's practically used the gods as his footrest."
Hearing that, Shao Yun gave the two an exasperated look. "No matter how many times I go through it again, I'd make the exact same choice—that won't change. Also, Lumine, are you quoting me now?"
Nabiya blinked, bewildered. These three made absolutely no sense to her.
Nahida stepped in to smooth things over. "It's fine, it's fine. Lumine, why don't you choose what kind of reading you'd like first?"
Lumine thought for a moment, touching her chin. "I don't really have anything specific… maybe a love fortune?"
Shao Yun nearly choked. "What? Whoa, that one's easy—I could tell you the result myself."
Lumine scratched her head, embarrassed. "It's just for fun! It's not like I'd ask how many kids we'll have in the future or something."
Nabiya didn't seem fazed. Closing her eyes, she said calmly, "That's fine. You've paid enough for two readings."
"We'll start with your relationship and then… your fertility."
At the word fertility, Lumine's eye twitched twice, and she muttered, "Ugh… that sounds so awkward…"
Nabiya lowered her head slightly, chanting under her breath. "Heh heh heh… I hear it, I hear it!"
After a moment, she opened her eyes, scanning the group before fixing her gaze on Lumine. Her tone became mysteriously serious.
"According to the reading, the one you love is willing to sacrifice everything for you. To him, nothing in the world has value beyond you—everything else is just currency to be traded away."
Shao Yun blinked, surprised. This little fortune-teller might actually have some skill. "Not bad!" he said, clapping his hands in amusement.
But Nabiya didn't smile. Her brows furrowed in confusion.
"Honestly, this result feels strange. I've done readings for countless couples, and they're usually filled with sweetness and romance. Yours, though… feels different."
Shao Yun shrugged casually. "Just because it's rare doesn't mean it can't happen, right?"
Nabiya nodded slowly. "Fair point. Well then, let's move on. Let's see how many adorable children you two will have…"
A faint smile tugged at her lips.
Lumine's face flushed crimson in an instant. "W-wait, that's not necessary! Shao Yun, your turn! Ask her something else!"
Shao Yun pointed at himself, feigning surprise, but quickly composed himself. "Me? Well, then… just read whatever you like about me. I'll leave the topic up to you."
Nabiya tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Alright, let's see if there's anything unclean clinging to you that might be hindering your fortune. It's something a lot of people worry about."
She closed her eyes again and began chanting.
Moments later, her expression turned uncertain as she spoke slowly. "Hmm? Strange… I see a man wearing a top hat…"
Before she could elaborate, two piercing cat cries rang out—"Mraaaow!"
The sound was chilling, like angels weeping in despair.
In a blur of motion, Harut leapt onto the table, glaring at Shao Yun with wide eyes, baring its sharp teeth as if ready to pounce.
Marut, even quicker, jumped onto Nabiya's head, arching its back and staring defensively at Shao Yun, as though shielding its master.
Startled, Nabiya snapped her eyes open. Seeing her beloved cats behave so violently, she hastily grabbed Marut from her head and placed it beside her.
"Oh, Harut, Marut! Don't cause trouble here! Honestly, what's gotten into you two today?" she scolded, confused.
Lumine, meanwhile, leaned forward eagerly. "That man you mentioned—can you describe him more clearly?"
Seeing Lumine's sudden interest, Shao Yun tried to change the subject.
He grinned mischievously. "Heh, if I'd known this would happen, maybe I should've asked when Lumine and I will have a cute baby instead!"
Lumine's cheeks flushed even redder. She covered her face with both hands. "Hey! How can you say something so shameless in public? You're unbelievable!"
Shao Yun smirked. "Heh, what's there to be embarrassed about? It's bound to happen sooner or later…"
Seeing the conversation spiral, Nahida cleared her throat again. "Ahem, I think it's about time we move on to the next stall."
"Alright then, we'll be leaving now, Miss Nabiya," Paimon said, waving.
"Yes, yes, let's go! This is too embarrassing!" Lumine followed quickly, still covering her burning face as she hurried away with Nahida.
Shao Yun chuckled softly at the sight of her retreating figure.
Just as he turned to follow, Nabiya's expression suddenly twisted—her eyes rolled back as she grabbed his sleeve tightly.
Her face contorted, and in a chilling, unnatural voice, she spoke.
"The thing you fear most will soon come to pass. When that time arrives, the heavens will rain burning sulfur, and the world will drown in fire."
"Then humanity will finally understand which god is truly worthy of devotion—and you… will have no choice left."
Shao Yun froze, stunned by her sudden madness. "What… are you talking about?"
Then, Nabiya blinked rapidly, her eyes returning to normal.
She clutched her head in pain, groaning. "Ah! My head… it hurts so much… What just happened?"
At the same time, Harut and Marut arched their backs again, hissing and yowling at Shao Yun defensively.
Shao Yun chose not to repeat her ominous words. He simply replied calmly, "You just said a bunch of strange things. Maybe you're overworked or exhausted?"
Nabiya rubbed her temples weakly. "I don't know what's wrong with me today… maybe it's because I only had one Lambad Fish Roll for breakfast."
Shao Yun glanced up at the vast, blue sky above. Things were getting stranger by the minute—and it was clear he needed to end Sumeru's mess as soon as possible.