7 Chapter 7 - The Reading
Hoshiro waited for Merillion to sort out some issues of the state and he decided to take a look around the city of Caldawn to see if there were any suitable companions to have as party members.
As far as Hoshiro was concerned, their current party consisted of himself, Merillion, and possibly Lance.
In order for Hoshiro to level up, he practiced drawing ceaselessly and increasing his level little by little. However, practicing drawing and aiming his plasma pistol became boring for Hoshiro. Thus, the hero took a casual stroll in the city market. There was a morbid bustle and hustle of the market as people came and went, but with no smiles whatsoever. More graveyard like than a market, Hoshiro became depressed.
As he was walking back to the castle, a particular old grandma came into his attention.
The old grandma waved for him to come. He complied, not sure what to expect from the old lady.
“Come here son. I see something great in you.”
“Oh? What do you see?”
“I can see a gold aura surrounding your being. You must be special.”
“Oh? Are you able to see other Auras?”
“That is something you should already know.” Answered the old grandma.
“Here, let me read the cards for you.” Gestured the grandma, as she pulled a deck of cards out of her pocket and began to shuffle.
“So, you’re a diviner then?” Asked the curious young adult.
“By profession yes. Here take these cards and shuffle until you think it is good to stop.”
The grandma handed the cards to Hoshiro and he shuffled vigorously. He shuffled four times and then cut the deck.
“Here, I think it is sufficiently shuffled.”
“Alright. What is your name young one?”
“I am Hoshiro Kawasaki.”
“Thus begins the reading for Hoshiro. Come come, let us see what is in store for you.” The grandma pulled the cards in order. 10 cards flipped on the small stand in front of the grandma. The cards were not tarot cards and were of a foreign design. Hoshiro looked at the cards, but could not make any sense of them.
“In the near future, you will have to demonstrate authority and power to those who are of a foreign land. A new companion you will find.” Said the grandma looking at the first card. Onto the second she said. “Then you are met with misfortune, but through precalculation, you will avoid danger.”
On to the third.
“You will develop friendship, although you are shy in nature.”
On to the fourth.
“You will gain considerable power through cultivation and become a contender to evil.”
On to the fifth.
“You will see horror and carnage and the people around you will cast you out of their land. Yet hope remains, if you are true to your quest.”
On to the sixth.
“You will be presented with an opportunity to sacrifice your most beloved, but it is up to you if you are willing to pay the price.”
On to the seventh.
“There will appear another Hero, but he will be evil. Beware…. He is your nemesis. Yet, you may yet come to terms with him.”
On to the eighth.
“You will receive a sound declaration of challenge and you will meet it head on. But the outcome of the challenge remains uncertain.”
On to the nineth.
“You will try to liberate the land, but someone who is your equal will try to dominate it.”
On to the tenth.
“You must make a choice between mercy and justice. But choose wisely, for no one can forsee what will happen beyond this choice.”
The grandma finished and collected the cards again.
“It sounds like a whole heck a lot of trouble.” Said Hoshiro after some thought. He did not believe in superstition, but since he was after all in the land of magic, he gave credence to the reading.
“What will be my ultimate fate?” Asked the young adult.
“Hmmm. Will you face yourself? You are your worst enemy. You can accept the darkness and integrate it, or you can choose to rejected it and battle eternally against it. The choice is yours. But beyond these choices, the cards cannot tell.” Said the grandma as she coughed.
“Interesting.” Said Hoshiro as he pondered the meaning of the last advise given to him.
“Now, it’s time for my payment, young one.” Said the grandma.
“Payment? Ah, I see. It was a ruse after all.”
“No. Not a ruse, you will see. The cards are favorable, but not for certain.” Said the grandma.
“Alright. Have your payment.” Said Hoshiro as he drew a few gold coins in his notebook and touched it with his saliva.
The coins popped out unto his hand and he gave it to the old lady.
“Take care, young one. Have fun and use your insights.” Laughed the old lady as she packed her things and went her way.
Welp…. That was not helpful…..
Thought Hoshiro. He did not believe in the reading, much less his ultimate fate…… Himself? Who are you kidding?
Hoshiro shook off the encounter and then continued his way to the castle.
Hoshiro turned on his HUD and checked his stats:
Level: 5
Stats:
Attack - 43
Defense – 31
Agility – 33
Magic – 00
Luck – 34
Inventory:
HUD Glasses
Notebook
Pen
Plasma gun (Cecil)
Hoshiro then closed his stats, sighed, and then continued to see his entourage.
