Chapter 14: The Mysterious Force

Luna abruptly spoke out while we were driving towards the city, "Mother, someone is approaching us from the front." That was her level 2 starforce vision on display, as she can now already see anything in a 20m radius.

When the carriage came to a stop, and after a few minutes, our guard knocked on the door and said, "Baroness, there is an old woman outside asking for a ride to the city with us."

Stepping out of the carriage, my mother gave the woman a wary look. "Why are you alone here in front of our carriage?"

"Ma'am, I live nearby and was on my way to Fukuoka City, but my horse ran off this morning, and I came to the road in the hopes that someone would be so kind as to give me a lift because I am unable to complete the route on foot."

Mother's eyes narrowed. "Why should I believe you?"

The woman took out a card from her purse and gave it to Mother. "This serves as my identity evidence. I'm a Fukuoka City native."

Mother took a quick look at the card before giving it to the guard. Verify her identification. "Allow her to accompany you on one of your horses if it's legitimate."

With a "yes, Baroness," the guard accepted the card.

Mother nodded once the guard had verified her identity. "Very well. You're welcome to accompany them on their ride."

The carriage started up again, and the old woman thanked us heartily. If she had to walk, it would take her two days or more, and we only had four to five hours to get where we were going.

At last we reached the city and disembarked from the carriage at the inn. The elderly woman came up to us again, "I appreciate your compassion, Baroness, and I am aware of a renowned fortune teller who is travelling with the Tenjin Market. I hope you visit him and enjoy your time."

Then she reached into her purse and pulled out a little pass, which she gave to me. "Young master, I hope you have fun throughout your visit. Keep this pass with you at all times."

I decided to disregard it, even though I thought it strange that she handed me the pass. She went out, and we went into the inn, where my dad and his friends were already there.

Father was deep in conversation with a man when he noticed us. "Ah, there you are! How did the trip go? After reading your letter and that both of my kids have made progress, Lina, I started getting everything ready for you to come and have a great time here."

Mother said, "It was long but uneventful, thankfully," and walked up to the vacant chairs.

Dad waved at the man standing next to him. "This is Minho Lee, my business partner and a baron from the neighbouring village."

I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't quite right about Minho. He exuded too much control and uniformity. It brought to mind a talent I saw back in my assassin days, one that concealed the user's actual strength level.

We locked eyes for a moment, and he smiled at me almost too barely to be noticed before going back to talking to Father.

"I heard there's a new merchant in town with some interesting types of gemstones," Minho told the crowd. "It might be worth checking out."

Dad gave a nod. "We seem to have a hectic day planned. Well, let's enjoy the evening for the moment. It's time for dinner."

Mother responded, "Okay, you carry on with your conversation. I'll just check out our room and unpack."

The dinner party was lively. The festive mood was further enhanced by the musical ensemble that Father and his companion had scheduled to play. We all went to our rooms as our celebration came to an end and as the night went on.

However, falling asleep wasn't easy. I closed my eyes, but then something pulled at me, waking me up. It was akin to déjà vu, a feeling I had last encountered during my regression. With each step, the enigmatic power became stronger as I stealthily left my room using Shadow Steps.

A few minutes later, I was in front of a tent with the words 'Mirae Fortune Teller' written on it. The power pulled upon me to go in.

Inside was a man in a white cloak sitting at a table, with an hourglass in front of him that showed off its translucent glass and white sand.

"Hello, traveler, I'm Mirae. Please have a seat."

I sensed no enmity from him, despite my suspicions. The hourglass seemed to be the source of the energy that had compelled me to comply before.

Mirae talked once more as I took a seat. "Turn the hourglass, and perhaps you will find the path through the darkness."

"What is this hourglass, and why did it call to me?"

"The Veil of Destiny predates all kingdoms and empires as an ancient artefact. Its goal is what you can comprehend, not the one I can define."

"However, it seemed as though a force was drawing me in this direction. What does that imply, and what can I comprehend?"

"We are frequently led by forces beyond our comprehension. It could have detected something destiny inside you that will change your fate."

"Fated for whatt?"

Mirae grinned. "You have to find out for yourself. You are free to follow the road that the key shows, but it selects its travellers for a purpose."

"And the specified keys? What are they?"

"Keys are pieces that make up a larger whole. You will get closer to realising your mission with each one you collect."

I became irritated and remarked, "You're not telling me much."

"Knowledge is not always a gift; sometimes it is a burden. Have faith in the process; all will become clear in due course."

"Why should I trust you?"

"Don't trust me; trust the hourglass. It will lead many after you, as it has led countless before you. You alone control your own fate."

Mirae became silent after saying those mysterious words, leaving me with more questions than answers. Curious, but hesitant, I touched the hourglass. When I touched it, it became completely dark, but as soon as I flipped it, the entire room lit up.

[System Notification: Item absorbed! {2/10 keys absorbed}]

All of a sudden, I was in a--