Chapter 147: "The Poultry Prophecy"

The group trudged through the warm, golden sands of Brioche Island, the treasure chest of golden eggs precariously balanced on Kazuya's shoulder. The chicken, whom Sylvara had affectionately named Sir Clucksalot, strutted ahead with an air of self-importance that grated on Kazuya's nerves.

"I swear, that bird thinks it's our leader," Kazuya muttered.

Sylvara giggled, feeding Sir Clucksalot a handful of breadcrumbs she had miraculously stashed in her pouch. "He's earned it! Without him, we wouldn't have defeated the Yeast Beast!"

"Or been attacked by it in the first place," Ravynne added, kicking a stray loaf of brioche out of her path. "This island is cursed, and I'm blaming the chicken."

"Blame him all you want," Sylvara said, petting Sir Clucksalot. "But deep down, you love him too."

The Mysterious Map Update

As they reached the island's edge, the holographic map they'd found inside the glitter egg flared to life once more. This time, it displayed a new destination: "The Roost of Destiny – Where the Prophecy Will Be Revealed."

"Oh, no," Kazuya groaned. "Not a prophecy. Anything but a prophecy."

"Prophecies are exciting!" Sylvara said, clapping her hands. "They're full of destiny and intrigue!"

"They're full of vague riddles and life-threatening quests," Ravynne corrected. "But at least it's on-brand for us."

The map showed a winding path through the Bread Basket Sea, leading to a small, ominous island shaped like a giant chicken. The glowing text added a final note: "Beware the Keeper of the Roost."

"I don't like the sound of that," Kazuya said.

A Feathery Ferry Ride

They commandeered another rowboat from Brioche Island's tiny dock, Sir Clucksalot hopping aboard with the attitude of a seasoned pirate captain. As they rowed toward the chicken-shaped island, the air grew thick with fog, and strange clucking noises echoed across the water.

"This is definitely cursed," Ravynne muttered, gripping her daggers.

"It's just atmospheric," Sylvara said cheerfully. "Probably some magical fog to build suspense."

The fog cleared as they approached the island, revealing a massive stone archway carved with intricate depictions of chickens in heroic poses. Beneath the archway, a sign read: "Welcome to the Roost of Destiny. No Outsiders Allowed."

"Well, that's welcoming," Kazuya said, rolling his eyes. "Should we knock, or just barge in?"

The Keeper of the Roost

Before they could decide, the ground trembled, and a massive shadow loomed over them. A giant chicken-like creature stepped into view, its feathers shimmering like polished gold. It wore a crown and carried a staff adorned with a glowing egg at its tip.

"Who dares approach the Roost of Destiny?" the creature bellowed, its voice regal and commanding.

Sylvara stepped forward, holding Sir Clucksalot aloft like a trophy. "We've brought your chosen one!"

The giant chicken squinted at Sir Clucksalot, then let out a booming laugh. "The chosen one? This scrawny bird? Surely you jest!"

Sir Clucksalot clucked indignantly and flapped his wings, somehow managing to look both heroic and ridiculous.

The Trial of the Roost

The Keeper of the Roost issued a challenge: if they wished to learn the prophecy, they must pass the Trial of the Roost. This involved navigating a labyrinth filled with traps, illusions, and feathered guardians while carrying a single glowing egg without cracking it.

"This sounds like a nightmare," Kazuya said as they entered the labyrinth. "Why does everything involve eggs and chickens?"

"Because it's fun!" Sylvara said, balancing the glowing egg on a tiny pillow she'd conjured from her magic.

The labyrinth was a chaotic mess of sliding floors, clucking statues that spat fire, and giant rolling eggs that nearly flattened them. At one point, they encountered a mirror illusion that multiplied their reflections into an army of themselves, all of whom shouted conflicting advice.

"Left!" one Kazuya yelled.

"No, right!" another insisted.

"Oh, for cluck's sake!" Ravynne snapped, smashing one of the mirrors with her dagger.

The Prophecy Revealed

After what felt like hours, they finally reached the heart of the labyrinth: a grand chamber filled with golden feathers. The Keeper of the Roost appeared, its eyes glowing with ancient wisdom.

"The Prophecy of the Poultry," it intoned, "foretells a hero who will unite the Fowl Realms and restore balance to the Coop of Chaos."

"Let me guess," Kazuya said. "It's the chicken."

The Keeper nodded solemnly. "Indeed. Sir Clucksalot is the destined Feathered Savior."

Sir Clucksalot puffed out his chest and clucked triumphantly.

"I hate everything about this," Kazuya muttered.

The Next Step

The Keeper gifted them a new map, leading to the Fowl Realms where Sir Clucksalot's true destiny awaited. As they left the Roost of Destiny, Kazuya couldn't help but feel like they'd just stepped into the plot of the world's most absurd fairy tale.

"Onward to destiny!" Sylvara declared, holding Sir Clucksalot aloft like a holy relic.

"Onward to therapy," Kazuya muttered. "I'm going to need it after this."

To Be Continued...