Chapter 42 - Woman?

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Despite the silence that follows the response, the old woman soon speaks with a certain conviction about her true ideals.

— When I'm here, I always see the stars aligned with the greater celestial bodies ((sun and moon)).

— But for some reason, something feels different. I never thought the stars could be so distant from each other as they are today. Perhaps this is an omen, a sign from the universe and the cosmos, watching us humans from afar.

As she finishes her statement, the boy's eyes shift from side to side, unable to grasp the meaning behind the old lady's words.

"What the hell is she talking about? Is she crazy? Shit..."

He is slightly taken aback by that nonsense but doesn't let it show and responds with irony in his tone.

— Or maybe the stars are just distant, like any other day.

A deep sigh escapes the woman's lips as she hears his reply. She turns and fixes her gaze on the student.

— Young man, do you not believe in the universe and the cosmos?!

She finally asks a normal question, far from all the ideology and confusing talk.

— To be honest, no. I believe in myself. I'm in control of my own life, and I prefer not to depend on the will of external entities or factors as improbable as the stars.

"Now that I think about it, I'm not exactly sure when I started thinking this way, but the main reason must be because of my doubts, which kept me away from all that bullshit."

"I've always had a negative view of religion—if a god really exists, how could things be so unbalanced in the world?"

"Well, not like it really matters, considering I'm here now, in another world."

When the old woman notices that Rei seems lost in thought, she looks back up at the sky.

— I see, you already have a formed idea. However, the moment I sensed your presence, I had a vision of your future.

— ...What?

Hearing that makes the boy tilt his head to the side, his lips curling into a skeptical smirk, his eyes widening in disbelief.

— Young man, just like the movement of the stars and the shifts of the cosmos, I possess an ability to foresee small future events, which appear as flashbacks when I observe cosmology.

"(o_O)"

— Would you like to know what happens in your future?

— No, I don't care about that.

— By the heavens, wouldn't you really want to know?

With the woman's persistence, the boy impulsively gives in, not really caring much about the offer.

— Fine, I accept your prediction or whatever this is, old lady.

Saying that, she then places her hands on her head and closes her eyes momentarily before activating her ability.

— Ahhhh! I can see it! — she shouts, swaying from side to side.

"Huh? This really isn't a scam? What a weird kind of fortune-teller this world has."

— I see a red cloak, you're wearing a red cloak! I also see something blurry. I can't make it out...

— A book, you're holding a magical item.

Before saying more, there is a brief moment of silence, and then she continues describing everything she can visualize in the near future.

— You will achieve something that has never been possible. You will be admired. People will follow you.

— I also see a shadow behind you; it's trying to bring you down! The past seems to be returning.

— Arhhhhhh!! D-Don't trust people so easily, don't be too complacent. Purge.

Finally, just before opening her eyes, the woman makes one last declaration, her voice weak.

— Cough ~ Cough. I need to rest, I have never felt such an intense future.

As she says this, she begins to stagger from side to side.

— Ma'am? Are you okay, ma'am? Ma'am?

Realizing the situation, the boy quickly runs to her and catches her before she can tumble down the cliff.

...

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[Late Night]

After a few minutes of unconsciousness, the fortune teller finally regains her senses, resting in the student's lap.

— That was kind of dangerous; you could have fallen right down... Are you even right in the head?

— I'm sorry, young man. I got carried away. There has never been such an intense prediction as yours. I wouldn't have minded falling. I feel like I've fulfilled a dream," she explains, extreme emotion and sincerity evident in her voice.

Even with her voice still weak and hoarse, she seems bold and majestic, completely deviating from the impression of a madwoman, — at least that's what the student perceives as he watches her like this.

— Well, thank you for keeping me informed of future events... I hope this wasn't in vain.

— Oh, no. Please, young man! Have a little faith, can't you see the effort I've put in?

— The constellations are watching us, don't you see? — she adds, not believing the student's skepticism.

— Huh, yeah… sure, sure. — He tries to hold back a laugh.

— Thank you for saving me. If it wasn't for you, I would have fallen.

Taking advantage of the situation, he simply responds: — We're even, don't you think? You tell me about the future, I save you, great deal, hahaha.

Hearing him, she puts her hands on her hips and feels the cold night breeze on her face.

— By the heavens…

— Young man, I have to go. — She says suddenly, looking at the sky. — But first, take this. — She hands him a stone pendant.

With a puzzled expression, he looks at the dark object without understanding.

— A… pendant?

— This is not just any ordinary pendant; it is made of Siderite, a rare and valuable stone.

"Well, it's still ugly."

— If you ever need my help, or even want to know about the future…

— ...all you have to do is put the pendant under your pillow and call Venus, the great goddess of the constellations, three times.

"What? (o_O)"

— Excuse me?

— When you do that, the universe will send a sign, and the heavens will once again open!

Before the boy can say anything, she continues, seeing the confused look on Rei's face.

— If you're in a hurry, you can simply visit my house near the Nertyrem River.

— By the heavens, I must go; it's getting late. Goodbye, young man — she says before starting to walk away.

"Getting late? But it's already the middle of the night..."

— See you... later? — he mutters, unable to say goodbye properly.