[~1100 Words]
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It was quite a coincidence that Shyarly had given up fortune-telling, yet she was eager to tell Luffy's fortune the moment she saw him.
Could it be the protagonist's aura that drew her in?
James, however, was not one to be swayed by such things. He spread his right hand, and a purplish-black, lightning-shaped symbol rotated quietly, occasionally emitting a soft sizzling sound. The air around Shyarly seemed to thicken, making her feel suffocated and breathless.
"One hundred percent accurate predictions," James said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "This is quite troublesome. Why don't you predict what would happen if you refused my command, and this lightning bolt were to fall on Fish-Man Island?"
Shyarly's eyes flashed with anger, and she opened her mouth, revealing tiny fangs. A surge of indignation welled up within her, but the pressure James exerted was too much for her to handle.
Shyarly's anger was short-lived, and she was forced to speak in a cold, hard tone.
"My fortune-telling can only predict events related to me in the future, not for any other specific person." James raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her response.
After a moment of contemplation, he realized that her previous predictions had indeed been related to her own destiny. He decided to settle for the next best thing.
"Related to you, then," James said, his eyes glinting with interest. "You can tell the future of Fish-Man Island. If that's still not enough, then..."
He left the threat hanging in the air, and Shyarly felt a shiver run down her spine. If she predicted a bright future for the island, James would likely destroy it anyway. On the other hand, if she predicted a bleak future, he would simply use it as an excuse to carry out his plans.
"Don't worry," James said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "As long as you agree to tell the fortune and share the result with me, I won't harm you."
Shyarly knew that his words were empty promises, but she felt trapped and helpless. Predicting the future was useless; only strength could determine the course of events.
With a faint sigh, Shyarly acquiesced.
"Alright, I'll help you tell the fortune. I hope you'll keep your word." She slowly turned around and retrieved a crystal ball from a large clam behind her.
As she prepared for the divination, she warned James, "Although I can accurately foresee future events, I won't be able to predict the exact time they'll occur."
James nodded, his eyes never leaving Shyarly's face.
She continued, "You can choose to leave or stay, but you must remain still and silent, so as not to disrupt the divination." James nodded again, his expression unreadable.
Shyarly closed her eyes, took a few deep breaths, and focused her mind. After a moment of meditation, she spread her hands, palms facing the crystal ball, and entered a state of trance. The air around her seemed to vibrate with anticipation as she delved into the mysteries of the future.
As she gazed into the crystal ball, countless images and symbols flashed before her eyes.
To anyone else, the ball would have appeared blank, but Shyarly's trained mind could decipher the hidden meanings. Her eyes went vacant as she interpreted the visions, and her consciousness was transported to a future era.
In this future, Fish-Man Island was no longer submerged underwater.
Instead, it floated peacefully in the sky, over 10,000 meters above the waves.
The Mermaid and Fishman races had become distinct, with the Mermaids inhabiting an island renamed Mermaid Island.
The Fishmen and male Mermaids, on the other hand, lived on a separate island, also called Fish-Man Island, under James' rule.
As Shyarly's vision continued, she realized that James had become the master of Mermaid Island, and his divine power allowed the island to defy gravity and soar into the sky.
The Mermaid maidens lived in joy and harmony, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The Fishmen and male Mermaids, meanwhile, willingly served James, who had given them so much.
Shyarly's consciousness suddenly focused on a specific scene, and her eyes widened in shock.
She saw herself lying happily on a man's chest, surrounded by beautiful Mermaids, including Mero and Lulis, who looked even lovelier than they did in the present.
However, it was the man holding her that made her heart skip a beat – it was James.
Just as Shyarly was reeling from the revelation, James in the vision turned his head and caught her gaze.
A jolt of fear ran through her, and the scene shattered, forcing her consciousness to return to the present.
Boom!
The crystal ball exploded in a burst of light and sound, and Shyarly cried out in surprise, retreating backward.
James reacted swiftly, appearing behind her and wrapping his arms around her, supporting her back.
"Are you alright, Madam Shyarly?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.
Shyarly seemed dazed, clutching her head and struggling to process the visions she had seen.
James's words barely registered, but his actions had an immediate effect.
After a few breaths, Shyarly lowered the hand protecting her forehead. Upon realizing her situation, her delicate body trembled for a moment, and she immediately struggled to leave James's embrace.
James forcibly sent her back to the bubble seat allowing her to break free from his embrace.
As he stabilized her mind, she slowly regained her composure, her eyes refocusing on the shattered crystal ball.
The destruction of the crystal ball was not a bad omen; it merely signified that the future beyond that point was beyond her ability to see.
Shyarly's predictions were always accurate, but this time, the truth was more than she could bear.
Was it possible that she was destined to become James'... virtuous wife? The thought sent a shiver down her spine, and she struggled to break free from his grasp.
As James forcibly sent her back to the bubble seat, Shyarly remained silent, lost in thought. The question echoed in her mind: what did the future hold, and was she truly bound to this man who had coerced her into divination?
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