Chapter 87: Prophecy
"What prophecy?"
Trinnon softly recited, "You shall walk with greed, and you shall die penniless."
"What does that mean?" Cipher hadn't reacted yet.
Your heart sank.
Aglaea sighed. "Cifera, Tribios's prophecies… have never failed. Although the prophecy will eventually come true, you still have a choice now." She looked at Cipher gently. "If you change your mind, no one will blame you."
Cipher froze for a few seconds, then burst out laughing. "What is this! You call such ambiguous words a prophecy?"
"Fei'er…" You urgently grabbed her hand. "This is not a joke! If the prophecy says you will…"
"Will die, right?" Cipher waved her hand dismissively. "Come on, who doesn't die? Besides, 'walk with greed'? 'Die penniless'? What is all this?"
"But," your voice trembled slightly, "what if…"
"Little Wildcat." Cipher turned around and looked at you seriously. "You don't really believe in this kind of thing, do you?"
You bit your lip. "How about we don't participate? This prophecy is too ominous."
Seeing your worried expression, Cipher's expression softened. She reached out and touched your head. "Silly Little Wildcat, what are you worrying about? The prophecy says I will die because of greed?"
"That's simple!" She proudly puffed out her chest. "I just won't be greedy from now on, right? No greed for money, no greed for treasures, no greed for anything!" "Isn't that easy-peasy, simple-simple?" She blinked. "Besides, when have I ever been greedy? We Rogues are all for helping the Little Wildcat, right?"
"But…"
"No buts!" Cipher interrupted you. "What I've decided, I won't change because of some lousy prophecy!" She held your hand. "And with you by my side, what do I have to fear?"
You looked at her resolute gaze and knew you couldn't change her decision. Since that's the case… forget it. If anyone wants to fulfill this prophecy and harm Cipher, then let them become corpses first. No matter who—Gods or heroes—as long as they have the slightest ill will towards Cipher, they must die. Just like back in Dolos, you would cut all threats into pieces.
"All right." You finally compromised. "But you have to promise me, you must avoid risks."
"Of course!" Cipher said with a grin. "From today onwards, I'll be the least greedy Rogue in the world!"
At this moment, you noticed Tribbie looking at you, her expression a bit hesitant. "Sister Tribbie," you asked, "Is there… a prophecy about me too?"
And Tribbie seemed to still be hesitating whether to speak. Trianne and Trinnon exchanged glances, and finally, Trinnon spoke softly, "Indeed, there is."
The room fell silent once more.
"What is my prophecy…?" You asked.
Trinnon slowly recited, "You shall reverse the beginning and end, overturning all ages for one person."
You and Cipher were both stunned.
"What… what does that mean?" Cipher scratched her head. "Why is your prophecy even stranger than mine?"
You also frowned, completely clueless.
Aglaea's expression became a bit complex. She looked at you deeply but said nothing.
Tribbie quietly added, "This prophecy… is the most difficult one to interpret among all prophecies."
"Ha!" Cipher suddenly laughed. "See, Little Wildcat, your prophecy is even more outrageous! Overturning all ages, it sounds like it's made up!" She patted your shoulder. "So, there's no need to care about these prophecies at all!"
But you noticed that Tribbie and the others all showed worried expressions. Especially Trinnon, her gaze towards you carried an indescribable sadness.
"Forget it, forget it!" Cipher waved her hand dismissively. "Who cares about prophecies! Anyway, we'll face it together, right, Little Wildcat?"
You nodded, but the unease in your heart grew heavier. Overturning all ages for one person… Would that "one person" be Cipher?
Aglaea seemed to want to end the topic. "Well then, since you've decided, I need to prepare some things for you. The Journey of Chasing the Flame is not a child's play; you need stronger combat power."
17 years old. Compared to when you first arrived in Ohema many years ago, you had both grown quite a bit taller. Cipher, who was once that scrawny cat-eared girl, had now blossomed into a graceful young woman. Her short gray hair was braided into a neat plait, revealing her long, fair neck. Years of running and jumping had made her figure exceptionally well-proportioned, with even faint mermaid lines visible around her waist. Her gray cat tail had also grown much longer. Her charming appearance from childhood had become even more captivating as she grew up. Whenever she turned back and smiled at you, the way her cat eyes curved made you feel as if your heart had been stolen.
Cipher… You suddenly realized, she was such a lovely young woman.
And you yourself had also grown a bit taller than her. According to Cipher, your appearance seemed to have become more handsome than before—though you were indifferent to your own looks. But recently, you noticed Cipher often staring at you, that focused gaze making you a bit uncomfortable. Even more exaggerated, she almost "raided" your room every night. Waking up in the morning, you would either find her sound asleep beside you, or open your eyes to see her staring at you.
"Cipher, you're here again…" You looked helplessly at the young woman by the bed.
"Hehe, Little Wildcat looks really good when sleeping!" She said self-righteously. "And your bed is softer than mine!"
"It's the same bed…"
"No, it's not! The bed with Little Wildcat on it is just more comfortable!" As she spoke, she curled up beside you like a real cat.
You were indeed indifferent to your appearance, but if Cipher liked it, that was naturally for the best.
18 years old. Soon, two and a half years had passed since Aglaea said she would enhance your combat power. During these two and a half years, she only made you continuously train your bodies and develop your potential as Chrysos Heirs.