Eiji trudged through the forest, mud squelching under his boots, holding the glowing medallion in one hand and a soggy map in the other.
"Why do maps always lead to traps?" he muttered. "I swear every prophecy mission is just a lawsuit waiting to happen."
Pyra floated overhead, sparks flicking off her in irritation. "Because, Oracle, the universe loves irony. And apparently, it really likes you."
The glowing footprints led him to a narrow canyon where shadows danced strangely on the walls. A faint humming filled the air, like a song the trees themselves didn't want to sing.
"Uh… Pyra?" Eiji asked nervously. "Does it feel… suspiciously suspicious in here?"
Pyra rolled her tiny fiery eyes. "Yes. Suspiciously suspicious is the official warning. Also, you're about to trip into a magical trap. Just saying."
Before he could respond, the medallion glowed violently, pulling him forward. Eiji stumbled into a clearing—and immediately triggered a magical net trap that lifted him off the ground, dangling him upside-down like an overripe fruit.
"Great. Fantastic. Perfect. Just perfect." Eiji groaned.
From the shadows, a pair of dark boots appeared, followed by a hooded figure. "So… the Oracle arrives," said a calm, deep voice. "I've been expecting you."
Eiji swung upside-down, accidentally kicking the figure in the chest. The figure stumbled back, letting the net slowly lower him.
"Uh… sorry?" Eiji said, trying to disentangle himself.
Pyra flicked sparks at the figure. "He's clumsy, he's unlucky, and he's officially the bane of the Shadow Guild. Also, yes, that kick did hurt."
The figure straightened, glaring. "The medallion you carry belongs to us. Hand it over, Oracle, or face the consequences."
Eiji's eyes widened. "Hand it over? Are you kidding? You literally just appeared and—"
Before he could finish, a nearby tree branch snapped under his flailing arms, hitting a rune on the ground. The medallion leapt from his hand, spinning in the air, releasing a burst of chaotic magic.
Sparks flew. Shadows scattered. The figure yelped and vanished into a magical portal, leaving Eiji dangling in the net.
Pyra hovered down, hovering over his head. "And that, Oracle, is how you survive a direct encounter with the Shadow Guild. By accident."
Eiji groaned. "I really hate my life."
"Love it or leave it," Pyra said with a sparkly shrug. "Also, congrats. You now have their attention. They're probably plotting your demise as we speak."
Eiji sighed. "Perfect. Let's go tell the town that the 'Oracle of Misfortune' has officially started a war."
As he was untangled from the net, he realized one terrifying truth: his accidental prophecies weren't just creating chaos—they were now drawing real danger toward him.
And somewhere, in the shadowed corners of Zorynthia, the Guild was already planning its next move.