Inside the dark wooden box lay a deck of cards, each bearing a different mysterious illustration on them.
Lucian blinked.
He had expected to find charms, totems, or perhaps some other mystical objects required for the ritual. A deck of cards was the last thing he had expected to see.
He leaned forward slightly, examining the contents of the box.
Cards?
His gaze shifted towards Madam Vespera.
Is this really what a divination expert uses in a ritual?
He thought to himself.
He couldn't help but feel a little doubtful of Madam Vespera. For someone who dressed like a mysterious fortune teller and had performed such an elaborate ritual, he had expected something far more impressive to be inside the box.
Did Selene actually bring home a quack?
Madam Vespera caught his expression. Rather than taking offense at it, she seemed even more amused.
"Something troubling you, young master?"
She said in an amused tone. Lucian quickly straightened himself.
"No-Nothing. Nothing at all."
"Is that so?" She chuckled softly before lifting the deck from the box. "Then perhaps you would be interested in knowing what these are."
"Of course." He replied.
"These are called the Cards of Destiny. They reveal the threads that bind a person to their fate, their purpose, their character, and the path that lies before them."
Lucian looked down at the deck with renewed curiosity.
"The Cards of Destiny?" he asked.
"Indeed."
He examined the intricate patterns on their backs and illustrations on their front. Each illustration seemed different, though he couldn't understand the proper meaning behind them.
"Are these the actual cards of destiny?" he asked.
Madam Vespera smiled.
"Unfortunately, no. These are merely replicas of the original cards used for divination and rituals."
Lucian's interest faded almost immediately.
"Ohh..."
He leaned back in his chair.
So they're just copies?
"Then where are the real ones?" he asked, unable to hide his disappointment.
"Who knows?" Madam Vespera replied with a shrug. "They appear at random once every few centuries, choosing those born with destinies as powerful and similar to themselves."
"Choosing?" Lucian tilted his head in confusion. "You mean the cards choose their owners?"
"Precisely," she replied.
"Then why only certain people? Why only once a century?"
"Because not everyone is born equal." She gently placed the deck on the table. "If a person is blessed with great fortune, then there is another burdened with terrible misfortune. Those born with destinies powerful enough to influence the fate of humanity are exceedingly rare."
Lucian listened quietly.
Powerful enough to influence humanity? That's quite a bold claim.
"Are you saying these cards can predict the future?"
"Not quite." Madam Vespera raised a finger. "They reveal the destiny associated with a person. What they are meant to become, the role they are destined to fulfil, and the qualities they are expected to possess."
"Then does that mean everything is already decided?"
For the first time, Madam Vespera's smile softened.
"That is a question people have argued over for centuries, young master. Whether fate guides our choices or our choices shape fate is something even the wisest scholars have failed to answer."
Lucian fell silent for a moment.
So even fate has its own mysteries.
Madam Vespera ran a finger along the edge of the deck.
"No one knows for certain who created these cards. However, it is widely believed that the originals were made for the betterment of humanity. Each card represents a particular role, a destiny that its chosen bearer is meant to fulfill."
She drew a card from the deck and held it up for Lucian to see.
"This card is called The Saint."
The illustration depicted a priest dressed in ceremonial robes, his face partially obscured by shadows.
"Those chosen by the Saint card are destined to become great religious figures. They bring salvation to those who suffer and offer blessings to those in need."
She placed the card on the table.
"The bearers of the original cards are said to possess the qualities required by their respective roles. The Saint, for instance, should possess compassion and selflessness. Such qualities are believed to be inherent in its bearer."
"So, the card doesn't just tell people what they're destined to become. It also reveals what kind of person they are?"
"Some also say that the cards change the personality of the bearer to suit the role of the card."
Madam Vespera said in a low voice. She continued.
"Their deeds often earn them the admiration of entire nations. It is not uncommon for their names to become known across continents."
Lucian looked at the card again.
Someone who brings salvation to others...
It sounded like something straight out of a religious legend or a novel.
"That is why religious organizations spare no effort in finding someone chosen by the Saint card," Madam Vespera continued. "Even among the saints and saintesses who serve different gods and goddesses, the bearer of this card is granted a higher status. They are often recognized as a leader among them."
"A status even above the saints who serve the gods?"
"That is correct."
Lucian raised his eyebrows.
That's quite an extraordinary position. I wonder what happens if the person chosen doesn't want to become a religious figure.
He considered asking, but another question came to mind.
"If these cards are meant for the betterment of humanity, why do they appear only once every few centuries?"
"Because people born with such powerful destinies are rare. Besides, if too many of them appeared at once, the world could descend into chaos."
"How?" he asked, tilting his head.
Madam Vespera picked up another card and placed it beside the Saint.
"Many cards represent conflicting roles. When several bearers appear during the same era, their paths are bound to cross as they fulfill their respective destinies. Sometimes, such a situation even leads to conflict. Sometimes, even wars."
She tapped the Saint card with one finger.
"Take the Saint and the Blasphemer, for example. The Saint strengthens people's faith in the gods, while the Blasphemer challenges that very faith, exposing the dangers of blind devotion."
"Then wouldn't the Blasphemer be considered an enemy of the Saint?"
"Not necessarily."
Lucian looked at Madam Vespera in surprise.
"Both play a part in shaping humanity's future," she explained. "One strengthens faith, while the other questions it. Their purposes may be different, but neither is inherently evil. However, their opposing ideals can bring them into conflict, even when neither wishes to fight."
Lucian glanced at the two cards.
So even people with good intentions can become enemies simply because they believe in different ideals.
Chapter discussion