Sorcerer’s Handbook

“I remember now,” Sonya muttered, “this is Destiny’s Inquiry.”

“Destiny’s Inquiry?”

She nodded slightly: “It’s a very rare Virtual Realm mechanism, and it comes in many forms. The one we’ve encountered is the simplest type – ‘Paper Inquiry.’ If we answer correctly, we can ask the Virtual Realm any question, and it is compelled to respond.”

“Ask anything?” Ashe said in surprise. “So if I ask how to become immortal and invincible in the world, it will answer?”

“Yes!” Sonya affirmed with a nod: “However, the quality of the Virtual Realm’s response depends on the number of correct answers you provide. The more you answer correctly, the more detailed the Virtual Realm’s response will be.”

“In fact, compared to the reward of ‘asking the Virtual Realm questions,’ many Sorcerers actually value Destiny’s Inquiry itself more—because the questions posed by Destiny’s Inquiry are about the Sorcerer’s future.”

“Questions about the future?”

“Yes, the inquiries here concern events Sorcerers have yet to experience. They can’t possibly know the correct answers and can only infer the future based on the past.” Sonya looked at the paper and whispered, “It’s said that whatever future Destiny’s Inquiry refers to will inevitably become reality.”

“Oh,” Ashe uttered. “So what’s your question?”

“Why not? Wouldn’t it be easier to find the correct answer if we discuss it together?”

“Ah, stop prying into a girl’s privacy, it’s so gross,” Sonya said, feigning disgust.

“What privacy does a Sorcerer have…”

Ashe muttered under his breath, watching Sonya intentionally or unintentionally cover the paper, thinking she was genuinely shy. But suddenly, he sensed that something was off.

In matters of strength and future, the Swordswoman was never unclear. Although she could occasionally be in a bad mood, it was undeniable that she was a good teammate, never a drag during Exploration in Virtual Realm, and never hesitated when it was time for her to contribute.

Destiny’s Inquiry was, without doubt, an extremely rare opportunity. In such a situation, would the Swordswoman refuse to cooperate because of ‘shyness’? Would she rather give the wrong answer than discuss with Ashe?

Others might, but the Swordswoman was someone who could declare in his presence, “You may not have a dream, but you can protect mine.” Her greed even received acknowledgment from the game itself; “Bond Resonance: Greediness” was the best testament to her ambition.

Moreover, Ashe and she were from two different worlds, akin to strangers on the internet. Even if Ashe knew many of her secrets, it wouldn’t affect her real life in the slightest. Pretending to be pure in front of him was pointless.

As if a laser had shot through his head, Ashe had a sudden inspiration: “Is your question related to me?”

Sonya’s body stiffened.

She knew this was the perfect moment to deny it, to use a tone of humor, disdain, or surprise to rebut, and then dismissively throw out a line like ‘stop prying into a girl’s privacy’ to dispel any suspicions the Observer might have.

Just lie, just conceal, just consider self-interest, and nip any facts unfavorable to oneself in the bud.

But for some reason, she, who was always quick-witted and clever, hesitated at that moment. It was this pause that robbed her of the chance to conceal the truth.

Perhaps she was influenced by the ‘Sincerity’ spirit…

With an inward sigh, Sonya nodded: “Yes.”

“I knew it.” Ashe muttered, musing, “It’s about me and you, and you’re unwilling to tell me. Could it be written that—”

Sonya became instantly tense.

“—you’ve fallen in love with me?”

“Are you so sleep-deprived that you’re dreaming with your eyes open?” Sonya retorted irritably. “How could that be possible!”

“Your denial is so adamant that it’s hard not to be suspicious… Hey, hey, hey, we’re in the middle of Destiny’s Inquiry, what are you doing with that sword? Put it down, you’re disturbing my concentration!” Ashe chided Sonya, then looked down at his own question: “If you don’t want to talk about it, then don’t. You make it sound like I’m so curious.”

“Aren’t you curious?”

“Of course I’m curious. I’m tempted to trick you into looking away and then snatch your question to see for myself,” Ashe said wistfully. “But you’re not willing, and I can’t offend you now for the sake of so-called ‘destiny.’”

“Don’t you want to know what might happen between us in the future if the ‘destiny’ written above could come true?”

“That question shouldn’t be directed at me, it should be for you,” Ashe replied. “Are you willing to share your future with me?”

Sonya hesitated for a moment, lifted the paper to cover her mouth, and shook her head: “Not really willing, no.”

“Alright then.” Ashe shrugged and looked back down at his question.

After a moment, he asked again: “Really not willing? If you’re not, I might just ask you again in a bit.”

Sonya couldn’t help but snort with laughter, glanced at Ashe with mock annoyance, her mouth curving slightly upward, her eyelashes fluttering adorably, her eyes crescent-shaped, and her brows filled with allure, making Ashe wonder if she had employed some beauty-enhancing spirit.

“You’re so annoying,” she muttered. “Alright, alright, I can’t guess the answer anyway, so let’s discuss it.”

“You actually wanted to talk with me about this all along—”

“Listen to the question! It’s a multiple-choice question. What is the fundamental reason for the rupture between the Swordswoman and the Observer? ① The Swordswoman’s hatred for the Observer’s indifference. ② The Observer’s belief that the Swordswoman is uncontrollable. ③ Unequal Division of Spoils. ④ All of the Above.”

“I’m going to have a rupture with you in the future?” Ashe perked up. “Rupture, that’s the first time I’ve heard such a term in real life. It sounds like something you’d only encounter in a stage play.”

Ashe had only heard of the most severe form of ending a friendship as ‘I’m not going to play with you anymore.’ A ‘rupture’ seemed like a term used between two major powers. How could ordinary people claim to have a ‘rupture’? ‘Divorce’ would be more like it.

“Spill it. Do you want to control me and then grow resentful when you find you can’t?”

“Hardly. You’re better off considering whether you have a biased impression of me. I don’t seem like some hot-blooded youth, do I? As a mature member of society, isn’t indifference a rather excellent traditional quality? Why would you detest my indifference?”

“So I don’t think it’s option ① either. I’m leaning more towards ③, Unequal Division of Spoils.”

“Are you implying there’s a problem with the current system of dividing spoils?”

“There’s no problem now, but who knows? After you escape from prison, your appetite might grow, and then it’ll be a different story…”

“Ptui, it’s more likely you’re greedy and getting ahead of yourself. I have to endure and let you have your way for the greater good, but there comes a point when I can’t take it anymore and have to part ways with you, the slacker who takes a lot and does little!”

“Be fair with your words. From the beginning until now, when have I not put in the most effort in a battle? When have I not had the highest output? Tsk, tsk, tsk, Observer, you’re showing your true colors. You’re definitely planning to cut my share of the spoils in the future!”

“Even if there were an adjustment to the shares, there would definitely be a good reason for it. I’ve always been fair and just, never engaging in petty and lowly deeds…”

“Who was it just now who said that being chosen for the Blood Moon Tribunal would trigger a massive riot in the prison? Who~ was~ that~?”

Despite discussing a very serious topic about the future, the two spoke as if they were playfully arguing over who was to blame after a game session, with a light-hearted tone that put Sonya at ease.

She had been worried that bringing up this issue of destiny would arouse suspicion or resentment from the Observer, but his attitude had dispelled her concerns.

Many things are like that; when you don’t see them as a problem, they aren’t a problem.

“It’s not option ①, nor ②, nor ③,” Sonya said, clearly exasperated. “Then what do you think is the correct choice?”

“I actually believe there’s no correct answer. If we were to have a rupture, it would certainly be for a different reason.”

“What reason?”

“Like you not being strong enough.”

Sonya was taken aback. “What do you mean?”

“It means that you might not be able to keep up with my progress,” Ashe explained. “And if I find team members who are stronger, then naturally, you’d become obsolete.”

That was the reason Ashe found most logical—although there was only one Swordswoman Operator for now, that didn’t mean she would be the only one forever. In a mobile game, isn’t it normal for initial characters to fall behind as the game progresses? In the future, surely stronger Operators would be available, and then Ashe wouldn’t need to include the Swordswoman in his team.

Sonya, trembling with cold rage and shaking shoulders, retorted: “So because I’m not strong enough, you’re thinking of discarding me?”

“It’s not about discarding, really. It’s just that you might not be able to meet my standards then, and could even hold back my progress. For both our futures, it’s better if we part ways for now—it’s for the best for both of us—”

“Let’s not wait for the future. Let’s have a rupture now!”

“Ah?” Ashe was taken aback.

This Destiny’s Inquiry—is it really that prophetic? Did it just come true?!

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