So, here's the chapter about the second fortune teller event, this one being more than three times as long as the last one...
Well, once I started to write about Kirito and the different girls getting their fortunes told, I also started adding a lot of things. Every fortune comes with the respective girl's thoughts on it, at least in the more interesting cases.
There's a ton of foreshadowing in this chapter. For instance, there are three fortune's that weren't in the original event, and they're all foreshadowing something I have in mind for the characters that are involved.
I've also changed a lot of details about the original HF event, just saying to avoid confusion.
Ascending Moon will make another appearance. It's nothing major, but why not?
There will also be a minor reference to my recent side story "The Meaning of an AI". It should be explained sufficiently in this chapter, so I doubt it will cause any confusion even if you haven't read said side story.
Disclaimer: I don't own Sword Art Online Re:Hollow Fragment or Sword Art Online in general.
A few days after the incident with the fortune-telling player, word got about that a new event took place. Oddly enough, it was all about a fortune teller.
This time, however, the fortune teller was an NPC, and he'd read the fortune of pairs, judging their "compatibility", and he gave each pair an item, which was allegedly based on the fortune.
Well, and that's how Kirito got dragged to the next fortune teller, but not just coincidentally by one girl, but on purpose by… all of them, actually. To be fair, he was curious about this event, and the chance to get a rare item almost for free was something he wouldn't pass on.
However, he didn't have the feeling that he had fully recovered from the last fortune teller incident, so this one made him quite apprehensive. He could've sworn he had seen Asuna glancing at him suspiciously even on the day after the first fortune teller mess, and he wasn't looking forward to the possibility of that happening again…
The fact that Argo, who had told them about this fortune teller event, had also turned out to be the perpetrator behind the last one didn't make things better. Apparently, Argo had put that fortune teller guy up to waiting for Kirito passing by with "a girl" and telling them that something terrible would happen to Kirito unless a girl would cling close to him the entire day.
As it had turned out, Argo had thought that the girl in that scenario would be Asuna, and she had planned to come by later to tease them for being all lovey-dovey and worried about each other. Well, Argo didn't mind the different course of events, though. If anything, she thought that it had worked better than planned.
Whether Argo had sinister plans even for today's event or not, they would discover soon enough what this event would hold in store for them as they arrived at the town square, where the fortune teller NPC was waiting for the players.
They were surprised to meet Akinym and a small group of other players there. The other players happened to be the members of Ascending Moon. To be more precise, only Tsukuyomi, Susanoo and Kaito were with Akinym right now. ODE and Junimenta were queuing up, waiting for their turn.
When Akinym and the members of Ascending Moon noticed Kirito and "his Amazons" (as some people called the group of girls), they turned towards them, but their individual reactions varied. Akinym was a bit exasperated by the fact that Kirito really showed up with all of the girls… Not that he was surprised, though. Tsukuyomi seemed interested since that was the first time he got to see them (except for Asuna). Susanoo and Kaito just glared at Kirito.
Susanoo [mutters]: He really is popular, no joke!
Kaito [mutters]: Yeah, the rumors are totally true!
Meanwhile, Kirito's group also noticed the familiar faces. Well, most of them only knew Akinym. Only Sinon knew all of them, and Tsukuyomi seemed a little familiar to Asuna, although she couldn't remember where they might've met.
Asuna: Hello, Akinym-san, I didn't expect to run into you here. [to Tsukuyomi, slightly at a loss] And… Um, could it be that we've met somewhere? I have this feeling, but I don't think I really remember you.
Tsukuyomi [politely, slightly excitedly]: I'm Tsukuyomi, the leader of the guild Ascending Moon, Asuna-san. We've met one time after our application for the Assault Team.
Kirito [slightly excitedly]: Oh, I think I remember the name. From what I've heard, you guys have a good chance to join the Assault Team soon. [nervously] Although… [points at Susanoo and Kaito] What's with these two?
Tsukuyomi glanced over at his comrades to see what Kirito was talking about, and Akinym did the same. When Tsukuyomi saw what was the issue, he flinched and turned back to Kirito with an awkward expression.
Tsukuyomi [apologetically]: Try not to pay that too much mind!
Akinym [whispers to Kirito, flatly]: In short, they're idiots!
Kirito [hesitantly, slightly confused]: Okay… [slightly curiously] I'm a bit surprised to see you here, though. Are you interested in this fortune-telling stuff?
Akinym [annoyed]: Why would you think that?! [slightly sternly] No, I'm just here for the items!
Tsukuyomi: We're currently going through all combinations, and with Akinym-san, we get one and a half times as many items as we'd get with our guild alone.
Kirito [slightly exasperatedly]: Well, fair point… I mean, I'm pretty much here for the items, too.
Yui [sternly]: Papa! You better don't forget that this is also about your compatibility with everyone!
Akinym: Compatibility? Wait, is that about this rumor that you'll get a rare item if the pairing of players is very compatible or something along those lines?
Leafa [slightly excitedly]: Yeah, it is! I honestly can't wait to see what we'll get!
Lisbeth: It's not every day that you get a chance like this!
Silica: Yes, it might be the rare chance to get confirmed whether we're destined to be together in one way or another, and even by a real fortune teller this time!
Kirito [slightly awkwardly]: As you can see, they're really into this… [thinks, dejectedly] I doubt that anything good will come from this, though…
Sinon [slightly exasperatedly]: They sure are. Everyone was so looking forward to getting told how "compatible" they are with Kirito that it's almost annoying...
Kirito could've sworn that Susanoo and Kaito's glares became more intense when Sinon said that.
Akinym [slightly exasperatedly]: You better don't get your hopes up! [points at the fortune teller] That NPC just says random stuff and hands out equally random items, but see it for yourselves!
They turned their attention to the fortune teller, just in time to watch ODE and Junimenta getting their future read. The demeanour of the NPC was calm and serious, and his tone was solemn and kind of mysterious, which really set the right mood for this.
To be honest, the vast majority of the girls was really taken in, although in some cases (especially Yui's), they were just interested in seeing "actual" divination. Meanwhile, Akinym, Kirito, Sinon and the guys from Ascending Moon, who contemplated the actual lines of the fortune teller, noticed that he really was saying just extremely generic stuff.
After a short prophecy of sorts, an item spawned and was taken by ODE. It happened to be a dagger… which seemed to displease Junimenta, as she came back with a quite bad mood.
Junimenta: A dagger? Really?! None of us uses one, so this is basically useless! What is this supposed to tell us? That ODE is useless to me?!
ODE [soothingly, slightly defensively]: Now, now, Juni-chan, you don't have to interpret that in such a harsh way! That's just for fun!
While Tsukuyomi joined ODE in his "endeavour" to cheer Junimenta up, Asuna wondered what this experience said about the fortune teller. She wondered if Akinym (well, and not just Akinym) was right, in which case they'd just get an item, and that would be it.
However, the issue of being a good match with Kirito – or anyone around her, to be honest – was important to her, and therefore, she treated this – and, by extension, this whole fortune teller business – very seriously. Who could know if divination was something that would really work, and if it did, maybe the system could pull it off.
Asuna: Alright, time to get serious! Kirito-kun, let's do this!
Kirito was a bit taken aback by Asuna's determination, even though it didn't come out of nowhere. Before he could say anything, Asuna grabbed his arm and basically dragged him towards the fortune teller.
The last pair of players just finished their turn, so they didn't even have to wait. Asuna let go of Kirito's arm when they walked up to the fortune teller's table, and they took position in front of it.
Asuna: Hello, we'd like to have our future read if that's okay.
The fortune teller started to hum contemplatively while his gaze was fixated on a crystal ball on the table, and after a few seconds, he spoke up.
Fortune Teller: An unusual future awaits you. Murky is the future, and clouded is the road ahead. Troubles may befall you.
That… was a bit worrying. While Kirito was a bit crept out by the thought, Asuna couldn't help but think that this really didn't sound well… In the end, both of them wondered what these "troubles" might be.
Fortune Teller: For the two of you, I have this. Good luck in whatever the future brings.
An item appeared above the table, and it turned out to be some kind of sword. Kirito quickly reached out to grab it before it would fall to the ground.
They had seen a wide variety of weapons during their time in SAO, and it wouldn't have been all too surprising if neither of them had recognised it. However, both of them had a strong feeling that they knew this kind of weapon.
They could've just checked its description to know what it was, but Kirito subconsciously wanted to figure it out on his own. The sword looked familiar, but it took him a second to properly assess the feeling of nostalgia that came from it.
Kirito: Wait, isn't that… an Anneal Blade?
Asuna: Ah, right! That's the weapon you used near the beginning of the game, isn't it?
Kirito: Yeah. This really takes me back to those times. It was a precious item… [slightly doubtfully] back then. That was at the beginning of the game. Here on the upper floors, this… is really not that valuable, is it?
Asuna could only agree, and it left a sour taste… When they returned to the others, who had watched close by, the majority of them didn't really know what to say. Well, Lisbeth had something in mind, though…
Lisbeth [teasingly]: Huh, an Anneal Blade? Maybe it's a sign that you're past your prime, and you already count as an old married couple?
Asuna [upset, dejectedly]: LIIIIZ!
Lisbeth [chuckles]: Sorry, sorry! [slightly taken aback] But seriously, that's not really what I expected.
Yui [contemplatively, slightly dejectedly]: Hm, it is strange that Mama and Papa didn't get a rare item. [seriously] There might be an error in the system that assesses the players' compatibility…
Akinym: Let's not go overboard here. That's just a completely random item, and they just had bad luck.
Kirito: Yeah, don't take any of this personal, Asuna! I don't think much of this.
While that was good to know, it didn't really cheer Asuna up that much. After all, she had hoped for something more romantic.
Noticing that nobody could really do anything about Asuna's mood, Sinon decided to try her own idea.
Sinon: Asuna, if you really want to interpret anything into this item, maybe you should try to see it from a more personal angle? What if it's not about the rarity? If this is supposed to express how well you match someone, I think it's more about what this item symbolises. You've said this was the weapon Kirito used at the beginning of the game. That's when the two of you met, right?
Asuna: You… You're right, Sinonon. Maybe this is about remembering your origins? Something along the lines of "if you want to overcome future obstacles, never forget how everything began"?
Kirito wasn't sure what to think about this, but since it seemed to cheer Asuna up, he wouldn't complain. Frankly, neither would anyone else.
Lisbeth: Well, so now that that's out of the way, who's next?
Silica [determinedly], Leafa and Philia [cheerfully]: Me!
It was a bit awkward. Especially for Kirito, actually. However, the awkward feeling quickly vanished when he felt murderous intent being directed at him. It didn't came from Asuna as a few times before, but it came from Susanoo and Kaito instead.
Leafa: Well, I mean, we'll all get our turn, right? [slightly cheerfully] I just think that as his sister, I'm sure we'll have pretty good compatibility!
Asuna [slightly awkwardly]: I'm not sure if it's that kind of compatibility, Leafa-san…
Leafa [slightly upset]: Why not?! It doesn't say anything about a special kind of compatibility, so I guess it's all about the unique personal connection, regardless of details! Anyway, there's only one way to find out!
With that, Leafa rushed straight towards the fortune teller.
Leafa: What are you waiting for, Kirito-kun?! Hurry up already!
Kirito [mutters, dejectedly]: What have I gotten into? [says aloud, slightly exasperatedly] Alright, I'm coming!
Kirito walked over to Leafa, and when they stood next to each other, Leafa turned towards the fortune teller.
Leafa [slightly cheerfully]: Hello! I'm sorry to bother you, but would you mind reading our future?
Fortune Teller: I see something in your future… But know this! If you do not desire it, it will not come to pass.
He saw "something" in their future?! Now that was the most meaningless phrase Kirito had heard in a long time, and even he had to restrain himself, or else he would've rolled his eyes so hard that they would've started spinning inside his virtual head.
Leafa took this significantly worse. She had a certain feeling what this "something" might be. At the very least, there was something that she interpreted as this "something", and she was very concerned that it could "not come to pass" as the fortune teller had phrased it.
Leafa [thinks]: Why would he phrase it like that? If he said that, there is an actual risk, right? I mean, there is, isn't there? [looks at Kirito] But he said that he… What if it wasn't actually true? Or maybe the problem lies in me?
Fortune Teller: For the two of you, I have this. May fortune and happiness be yours truly.
Another item appeared, and Kirito grabbed it to take a closer look at it. This time, it was just…
Kirito: A Teleport Crystal?
Leafa was even more bummed out than Kirito. That was honestly the plainest item they could've possibly got. Well, except for some kind of potion, perhaps.
It might have been useful, and objectively speaking, it was much more useful on the upper floors than the Anneal Blade was. However, it didn't even hold any symbolic value. Or did it? While Leafa was trying to figure out what this item was supposed to express, she thought that a Teleport Crystal was supposed to get the user out of a dangerous situation, just as she tried to get Kirito out of SAO. Was that the meaning behind this?
However, it didn't actually make her feel any better. If that was the meaning of the item they had got, what would that mean for their relationship after SAO? Was there… nothing?
When they returned to the others, Lisbeth summed up the situation.
Lisbeth: So… Two bummers so far, right? That's… really going differently than I expected.
Philia [slightly contemplatively]: Hm… What if there's a trick to it? Like, maybe you have to approach the fortune teller in a special way?
Akinym [slightly annoyed and sternly]: The trick is to have luck! Seriously, you're starting to overthink this!
Silica: No, I think we're onto something here! You have to show others how close you are if you want them to recognise, and it's the same with destiny! Therefore, you have to show the fortune teller how compatible you are before you even talk to him!
Lisbeth [slightly at a loss]: Well, okay, but how exactly do you intend to do that? [slightly worriedly] You don't think what I fear you do, do you?
Silica: Well, the best way would be to get physically close! Like… We could… lock arms!
Lisbeth [mutters]: You and your bold ideas sometimes, Silica…
Kirito [surprised]: You want to hold my arm while we're walking up to the NPC?! [slightly exasperatedly] Well, I mean, there's no harm in trying, I guess, [slightly awkwardly] but…
Silica: Let's try that, Kirito-san! I'll be the first one to test that!
Pina chirped as if to approve, and apparently, this was all the approval Silica needed. She grabbed Kirito's arm and walked over to the fortune teller. In the end, Kirito just sighed and went along with the idea. Who knew, maybe they really were onto something…
By now, no other players approached the NPC, so they didn't even have to wait. The few other players around the town square preferred to watch Kirito's group for the time being. Frankly, the various kinds of stares made Kirito quite nervous once he noticed them. The worst part was that the murderous intent which was aimed at him seemed to become even stronger.
Silica, on the other hand, was too occupied with other thoughts to pay the dubious implications of their situation any mind.
Silica [thinks]: If Leafa-san only got a Teleport Crystal, this might be my chance! Maybe Kirito-san and I will get a really rare item, and that would mean that we're more compatible, right? [says aloud] Hello, we would like you to read our futures, please! [hastily] Oh, wait! [whispers, sternly] Kirito-san, try to get a bit closer! Try to stand at a spot so that my back and my shoulder press against your chest! And look over my head or my shoulder!
Kirito couldn't believe that Silica asked that, let alone with a straight face. Just how desperately did she want this to work?! Regardless, he did what she had told him to do.
Silica: Alright, now we're ready!
Fortune Teller: Hm… This is promising. I see a radiant glow ahead. However, reaching it will not be easy, though it is within your power to overcome any obstacles.
Silica [surprised, slightly excitedly]: Could it be that…?
Fortune Teller: For the two of you, I have this. May you bask in the radiant glow that awaits.
Kirito caught the item that appeared with his free hand. That wasn't easy since said item turned out to be pretty heavy broadsword. Silica released Kirito from her grip, so he could take the sword properly and check its attributes.
Kirito [slightly contemplatively]: Hm, I've never heard the name, but I guess that means it's rare after all. [impressed, slightly excitedly] Wow, these stats are top-notch!
Silica: So we really got a good item! [happily] Yay, that's great!
Silica turned to the others, and a lot of them were quite surprised by this turn of events. However, Lisbeth's teasing smile confused Silica for a moment.
Lisbeth: Well, I guess clinging to Kirito is the answer after all.
Now it hit Silica what she had actually done the whole time, and she blushed crimson before turning back towards Kirito.
Silica: I'm sorry, Kirito-san! That must've been really embarrassing for you! [thinks] It certainly is for me…
Kirito: It's okay, Silica! Try not to think too much about it! [thinks, exasperatedly] I'll try to do the same…
With that, they returned to the others.
Lisbeth [interested, slightly contemplatively]: All jokes aside, physical contact really seems to have an impact.
Sinon: I don't know about that. If the item you get is at least somewhat random, it might've been just a fluke. Just one attempt isn't enough of a sample.
Philia: I think she's right. We should try that again before we jump to conclusions.
Asuna [determinedly]: Well, in that case, I'll try again. If that's how it's supposed to work, I want to see what will happen if we do it the right way this time!
Kirito [taken aback]: I don't know, Asuna. Is that really…
Asuna: Come with me already, Kirito-kun!
Without another word, Asuna grabbed Kirito's arm and dragged him to the fortune teller again. This time, however, she pressed his arm tightly against her body, and now it was Kirito's turn to blush crimson. Asuna insisted on him holding her close from behind, and she didn't tolerate any dissent on the matter – while literally everyone was watching them.
Frankly, Asuna was as fierce and determined as she was when they were about to fight a boss monster. This was really getting out of hand…
Asuna: We're here to have our future read!
Fortune Teller: There is nothing more to tell you. Follow your heart!
That was… unexpected. Although it actually shouldn't have come as a surprise. Of course every pair only got one chance.
Well, that didn't mean that Asuna wasn't utterly dissatisfied, but there was nothing she could do about it, even after getting fired up like that.
Lisbeth: Well, I guess that didn't work. So… I'm next! [slightly mischievously] Call it priority by knowing him the longest out of the remaining candidates! [contemplatively] As for the method…
Kirito [nervously]: Well, fine with me, but go easy on me, okay?
Lisbeth [teasingly, slightly reassuringly]: Don't you worry, you worrywart! [slightly contemplatively] Let's see…
Something on the edge of the plaza caught Lisbeth's eye, and it gave her an idea.
Lisbeth: Wait a moment!
With that, Lisbeth ran towards some kind of food stall, and for whatever reason, she seemed to buy something and brought it back.
Leafa [confused]: Is that… a barbecue skewer? What are you going to do with that?
Lisbeth: Isn't it obvious? That's for Kirito! We have to show our compatibility, and I'll show it with something he likes!
Silica [mutters, slightly taken aback]: Using food like that… That's almost like cheating.
Kirito [mutters, exasperatedly]: Why do I get the feeling that I'm treated as a simpleton? [says aloud, slightly doubtfully] What do you actually want to do, Liz? Am I just supposed to eat this, or…?
Lisbeth [slightly embarrassed]: Well, I guess that wouldn't be enough… [embarrassed] I guess I'll… have to, you know… feed you.
Lisbeth realised that she was getting second thoughts, so she figured that she probably should get this over and done with. Thus, she grabbed Kirito's arm, and he was once again dragged to the fortune teller… and once again, he didn't get a say in this.
When they stood in front of the NPC, Lisbeth wondered how she should actually go about this. Picturing the scene of feeding Kirito the skewer in her mind made it painfully obvious how cringy and clichéd it was.
Alas, Lisbeth thought that this was just like forging a weapon. Once you have gathered the materials in front of you, you don't think about the chances of success or failure, you just do your job! If she couldn't muster the resolve to do this, she wouldn't get anywhere, at least in her opinion.
Speaking of resolve, Kirito was actually about to muster the resolve to object for real to the shenanigans of the girls for once. Frankly, the embarrassment became too much for him to handle. However, when he opened his mouth to speak up, he only made it easier for Lisbeth to shove the skewer inside his mouth.
That way, he couldn't say anything. Not that Lisbeth paid attention anymore anyway… She just turned to the fortune teller.
Lisbeth: Hello, we're here to get our future read!
Fortune Teller: Your destiny is a particularly peculiar one… The road will bend in unexpected places and lead to great collaborations with others. For the two of you, I have this. May your future be paved with pure happiness.
When the item appeared, Lisbeth was the one to take it this time. At least she let go of the skewer in the process, so Kirito could take it out of his mouth.
Lisbeth quickly walked over to the rest of the group, desperately fighting back her embarrassment. At the same time, she wondered what the fortune might mean.
"The road will bend in unexpected places"… What could the unexpected places be? Maybe this was referring to something outside SAO. Sure, she had wondered what she could possibly do in SAO, where she was just Kirito's blacksmith, and she had already thought that the best place to do something about that would be back in the real world. But didn't that mean the real world was the "expected place"? So… Should she already make her move in the virtual world? She wasn't sure… And what did "great collaborations with others" mean? Did that mean she would need help? Well, maybe. Probably.
Asuna [slightly curiously]: What did you get, Liz? Is that… some kind of decorative item? It seems to be made of gold…
Lisbeth finally took a closer look at the item, and Asuna seemed to be right about it.
Lisbeth: Yeah, but… [slightly dejectedly] Just because it's made of gold doesn't mean it's worth that much in this game. Golden knickknacks aren't that uncommon, so I don't think this item is actually all that special. [thinks, worriedly] Is that supposed to say something about me, too? [upset] Dammit, why did this have to become depressing?!
Kirito: Well, I just hope we can do the rest without trying to choke me…
Yui [slightly excitedly]: Papa, I'd like to go next!
Kirito: Yui? Well, okay, let's try. [mutters, slightly contemplatively] Although I wonder if it will even work at all with Yui. The system doesn't treat her as a real player…
Yui didn't really seem to care about that and just focused on "the matter at hand". She wanted to contribute to their "experiments", so she suggested that Kirito should carry her on his shoulders. Well, it wasn't the first time they had done that, and to be honest, Yui just missed that a little, which was another reason for the suggestion.
Oddly enough, carrying Yui around on his shoulders was actually less embarrassing than their last three attempts, and Kirito also had the feeling that the murderous intent was gone for a moment. However, he could've sworn that he heard someone mutter something along the lines of, "The guy is such a dad..."
Yui: Hello, Mister Fortune Teller. Would you read our future, please?
This time, something really odd happened. The fortune teller didn't react at all for a moment. Since this hadn't happened before, it took all of the surrounding people by surprise. Kirito even wondered if the NPC was lagging for some reason.
However, after a few seconds, he finally spoke up.
Fortune Teller: There is nothing more to tell you. Follow your heart!
The surprise returned even more intense as nobody had seen that coming. It certainly made them wonder why the NPC would give them the same reply as Asuna earlier.
Well, Yui was just dissatisfied. She had hoped for some kind of fortune, but in the end, it hadn't happened. They just returned to the others, and Kirito put her down again.
Yui: I'm sorry that I couldn't help with figuring out the secret behind this event. I wish I knew what happened. Maybe I could find a way to fix it.
Asuna: Don't worry about it, Yui-chan! It's not your fault that this happened.
Philia: Well, anyway, we still have to test again if getting physically close influences the outcome, right? And I guess it's my turn!
Philia wondered what she should try. This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to get close to Kirito without issue. It was – literally – for science.
Frankly, the bizarrely gleeful expression on her face made Kirito (and a few others) a bit nervous. They wondered what she had in mind, and there was one particular thing she had actually wanted to do, but normally, it would be out of the question.
Philia [embarrassed, slightly excitedly]: Kirito, you know, try… Try carrying me in your arms!
The bold exclamation took most of them aback, especially Kirito. He could feel the murderous intent flaming up again, coming back as strong as ever.
He received help from a rather unexpected source.
Akinym [sternly, slightly upset]: Okay, that's enough nonsense for one day! Carrying you in his arms?! Seriously?!
Lisbeth [slightly annoyed]: What?! We have to try it, right? [mutters, slightly taken aback] Although it's pretty bold, to be honest…
Akinym: Listen, for the umpteenth time, it's completely random! [points at Ascending Moon] We've tried this before, and the best item we've got came from me and [points at Kaito] this guy of all people, and we're about as "compatible" as a display of fragile antiques and a chainsaw wielded by someone who's suffering an epileptic fit!
Kaito [slightly grumpily]: Yeah, I'd say so, too!
Leafa [doubtfully]: I don't know… Maybe that was the actual fluke?
Akinym [exasperatedly]: Honestly, compatibility has nothing to do with this! How could the system possibly determine your compatibility, and what does the way you walk up to that NPC have to do with it? That doesn't have to say anything! You could just put on an act, and in all honesty, [looks at Pina] I could probably… You know what? I'll just show you! [calmly] Silica-san, could I borrow Pina for a moment?
Silica [surprised]: Pina? [slightly at a loss] I don't know, but I guess if she's okay with it…
Silica looked at Pina, which seemed quite confused. The familiar seemed to be wary of Akinym, but probably because its master didn't seem to mind, it eventually flew over to Akinym and followed him to the fortune teller. However, the familiar acted uncharacteristically distantly the entire time, and it seemed indifferent at best.
When they stood in front of the fortune teller, Akinym took a deep breath and cleared his throat. Sinon became a bit worried since some of the things he did were part of his "acting routine", and she had a hunch as to where this was going… and it was confirmed when Akinym suddenly pointed at Pina in an extremely dramatic fashion.
Akinym: Wise man of the divine words speaking the future, I bring you my dearest companion to ask of you: What does the future hold in store for us?
Frankly, the fortune teller was the only one who wasn't taken aback by this. Even Pina stared at Akinym as if he was the weirdest person on the planet. Well, because in that very moment, he probably was.
Fortune Teller: The future is unclear. The road ahead is clouded in mist, and many long arms may reach out to pull you off. What becomes of you depends on how you deal with this. For the two of you, I have this. May you find the path that is truly yours.
The item Akinym and… well, Pina got seemed to be some kind of turnip. Akinym checked its description while he returned to the others.
Asuna: That's an ingredient, isn't it? I don't think I've ever seen it before, though…
Akinym: Well, apparently, it's some kind of A class ingredient.
Lisbeth [slightly impressed]: Whoa, A class? That's not to be laughed at! And if even Asuna doesn't know it, it has to be pretty rare, right?
Silica [slightly insecurely]: Who would've thought that Pina and Akinym-san have such great compatibility…
Akinym could only roll his eyes at their "interpretation" of the events, but before he said anything, he noticed that Kirito seemed to think about something.
Akinym [slightly curiously]: What's the matter, Kirito-san? [annoyed] Don't tell me you're thinking about the same kind of nonsense!?
Kirito [slightly defensively]: No, that's not it! [doubtfully] I just don't get why it even worked. Pina isn't a player, so why did it work? I mean, when I tried with Yui, we've got the weirdest reaction. What's different about Pina?
Yui [contemplatively]: Hm, it could be that the system linked Pina to Silica-san. Familiars are treated as items of their masters, and the owner of an item is referenced in the item's hidden attributes by their ID. It is possible that the system just read the ID and identified Akinym-san's partner as Silica-san.
Silica [shocked]: Wait, so does that mean that Akinym-san and I…? [mutters, nervously] I never thought about that, it didn't seem like it, but if Akinym-san and I really have such good compatibility… What should I do?
Akinym [very sternly, annoyed]: God, just stop! No, we don't have any noteworthy compatibility! Once again, how is the system supposed to assess that?! I just went there with your familiar… which didn't even look at me at first!
Pina seemed to agree grumpily. At least that's what its chirping sounded like.
Leafa [contemplatively]: And what if it was what you've said? I mean, we've all just asked the fortune teller to read our fortunes in a really bland manner, but you went all out. Maybe the fortune teller just reacted to the passion you've shown…
Akinym [exasperatedly]: That wasn't passionate, that was just lousy, ludicrous acting!
Sinon [slightly exasperatedly]: Well, at least we're on the same page here…
Philia: Well, maybe we should just try that? [slightly excitedly] I'd like to give it a shot!
Akinym just sighed. They wouldn't stop, would they? Well, at least their plans weren't as weird anymore. Needless to say, Kirito was also quite glad about that… for now.
He and Philia walked up to the fortune teller, and Philia thought about what she should say one more time.
Philia [mutters, determinedly]: Okay, here goes. [says aloud] Hello, I'm here with a comrade who was with me even in my darkest hour. I'm only here because he walked by my side, and I want to continue to walk by his side in the future! [slightly worriedly] But I don't know if I can or what the future will bring at all, [determinedly] so please tell me!
As it turned out, this might be worse than carrying Philia in his arms. That's what Kirito thought, and he wasn't the only one. Philia's declaration almost sounded like a love confession to some of them, and Kirito could feel the murderous intent increasing accordingly.
Philia, on the other hand, had just used the opportunity to get something off her chest that she had wanted to say for a while, and this was the perfect opportunity to do so without it being all too embarrassing. She still had to watch how she phrased it to prevent… certain things from becoming too obvious, though.
Fortune Teller: I see a future that you can pursue together, but what awaits you remains for you to see. A fork in the road might change the future that the two of you will see together.
While it was ominous, Philia couldn't help but think that it sounded promising, although she wondered what this "fork in the road" could be. Could it be a point when Kirito would decide between…?
Fortune Teller: For the two of you, I have this. May you find happiness on the path you choose.
Kirito caught the item that spawned, and he couldn't help but think that it was the same size as the Teleport Crystal from earlier. Well, that was a pretty good guess since this one was also just a crystal, an Antidote Crystal this time. That item really wasn't more special…
Philia was a bit disheartened. That didn't seem like a sign of extraordinary compatibility, so if they'd reach a fork in their path, did that mean Kirito would choose a different path? To be perfectly honest, Philia wasn't too surprised, but it was still a rather sad thought.
When they returned to the others, any possible discussion about what to do next was interrupted by the arrival of Klein and Fuurinkazan.
Klein [slightly exasperatedly]: Of course we'd run into you guys here! [calmly] Well, I guess you wouldn't want to miss out on that event.
Kirito: Well, of course not. I take it that you guys are here for the fortune teller, too?
Klein [slightly excitedly]: You bet! A team as well-attuned as us is sure to score some neat items here!
Silica [slightly interested]: So you've heard about that, too, Klein-san? We're currently testing if there's a good way to show the fortune teller that you have good compatibility.
Sinon: Yeah, so we're taking turns with Kirito.
Klein [dejectedly]: Of course you do… [determinedly, slightly cheerfully] Well, but now that I'm here, does anyone wanna try with me?
The entire surrounding area fell silent. It was too bad that no grasshoppers spawned inside towns. They really would've rounded out the scene.
Sinon [dryly]: Well, so who's next?
Klein [upset, slightly dejectedly]: Oi, don't ignore me!
This turn of events had been too predictable for even some of the more sympathetic people here to feel sorry for Klein. Even his own guildmates just snickered in the background.
Klein [upset]: Oi, what's with you guys!? Geez, sometimes I think you're just here to laugh at me!
Kirito: Well, if you want to go so desperately, I can try with you. [mutters, slightly exasperatedly] It's not like one more will matter that much now…
Klein [exasperatedly, slightly dejectedly]: Why would I have to go with a guy if there are so many ladies here?! Dammit, that's just not fair…
Susanoo [yells, upset]: It sure isn't!
The sudden outburst startled the surrounding people to some extent.
Kaito [irritated]: Yeah, I can't keep quiet any longer either! Why do we have to watch how this guy shows off his harem!
Kirito [embarrassed, defensively]: Hey, who are you calling anyone's harem?!
Akinym [exasperatedly]: You know, the term "harem" actually refers to the part of a house where the women, girls and boys up to a certain age within a family live, so no matter how you look at it, it's completely inappropriate here.
Asuna [slightly embarrassed]: That's not the problem here, Akinym-san! [upset] Besides, why do we have to listen to that kind of nonsense and accusation?!
Susanoo: Why do we have to listen to any of this?! We demand a voice for all the virgins out there who don't get a chance because someone's hogging all the girls!
Tsukuyomi [sternly, slightly embarrassed]: Hey, don't blurt out such stuff in front of everyone! And don't just randomly annoy people!
Junimenta [mutters, exasperatedly]: It's always the same with these guys…
Sinon: It had to come to this eventually, didn't it?
Leafa [taken aback]: Th-that happens regularly?
In the end, it wasn't Asuna or Tsukuyomi who made Susanoo and Kaito stop their rant, it was Klein. He walked up to them with his arms crossed and a stern expression on his face.
Klein: Hey, I get the idea, but listen: If you're troubling Kirito and the girls, you should seriously realise that and stop!
Kaito [surprised, slightly upset]: Why are you suddenly against that? Weren't you complaining right now, too?! You should know that pain!
Klein: I do, buddy, I do! But you have to take it in stride, you know? [casually] Besides, when your pals are in trouble, you step in to help, right?
ODE stepped up, and standing behind Susanoo and Kaito, he put a hand on each boy's shoulder.
ODE [sternly]: He's right, you know? You should seriously know when you're taking that attitude too far, and if you say such stuff to other people's faces, you're just upsetting them! [casually, slightly teasingly] I, for my part, think it's kinda hilarious what problems can come with being young and popular.
Kirito wasn't sure if that was supposed to help him or to make him feel even more embarrassed.
Klein bent forward, moving closer to Susanoo and Kaito.
Klein [whispers, seriously]: And among us, you seriously don't wanna mess with these girls! That's not going to end well for you. [straightens himself, says aloud, casually] So if you have something to say, why don't you tell me, and I'll hear you out!
Just like that, Klein was listening to what Susanoo and Kaito considered the tragic story of their actually non-existent love life. Akinym couldn't help but see that as another sign that Klein could befriend any guy while not even getting along genuinely with any girl. It was as if he had put all his points into "Bro Power", so he didn't have any left for "Dealing with Girls".
Akinym wondered if Klein, Susanoo and Kaito would make an unholy alliance that really shouldn't come to be. Who knew what kind of annoyance might come from their combined sad virgin power. On the other hand, Klein was at least surprisingly mature whenever it really mattered, so maybe he was exactly the kind of mentor figure these two needed.
Meanwhile, Tsukuyomi turned to Asuna to apologise on his comrades' behalf.
Tsukuyomi [politely]: Asuna-san, I'm sorry for what they've said! I know it was uncalled-for. I swear they're normally not like that!
Asuna [slightly at a loss]: W-well, I guess it's not your fault that… that happened.
Lisbeth [taken aback]: To be honest, I actually feel like offering my condolences… [slightly awkwardly] A-anyway, that was awkward and upsetting enough, and I don't know about you, but I can do without the sour aftertaste, [slightly cheerfully] so let's move on, okay? Well, you were asking who's next, Sinon, and guess what? [slightly mischievously] You're the only one left!
Sinon: Fine, you're right. [slightly sternly] But just so you know, Kirito, I'm absolutely not on board with this whole holding each other stuff or these cheesy lines!
Kirito raised his hands as a defensive gesture and put on a nervous, slightly awkward expression.
Kirito: Alright, alright! You won't hear any complaints from me.
Sinon took a look at the fortune teller. To be honest, she was curious if there really was no secret to this. Sure, the item was definitely random, but as Akinym had told her, there were more than enough random elements in this game, but their probability distribution could be analysed and maybe even influenced.
Well, they still had to test a second time if physical contact might change anything, didn't they? Sinon sighed. Apparently, that was up to her.
Sinon [calmly]: But just for science, [sternly] and just this one time, [slightly annoyed] holding hands is okay.
Kirito: I… see. Well, okay.
Kirito wasn't sure if this would really end well for him. Maybe he was just tensed up after everything that had happened so far, but he felt as if he was in mortal danger after taking Sinon's hand.
While they were walking towards the fortune teller, Junimenta approached Akinym and whispered something to him.
Junimenta: Akinym-san, are you really okay with this?
Akinym [flatly]: Why wouldn't I be? Also, don't ask me such stuff!
When she and Kirito stood in front of the fortune teller, Sinon took another deep breath. It was time to get this over and done with…
Sinon: We'd like you to read our future, please!
Fortune Teller: Your hearts will decide what is to come. But beware! Your hearts may lead you down a sinister path as easily as they bring you joy.
Sinon had to suppress the urge to roll her eyes. "Your hearts will decide what is to come"? In other words, they will do what they will do.
This was basically why Sinon couldn't stand fortune-telling. She was generally interested in the whole concept of mythology, fantasy and magic, and the basic idea of divination was okay in her opinion. The problem was that real world fortune-telling always seemed like a con game to her. Self-proclaimed soothsayers would make vague prophecies that could mean anything, and when these prophecies would predictably "come true", they could make a huge deal out of it.
The second part, however, made Sinon a bit anxious, although it was only because of a worry she had already had to begin with. A "sinister path", huh? Sinon wondered if this referred to Kirito (and the others) finding out about her past. What would Kirito's "heart" say about that? Would the guy who was seen as a "hero" by many others – a person who'd desperately try to save people – be okay with being friends with someone who had killed another person?
Fortune Teller: For the two of you, I have this. May your future be bathed in the warmth of light.
This time, both of them reached out for the appearing item, and thinking that the respective other one would grab it, they stopped. As a consequence, the item just dropped onto the table.
That had been a bit awkward, but both of them tried to ignore that. Rather than to dwell on that incident, they checked what they had got.
Kirito: A cross dagger?
Sinon: You know, I'm pretty sure I've seen this on a shelf in an NPC shop the other day, and even back then, it looked kinda familiar, as if I had seen it before.
Kirito: I've got the same feeling. It might easily be one among a hundred others. It's really not rare at all.
Sinon: I remember that it doesn't even have great stats. My own dagger is probably better than this one…
So much for physical contact being a factor…
To make matters worse, Strea was going for a stroll, and she arrived at the town square just in time to see her friends standing near some new NPC… and Kirito and Sinon stood right in front of him while holding hands.
Strea: Hi, everyone! What's the matter? [spots Kirito and Sinon, slightly surprised] Hm? What's up with you two holding hands? Did Kirito and Asuna break up or something?
Asuna [slightly panicking]: No, we didn't!
Kirito: Yeah, of course we didn't! Listen, Strea, this is just about a new event where you get a random item! We're just testing a theory that certain actions might increase your chance of getting a rare item. This is just an experiment!
Sinon [sternly, slightly annoyed]: In that case, now that the experiment is over, you might want to let go of my hand again!
Realising that he still held onto Sinon's hand, Kirito quickly let go and looked at her with an apologetic, somewhat awkward grin. She just sighed and returned to the others.
Strea: A new event, huh? What's it about?
Lisbeth: Well, basically, you form a pair with another player and tell this fortune teller over there to read your future. He'll give you an item, and rumor has it that the item depends on how compatible the two of you are. [cheekily] We're testing if you can influence that by stuff like physical contact with Kirito as our guinea pig.
Kirito [mutters, slightly annoyed]: You don't have to phrase it like that, Liz…
Lisbeth [dejectedly]: Unfortunately, we didn't get that many good items…
Strea: Heh? Sounds like fun! I wanna try it, too!
Strea looked around for a good partner, and she remembered that the others had said that she should pick Kirito for whatever she wanted to do if she wanted to make them happy, so she basically tackled him into one of her typical hugs and turned towards the fortune teller. Fortunately, Kirito still stood at his table, so he didn't get dragged around like that again.
Kirito [strained, slightly nervously]: Strea! What are you doing now?!
Strea: Well, you said that you're testing if physical contact helps, so we have to get reeeeeally close, right?
As if to emphasise this, she pressed his body against her even more tightly, and Kirito could feel the arm Strea clung onto slipping into the space between her breasts. Strea's utter lack of shame would make this the most embarrassing, nerve-wracking attempt out of all of them.
Kirito figured that his only way out of this was to give Strea what she wanted, namely the participation in the fortune teller event. Hopefully, this would be over before Strea would get any ideas about smooching or something like that...
Kirito: Would you read our future, please? And please hurry!
Fortune Teller: Your future is a mysterious one. I see it shrouded in a thick, dark cloud. You should expect the unexpected ahead.
Strea [dejectedly]: Aw, really? That's not what I was hoping for!
Fortune Teller: For the two of you, I have this. May you break through the fog to a clear future.
When the item appeared, Strea let go of Kirito to snatch it with anticipation. Kirito immediately took the chance to step to the side in order to create at least a basic safety distance.
Strea: What is it, what is it? Hm, some kind of sword?
Kirito: That's… another Anneal Blade? Asuna and I already got that earlier!
Strea: Really? That means I've got as good compatibility with you as Asuna! Yippie!
Kirito [doubtfully]: I don't know about that… If one player can get the exact same item with two different partners, I think the item really is just random.
Akinym [mutters, annoyed]: Which I've told you the entire time…
Klein: Well, if you want to be sure, how about someone teams up with me now?
Kirito: Alright, let's do that, Klein!
Klein [upset, slightly dejectedly]: Why the hell does it have to be with you?!
Klein hung his head and sighed. There was no helping it, was there?
Klein: Well, whatever. [casually] Okay, Kirinoji, let's try it! If we seriously get a rare item that way, it will at least make for a funny story.
Klein walked over to Kirito.
Klein [slightly exasperatedly]: But we don't have to snuggle up or anything, right?
Kirito [slightly annoyed]: Of course not! Let's just get this over with!
Klein [slightly determinedly]: Alright, here goes! [casually] Hi there! Can you tell us what our future holds?
They were quite surprised when something completely unprecedented happened. The fortune teller suddenly got extremely excited, and everyone was baffled because of the downright ridiculous turn of events.
Fortune Teller: Th-This is incredible! The path is clear with no one to block your way. Anything you wish for shall be yours! For the two of you, I have this.
When the item appeared, they noticed right away that it was pretty large. Kirito reached out to catch it, but it was obvious that he alone wouldn't be able to hold it. Klein had to catch the other end of it.
It turned out to be some kind of fish, a pike, to be more precise. It was huge, and its scales shimmered golden in the sunlight.
Klein: Oi, oi, is this seriously…?
Kirito [checks the item description]: Divine Pike of Prosperity? That thing is an S class ingredient!
Kirito was honestly amazed beyond words. S class ingredients were insanely rare to begin with, but fish seemed to be a special case. You couldn't just hope to meet the right animal and hunt it down as it usually worked with these ingredients. Rather than that, you'd need to fish in a lake with a high level, meaning that a really high Fishing skill would be required, and even then, the chances of getting something of such high quality would be low.
Kirito quickly put the giant fish into his inventory before the commotion would get out of hand. However, the damage had actually been done already…
Silica: Kirito-san and…
Leafa: ...Klein-san?
Philia: Talk about a twist!
Klein [slightly confused]: Huh, what? [slightly worriedly] Wait, don't tell me…
Lisbeth: Well, we knew that you were good friends, but… I didn't think it would go into that direction…
Kirito [defensively]: Hey, what do you mean, "that direction"?! If anything, this proves just how random this stuff is!
Klein: Yeah, seriously! Just what do you think this means?!
Strea: Well, I mean, you are pretty good friends, right? Maybe this just affirms that?
Klein: Yeah, that's totally it! As if I'd be into Kirinoji!
Kirito [slightly annoyed]: Right back at you, Klein! Seriously, guys, don't read too much into this!
Well, it wouldn't be that easy, of course.
Asuna [dejectedly]: To think that a guy would have better compatibility with him…
Sinon [taken aback, slightly reassuringly]: Asuna, try not to take it so hard, okay? Seriously, this whole series of events was way too random to have any deeper meaning!
Akinym: You know, I could actually see it.
This coming from Akinym surprised everyone.
Yui: Akinym-san, didn't you say the entire time that the reward for this event would be completely random?
Akinym: I did, and I still think it is, [slightly sternly] but if you really want to interpret anything in this, you should probably think about what your behaviour here says about you! This entire time, you've basically publicly humiliated Kirito-san, ordered or literally dragged him around and tried to force your weird fantasies about being carried in his arms or stuffing his face with random food on him! [slightly annoyed] Seriously, the only one who didn't really do any of this was Sinon-san, and that's only because she didn't seem to care enough to do anything like that! [calmly] Meanwhile, Klein-san just offered to help and even stepped up to defend him. [slightly sternly] In all honesty, if I had to pick who's the best partner for Kirito-san based on today's events, I'd choose Klein-san every time!
That certainly hit home, especially since they had to admit that Akinym was right, at least to some extent.
Asuna: Well… I guess we really went overboard, didn't we?
Klein [slightly insecurely]: I… I mean, anything for a pal, [slightly excitedly] right? That's a given for any decent dude! So if you want to make up for it, just let it go, but give Kirinoji a break! Now, how about we continue from here and make the most of this event, ladies? Klein, the envoy of love and justice, is ready when you are! Maybe you'll see now that I'm a swell dude if you give me a chance!
Klein's declaration was met with… the typical silence, to be honest.
Sinon [exasperatedly]: I commend you for your ability to ruin any moment, Klein. Seriously, how do you manage to basically establish yourself as the best comrade here, but ruin it by bragging about it in some weird, flirty way? That's just dumb…
Klein [slightly dejectedly]: And back to square one already… C'mon, guys, cut me some slack!
Akinym thought about something for a brief moment. He glanced over at Sinon, and when she noticed that, she wondered what he was up to.
Akinym: Well, I guess it is true that you're a man of many "unique" talents.
Most of the others were a bit confused, even if it was just because of the phrasing. Sinon, however, caught on to what Akinym had in mind, and she put on a small smile.
Klein [slightly excitedly and determinedly]: Exactly! [slightly dejectedly] Why can I only get guys to see that?!
Sinon [dryly]: I don't know, but it might be that one of these "unique talents" happens to be ruining even your admittedly cool moments by boasting way too much about them.
Klein: That's harsh!
Akinym: I don't know, Sinon-san… Klein-san isn't so sexist that he focuses his bragging on girls! He's equally boastful in front of men or women.
Klein: Oi, that's not making this better!
Sinon: Well, I guess that's true… He only saves the creepiness for women.
Klein: Oi, what do you mean by "creepiness"?! I'm no creep!
Sinon: Three words: Leafa's alarm clock.
Klein [flinches]: Um, that's… Well…
Akinym: What's the matter, Klein-san? Don't you always say that a real ladies' man has to show his gentlemanly side properly to portray himself as "the man of a girls' dreams"?
The idea of Klein saying something like that crept the surrounding girls out even more. The fact that it was somewhat believable only made this worse.
Klein: Yeah… Well, that's…
Sinon: Well, I guess you've been halfway successful with that, Klein. You're at least the man who scared a girl out of her dreams. By giving her the feeling that someone broke into her room.
Leafa [mutters]: That really wasn't fun…
Akinym: As I said, Klein, you're a man of unique, outstanding talents!
Klein [very dejectedly]: That's not helping! [seriously] Wait a second! [upset, slightly dejectedly] You two are just taking turns in making fun of me, aren't you?!
Akinym: Yeah, totally.
Klein: That hurts! And you don't even try to hide it…
Silica [impressed, slightly nervously]: It was kinda impressive, though. You two didn't even have to think about how to continue where the other one left off. Almost as if you knew exactly what the other one was thinking and how to react…
Lisbeth: Yeah… Did you get some kind of Psychic skill? Because if that's a thing, I want it, too!
Sinon [slightly taken aback]: Of course not! It's just… [calmly] We've noticed that we usually have similar thoughts in situations like this, and that we're pretty good at this kind of comedic performances.
Akinym could only agree. Recently, he and Sinon had realised that their sense of humor really went well together.
It had actually started with an idea Akinym had had thanks to Yui. He wasn't confident in his ability to comfort others, and that was something Yui couldn't really help him with, but she had given him the idea to try lightening the mood instead. After all, this could also make others feel better, and it had worked unexpectedly well.
Lisbeth: Well, yeah, but it still sounds like an understatement. In light of everything that has happened today, I'd call that the best expression of compa…
Lisbeth stopped before even finishing the word. Her expression shifted abruptly to one of deep thought, and she started to rub her chin. Her eyes commuted back and forth between Akinym and Sinon for a brief moment until her gaze wandered to the fortune teller.
Sinon [exasperatedly, slightly worriedly]: Liz, you better don't…
Lisbeth [points at Sinon, sternly]: You! [points at Akinym] And you! [points at the fortune teller] Fortune teller! Now!
Akinym: You can't be ser…
Akinym didn't get to finish that sentence since Lisbeth impatiently grabbed him and Sinon, and she began to push them towards the fortune teller.
Asuna [taken aback]: Liz, don't you think you're taking this too far?!
Lisbeth: No! Now I want to know that!
Lisbeth wasn't the only one. To be fair, the other girls were a bit curious, too, even Asuna. The guys overall didn't care, although they also wondered what would happen. The person who was the most interested in the result, however, was someone else…
Junimenta: Yeah, I'd love to know that, too!
Tsukuyomi [tiredly]: Juni, I think you should really stop…
There was no way to get out of this, was there?
Akinym: Alright, we'll do it.
Sinon: Yeah, you don't have to shove us, Liz!
They walked the rest of the way to the fortune teller while looking on the bright side of this. At the very least, they'd get a free item out of this, and even if it'd be junk, it might actually make Junimenta think over her weird shipping fantasies, although Akinym argued that her mind would probably warp this fact in a convenient way, so there wasn't much hope in that regard.
Sinon [mutters]: Alright, let's get this over with… [says aloud] Hello, we're here to have our future read.
Fortune Teller: It's an unclear future. The destination has yet to reveal itself. You shall find your answers beyond the point that you can see for now. For the two of you, I have this. Follow your own path and find happiness!
When the item appeared, both Akinym and Sinon reached out to grab it. Sinon reacted the same way she had during her "turn" with Kirito and withdrew her hand. Akinym, however, was mentally prepared for this.
When he had seen what had happened with Kirito and Sinon, he had wondered what could be done to avoid this. While walking over to the fortune teller with Sinon, he had asked himself the same question, and he had quickly come to the conclusion that he should grab the item no matter what. He had figured that even if Sinon would try to take it, too, she would probably stop when she'd notice that he was trying to do the same thing.
Thus, Akinym grabbed the item without hesitation. It seemed to be some sort of vial, and when Akinym took a closer look, it turned out to be a kind of veil potion.
Well, it was relatively rare, at least compared to other kinds of potions. It could also come in handy since the item would allow him (or maybe Sinon) to increase their Hiding skill temporarily if it was necessary.
It was up to the future to show what would come from this item.
...while "future" is referring to me! ;)
I've said pretty much everything important at the beginning of the chapter this time, so that's really all for today. Next up, there'll be the next "Therapy Session" chapter.
Little Preview: Akinym and Sinon discuss what it means to have the strength to "overcome" a trauma.