The halls of Thors Military Academy were unusually calm that afternoon. Classes had ended for the day, and most students were either relaxing or finishing up club activities. Laura and Fie were walking side by side, chatting idly about training schedules and their plans for the evening.

As they passed by an open classroom door, a mysterious voice called out, interrupting their conversation.

"Ah, you two there. Laura S. Arseid and Fie Claussell."

Both of them stopped in their tracks. Fie tilted her head with her usual quiet curiosity while Laura blinked, startled.

Inside the room sat Beryl, the enigmatic fortune teller and member of the Occult Club, surrounded by candles, cards, and other mystical paraphernalia. Her eerie smile was faint yet unwavering, like she'd been waiting just for them.

"I've been expecting you," Beryl said calmly, gesturing for them to enter.

Fie raised an eyebrow and muttered, "How do you always know when people are walking by?"

Beryl ignored the question, her unsettling gaze fixated on the two of them. "Come in. I sense an opportunity to reveal fascinating truths to the two of you today."

Laura hesitated. "A fortune, you mean?"

"Precisely," Beryl replied. "I can look into your future, or… if you'd prefer, I can explore something more specific. Say, romantic compatibility."

Laura froze mid-step, her face going just a touch pink. "R-Romantic compatibility?"

Fie, standing beside her, glanced at Laura briefly before turning her attention back to Beryl. She stuffed her hands in her pockets and, with a careful nonchalance, said, "That's pretty random, isn't it?"

Beryl's expression remained unreadable, though her gaze seemed to pierce through them both. "Is it?"

"It is…" Fie muttered.

Laura cleared her throat delicately and gave Fie a quick, uncertain glance before stepping into the room. "Well, I suppose there's no harm in hearing our fortunes."

Fie followed her in, her pace casual but her expression masking a trace of curiosity. She slouched into the chair next to Laura, muttering, "Yeah, it's not like I care or anything. Just killing time."

Beryl's lips curled faintly, her fingers hovering above a deck of cards. "Would you like me to divine your futures? Or perhaps… romantic compatibility?"

Laura and Fie both stiffened for the briefest moment, the question hanging heavily in the air.

Laura recovered first, sitting up straighter and trying to sound natural. "I don't have any particular preference. What about you, Fie?"

Fie tilted her head slightly, her voice neutral as always. "Hmm, I dunno. The compatibility one might be funny."

Laura turned her head toward Fie, startled. "Funny?"

Fie shrugged, her tone deliberately nonchalant. "What? I bet we'll just end up hearing something ridiculous. I could use a laugh."

Laura let out a small, nervous sigh. "W-Well, I suppose there's no harm in something lighthearted…"

Beryl steepled her fingers, watching their little exchange with unnerving patience. "I see you're both interested in hearing your romantic compatibility."

"I didn't say that!" Laura replied quickly, her cheeks coloring again.

Beryl ignored the protest. "Very well. Sit back and relax. I will consult the cards."

The room fell eerily quiet as Beryl began shuffling her deck with practiced, hypnotic motions. Laura folded her hands neatly in her lap, trying to look composed, while Fie slouched back in her chair, though her green eyes were focused intently on the cards.

Beryl laid three cards on the table face down and turned the first one over with a flourish. "This card represents your bond—your connection as it stands now."

The card revealed two figures standing back-to-back, both holding swords. Beryl's smile deepened. "The Twin Blades. This symbolizes a connection forged in both opposition and partnership. You've tested each other's strengths, and through that, developed a trust that's difficult to break."

Laura glanced at Fie, smiling faintly. "That does sound familiar…"

Beryl turned over the second card. "This card represents the energy surrounding your relationship in the present."

It depicted a serene landscape with a large tree in the center.

"The Tree of Harmony," Beryl said. "This suggests balance. A calm and steady relationship where you find comfort in each other's presence."

Laura's expression softened as she considered Beryl's words. "Comfort, hmm?"

Fie, despite her casual posture, rubbed at the back of her neck. "That's not wrong, I guess."

Beryl finally turned over the third card, and Fie leaned forward slightly, curious despite herself.

"This card represents potential—what may come of your relationship in the future."

The card depicted two figures standing together beneath a glowing sky, one reaching out a hand to the other.

Beryl's tone grew hushed and thoughtful. "The Bridge. This symbolizes connection, trust, and deep understanding. If nurtured, this bond can grow into something truly extraordinary."

The room was silent for a moment as the words hung in the air.

Laura was the first to break it, clearing her throat softly and sitting up straighter. "Well, that was interesting."

Fie leaned back again, crossing her arms. "Mm. Vague as hell at the end, though."

Beryl tilted her head slightly, her knowing smile unwavering. "Perhaps you'll see for yourselves what the cards have foretold. Time will reveal all."

Fie stood up first, quickly trying to escape the room as if nothing had happened. "Yeah, sure. Thanks."

Laura followed, her expression composed but her cheeks still faintly pink. As they exited the classroom, the door softly shutting behind them, they both exhaled as though they'd been holding their breath.

"I see the hand of a noble maiden descending onto my head in the future," Fie said.

Laura laughed lightly and pat Fie on the head, her smile lingering as they continued down the hall together, both of them quietly thinking about what they'd heard.