Chapter 39: The Astrologer

The rain fell without end.

Luo Yong, illuminated by the flickering firelight in the cave, pulled out a map he’d purchased at the magic shop from that unscrupulous clerk. He examined the markings, trying to estimate the actual distance he would need to travel.

On the map, endless plains stretched out, bordered by unbroken chains of mountains.

It was said that many years ago, a genius mage who had earned legendary renown once faced a daunting bottleneck in his youth. At his lowest, he vanished from the public eye for a long time; many people believed he was finished, that he would never overcome his obstacles and continue his legend.

But before long, he proved with his actions that true genius cannot be halted by something as trivial as a level barrier.

Now, it was toward the place this legend once journeyed that Luo Yong marched, hoping to find a solution to his own problem. But the mountains were high, the road long—who knew when he would reach his destination?

“Bolangai Plains, Kamaru Mountains… Yaze Academy of Magic, Katulu Branch, Pierle Campus…”

A trembling figure sidled over, cautiously settling beside Luo Yong, clearly hoping to borrow some warmth from him. While Luo Yong was distracted, the figure stole a glance at the map and quietly murmured the names.

“Watch your pronunciation! What’s all this about ‘Bolangai Kamalu Yazi Katulu Pile’…” Luo Yong snapped, tossing more wood onto the fire.

Though the cave was damp, it was clearly a place frequented by people seeking shelter from rain or a brief rest. There were always a few basic utensils and an ample supply of firewood.

Otherwise, in this torrential rain, starting a fire would have been no easy feat.

“Achoo!” Sylvie shivered, glanced at Yage who was seated by Luo Yong, and scooted closer from the other side.

Luo Yong felt like nothing more than a living heat source.

Unlike Luo Yong, whose skin was thick enough to take off his cloak and shirt to dry by the fire, the two girls remained in their wet clothes, their hair still damp. Their constitutions were weaker too—chances were high that they would both come down with a bad illness after returning.

With that thought, Luo Yong added more wood to the flames, making them burn even brighter.

“Brother Luo, are you a traveler? Are you really heading so far away?” Yage asked.

“Traveler? Not exactly. Like I said, I have something to take care of.” Luo Yong put away the map, rummaged through the pile of clutter beside him, found a pot, cleaned it as best he could, set it over the fire, poured in some water, and, when it boiled, added food he’d bought from the camp.

The two girls watched him with wide eyes, their faces flushed by the dancing firelight.

“Then tell us, what is it you have to do? Maybe we could help you!” Yage suggested.

“Even if we can’t help, we can at least try. And if we manage to be of some small assistance… could we, maybe…” Sylvie trailed off uncertainly.

“It’s nothing secret. I’ve hit a level barrier—if I can’t solve it soon…” Luo Yong clicked his tongue and shook his head.

“A level barrier?” Yage exchanged a glance with Sylvie. Sylvie caught on and nudged Luo Yong’s arm. “Brother Luo, do you… have any money?”

“Money? Gold coins or gems?” Luo Yong had noticed their exchange, but didn’t quite know what they were getting at. Surely they weren’t planning to rob him while the rain kept them here?

As they spoke, the previously oppressive thunder faded, and the rain began to ease, likely to stop soon.

“Gold, gold coins? Or… gems?” Sylvie repeated, her spirit seeming dazed for a moment.

Yage, with greater composure, took a deep breath and spoke as calmly as she could: “There’s a mysterious astrologer in our camp. She often says strange things that no one can understand.

“It’s said she can predict a person’s future… though no one in camp has ever asked her, because her fees are outrageous—one gold coin just to ask, and the price doubles with each question.

“She’s very mysterious. Sometimes she sits motionless for ages, like a statue. Other times, she disappears for long stretches and no one knows where she’s gone.”

“So mysterious?” Luo Yong’s curiosity was piqued. In his experience, such elusive figures usually possessed important information.

Even if she couldn’t solve his advancement problem, perhaps she could help in other ways.

“Where is she? Is she in the camp now?”

“We don’t know for sure, but before we left, we saw her in the camp,” Yage replied.

“All right, when the rain stops, take me to her.”

As Luo Yong stirred the food in the pot, a savory aroma began to waft through the cave.

“Yage… I smell meat… there’s meat in here…” Sylvie’s voice was barely steady as she looked at Luo Yong.

“Sylvie, didn’t we just eat?” Yage blushed.

If their earlier promise to take Luo Yong to the camp was payment for his help, what would this count as?

“Let’s eat together. Think of it as your reward for bringing me to the astrologer. By the way, what’s her name?” Luo Yong asked.

“Hera,” Yage replied after some thought. “That’s what everyone in camp calls her, but I don’t actually know her real name.”

“Hera…” Luo Yong repeated. The name sounded vaguely familiar.

In truth, Luo Yong often felt a strange sense of déjà vu when traveling to new places or undertaking new things, as if he’d already been there, already experienced these events long ago.

Sometimes he wondered if, when crossing a bridge, he’d spilled some soup and failed to forget what he was supposed to…

Ahem.

“The soup’s ready!”

As the delicious scent spread, Luo Yong retrieved three metal bowls from his storage space, one for each of them. He served the soup, blowing on it as he ate.

He’d picked up these metal bowls at one of the camp’s little shops. Even in another world, certain habits seemed etched into his bones, impossible to change.

After a while, the three finished all the food in the pot, and their clothes were nearly dry. Luo Yong tidied up, restored everything to its original place, and then, together with the two girls, left the cave and headed toward the camp.

When they passed the spot where the coyote had fallen, Yage hurried forward and expertly skinned the animal.

“This wolf is too big for us to carry back. Otherwise, it would be worth at least… half a gold coin,” Sylvie remarked, glancing at Luo Yong.

“A single pelt is already good enough,” Yage replied.

Even if the pelt had a large tear and had been cut in two.

Luo Yong said nothing, simply waiting for them.

After a moment, Yage hurried off into the woods, rummaged around, and finally recovered her slender sword, which she gripped tightly in relief. Sylvie, meanwhile, picked up her lost sword and small shield.

The three of them walked for a while in one direction, until at last the camp came into view.

After a brief questioning, Luo Yong was allowed into the camp without difficulty. Guided by the two girls, they made their way to a secluded corner.

“Huh? Hera—the astrologer isn’t here…” Sylvie looked around, her expression awkward as she turned to Luo Yong.

“She’s not here…”

Seeing the embarrassed faces of the girls, Luo Yong smiled, “It’s all right. I’ll stay in the camp for now. If she returns during that time, you can come find me.”

“Brother Luo, I’m sorry. We drank your soup but didn’t manage to find the astrologer for you,” Yage said apologetically.

“It’s all right, I understand. The two of you should gather more companions for your tasks, and don’t wander too far from camp. Stay safe.”

After parting from the girls, Luo Yong wandered the camp alone, spent some time in the tavern, and listened for news.

“The Mercenaries’ Guild is recruiting people to mine at the mountain.”

“The mountain? Isn’t it overrun with magical beasts? They say countless monsters live there!”

“There’s no choice. The guild needs the ore from there. Rumor is, this time powerful mages will accompany the mercenaries.”

“Probably to clear out all the monsters…”

“Once the place is taken, will humans settle it? Build a new camp?”

“Both are possible…”

“Preparations are underway. Lots of mages have already signed up, and some high-ranked heroes in camp are getting ready. The announcement will be made soon!”

The mountain and its monsters. Luo Yong listened, tempted, but this sort of adventure didn’t align with his purpose. Even if he went, it wouldn’t help him break through his level barrier.

As the saying goes: a general on a mission doesn’t chase after rabbits.

He had no time to waste here.

With that thought, Luo Yong left the tavern, found an inn, locked the doors and windows tightly, and lay down to rest.

Outside the camp, a fierce wind had risen, howling through the night.

In his dreams, Luo Yong seemed to hear strange voices once again…