Next page password is bold portion: WOBe2IH$d&&eT
Translator: SumTLMan
In the Crown Star Church.
Maya, leaning on a cane, led Totoro through a corridor bathed in starlight. As they entered the Observatory, the vast palace, comparable to a plaza in size, was already filled with people.
No one made a sound; all sat quietly on the ground. Circle after circle, they reverently surrounded the central Starlight Observing Platform.
The seating arrangement within the Observatory was orderly. The stronger one was, the closer they sat to the center. Observers, for instance, almost all sat beneath the central Starlight Observing Platform.
However, it was only “almost” as there were always exceptions. For example, a man with feet bound in chains, horns like a ram on his head, and a handsome, devilish appearance, radiating a lust-filled aura, was lazily hanging upside down at the grand entrance of the Observatory. He was also one of the Observers of the Crown Star Church, known as the “The Hung Failure,” Schickel.
Everyone entering the Observatory passed under this ‘hung man.’
Maya did the same, but upon seeing Schickel, a look of disgust involuntarily flashed in her eyes. Among the Observers, Schickel represented “lust.” Perhaps because he had integrated with the bloodline of a ram demon, his desires for lust were intense, and his private conduct was exceedingly improper, earning him a poor reputation among the witches.
Perhaps attracted by Maya’s disdainful glance, Schickel turned his attention to her. His sinister gaze held a hint of an unfathomable gleam: “Ah, if it isn’t Witch Maya.”
Maya coldly uttered “Lord Schickel” and, without turning her head, proceeded into the hall with Totoro.
Schickel didn’t mind Maya’s attitude; in fact, he was used to it. However, watching Totoro’s figure by Maya’s side, Schickel seemed to think of something, his lips curving into an inscrutable, wicked smile.
The minor incident at the entrance did not affect Maya’s mood as she briskly walked towards the center of the palace.
Although Maya hadn’t reached the level of an Observer, her prophecy abilities and personal prestige placed her among the top echelon of prophecy wizards. According to tradition, she naturally sat near the center. Every prophecy wizard could bring an apprentice for assistance, so Totoro, sitting near the middle, benefitted from her position.
After Maya settled near the center, several Observers seated on the Starlight Obsetving Platform cast friendly smiles at her.
Then, their gaze collectively shifted to Totoro beside her.
To other prophecy apprentices, they paid little heed. But Totoro was different… During a previous Star Observing Day, he had inexplicably vomited blood. According to La Pluie’s speculation and subsequent signs, he must have seen something in the Mystery of Starlight.
Gaining insight from the Mystery of Starlight is a remarkable feat. Many formal wizards might see nothing during such events, while only Observers can consistently obtain information. Hence, despite its strategic importance, no wizard organization dares covet this mysterious object because… without the necessary insight, it’s indecipherable.
However, their special interest in Totoro wasn’t solely due to his potential revelation. The primary reason was his obscure past, which even the current head of the Crown Star Church, La Pluie, admitted to not fully understanding.
This naturally sparked curiosity among the wizards, who study the ‘future,’ ‘time,’ and ‘destiny.’
Just like the last time, they still couldn’t discern Totoro’s past.
Observers were surprised to see that under their scrutiny, Totoro remained remarkably composed, even indifferent, as if devoid of emotions.
“A lack of basic humanity… such people cannot be favored by destiny,” declared Shura, a serious middle-aged known as ‘The Falseless Reader’ among the Observers, who held the most disdain for Totoro, especially since a previous Star Observing Day where his rival, Ivan, had embarrassed him due to Totoro.
“As if having humanity guarantees favor by destiny?” Ivan, known as the ‘Wanderer of Balance,’ retorted sarcastically, “Destiny is fair to all because it doesn’t regard anyone, let alone favor them.”
Shura sneered but didn’t reply, not out of consideration for Ivan, but because La Pluie spoke up.
Instead of engaging with Ivan and Shura, La Pluie smiled at Totoro: “Last we met, you were just an apprentice. It’s rare to see someone advance to third-level in just a few years. Well done, indeed.”
Totoro, modest in the presence of the Observers, bowed his head, “My progress isn’t the fastest.”
La Pluie was taken aback by Totoro’s unusual response: “… You mean compared to Super Dimensional Wizard? There’s no need to compare yourself to him.”
“It’s necessary,” Totoro replied firmly, a cryptic determination in his eyes.
“Such a strong competitive spirit?” “A competitive spirit is good; without it, one’s vision is short and they fall into mediocrity.” “But to compare yourself to Super Dimensional Wizard seems… more like overreaching ambition than healthy competition.” “Yes, after all, that’s a true prodigy!” Nearby prophecy wizards, overhearing the conversation between Totoro and La Pluie, couldn’t help but whisper among themselves.
Their conversation actually reflects the thoughts of others as well. Even the Observers believe that Totoro is driven by a competitive spirit, especially since both Totoro and Angel belong to the Savage Grottoes, bearing the burden of such a formidable challenge. They presume they would feel the same discontent under that weight.
In the gathering, only a few could discern that Totoro’s intent isn’t just about competition.
Maya understands Totoro’s mindset; his aspiration is simply to catch up to Angel, aiming to at least become someone of use to him.
Although La Pluie doesn’t grasp the full extent of the bond between Totoro and Angel, he perceives something more.
With a smile, La Pluie chooses not to continue on this topic. Instead, he addresses Totoro, “During the previous Star Observing Day, you glimpsed the future. I hope this time you’ll see it again.”
“And if you do,” he adds, “I hope it won’t be like the last time. Ideally, you’d share it with everyone.”
Last time, Totoro had seen certain visions but, regrettably, chose not to disclose them, even when La Pluie inquired. This led to some offense among the prophecy wizards, prompting La Pluie to specifically remind him this time.
Totoro nods politely but doesn’t respond. La Pluie doesn’t mind and turns his gaze towards the grand doors of the Observatory…
Moments later, six uniquely dressed individuals enter through the doors.
“Are all six of them Observers?!” The previously quiet hall suddenly buzzes with excitement due to the arrival of the six Observers.
The newcomers, unfazed by the sudden commotion, nod towards La Pluie and head straight for the Starlight Observing Platform.
After they were seated, La Pluie slowly said, “There shouldn’t be anyone else coming.”
When La Pluie said this, everyone in the hall understood that the Star Observing Day was about to begin.
“I originally thought that there would be only five Observers this time, but unexpectedly, six more have arrived!”
“This time is unprecedented; there are Eleven Observers, the most in nearly thirty years. Could there be some major prophecy emerging?”
“Rather than a significant prophecy, I always have a bad feeling. Could a disaster be looming? But, hasn’t the Shadow of the Demon God passed?”
Whispers and murmurs emanated from the prophecy wizards around.
La Pluie on the dais did not respond to the crowd’s confusion but gestured for Schickel to close the great doors of the Star Observing Hall. He then ascended above the dais, activating the hidden Mystery of Starlight in another dimension.
As the candles within the palace slowly extinguished, replaced by the brilliant starlight, the most anticipated event today in the Wizarding World——the Star Observing Day, officially commenced!