CHAPTER 164: CHAPTER 164: PROPHECY OF ANNIHILATION_1

"What prophecy?"

Lance couldn’t help but be curious upon hearing this. He knew it had come from the butler, who, given his closeness to the Old Ancestor, held a position comparable to that of a Bishop within the Sect of Ascension.

"The prophecy of world destruction~" Tamara’s expression grew grave. "This is one of the reasons our Romani people wander the world—to unravel the secrets of the prophecy and find a way to save it."

"So tell me what the prophecy is already!"

As Lance listened to her enigmatic words, he felt somewhat speechless. Usually, he was the one mystifying others, but today it seemed to be the other way around.

"When the stars return to their places, mountains topple, the earth cracks open, seas invert, hellfire descends, forests rage, plagues, famines, wars, and slaughter all arise at once, leading the world toward ultimate destruction."

As Tamara recited these calamitous words, Lance noticed a key term she mentioned, "When the stars return to their places," which was also mentioned by followers of the Ascension Church.

"What does this have to do with the ring?"

"No one knows who first spoke the prophecy, but what remains with it is a pattern known as [The World], rumored to contain the methods to avert disaster."

Tamara roughly described it to Lance. [The World] was a circle with eight equally spaced lines inserted across it.

"Just as the Church’s cross transforms into many derived patterns, [The World] also has many variations. For example, the pattern on your ring’s face, which separates the arc with five lines, is known as [Iron Crown]. It symbolizes power and control, and can also imply sealing and suppression.

Just as the cross pattern represents the Church and its associated elements, these derived patterns are usually related to the prophecy of world destruction. That’s why it’s also a goal for us Romani people in our quest for salvation. So now, can you tell me the origin of the ring?"

Lance had just discovered this interpretation of the pattern on the ring’s face. The fact that she had so readily revealed this to a stranger made him feel somewhat like he was making up stories to fool Dismas and the others all over again.

"Is this prophecy well-known?"

"Not exactly. It’s more that anyone who delves into the world of Mysticism will surely know of this prophecy, which is why I’m curious where you got this item from?"

Tamara didn’t say it explicitly, but she was genuinely puzzled. Lance’s recent performance in choosing accessories didn’t make him seem like a newbie to Mysticism, yet he was evidently unaware of things common within these circles.

"It’s a family heirloom, but there’s been a problem and some related information was lost. By the time it reached my hands, the specific details were no longer known."

Lance hesitated for a moment and gave an evasive answer.

At the same time, he saw an opportunity—a chance to step into the world of Mysticism. Instead of wasting time fumbling on his own, he might as well leverage someone else’s resources to bypass the beginner stages quickly.

"These past few years, I’ve also been searching for things left by my ancestors, but I’ve never found a channel to communicate with others. If you are pursuing the prophecy, our goals align.

And now, I need some guidance, a consultant to help me step into the realm of Mysticism."

As he spoke, Lance pushed the bag of Gold Coins toward Tamara.

Right now, Tamara’s focus wasn’t on the Gold Coins. As she listened to Lance’s words, her expression turned peculiar.

"That’s not a very good choice. Do you know why Mysticism doesn’t exist openly but remains mysterious?" Tamara explained with a playful tone, "Because everyone who steps into it pays some kind of price."

"You can introduce me to a channel, and the money will still be yours," Lance said without a trace of fear.

Seeing Lance’s resolve, Tamara couldn’t help but give him a sidelong glance, her smile fading as she seriously replied, "The discontinuation of your family lineage is evidence enough. I suggest you sell me the ring and any family relics, take the money and do something else. At least you won’t be risking your life."

"I’m already aware of the consequences, so can you tell me now?"

Tamara looked him in the eye and realized that he truly had no fear. Whether for the sake of the money or the ring, she was willing to continue the interaction.

"Alright, I hope you don’t regret this," Tamara straightened the Crystal Ball in front of her, which was set on red velvet. "Place your hand on it, and I will check your talent."

"Is that how it works?" Lance didn’t hesitate much and placed his hand on the Crystal Ball.

His soul was under Sanctuary; he wasn’t afraid of any fancy tricks.

"Entering this circle isn’t as simple as just wanting in; there are thresholds. All things in the world have Spiritual Essence, but to access and utilize this power, one must have a prerequisite we call inspiration.

Ordinary people lack this gift. No matter how they strive in their lifetime, they end up with nothing but delusions. However, some people are born with high inspiration; I’ve even heard of some who can directly see Spiritual Essence."

Lance immediately realized she was talking about him, though his ability was sometimes erratic.

"What happens to such a person?" he asked eagerly, full of curiosity.

"That person is an absolute genius. Their strong inspiration makes controlling Spiritual Essence, or Supernatural Power, much simpler and more effortless than for an ordinary Transcendent—it’s a talent ordinary Transcendent beings dream of. But..."

Tamara gestured in the air with her hands. The Crystal Ball, seemingly mundane before, suddenly filled with mist and lit up as if with flowing luminescence. Lance could feel a slight warmth on his palm where it made contact with the Crystal Ball.

He was somewhat curious about what level his own inspiration would reach, only to watch the Crystal Ball crack without warning, its luminescence dimming instantly.

Tamara was mid-explanation when the Crystal Ball exploded, leaving her frozen, her eyes lifeless, and blood trickling from her nose.

Lance sensed something and glanced at a ring she was wearing. Its contained Spiritual Essence swelled fiercely for a moment, then rapidly faded.

What was happening?

Tamara coughed, as if coming back to life, spewing blood-flecked spittle onto the tabletop.

"Are you alright?"

Fortunately, Tamara seemed to have no serious injuries, but her first question upon looking up was accusatory, "You’ve honestly never been exposed to this before?"

"’I have no reason to lie to you," Lance said, though his expression was troubled. She seems to have damaged two pieces of Extraordinary Equipment. Is she going to hold me responsible for them?

After his confirmation, she looked at Lance with an indescribably bizarre gaze, as if viewing a freak, while also continuing her interrupted thought.

"But this is less a gift than a burden..."