Chess Mage of Faerûn

Chapter 50 The World of Fools
Overwhelmed with excitement and anticipation, someone blurted out their question: "Master, how can I make money quickly?"

Klein was just figuring out how to fool the other party when he suddenly heard this question. He almost choked on his own saliva. He thought to himself, "If I knew the answer, would I need to do a divination for you?"
"Ahem, sir, your question is too offensive. Money and wealth are the domain of the goddess Vol'jin, while we fortune tellers pursue the smile of the goddess Tamora."

"Oh, I see." The person's expression suddenly turned cold, just like a face-changing act in Sichuan opera, quite amazing.

Since he was already there, Zhang Yuan decided to ask something: "Hey you, can you tell my fortune?"

Even with his vast experience, Klein was nearly driven mad with anger. This guy in front of him was just too pragmatic. If you have money, you're a master; if you don't, well...

Staring at the other person, the fortune teller said, enunciating each word clearly, "I would like to offer you one silver coin."

Zhang Yuan was displeased. "Can't you make it cheaper?"

Seeing that Klein had closed his eyes, he reluctantly took out a silver coin and handed it over.

Klein snatched the silver coin with a slight smile, though Zhang Yuan sensed a hint of malice in it.

So, what kind of divination would you like to receive?

"Are there different formats? Can I choose multiple? Can I have a set meal?" someone asked shamelessly.

Klein wished he could use the crystal ball next to him as a meteor hammer, but then he thought that the crystal ball was worth more than a silver coin, not to mention what if this guy extorted medical expenses from him.
After much effort to suppress the impulse in his heart, he calmly said, "Every method of divination leaves a mark on the river of fate. If multiple divination methods interfere at the same time, no one can guarantee that fate will not deviate from its original course."

Upon hearing what the other person said, although he didn't quite understand it, it seemed to make a lot of sense, so he gave up: "Then what kind of divination methods are you good at?"

Speaking of this, Klein got excited: "You should ask me what kind I'm not good at. Whether it's pendulum divination, tarot cards, coin divination, or magic mirror divination, these are all divination methods I often use."

"Then let's use tarot cards." The person wouldn't admit that they were reminded of a pyramid scheme from a past life.

“Please draw a card that you believe represents yourself. Note that this is closely related to your destiny,” Klein said seriously.

Without a second thought, Zhang Yuan immediately drew the Fool card and slammed it onto the table with a thud. "This one's the Fool!"

The fortune teller remained calm, glancing at the Fool card. "Your fate is somewhat peculiar. If you wish for my true interpretation, please do not get angry."

Is this another one of those "I see your forehead is dark" tricks?

"Fine, I'll pardon you." The man said smugly.

Klein's nostrils practically flared with anger at these words: "Then listen up, what 'Fool' means is that you're a complete idiot, the hopeless kind?"

"Oh? I picked this card for you, are you sure?"

"Give it to me? Wait, cough cough, The Fool is the beginning and the end of all Tarot cards, representing infinite possibilities." The diviner began to explain seriously: "It also has meanings such as being different, lucky, yearning for freedom, and having an artistic temperament."

As they were talking, they realized something was wrong: "You drew these cards yourself, how did it become that you represent me? Who draws cards for someone else?"

"You started talking nonsense, why don't you give me back my silver coins?" Zhang Yuan retorted.

"Okay, you can draw another one. I promise I won't joke around anymore."

“This one, the world.” Someone continued to play the role of a pyramid scheme leader.

This time, Klein seriously picked up the cards and explained, "The World card, this symbolizes permanent and continuous success. You have reached the threshold of success; as long as you persevere patiently, you will embrace the joy of that success." Then, the tone shifted: "However, you may also give up halfway due to significant obstacles along the way or insufficient preparation."

I knew it. Zhang Yuan thought to himself: Sure enough, he's using the tactic of first belittling and then praising again. He pretended to be trembling with fear and asked, "Master, do you have a way to reverse this fate?"

Seeing the other party's respectful demeanor, Master Klein couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. However, things weren't going to be so easy: "Interfering with the fate of mortals is no easy task. Even someone like me, who can glimpse the river of destiny, must rely on the assistance of a fortune-changing ritual."

Zhang Yuan felt the more he heard it, the more familiar it sounded. "Then, Master, could you perform this ceremony for me?"

"The ritual to change one's fortune is not that simple. The offerings required are extremely rare and expensive." The master began to set a trap: "For example, one ritual requires catching a deep-sea squid to offer as a sacrifice to the heavens."

"Squid sacrifice to the heavens, how cruel! Are there other kinds of rituals?"

Once Klein got into the swing of things, he started talking at length: "Do you know that there are four main types of luck-changing rituals?"

"How much money can you swindle with this ceremony?" Zhang Yuan asked abruptly.

"Only seven or eight gold coins, no, I'm not lying to you." The master, who had made a slip of the tongue, tried to salvage the situation.

Klein's face flushed red, and the veins on his forehead bulged as he argued, "How can you call this a lie? It's the price you have to pay for interfering with fate."

"Hehe." Zhang Yuan got up and left, too lazy to ask for the silver coin back.

Zhang Yuan was somewhat disappointed as he stepped out of the tent. It wasn't because of the wasted silver coin, but because if such a large market was full of these "masters," how could he possibly find the prophet?

Undeterred, the person continued to linger among the tents displaying fortune-telling signs, visiting various "masters" with vastly different appearances, genders, prices, fortune-telling styles, tools, and even convincing tricks. They experienced a series of unconventional performance art pieces, including drawing cards, flipping coins, and even shamanistic rituals.

However, these masters are basically all there for one goal—his wallet.

Disappointment, more disappointment, disappointment after disappointment. Perhaps it's five years too early; the prophet hasn't moved to Baldur's Gate yet?
Looking at the ordinary tent in front of him, Zhang Yuan still stepped inside. Since he was already here, he figured he might as well.

As soon as I entered, I heard a voice say, "Please come back tomorrow. I've already used up my divination spells for today."

Surprises always come unexpectedly. Zhang Yuan, who hadn't held out much hope, knew upon hearing this that he had probably really found the right person.

The prophet in the game has a rule that he can only make a prophecy for someone once a day.

Having made up his mind, Zhang Yuan didn't press the matter further and asked directly, "Master, may I use up one of your prediction attempts for tomorrow?"

The other party did not refuse, but simply said, "One gold coin for each prediction, and a deposit of five silver coins."

The person who obediently paid the money, with less than four gold coins left, was heartbroken.

"Come early tomorrow, so I can get some rest." This was the sentence he received in exchange for five silver coins.

After leaving the prophet's tent, I took a deep look at its location and memorized it.

By this time, the sky outside had darkened. Hungry, Zhang Yuan hurried to the squad's camp. He decided to eat dinner in the canteen to save money.

Well, a new month has arrived, my dear readers, could you please consider investing in me?
Thanks to Benball Kirby for the donation!
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(End of this chapter)