The surrounding landscape was bathed in late sunlight, creating varied shadows. A marvelous specimen of well-executed engineering and planned design, the structures and nature coexisted in perfect harmony.
The street stretched horizontally for a long stretch, being densely lined with various street stalls.
People of all ages and backgrounds could be seen enjoying the scenery, laughing and chatting as they explored the stalls and different goods. Children played amongst the trees and plants, their laughter echoing in the air, while couples strolled hand in hand, enjoying the view.
Federick was flaunting his wealth, buying assorted goods from numerous stalls. The owners were all smiles.
He was preparing to take his next course of action. The circus was just down the street, enjoying a prime location.
None of the three willing customers had made an appearance, so he was not worried. He was constantly walking between different stalls and the articles about him were increasing. He was preparing his big act!
The first preparations had been made. All that was missing was the predisposition of Kansis and his unfortunate customers.
He did not fear or create second thoughts about it, because he did not fear intelligent people.
The three coins were probably no longer rolling on Kansis' counter, but they were in his thoughts.
No karma of any kind weighed on his mind, which rested serenely; based on the use of his system, he had confirmed that Kansis' abilities were a scam, which led him to make rash decisions and actions, which he did not regret.
He still remembered the words his system had used only dozens of minutes ago...
[You're fucking Nostradamus and you visit the neighborhood uncle Carmelito. You have to compete to be a fool, you little wanker from Cochabamba; probably the path of this neighborhood Carmelito is more lush and extensive in the palm of his hand than in the divinatory arts].
"..."
"You're a fucking neighborhood freak."
...
As the sun began to set, a young servant named Thomas made his way through the crowded streets of the city, his heart racing with anxiety.
He had been searching for hours for his master, an old man with dementia, but to no avail. Desperate for any information that might lead him to the old man's whereabouts, Thomas decided to visit a soothsayer renowned for his accuracy and insight.
The fortune teller's tent was situated in a bustling circus, surrounded by different tents, customers, and members of all kinds.
Thomas pulled aside the curtain and stepped inside, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. The fortune teller, a man with a sober face and piercing green eyes greeted him cordially.
"Welcome, young man," he said in a penetrating and eloquent voice.
"Please sit down and tell me what brings you to my tent.
Thomas took a seat on a cushion in front of the soothsayer, his hands trembling as he explained his situation.
"My master, an old man with dementia, has disappeared," he said in a trembling voice.
"I have looked for him everywhere, but I can't find him. I was hoping you could help me locate him."
The soothsayer listened attentively, his expression reflective. When Thomas finished speaking, he closed his eyes and placed his hands on a small crystal ball in front of him.
He remained silent for a few moments, his eyes fixed on the ball as if concentrating on the images it contained.
Finally, he opened his eyes and looked at Thomas.
"I see your master." He said expressionlessly.
"He is in a place surrounded by water, but it is not a place of peace. He is confused and disoriented, and I fear he may be in grave danger." The soothsayer finished with a pitiful smile.
Thomas's heart sank as he listened to the fortune teller's words. He had feared it, but hearing it confirmed was still a shock.
"Do you know where this place is?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The soothsayer hesitated before speaking. "I'm afraid I can't reveal the exact location to you," he said, his voice heavy with regret.
"But I can tell you that it is a difficult place to reach. You will have to travel along pitiful paths, innumerable obstacles to face."
"But since it is the work of predestined destiny, I can offer you a follow-up plan for your case, for a small fee.
Thomas felt despair creep over him, to the point where he couldn't hear the fortune-teller's words. He expected a simple answer, a straightforward solution to his problem. But the soothsayer's words told him that the journey would be difficult and uncertain.
He gave thanks to leave for the tent, but strangely the owner escorted him out. With a heavy heart, he assumed it was merely empathy.
Yes, it was Kansis with the first unfortunate customer...
Thomas knew he had no choice but to undertake the journey, daunting as it seemed. He had to find his master and bring him back home, no matter what dangers or obstacles awaited him.
Otherwise, death would be his cold supper.
On the other hand, a watching Federick watched as two individuals retreated from the circus into the bustling street.
"Who said smart people couldn't be trusted? Federick said in a whisper.
He had previously extended the will of his system to the location of the tent, so he knew the inner chatter. He had already formulated his next plan of action through this inner knowledge.
Despite his actions, Kansis did not show exaggerated nervousness. His movements were concise, directing his gaze in all four directions in an attempt to identify his former client.
Federick, who was not short for his age, was quickly identified. Thus, Kansis pointed his unfortunate client in his direction, finally retreating to the circus interiors with a few final words.
"Preordained fate, preordained destiny.... Fortunate or unfortunate, it is decided by north, east, west and south".
The young servant, impetuous and hot-blooded, kept a resolute gaze and a raised chin. His steps were firm as he headed in the direction given by Kansis.
He scanned his surroundings, trying to find some trace of his sickly old master. An action of extreme difficulty in a commercial street, bustling and tumultuous in elevated senses.
Until he managed to hear a distant cry, which he attributed to his good hearing and fortune.
"Old man, senile dementia is an extremely serious attribute. Be careful, or you may be the next carrier!".
"You ignorant brat, shut up; he turned thirty-five this year!".
Thomas immediately changed his direction, going to the cause of such shrill cries, which were so loud even in such a bustling mercantile street.
He violently pushed different people out of his way, without regard for their etiquette. His mind was solely occupied by the cause of the shouting.
But to his disappointment, it was only a lone child, with no adult or guardian around, sitting on a barbaric stool.
"Welcome, young man. He said in a penetrating and eloquent voice.
These words surprised Thomas, because of their uncanny coincidence in their similarity to the words of the soothsayer.
"Hello, boy," Thomas replied dryly.
"Please pay your respects and tell me the reason for this fated meeting." The figure continued.
At these words, all that could be heard was Thomás swallowing saliva with the threat of choking. His surprise was extreme.
"S-sir, forgive me". Said the young figure, as he knelt and bowed his head.
"Acting upon lofty spheres requires virtue, so don't worry; now tell me about your grievances, young man." He told him in a soothing voice imbued with deep affection.
"It is about my master, sir. He is a sickly old man with dementia, who is unable to understand between fantasy and reality? Please help this young man and the old man!". Thomas said extremely emotionally.
"You are truly fortunate." Said the figure on the bench.
'Because I am Federick'. He thought secretly.
He had prepared in advance the information of this servant's presumed master. With the help of his system, it was a simple task.
[Sire, during our journey in the carriage, many silent rumors flew around him without his awareness.
There was a rumored story, of a lucky man from sector one. Who through his generosity, warmth, and especially strength, managed to attract a dying rich man, who gave him all his wealth in jewels, in exchange for a roof over his head.
Upon further analysis, I am certain that this is Mr. Dave, a very successful, but senile, magical individual and merchant].
Through the information provided by his system, Federick prepared a paper crane with extreme delicacy. It was to fly...
When it was finished, he spread its folds to finally launch it dozens of meters into the air.
"Go, seek your fortune. Federick said.
At this, Thomas did not hesitate and set off in search of the flying paper crane. His efforts were unsparing and his violence superior to the previous one. He was utterly determined to get it.
When he held it in his hands, he unwrapped it to its original form, where he found a text inside. The text in question was a location... Signed with the name "Dave".
When he looked back, Federick was still eating seeds.
'I sure he hoped i'm not more here... Heh'. Federick thought.