Kafka couldn't believe her eyes. The last time she'd met Stelle was only a few hours ago. Back then, while a bit eccentric, Stelle still seemed like a normal person. How had it come to… this?
Remembering what the trio had done at Herta Space Station, however, she wasn't entirely surprised. Deciding to avoid the awkwardness, she shifted her focus to Fu Xuan.
"Oh my, such a grand spectacle! Are they dancing to welcome me?"
Fu Xuan crossed her arms, her tone neutral. "I don't know why they suddenly started dancing to music. The Divination Commission values freedom, as long as its rules aren't broken. I have no authority to interfere."
Kafka chuckled. "Hmm~ anything you'd like to ask me? I'll answer, no matter what."
Fu Xuan's expression hardened. "You're a wanted criminal known for manipulating minds with your words. I have no interest in anything you say. You can speak all you want, but I will only trust the Matrix of Prescience."
March 7th overheard this and muttered sarcastically, "No wonder you didn't believe what Ah Guang said. But if you only trust the Matrix of Prescience, doesn't that mean you're always one step behind?"
Fu Xuan turned to her sharply. "Whose side are you even on?"
March 7th placed her hands on her hips. "I'm a Trailblazer, so obviously I'm on our side!"
Fu Xuan sighed. "Forget it. You clearly don't understand the capabilities of the Matrix of Prescience. I won't argue with you."
March 7th smirked. "If it's so amazing, can it tell me who I am or where I'm from?"
Pei Guang, still dancing, interjected with a cheeky grin. "Or divine my past? Let's see how good it is!"
Fu Xuan's patience was wearing thin. "You think the Matrix of Prescience is a toy to investigate such trivialities?"
March 7th crossed her arms. "Just admit it. You can't do it, so stop bragging."
Fu Xuan glared at her. "Your provocations won't work on me."
March 7th smirked. "Fine. But mark my words—when you realize Ah Guang's guesses were right all along, don't come crying to us."
Fu Xuan scoffed. "Crying? Guesswork is just speculation based on existing evidence. If it's right, it's nothing more than dumb luck."
March 7th suddenly brightened. "Let's make a bet, then! I'll bet that Ah Guang's guesses are correct. If I lose, we'll happily do whatever tasks you assign us until we leave Xianzhou. If you lose, I'll let you use the Matrix of Prescience to find out more about me and Ah Guang—like our home worlds. Deal?"
"Excuse me?" Fu Xuan blinked, stunned by the bold stakes. Using the matrix to locate their origins? That was no small request. And the idea of commanding the Trailblazers… as tempting as it sounded, something felt off.
Stelle, still dancing, twirled over with exaggerated movements. "What's wrong? Scared? That matrix of yours is just a glorified data cruncher. It's nothing compared to Ah Guang's brilliant deductions."
Fu Xuan snapped, "Fine! I'll show you the Matrix of Prescience capabilities."
Pei Guang suddenly stopped and raised his hand. "This won't do at all. My guesses are just guesses in the end. I'll bet on the Master Diviner winning: if you win, feel free to command them as you like—just don't drag me into it, alright? But what's a bet without stakes? If I win, I get to boss you all around as I please."
Fu Xuan's face remained composed, but her heart swelled with pride. "A wise choice. Fine, let's make it interesting. If I win, I'll command them to my heart's content. But if I lose… well, enjoy your fun while it lasts. Just consider it a little game.
Ha, the person you're placing your faith in is standing on our side—I really can't imagine where you two get the confidence to compare yourselves and your guesses to me and the Matrix of Prescience"
March 7th and Stelle stared at Pei Guang in shock.
March 7th gasped. "Ah Guang! We trusted you! Do you know how hard it'll be to take back my words?"
Stelle clutched her chest in mock agony, her expression a mix of excitement and betrayal. "Yeah! We were ready for an all-out war, and you just… defected?"
Fu Xuan smirked, looking triumphant. "As they say, a wise man knows when to adapt. If you two surrender now, I might forget this bet ever happened."
As Bailu sat inside the trash can on Pei Guang's back, the commotion outside caught her attention. She paused her game and set down her milk tea before poking her head out. "What's all the noise about? Something fun happening?"
March 7th turned to her. "We're betting on whether Ah Guang's guesses are correct. Wanna join in?"
Bailu's eyes lit up. "Of course! I'll bet on Ah Guang being right. By the way, what exactly did he guess?"
Stelle pointed toward Fu Xuan. "Ah Guang guessed that Fu Xuan will win."
"Wait, what?" Bailu blinked in confusion before carefully glancing at Fu Xuan. "Uh… can I take that back? I wasn't paying attention—I was busy gaming."
Fu Xuan smirked. "Once spoken, words cannot be taken back."
Bailu hastily retreated into the trash can. "I don't know! I don't know! I didn't hear anything!" Her voice echoed faintly from within the barrel.
March 7th clapped her hands together. "Alright, we'll count Bailu as betting on Ah Guang winning. Ah Guang, come on—have a little faith! We all believe in you."
March 7th's eyes sparkled with expectation, but Pei Guang shook his head. "We're hedging our bets here. Like I said, what if Fu Xuan does win? That matrix seems incredibly sophisticated, while my guesses are based purely on experience. It's only natural that hers would be more reliable."
March 7th squinted suspiciously. "Are you serious?"
Pei Guang nodded. "Completely. Fu Xuan's got a point. Guesses are still guesses. We shouldn't rely on experience alone—it's better to base decisions on practical evidence. Machines are more dependable for this kind of thing. Who knows, maybe Fu Xuan's matrix will help me defy fate."
For some reason, Fu Xuan felt a twinge of unease as she listened. Something about Pei Guang's words didn't sit right. Trusting her instincts, she discreetly cast a divination on him, and the result confirmed what she suspected: Pei Guang was blessed with tremendous fortune.
Luck was no mere abstract concept in this world—it was a tangible force. And now, a man with extraordinary luck stood firmly on her side, willingly betting against his own guesses. Somehow, this felt… wrong.
As Fu Xuan furrowed her brows in thought, March 7th broke the silence. "Alright then, we trust you, Ah Guang. Even if you don't trust yourself. The bet is already on—we can't back out now. Consider it a favor to the Master Diviner."