Selene, whose hand finished aligning all the cards, maintained a neutral expression:
"You have, in summary, 13 options. You may choose two cards. One of them will be discarded randomly, and you will receive both good news and bad news. However, this depends on which card you choose to discard."
She paused and then continued:
"Pride, Wrath, Ambition, Solitude, Sloth, Greed, Freedom, Sorrow, Loyalty, Wisdom, Justice, Courage, and, lastly and most importantly, the King."
"Choose wisely," she said, observing his choices as she revealed some cards on the table.
The tent was silent, the dim candlelight casting shadows on the walls, as the observer's eyes scanned the cards laid out before him, each one more imposing than the last. His hands rested, almost reverently, on the cold surface of the table as he fixed his attention on the images representing the apostles—symbols that would define his destiny.
First, his gaze landed on the Card of Pride. It stood out with the image of a proud warrior, clad in golden armor that reflected the light almost blindingly.
His expression exuded complete confidence, his eyes fixed on a distant horizon, as if the world lay at his feet.
The background of the card depicted a desolate battlefield, yet the warrior seemed untouched, towering above everything and everyone.
Next to it, the Card of Wrath radiated visceral energy.
The illustration showed a hooded figure with flaming hands, ready to consume everything around them.
Anger seemed to pulse from the card like an almost tangible force, the figure's eyes blazing with fury as flames danced and devoured anything within reach.
It was a card of motion, urgency, and impending destruction.
The Card of Ambition depicted a landscape of towering mountains, with a lone figure climbing tirelessly, hands reaching toward a distant sun that seemed unattainable.
The image was steeped in gold and shadows, conveying the sense of an unending pursuit, no matter how much had already been conquered.
Ambition was etched into every tense line of the climber's body, promising that there was always more to achieve, always something beyond.
The Card of Solitude portrayed a lone figure in an empty field, shrouded in mist.
Their hands were raised as if seeking something, but their gaze was lost, fixed on the void.
The atmosphere of the card carried a profound sense of detachment and silent despair. The emptiness surrounding the figure felt endless, infinite.
The Card of Sloth displayed a figure reclined on a throne of withered flowers, their eyes half-closed and posture relaxed, almost careless.
There was no sense of urgency in the image, as if time itself had stopped for this figure, who had surrendered to inactivity.
Their feet rested on a pile of papers and books, none of which had been opened. The card was painted in shades of gray and brown, emphasizing stagnation and lethargy.
The Card of Greed was a striking image of a man with burning eyes, clutching coins and jewels in his hands, a golden crown resting on his head. Yet, the gold seemed to melt and scatter like sand, slipping through his fingers.
The card's background extended into an infinite field of riches, none of which were ever enough—a bottomless void consuming all, yet never satisfied.
The Card of Freedom showed a figure in an expansive pose, arms wide open to the sky as though ready to take flight. The card's background was an endless sky without boundaries, where chains and bars were mere distant fragments, powerless to contain them.
The figure's eyes held an expression of pure ecstasy, a sensation of absolute autonomy and being unshaped by any external force.
The Card of Sorrow was dark and melancholic, with a figure seated by the edge of a lake, shoulders slumped, gaze lost in the water.
The reflection in the lake showed a larger figure, yet even so, they seemed to sink, surrounded by shadows. Every detail of the card conveyed a sense of profound loss, as if the weight of the world was concentrated in those hollow eyes.
The Card of Loyalty depicted a kneeling warrior, head bowed, offering their sword to someone unseen.
Despite the chaos of a battle raging in the background, the warrior's unwavering commitment shone through. The card was outlined in a golden aura, symbolizing steadfast dedication and unbreakable bonds.
The Card of Wisdom was serene and tranquil, showing a figure in meditation surrounded by ancient books and symbols. The background featured stars and constellations, hinting that knowledge lay just out of immediate reach, always within view for those willing to understand. Their eyes were closed, yet their mind seemed to encompass the universe in its calm comprehension.
The Card of Justice was imposing, with a figure holding scales, their eyes blindfolded but their stance unshaken. The background was a ruined city, yet the scales of justice never wavered. Every element of the card reflected the eternal struggle for truth and fairness.
The Card of Courage depicted a figure in fierce combat, sword raised, facing an unseen threat. Their posture was firm, their gaze resolute, with no fear in their eyes—only an immense will to confront the unknown, whatever the cost.
The vibrant colors of the card suggested a storm on the verge of breaking.
Finally, his attention fell on the Card of the King. The card was a masterpiece of red and gold tones, portraying a noble figure in regal attire, their eyes filled with quiet sorrow. The crown lay discarded by their side, and the background revealed the ruins of a castle, as if all power had been taken by the burden of sacrifice. It was a card of culmination, symbolizing leadership that demands ultimate selflessness.
The observer sighed, his fingers brushing over the Card of the King, tracing the intricate details of its gilded surface. His thoughts turned inward, reflecting on the challenges ahead. Each apostle represented a piece of himself, yet also a trial to be overcome. And in the end, a sacrifice was inevitable.
With deliberate motion, he reached for the Card of Justice with one hand while setting aside the Card of the King with the other.
Selene's enigmatic expression shifted into a subtle smile, her eyes glinting with understanding.
"A king must always make sacrifices for their people, mustn't they? This is a difficult path, an intriguing choice. The weight of the crown is not measured in gold but in the decisions that shape the future of all."
She gathered the cards with graceful precision, her gaze fixed on him. After a moment of silence, she spoke softly, her tone almost reassuring:
"In the end, the outcome will be good."
The observer remained silent, watching as the Card of the King was removed from the game—a symbol of his irreversible decision.
Lucian rose from his seat, his mind heavy with thoughts of destiny. Turning to his companion, Kiyo, he said:
"Let's investigate the mysterious cases in the schools first. That's where the strongest emotions gather. Besides, we still have enough time for the deadline."
Kiyo sighed and nodded in agreement.
"More work," he muttered sarcastically, though a faint smile tugged at his lips.
The two stepped out into the night, their shadows stretching long under the flickering streetlights. The cold wind carried with it the promise of hidden truths waiting to be uncovered.