Mona loves being praised, but those compliments can wait a bit—because this pool? They can't get into it!
The pool's surface reflects a location, seemingly hinting that the group should head there.
Readers: Grass (an element)! We spoke too soon!
No wonder you two are best friends; the new entry points both require searching.
Finding things? That's right in Fischl's comfort zone.
[Fischl proudly crosses her arms: "It is the desire of this Prinzessin to lead you all to that place."]
When it comes to finding things, Fischl isn't just boasting—she's genuinely skilled at reconnaissance. The location reflected in the pool? She'll find it in no time.
Correction: Oz will find it.
Oz soars through the sky, scouting, while Fischl can see through his perspective, allowing her to direct his flight for reconnaissance.
As for Fischl herself? She doesn't move an inch—just strikes her chuunibyou poses on the spot.
That's Fischl for you, but Oz has a lot to consider.
With a genius adventurer like her—oh, the genius adventurer is Fischl, not Oz, mind you.
Even though Oz is the one finding things, the credit goes to Prinzessin Fischl.
After all, without her, where would Oz be? The Prinzessin's grace is a debt that can never be repaid!
Under Fischl's lead, the group quickly locates the fragment needed to enter the dream realm.
They stand before the armillary sphere once more, still as towering as ever. Time to dive in!
[Mona's voice: "Astrology reveals the truth in its entirety. But… not everyone is willing to accept their own fate."]
["That's fine. Hitting a wall is part of the journey in mastering astrology. I must become stronger to learn how to convince them."]
So, mastering astrology also involves training in "eloquence"?
The Fatui are vaguely starting to understand why Lucian's so good with words.
Well, damn! So you prophets have a mandatory course in eloquence?
Eloquence, escaping, sincerity—are you lot secretly descended from the Han dynasty?
In the story, Mona continues muttering to herself. She mentions meeting an adventurer who shared some fruit with her. She performed a divination for him.
The result wasn't good. If he continued adventuring, the adventurer would die within two years. Mona urged him to give up, trying to persuade him.
The adventurer fell silent. He didn't question the validity of Mona's astrology, nor did he lash out in anger.
[Adventurer: "Even if that's the case… I'll keep moving forward. An adventurer can't be afraid of challenges."]
The adventurer hefted his climbing pack and headed toward the mountain's peak.
Readers notice that in Lucian's prophecies, there's never been a "lackluster" adventurer.
Even if some are "painfully weak yet delightfully bold" in combat, none have ever backed down in their spirit of adventure.
[Mona: "That incident has always lingered in my mind. I can't shake it off. Why is that?"]
In the stories Lucian writes, many adventurers appear—Stanley, Leonard, Jebrael, Fischl. None of them have ever brought shame to the name of an adventurer.
They're always like this: passionate about adventure, undaunted by hardship, their faces brimming with hope.
For many readers living ordinary, numb lives, this was initially incomprehensible. Why do these people always have "a spark in their eyes"?
Isn't it fine to live a simple, ordinary life? Wandering on the edge of danger, adventuring in unknown lands—what if you die?
They couldn't understand. What could be more important than life itself?
That was their mindset before reading the prophecy books. But starting with the story of facing the Raiden Shogun, their perspectives shifted.
Some things must be done! Because they're what you love!
Danger is right there, unconquered for decades or centuries—so why can't I be the one to overcome it?
Readers finally get it. These four stories are all saying the same thing:
Don't care about others' opinions or words. Do what you love! Live the life you want!
In the story, Mona is doing just that, walking the path of the life she loves, climbing the steps one by one to reach higher ground.
Stepping through the door at the summit, the group leaves the dream realm and returns to the island.
Mona tells everyone that the adventurer she mentioned was from over three years ago. By now… he's most likely passed away.
Everyone hopes he's still alive, but that's impossible. Mona's astrology is never wrong, and she doesn't lie.
Astrology is real, free of deceit—a serious discipline.
[Mona: "Since we're on the topic, I hope you all don't confuse astrology with those fortune-telling games at street stalls."]
["We study the stars, not to flatter someone and make them happy for a day."]
Narukami Shrine: ??? We feel offended!
But before the shrine maidens of Narukami Shrine can get upset, Mona herself is the one who snaps.
[Mona, bursting out: "Argh—! That's why I say being an astrologist is such a hated profession! Being great and being annoying aren't mutually exclusive!"]
As expected, Mona still cares deeply about this—about how it makes it hard for her to make friends.
[Fischl speaks up to comfort her: "Why the sudden clamor? Thou art not so unworthy of companionship."]
[Oz translates: "My lady means she's glad to be your friend."]
Fischl nods at first, then realizes what's happening and goes full tsundere:
["No, that's not what I said! Oz, what's wrong with you? You're getting bolder at misrepresenting my decrees!"]
No wonder these two are best friends. They're so similar in so many ways.
Be it their struggles to make friends or their tsundere personalities, it's all the same.
Readers are amused. Fischl's getting cuter by the day—her chuunibyou facade crumbles the moment she's teased a little.
Yae Miko licks her lips. This is too entertaining. She's itching to tease these two girls.
Seated, Yae Miko is raring to go. She exchanges a glance with Kitsune Saiguu, a silent understanding passing between them.
But before any teasing can happen, they need to finish reading the story first.
[Xinyan: "I don't know much, and you're the only astrologist I know, but you give me good vibes. You're not annoying at all."]
["Prying into others' secrets and then tossing aside results they don't like—those people need to reflect on themselves. Fate isn't something that cheap."]
[Kazuha chimes in: "If fate could be avoided with a few words, there'd be no pain of separation in this world. Mona, don't take it to heart."]
Their emotional intelligence is, as always, sky-high. Their words hit right at the heart's softest spot.
In reality, Mona feels utterly refreshed by their words, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. Thankfully, her head is lowered, and her large hat hides it from view.
Readers are jealous. Having friends like these is amazing—they're so good at comforting, and it's not perfunctory at all.
They can't help but want to tell their own friends: You, become Mona.