At the foot of Capitoline Hill.
Ray gazed up at the massive city standing imposingly atop the peak, momentarily speechless.
Though he had long heard tales and read accounts of Septimont's grandeur, a thousand descriptions could never compare to seeing it with his own eyes.
"Quite breathtaking, isn't it?" Lupa raised her chin slightly, her tone carrying a natural pride. "When I first saw Capitoline Hill City, I felt the same, hard to imagine an entire city perched atop a mountain peak like that, as if touching the sky."
Ray nodded deeply, his gaze still lingering between the staggered domes and rocky slopes.
"Truly... incredible. It's an entirely different world from Ragunna's style of winding along the water, spreading out gradually."
He paused here for a moment, noticing the cable car nearby.
"So, are we taking the cable car up next?"
Lupa nodded. "Of course. That's the Solis Cable Car, an important transport system here. But actually, it's a public Echo. Though if you're energetic and don't mind taking more time, you can also walk up from the old city district."
"Old city district?" Ray was unfamiliar with the term.
"That's the abandoned area at the mountain's base," Lupa explained. "When the first Dark Tide erupted, threats from Ragunna approached Septimont's borders."
"For safety, the main city gradually migrated up the mountain, forming the Capitoline Hill City you see now. The original old city district was repurposed as part of the defense system."
She paused, her tone growing somewhat grave.
"But later, the old city district was completely submerged. Vicious tacet discords especially Corrosaurus often lurk underwater. So now, apart from exceptionally strong gladiators, almost no one goes near there anymore."
"I see. Then let's take the cable car."
The cable car ascended slowly, piercing through the lingering mist and clouds.
Suddenly, a majestic mountaintop city opened before their eyes, domes shimmering in the sunlight, buildings layered and staggered as if growing from the very rock, blending seamlessly with the skyline.
Crisscrossing streets teemed with people; the clamor of markets mingled with cheers from distant arenas.
As soon as the cable car stopped, Lupa eagerly jumped off, turning to face the two with open arms, her words brimming with pride. "Welcome to my city! The Eyrie Stone City atop Capitoline Mountain! By the way, just ahead is Leonidas Plaza, the liveliest spot in all of Capitoline Mountain City. Many gladiators love to spar there. If you have time, you should definitely check it out!"
"I've been there." Carlotta chimed in with a smile, her tone poised. "Compared to Ragunna's Freedom Plaza, Leonidas is more expansive, with a completely different style. Since we're in Septimont, it's only natural to visit."
Hearing this, Lupa looked slightly surprised, tilting her head at Carlotta. "Miss Carlotta has been to Septimont before?"
"Yes, a few times for family business." Carlotta nodded gently, her gaze tinged with reminiscence. "And it was here I met a rather special friend."
"A special friend?"
"I think you've probably heard of her too, Lupa."
"Her? Could it be..." Lupa's expression shifted slightly, a hint of inquiry in her tone. "Ephor Augusta?"
Carlotta shook her head. "No, it's the Oracle Maiden of the Tetragon Temple, Luno."
"Luno?" Hearing that name, Lupa was clearly taken aback for a moment, her eyes widening slightly. "That person?"
Ray, who had remained silent until now, finally couldn't hold back. "Oracle Maiden? What's that?"
He was clearly clueless about the names and titles they mentioned, his face filled with confusion.
"How to explain this..." Lupa paused briefly, trying to find the simplest words. "Oracle Maidens can glimpse the threads of fate. Here in Septimont, their words carry absolute authority, simply put, they can see the inevitable future of others."
"Seeing others' futures? Interesting..." Ray nodded thoughtfully, pondering for a moment before continuing his questions. "So, can people use the future seen by an Oracle Maiden to change the eventual outcome?"
Lupa shook her head gently, letting out an almost inaudible sigh. "No."
"Why not?"
"Because according to the Oracle Maidens' teachings, the future is destined and cannot be altered." Lupa lifted her head to look at the sky, her gaze gradually growing melancholic. "Throughout history, countless people have struggled desperately after learning their fate, trying to reverse the tide. But no matter how hard they fought, the prophesied future always arrived as foretold, no matter the cost, fate ultimately descends along its predetermined path."
"That... ominous?" Ray showed an expression of disbelief. "Really? If the future can't be changed, then a person's entire life is essentially set from the start? What's the difference between us and machines running on fixed programs?"
"It's definitely true. Though... I wish it weren't." The young woman's voice grew noticeably more despondent.
"Hearing you say that makes me want to meet this Oracle Maiden even more." Ray rubbed his chin, turning to look at Carlotta. "Second Young Miss, if there's a chance, could you introduce us?"
Hearing this, Carlotta's eyes instantly grew alert.
'This guy's popularity with women is suspiciously high.
If he meets Yuno, and something gets tangled up, wouldn't I be creating a rival for myself?'
"What do you want with her?" Her tone held a hint of scrutiny.
"Nothing special." Ray wore a serious expression. "Didn't you say Oracle Maidens can foresee the future? I just want to ask her whether pi is a rational number or an irrational number."
"You think Oracle Maidens are supercomputers?" The corner of Carlotta's mouth twitched slightly. "They can only glimpse the threads of human fate. How could they possibly answer a mathematical question like that..."
"What if she knows?"
"..."
Carlotta pressed a hand to her forehead with a light sigh. Just as she was about to speak, the vibration of her terminal interrupted her, a communication from Francis.
"Mmm, understood."
"Yes, Grandfather, I'll handle it right away."
After ending the call, she addressed the two of them. "There's been some trouble with the family's business operations in Septimont. Grandfather asked me to handle it. I'll need to leave for a while, probably be back by evening. Lupa, could you trouble you to show him around Septimont during this time?"
"Need any help?" Ray asked.
"Not necessary." Carlotta shook her head gently. "I can handle it."
"Alright then, be careful on your way."
"Mhm, see you later."
With that, Carlotta turned and left, her figure quickly merging into the flow of people on the street.
Only Lupa and Ray remained standing at the street corner in Capitoline Hill City. Lupa stretched like a wolf loosening its limbs, letting out a contented sigh. "Walking for so long is actually a bit tiring. Hey Ray, while we have time now, let's head to the Sunfire Tavern! Their honey wheat ale and Sunfire Special are top-notch!"
"Having a little drink now and then isn't bad."
Ray wasn't passionate about alcohol, but he didn't reject it either. He was always happy to share a casual drink with friends.
Just as the two were about to step forward, a woman blocked their path.
Her attire had a distinctive style, neither the opulence of Septimont nor the casualness of Ragunna, but a sharp, minimalist efficiency.
"Hello, I am Isidora." The woman introduced herself.
"A Flower Warden from the Black Shores. I wonder if I might... have a further word with you?"