The clouded realm was silent.
Julius and Kazuki stood facing one another — a god whose vision spanned nations, and a boy who held secrets no one, not even the heavens, could unravel.
Both knew what the other sought.
And both knew neither could afford to say it.
For a moment, neither spoke. The air shimmered between them like the pause before a storm.
Kazuki's gaze was steady, a faint glimmer of amusement in his young eyes.
'So… this is how he wants to play it.'Kazuki mused inwardly.
He had no doubt why Julius had summoned him. The signs were too obvious. Julius could've summoned Kazuki into his divine court with authority. He could've sent an oracle or used a spirit medium. But instead, he brought Kazuki to this ancient, rare space — a realm reserved for 'worthy conversations.'
Meaning this wasn't about honor.It was about discovery.
'He's already tried to see my future… and failed.'Kazuki's sharp mind connected the pieces.'Now, he wants me to hand it to him willingly.'
Julius, too, was thinking.'This child… no, this existence… holds something even beyond my divine foresight. I cannot see his path. Not with the Crystal Sphere, not even with the direct threads of fate.'He hid his frustration behind a calm expression.'If I attempt to probe directly, it will alert whatever force is shielding him. The only way… is to make him say it himself.'
At last, Julius spoke, his voice warm and measured.
"Kazuki… tell me something. When you look at the future… what do you see?"
It was a subtle move — a question open enough not to alarm, but heavy with implication.
Kazuki smiled faintly."The future, Lord Julius?" He tapped his chin, feigning the innocence of an eight-year-old."Hmm. I see many things… lots of stories, adventures, a world full of mystery."
Julius narrowed his eyes just slightly.'Clever brat.'
"I imagine a child like you must have quite the imagination," Julius mused, pretending amusement."Have you ever… imagined yourself becoming something great? Perhaps a ruler? A savior? A destroyer?"
A calculated strike. The kind meant to tempt a reckless reply.
Kazuki's gaze dropped to his own hands, and for a moment, he let his expression darken just enough for Julius to notice.
Then, a small, practiced laugh."Lord Julius… don't all of us dream about changing the world in some way? Even my big brother Arthur wanted to slay evil beasts and become a great knight when he was my age. It's just… stories, isn't it?"
'He dodged it again.' Julius felt a flicker of admiration.
But beneath the casual words, Kazuki's mind worked.
'He's digging for specifics. A title, a role, a hint of the chaos spirit… but I can't risk a slip.'Because Kazuki knew one thing more than anything else — the Chaos Spirit that slumbered inside him, the force no one knew about, would not tolerate exposure. If Kazuki's future — or his past life — was spoken aloud, it would trigger catastrophic consequences, starting with Julius himself.
Even if Kazuki wanted to tell him, he couldn't.
And yet… to deny too hard would also reveal suspicion.
So, Kazuki tilted his head, offering a look of curiosity."Is that what you called me for, Lord Julius? To talk about my dreams?"
Julius gave a slow smile, hiding the irritation building within."In part. I'm curious about the young prodigy of South Ryehem. I value promising souls. Some paths are destined for greatness."
"And others?"
"Others… for ruin." Julius let the word linger.
Kazuki held the stare. Neither blinked.
And then, Kazuki's lips curled into a smirk, an expression no ordinary eight-year-old should have."Well… whichever path it is, I'll walk it."
For the first time, Julius felt a genuine chill.A boy who neither clung to life nor feared death.
'This one… he's dangerous.'
"Very well," Julius spoke at last, a hint of resignation in his tone."Your answers are your own, Kazuki. But remember — fate watches, even if it speaks not."
Kazuki gave a small bow, as respectful as expected.
"I'll keep that in mind, Lord Julius."
The god raised a hand and the realm began to fade.
'I couldn't learn a thing… not a single crack.' Julius thought bitterly.'And if I press harder, it'll draw attention from whatever force is shielding him. No… I'll wait. For now.'
And as Kazuki drifted back toward his slumber, he whispered in his mind:
'You'll never see my future, old god. Because it was never written in your book.'