Noah And Elyas looked at each other for a moment, then, they asked in unison:

  “What the f*ck was that?”

  “What the hell ma'am?!”

  The Seer stared at them for a bit, then answered with an even tone.

  “Mister Elyas seems to have harboured a parasite. I simply sensed it and took action.”

  Elyas wasn't surprised to see that the Seer knew his name. In front of him was a person capable of seeing through time, mysteries and fate. Knowing his name was a trivial thing comparatively… Also Noah could have given his name to him beforehand.

  The second part of what he said however…

  “How did you know that it was harmful? How did you sense it?” Elyas couldn't help but ask with visible curiosity.

  The Seer's answer came immediately. “It's because of the Seer's Eye that I managed to sense its abnormal, malicious presence.” He stopped talking, deeming that a sufficient answer.

  ‘The Seer's Eye… he said it like I already should know what it is… is that an exclusive ability of a Seer? Or the name of a popular Artifact?’

  Elyas rummaged through his memories. He could recall some people capable of mass producing Artifacts. But back then, he had not heard anything about the Seer's Eye. If it was really an Artifact, it would surely be a popular one seeing its utility.

  As he was in deep thought, Noah nodded, accepting the explanation. The beautiful Seer deliberated before speaking with his melodic, soothing voice.

  “Uhh… Mister, excuse my unceremonious introduction. Also, forgive my abrupt commands for you to undress.”

  Elyas was brought back from his thoughts by the soothing voice. He rapidly shook his head.

  “No need for apologies. If anyone should apologize it would be me for bringing trouble with me.”

  “Its a sign of your great character Mister. Since I know your name, it's only fair for you to know mine. Im Bernet, people also know me by my code name: Fog Seeier.” Bernet said as he let out a low, cute chuckle.

  “Code name?” Elyas voiced his confusion, which seemed to make Bernet puzzled as well.

  Noah, watching from the sidelines, grinned. After all, not everyone was familiar with Elyas's extraordinary levels of ignorance.

  He said with a soft chuckle as he gave Elyas a wink. “Oh, don't mind my friend, he's a bit “exceptional”... In all the right ways.”

  The Seer tilted his head, meanwhile, Elyas shot Noah a look of utter betrayal. Noah looked down at the Elyas, his grin widening. Then he wrapped the back of his chair and said:

  “Code names are essentially your title. What others call you after you gather recognition, it's the sign of a professional, competent Dreamer. For example, mine is “Silver Eye”.”

  Elyas nodded in enlightenment. After that, he asked what he came here for.

  “So, Madam Bernet, what is my Cost?”

  Fog Seeier shook his head. “I'm not a lady. Although your mistake is understandable. And to answer your question, you need to tell me what the Whisperer said.”

  Elyas nodded, he started recalling the whispers as he scratched his stubble. Remembering the event seemed to make something he had placed in the back of his mind resurface.

  ‘Why did I get a second wish?’ He paused. This is one of the most important questions he had to answer. And an urgent one as well. Considering a risky move, a slight frown found its way on Elyas’s face.

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  ‘If the matter is exposed, it would cause a lot of trouble… but I need to know, and a Seer is my best chance to get answers…’

  After hesitating, he spoke. “Before that, can you check something Mr Bernet?”

  “Of course, but depending on what it is, it might add onto your fees.”

  Elyas glanced at Noah, after seeing him agree, he responded, “No problem. I want you to check my Wishing Star.”

  Fog Seeier nodded. It was a normal request. People, especially Dreamers would often check on their Wishing Star. Mainly to make sure it hasn't sustained damage, or isn't hindering their growth.

  It is what gives them their miraculous powers, it's only logical to take care of it. On top of that, it's something that once lost, will lead to the owner's death.

  Each of those is a good enough reason on their own. But when combined, it leads to excessive care and value being put on a healthy Star.

  Of course, there are people who sell them. There's a possibility of the Wishing Star lasting even after the owner dies…Or you can make them give it to you ““willingly””.

  ‘The only reason people aren't walking around with hundreds of Wishing Stars in their heads, is that everyone who tried to use more than one turned into a Nightmare. More importantly, if I really got a second wish, I would possess two Stars. If Bernet sees something like that, he would probably have a strong reaction.’

  Elyas quickly formed a plan to indirectly get his answer. As a detective, he was a natural when it came to situations like this.

  The Seer's mask shimmered as it receded back. turning into a half mask with a metallic luster. It clung to Bernet’s perfect cheeks, leaving his bright red eyes and the rest of his horribly burnt and mangled face free.

  Elyas was taken aback. Not because of the horrible burns covering the poor man's face. But because they did nothing to change how he felt towards him. In fact, now that the mask was half gone, the beautiful Seer’s mangled face pulled on his heart strings even more.

  The Seer looked at him. A somber expression appearing on his face.

  “...You think I'm beautiful don't you.”

  Elyas nodded. seemingly in a trance as he studied every line of the Seer's face. Bernet sighed and resumed his work.

  “I need to be alone with him. Do you mind waiting for us a bit?” He said to Noah as he gestured to the door. Noah left without saying a word.

  After he closed the door, Bernet spoke, “Good. Close your eyes then.” Elyas did as told. With that, he started.

  Bernet's pupils shifted, turning to that of a cat. The whites of his eyes vanished completely as they reflected the figure of Elyas. They moved slightly from time to time, seemingly examining something. After a minute or so, they returned to normal.

  “You can open your eyes now.”

  Elyas didn't hesitate to ask. “So, what did you see?”

  Bernet answered like clockwork. “It's healthy. Although a bit weak. But that is to be expected from a new Dreamer. Other than a few light cracks inflicted by your damaged soul, it's fine.”

  “... Nothing else? You saw nothing other than my one Wishing Star?” Elyas was puzzled at the Fog Seeier’s response. His situation was already strange, but now, it had somehow turned even more morbid.

  The Seer tilted his head slightly. “Was I supposed to find anything else?”

  “No. Of course not. It's just that… never mind. Let's go back to my cost.”

  Bernet nodded.

  “Before the Whisperer said my cost, he told me this: “When the time comes, be thankful to your fathers and kin.” What did he mean by that?”

  The seer fell silent, fiddling with his mask that had turned normal again.

  “Im not sure… let's hear the Cost, maybe it can help us understand it better.”

  Elyas nodded in agreement.

  “If I remember correctly, it's this:

  “A world, a throne made for the likes of you. There's no escaping its grasp. You are bound to its eternal wait, and that made you invincible.”

  “hmmmm” Bernet’s eyes narrowed, “Strange…It's way too straightforward.”

  “What?” Elyas was dumbfounded.

  ‘Straightforward? Do you even hear yourself?!’

  Bernet sighed, “Simply put, it has the least amount of cryptic messages or passages left for interpretation that I've ever seen. It's too descriptive… are you sure this is what the Whisperer said?”

  “Yes. If there's one exceptional thing about me, it's my memory.”

  The Fog Seeier continued to fall silent for a bit, thinking. It didn't take long before he spoke again.

  “Okay, the first sentence is explaining your powers. The second sentence, although cryptic gibberish at first glance, is quite simple. It's telling you that you are bound to your pocked dimension, and you need to wait in it to be able to leave.”

  “Why…how are you so sure this is my Cost?” He asked.

  “It's because of the Seer's Eye.” Bernet answered immediately.

  ‘That Artifact again… I should really try to get my hands on one… if it is an Artifact that is.’ Elyas thought for a bit and asked another question.

  “Could you be a bit more specific? It's a bit confusing”

  Bernet thought for a while before replying: “I think it's better to show you.”

  With that, he reached and touched Elyas’s arm on the table. As soon as he did, Elyas's pupils turned red and like that of a cat. His mind was flooded with murmurings and strange imagery.

  Everything got erased in an instant, replacing it with a vast field of grass. Voices chanted as the sky above it plummeted, overlapping with the meadow below. Everything had turned black and white , everything but himself.

  In the world, there were only two people sitting on a set of wooden furniture. But he could only see himself, all of himself. His head where a single ball of light shone like a star. His heart, where a strange mist like liquid pooled.

  And his cracked and gray soul covering his body like a second layer of skin. He could see it all.

  Each strand of grass swaying with the gentle breeze, the chipping of birds that did not exist. The two overlapping worlds he could feel every part of, the whispers in his ears. He felt all of it, and it was all too much.

  “Calm down. Relax, ease your breathing and focus on the voices.” Bernet instructed, his soothing voice calmed Elyas.

  He did as told. He steadied his breathing, relaxed, and just as he did, started comprehending what the voices were chanting.

  “Live… long… as you… inside…” He was barely able to understand and make out a few words at first. But not long after, he understood them fully.

  “You can only live as long as you stay inside the void.”