“Hey! Yeah, you! No masks in the temple’s vicinity!”

A purple caped militiaman poked a baton against a masked man wearing a red robe. It did not take him long to recognize the affiliation of the robed person.

The militiaman mocked as he clanged the baton on his cuirass, “Oh, I get it. You’re from the Order of Cashera! Came to spy around, eh? Is your fake goddess afraid of our oracle now? Or are you a turncoat of your Order?”

The masked man grinded his teeth and clenched his fist before saying, “Forgive me. I’ll leave.”

“That’s right, Hoodie! Thankfully I’m in a good mood, or you’d have met my blade instead.”

The masked man briskly walked away while thinking to himself, “Being public and frontal’s no good. This leaves me no choice… Wait, did I just sound obscene in my mind? At any rate…”

A visitor would observe the temple resembles a cross with a circular shape at one end when viewed from above. The three parts forming a T-shape serve as homes for those who serve the Oracle, while the main building is the Oracle’s quarters. Having a rotating dome as roof, this is where most oracles are given.

As he reached the marketplace, which was conveniently near Telo’s temple as a known source for the oracle’s “supplication” process involving extremely detailed gifts and offerings, as well as a souvenir trap for tourists, he could not help but overhear the talk of the town.

“Cashera’s sailing to this island with 3,000 people?! Sure about that?”

“Sure as fish are fish. And aboard three huge ships! But she seems to be island hopping first.”

“I can’t believe it. Is Deiroc going to invade Telo and the rest of Triskaide?”

“They can’t do that! We’re all under Dalreida.”

“And all their fault, if you ask me. Deiroc led the league to its own destruction.”

“But how about rumors of the Great Oracle working for the republican government?”

“Nonsense. We just gained permission to operate the temple, nothing more.”

“Maybe the Great Oracle’s challenged the little Cashera!”

“Woah, now that’s something we’d like to see.”

“You bet I would! We Teloi deserve no less than our Great Oracle’s crushing of Deiroc!”

The masked man was startled and troubled. He ran away from the people’s sight, not from fear of being ostracized for his connections to the Order, but more from terror of the Order itself. It simply never happened before. Has he miserably failed in his mission to prompt the Order to take care of the situation? Would he be relieved of his duties in the Secret Ops, just as the Great Priest threatened so? Or perhaps, even without the patronizing words of his superiors, the avatar lost all confidence in his capacity? Returning to his temporary shelter of wood, fabric, and leaves somewhere in the forest outside the city, he frantically searched for a way to hasten the accomplishment of his mission, but the Oracle’s sudden rise in Telo deprived him of reliable followers of Cashera in the said island.

The more he thinks, the less clear the solution becomes, exhausting him enough to bring him to sleep without getting a bite to eat in the process. After some hours, it was dark. As his eyes were still shut, he heard splashing of water. At first, he thought it was just animals frolicking in the lake, but then, he began to hear voices.

His eyes immediately opened, “No way, I’ve been found?!”

He grabbed his dagger under his cloak, ready to pull it when necessary, as he dashed outside. He figured it would be best to check out the lake first, since he first heard noise in that area. Besides, the moon shines unexpectedly bright that time accompanied by the absence of clouds. However, there was not one soul in the lake or around it. Was his hearing playing against him?

A few moments later, his suspicions were not without basis. A figure emerged from the lake. It had chartreuse hair floating, but he cannot yet determine whether or not it was a person. Thinking that he needs to make the first move, and that he may have the upper hand if he can see the figure clearly, he rushed from the woods and pulled out his dagger.

“Halt! Who goes there?!”

That emerging figure turned out to be a woman, who looked around as she silently rose from the water.

When he saw her, he quickly turned his head away and bawled, “Why’re you naked?!”

She slapped him, and begged him to be quiet, “Shh… After all, I’m not naked. I have swimwear.”

The slap almost removed the mask away from his face, and it was enough to see half his face.

While still reeling from the force of her slap, he whispered, “Down there, yes, but the top?”

Indeed, she wears a rather thin cloth covering her hips and the middle of her thighs, but the rest of her body was uncovered. She was almost gleaming as lake water flows down from her voluptuous figure.

“What do you expect from someone enjoying her bath, huh? Does it bother you? But tell you what, I think you would feel better if you join me.”

“Join where?”

“Not where, silly. Join me in being undressed. And hide that dagger, will you?”

He hesitated. She was a total stranger, after all, and probably a Teloi as well. Then again, seeing her not only undressed, but also unarmed, he reluctantly sheathed his dagger inside his cloak.

She went closer to him and forcibly removed his mask, “Now we’re getting somewhere.”

He tries to retake the mask, but to no avail, “Wait! What are you…?!”

“Shut it! Don’t you know what keeping it down means?”

“F-fine, if undressing’s what you want, here…”

Baring his tunic, he removed his red robe and handed it over to her.

She giggled as she put on the robe large enough to cover her entire body, “Why, thank you. Really, you didn’t have to… But seeing your face as red as your hair, I’ll accept your offer then. Besides, I think I left mine at the other side of the lake.”

“Then get them, by Cashera!”

“Cashera? Are you a follower of Deiroc’s goddess?”

He looked away from her and towards the expanse of the lake. Without a word, he slumped to sit on the ground. Noticing this, she also took a seat beside him and inspected his mask.

“Let me guess,” she said in attempts of continuing the conversation, “rough day today?”

“What do you know? You’re here relaxing in a cold, refreshing, peaceful lake.”

She leaned, “It’s cold, alright. Would you warm me up a bit, uh, what’s your name?”

Upon frowning when he saw her lean, he moved his shoulder to shove away the woman.

“You don’t have to know mine as I don’t with yours… Besides, I don’t have a name.”

“Is that so? How’d I address you? That’s the way to talk to people, right? By saying their name?”

He hissed and shook his head, “Please, I apologize deeply for ruining your day. Just… finish your bath, but before you do, return my effects to me. And I’d be going. Forget this ever happened.”

She pouted and crossed her arms, “How could I forget a man seeing me in all my glory?”

“That’s for you to find out,” he replied as he snatched the mask away, “and for me to not.”

“Impossible. My beauty is absolute, because the gods themselves granted me this glory. I’m the envy of every woman, and the fantasy of every man. I know you saw how shapely my figure is,” she whispered to his ear, “And if you’re fortunate, you can even have a go with me yourself…”

He felt chills slightly traversing his spine, but at the least, he did not let it show. Instead of answering, he put his mask back on, “Alright, you’re confidently beautiful, happy?”

“You’re no fun,” she said upon sensing his sarcasm, “Actually, you could’ve been a beauty outside, I admit that, but none of it I see inside.”

He stood up, “Again, what do you know? If you need that robe, keep it. Now, if you’ll excuse…”

Before he could walk away, she smiled and powerfully grabbed his leg, causing him to stumble.

As he fell behind her, she spoke, “I know nothing, therefore I know everything… Number 72.”

He jumped out of her grasp and drew out his dagger, “Knowledge is dangerous to behold!”

As he looked around, she rose and walked towards him, “You’re the one disadvantaged here.”

“You’re pretty bold for a nude lady…,” he said before thrusting the dagger against her.

She quickly caught his dominant hand, and it led to a standstill between them.

“I won’t be causing much ruckus if I were you. My guards are going to beat you up in seconds.”

His hand holding the dagger trembled as he tried to break loose, but her soft hands are not so soft in terms of strength, grappling with enough force to keep him in place.

“Guards? You’re a daughter of some nobleman or important figure here?”

“That’s one way to put it,” she replied while slowly guiding the dagger towards her chest, “I know why you’re here, 72, and whatever you need to do, do it quickly... if you can.”

His eyes narrowed. Sweat can be seen falling from beneath his mask. She let go of his hand as the tip of the blade pressed against her body, but an internal conflict raged inside him.

“Who are you?! I’ve had enough playing and teasing with you, woman!”

She bit her lip, and then grinned, “Oh, I’m no ordinary lady. Here’s a hint for you… The name’s Pratuzga. Pleased to meet…”

He gasped, “Telo’s Oracle!”

“Right you are. As for you, I can imagine how the Order wants me eliminated, but what are you waiting for, follower of Cashera? I’m defenseless, unless this robe of yours can deflect metal. If you want, I can just open this to make your job so much easier…”

“What are you up to?”

“I know what I’m up to, alright, but do you know yours? Hurry, kill me now and get it over with. Can’t you see how the gods played me right into your hands?”

“I find it hard to believe, Lady Oracle,” he lamented as he put down the dagger.

“Then what do you believe? Cashera?”

“Quite frankly, yes. And I’m here to save her the trouble of dealing with you.”

She opened up the robe to display once more her round breasts, “Please, how can you destroy such beauty? I know what you’re thinking. Damn, this girl’s so gifted and endowed. I’m flattered…”

Despite this attempt to distract him, the advancing masked man still thrust the dagger towards her, but with one quick motion, she easily deflected the dagger. It flies away from them and dives into the lake.

“Buh?”

“You men are all so direct and straight and true,” she said as she covered herself again, “I don’t even need to use my oracle powers to know your next move. But I applaud you, 72. You’re visibly unaffected by my beauty so far. What keeps you from falling? Is there someone else?”

However, Number 72 was not too keen to talk. He rammed to Pratuzga in hopes of bringing her to the lake’s bottom and drown her with him in the process, but she gracefully avoided his multiple charges as if dancing.

Finally, he trips over a stone and rolls on lakeshore mud before falling in the lake. Moonlight struck the displaced water, causing a faint rainbow to appear for a while. She laughed as she offered her hand to help, but the drenched Number 72 ignored her.

Acknowledging his defeat, he raised his hands, “Argh! Okay, I give up. You’re just toying me now, aren’t you? If you want to, you’d have called your guards to round me up.”

She winked, “Finally! You see reason. Come, join me. Why don’t we enjoy the night?”

“Enjoy? How? By torturing me with your spells?”

“Hah! You’re a kidder, 72 of the Secret Ops. No, we’re not enemies, at least this once.”

She returned to sit and look at the starry skies, governed by the moon’s uncanny radiance. With reluctance, Number 72 inched to sit with Pratuzga, albeit keeping distance as he waits to dry.

“For the record, brainwashing me won’t work. I’d rather die than reveal our secrets to you.”

“I know you would. We’ve captured some in your Order, and their mouths bubble up before they get to say anything worthwhile. I mean, literally,” she said while making popping sounds, "but you're different, right?"

“Why’d Teloi leave their precious Oracle floating like a lake monster?”

“That’s rude, even for you. Are you comparing me with Bereta’s fabled tourist attraction? But alright, I’d humor you. Simply, even people like me need some alone time, you get the gist?”

“I understand this.”

“Yet you looked like someone who don’t need that alone time. You need some rest, yes, but not to be alone. I see ugliness in your heart.”

“Aren’t all hearts ugly, especially when you pluck them out while still beating?”

“The Order never ceases to amaze me. What have they done to you, 72? They’ve taken away your identity, your dignity, everything, and yet you’re still devoted to their fake goddess…”

He threw a stone to the lake and thundered, “She’s not fake!”

“Shh…,” Pratuzga calmly responded while putting a finger on his mask, “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, the saying goes. But beauty is beauty even without eyes to behold them.”

“What are you saying? Is this psychological warfare?”

She removed her finger and waved her hands to the sky, “The stars don’t have eyes, but they’re beautiful. The moon doesn’t have ears, but it’s beautiful. But Cashera, she isn’t beautiful. Your tradition says she’s lived a thousand or so lifetimes. Don’t you think she hasn’t committed a thousand nasty things all this time? It’s very ungodlike, because what do gods have to do with us? And you, her believer, her devotee, have contracted her ugliness. You took this to heart.”

“The sacred texts say Cashera is pure, and so is her avatar. Don’t twist what’s holy for your…”

“Gain? Why, you’re in the Secret Ops. You know the atrocities and anomalies of Cashera’s Order, and what did your avatar do? Nothing. Had it not been for Cashera, Deiroc and the entire Triskaide Archipelago wouldn’t have to be oppressed so much. Tell me it isn’t true.”

“Cashera destroyed the entire Dalreidan fleet. She can do it again, you’ll see!”

“That’s history, 72. Now is what matters. That’s why it’s called present, because it’s a gift. A gift to blossom as the beautiful people the gods destined us to be, but Cashera’s not the way. No way. Take this example. You say Cashera’s pure, but haven’t you heard how she’s seduced into romantic relationships with people every time she’s reincarnated? How unlovely.”

Behind his mask, Number 72 looked more troubled, “That’s blasphemy. The texts don’t say…”

An opening for her to exploit.

“Of course, they wouldn’t. But as the Oracle, this has been revealed to me by the gods. And the fleet? It’s a trick, you see. There’s really a storm coming that day, and Cashera’s conveniently placed there in full view of the people. You call it a miracle, but it’s really all stage propaganda.”

“Even we in the Secret Ops are not briefed about any of these. How can I believe you?”

She placed her hand on his chest while she placed the other hand on hers, “Bear with me. The problem with ugly people, they don’t recognize or know beauty. They wallow in their own grotesqueness and think it’s all they need to be. That’s why they never become beautiful.”

“You keep talking about beauty. Are you selling cosmetics?”

“My beauty’s natural. I told you, they’re given by the gods themselves. Make up isn’t my style.”

“And you’re saying being naked at the lake exemplifies that?”

“Why not? But enough about me. You’ll get to know me more anyway, if and only if you become beautiful, too. Pray tell, why are you in Telo?”

“It’s my mission.”

“No. That’s because you’re afraid of failure. As a faceless figure, you go wherever your superiors tell you to, because you don’t want to be back to where you’ve previously been, and for what? They still look at you in bad light. Don’t you think I can determine this? You’ve run in the forest, not knowing what to do. They’re haunting you even if they’re not there. And now, I’m here, yet you can’t finish the job. Why? I’ll tell you exactly why. You’re not here for me. I’m here for you. We’re destined to meet at this place and time.”

“How… Why…?”

“You’re a poor soul that needs a major overhaul, and I’m here to do just that. An Oracle’s not just a problem solver for the big issues. She’s on call whenever it is, whatever it is.”

“I… I don’t need fixing…”

“Oh, 72,” she said after removing her hands from their chests, “The first step to solving the problem… is knowing there’s a problem. I know this, but do you? Say it: I have a problem.”

“I… I’ve a problem… But what…?”

“Something, or someone, ugly is in your heart. Tell me about it.”

“How should I know…?”

Sarcasm turned into confusion. He was puzzled about the Oracle's obvious interest. Besides, they barely knew each other.

“Because it burdens you. The gods are in their heaven. If all is well for you, then it won’t feel so bad. I mean, I can just tell you what I know, but that’s not going to help you getting it out.”

“I’m not quite sure I should say so to a rival.”

“But we’ve been talking for some time already, haven’t you noticed? Look, 72, my conflict is with Cashera, not with you,” she said after holding the part of his mask which bears writing, “Trust me when I say that I’m interested. We’re all interested. You should be glad.”

“We?”

“The gods… See, that’s proof of your condition. You can’t even pay attention. And speaking of attention, has anyone been listening to you? As in really knowing what’s inside you?”

He turned away, and gave a slight shaking of the head to answer Pratuzga’s statement.

She gave a smile and patted him on the back, “Good, good. Please, go on. I’m here, okay?”

Number 72 paused for a while as they both looked silently at the scenery. The serene lake sparkles, as if shining as bright as the moon and stars. It serves as the source of water for the nearby animals, and the forest extending away from it sways a bit with the occasional blowing of the wind. When her hair flew across his line of sight, he faced Pratuzga and began to appreciate more her beauty. It seems her claim of being the personification of beauty itself has basis after all.

As she observed his sudden gaze, she looked at him in the eye, “What you see is what you get. So, if you don’t see it the first time, look again. Look as long as you need. As long as you want.”

He was uncertain if it was the moonlight capitalizing on the prevailing darkness, or the reflection it effects on the lake, but her pupils seemed to have become larger when their eyes met. Before he knew it, his pupils grew slightly larger as well. From her eyes, his gaze zoomed out, allowing him to witness all the more the charm she possesses.

“I’m looking, Lady Oracle… I see it, and it’s beautiful. Genuinely beautiful. I want to have it.”

“Yes, 72. Yes, you can. But first, you have to let go of your ugliness. Let it all out.”

He nodded, and then looked towards the lake, “You’re right. I didn’t just have a rough day. It’s a rough life through and through. But I don’t even know where to begin…”

She held his hand, feeling the veins and the callouses spread all over it, “I’m sure we’ve all night.”

He did not hold her hand back, but he did not shake it away either. Her soothing and utterly physical touch calmed his nerves. He can feel the attempt to connect, and she is thus far succeeding to break his wall, much to her pleasure. At that point, she knew she had him.

After some thought, he started to narrate about his life. It turns out Number 72 was an illegitimate child born in Kamui. His mother, a native of Deiroc, died when he was young, but no filial love can overcome family politics. The legitimate family forced his father, a native of Kamui, to throw him out to the streets.

He found his new family with a local gang in Kotan’s slums. It was during this time when he met “sister” Cortica, herself a native of Deiroc, and clashed with her because the gang he is member of were extorting money from her shop for protection. The gang never returned, but for some reason, Cortica chose to take him in after learning his story.

As his knowledge and skills improved over time, Cortica recommended her to be part of the Secret Ops, which got mixed reactions back home. Not only was his background shady, being a gang member particularly, and having no clear memory of his provenance, he was recommended no less by the so-called “berserker.” Nonetheless, the appointment went to his favor, but only because the Order has long been shorthanded.

“Somehow, it gave me a sense of direction,” Number 72 weakly said, “So I did everything as they ordered. And when they assigned me to Cashera’s new avatar, I was elated, of course. It should’ve been my big break… Or so I thought.”

“What do you mean? You had a falling out with Cashera?”

“I… Well, how do I put it? It’s like… they thought I’m having relations with Cashera herself.”

The masked man was put on the spot, but with his weakened defense, the Oracle knew she must be quick to the offensive.

“What did I tell you, 72? Your blessing has turned into a curse. Don’t you see?”

“And I thought dealing with you before they come would help me regain their favor…”

“You don’t need others’ approval to know your beauty. Look at me. They say I’m a fraud, a con artist, everything but the sink. But look at me now. I’m the Oracle and I know it. This is the point, and bind it in you. The only approval you’ll ever need in this world… is your own.”

“You… You really think so?”

“I know so. Nobody’s going to believe you if you don’t believe yourself.”

“B-but… What should I do now? I can’t return with a mission hanging. I never did!”

She spits, “You’re not the failure. You’ve always succeeded in your missions, but whatever did they reward you with? Nothing. It’s because they’re all concerned about their damned lives. Disgusting scum.”

“I guess… You know what, it really helped me talking with someone who’d listen. Thank you.”

He returns the favor by holding her hand as well. She was surprised to see his move. However, instead of rejecting him, she eventually welcomed the warming gesture, and it comforted him.

She laughed, “Oh, aren’t you getting in the mood? But fear not, 72. This body’s not untouchable. Besides, beauty must be enjoyed. It should be your source of joy.”

He smiled, “Joy… I like that. Joy warms me up inside.”

“Do you want me to give you an oracle? For you, there’d be no supplication process.”

“What do you have for me, Lady Oracle?”

She threw her free hand in the air, and shining powder formed in front of them. Number 72 wondered where the powder came from since she did not have much clothing besides his robe. But it became the least of his concerns when images begin to be witnessed from the scatter.

“I see a great conflict that rages within you. Eventually, you’ll have to choose which way to go, but only one leads to your comfort and salvation. Take the other, and destruction meets you at the end.”

“Do you mean…?”

“It is what it is. In Triskaidean terms, the heart, the mind, and the soul are one and the same. The body perishes, and that’s natural. If the soul perishes as well, that’s supernatural. Your soul is suffering to this very moment, that’s true. No material solution can relieve it, but if you choose your new path now, your burden will be lifted, and you’ll perish no more.”

He sighed, “I understand… It clears up now… Forgive me, Sister Cortica… Forgive me, Lady Cashera... I truly believed in you. I thought you’d take this away from me… that you’re my beacon of hope… but...”

She snickered, “Yes, correct. Be brave, take that step.”

He removed his mask, exposing tears running down his face, and stared at the writing on it, “But I’m Sweet Mask no longer. I’m not going to be bound by you or the Order ever again.”

“Now then, what will you do with that symbol of oppression? What message are you sending?”

With his free hand, he firmly bent the mask with incredible force, breaking it in two. It produced a crisp cracking sound before the broken pieces go down to the ground.

With the fist destroying the mask clenched, he declared, “I’m Hadomai, and I’m proud of it!”

She tightened her hold of his other hand and patted her lap, “I’m proud of you, too. Come…”

“W-wait, isn’t that going too far? I mean, well, that escalated quickly if…”

He let go of her hand, but she was fast enough to pull him closer and let his head rest on her bare lap. It certainly felt more comfortable than any pillow he had the luxury of sleeping on, not that he had much to compare with. Nonetheless, a woman’s lap has a different level of sensation that can easily lull a man’s tired soul into slumber it so long yearned.

While stroking his hair, she confidently asked, “So, what do you think?”

“It’s… I’ve never felt so liberated in my life… Thank you, Lady Oracle…”

“Ah, ah, ah. I won’t lead you to the next part of your package if you don’t say my name.”

He frowned, “Package?”

“You forgot? This is not the end for you, Hadomai. It’s the beginning of a new journey.”

“A new journey?”

“Indeed, your journey with me.”

“That’s too much help now, Lady Oracle…”

“Hmm? I said yours. Say my name.”

He gulped as he turned his head to look at her, only to find her looking at him as well. The moon shone on her like a halo, and it proved to be a majestic sight for him.

With a shaking voice, he said, “T-thank you… Pratuzga.”

She gave a wide smile, “Beautiful... Welcome to your new home, Hadomai. You should know this by now. A miracle doesn’t have to be always the big things in life.”

As they enjoyed each other’s company, they were lulled into brief nap together. After which, they walked along the lakeshore for Pratuzga to get her own clothes, and then reunite with her people. Then again, instead of returning the robe, she decided to keep it for herself as a sort of souvenir.

Without lack of suspicious eyes, Hadomai felt nervous with the preliminary introductions, albeit none of her followers saw him without a mask anyway. But, he was no longer troubled inside. Pratuzga always assured him that he would fit just right, and gently reminded him how her followers also believe firmly in her core principles.

“Lady Oracle,” he asked, “How would you be dealing with Cashera now that she’s coming?”

She puts her arm on his shoulder and bawls, “You don’t need to worry about that! I know Cashera’s not going to move until Piso’s done with Bereta, because the Order’s after media coverage! But, who cares? If Cashera wants to take me on, oh, I’ll definitely take her on!”

Her guards cheered while clanging their weapons on their cuirasses, some of them even cursing Cashera. The feel was quite different. He is no longer the serious spy who was spied on by his very comrades. He is no longer the unrecognized gang member who had to live for another day with stolen goods. With this team, with the Oracle of Telo, he can freely express who he truly is.

Then again, how does Pratuzga plan to face Cashera? Why did Hadomai’s family ostracize him? What is the actual process mandated by the Oracle for those who seek her guidance and foresight?