"Mental instability or developmental disability... Psychiatrist..."
"If the Association of Mental Alchemists has mastered 'Playing Techniques,' could it mean we might find them among psychiatrists?"
Realizing her idea was correct, Audrey's eyes sparkled like gemstones.
Meanwhile, she noticed Gigi, her golden retriever, sneaking behind the flowers and moving to an area only gardeners would access.
"Are you doing something, Gigi?" Audrey whispered in the shadows, perplexed.
Gigi, distracted by the scent of the flowers, didn't notice its owner. It opened its mouth and made eerie sounds: "Ah ah ah," "Yah yah yah."
Then it caused a ripple in the air as it spoke:
"Hello."
"How are you?"
...
Audrey's mouth widened, completely forgetting her ladylike manners. She couldn't believe what she saw or heard.
She stood up abruptly and exclaimed, "Gigi, can you talk? When did you start talking?"
Startled, Gigi jumped, facing its owner.
It wagged its tail rapidly before saying:
"I..."
"I don’t know how to explain it because I am just a dog."
Audrey was momentarily speechless upon hearing this.
...
On Monday morning, after his vacation, Klein reviewed and consolidated his knowledge of mysticism. Then he took a public carriage to Hoy University to interact with Mr. Azick and see what information he had.
In the third-story graystone building that belonged to the history department, Klein chatted with his mentor, Dr. Kahn Quentin about ancient ruins related to Mount Hornachis.
Since there were no additional findings, he used an opportunity when his mentor left for some business and entered the office opposite, walking towards Mr. Azick’s desk.
"Mr. Azick, can we chat?" He bowed as he addressed the copper-skinned teacher with a gentle face and a small mole on his right ear.
The brown-eyed Dr. Azick adjusted his books and replied, "Of course. Let's walk by the Hoy River."
"Sounds good." Klein picked up his cane and followed him out of the building.
They maintained silence throughout their walk, neither speaking to each other.
When the flowing river came into view and no teachers or students were around, Dr. Azick stopped walking, turned half towards Klein, and asked, "Why are you looking for me?"
Klein pondered for a while before asking bluntly, "Mr. Azick, you're a trustworthy gentleman, respected by all. I want to know what you saw in me or what information you have—specifically regarding the matter from last time where you said there was something amiss with my fate."
Dr. Azick tapped his cane and sighed humorously.
"I didn’t expect you to be so direct that it leaves me unsure of how to respond."
"Frankly, the only thing I noticed about your fate is its inconsistency. Apart from that, I know no more," he said.
Klein hesitated a moment before asking, "But why can you see this? I don't believe it's due to divination."