"Pankos the Fortunate" occupied a tent in the Market District's more questionable section, where legitimate businesses gradually gave way to enterprises that operated in the fuzzy area between commerce and entertainment.

The tent itself was striped in colors that hurt to look at directly, while signs promised "GUARANTEED FORTUNES! DESTINY REVEALED! FUTURES FORETOLD!" in lettering that seemed to glow with its own internal enthusiasm.

Kindle stood before the entrance, azure flames creating excited spirals as she studied testimonials painted on wooden boards with varying degrees of artistic competence.

"Made me lucky at dice!" proclaimed one satisfied customer. "Found a husband and a gold mine!" declared another. "Showed me my future as a renowned adventurer!" announced a third, though the paint was suspiciously fresh.

The testimonials were admittedly impressive. A gold mine and a husband seemed like excellent outcomes, and renowned adventurer status was exactly what their team was working toward. If Pankos could actually reveal their future—or better yet, help optimize it—the investment would be worth considerably more than whatever he charged for the service.

"Step right up, young miss!" Pankos himself emerged from the tent like a theatrical explosion wearing robes and jewelry.

He was middle-aged, rotund, and possessed of the sort of enthusiastic presence that suggested either genuine magical power or considerable practice at pretending to possess it. His accent carried hints of traveling carnival mixed with enough mystical authority to suggest he'd convinced himself of his own authenticity.

More importantly, he radiated the sort of confident energy that came from someone who genuinely believed in what he was selling. That had to be a good sign, right? People who were just pretending to see the future probably wouldn't be so enthusiastic about it.

"I want to know about our future," Kindle announced, keeping her tone polite but confident. "Does that cost money?"

"Of course, Miss! Divining destiny takes considerable mystical power!" Pankos's smile somehow widened without disrupting his overall facial geometry. "But worry not! My prices are fair and reasonable. You can't put a fixed cost on knowledge of your potential, but I do my best to keep it affordable. What futures did you wish revealed?"

"Everything that's going to happen to my team. Our destiny, our adventures, our ultimate success—all of it!"

Because knowing the future would be amazing. They could prepare for challenges, avoid disasters, and make sure everything turned out perfectly. And if their destiny revealed them as legendary heroes... well, that would just be the best thing ever.

"Ah, destiny consultation for adventuring groups!" Pankos ushered her into the tent's interior with the sort of dramatic flourish that suggested he'd been waiting all day for exactly this sort of customer. "My absolute specialty, young seeker of truth!"

The tent's interior had been decorated with enough mystical symbols to confuse several different religions simultaneously. Crystal balls competed for space with star charts, magical mirrors, and what appeared to be a collection of very judgmental-looking cats.

It certainly looked like the sort of place where someone could contact cosmic forces and divine the future. If nothing else, the decor was completely committed to the idea that destiny could be mapped out in advance.

"The basic future reading," Pankos announced, settling behind a table that groaned under the weight of fortune-telling apparatus, "thirty gold pieces for a comprehensive glimpse into destiny's grand design."

Thirty gold pieces seemed remarkably reasonable for understanding their entire future. Actually, it seemed almost suspiciously cheap, but then again, what did she know about fortune-telling rates? And really, thirty gold was what—half an hour of mission work for their team?

Kindle handed over the payment while Pankos arranged crystals, consulted charts, and prepared what looked like enough magical equipment to contact beings in other dimensions.

Even if this was complete nonsense, thirty gold wasn't exactly a fortune. And if there was even a small chance he could actually predict their future... well, that would be worth considerably more than what he was charging.

This was so exciting! Learning their fate would be so valuable. No more uncertainty, no more worrying about whether they'd succeed at their adventures. Just clear knowledge of their destined path forward.

"Your flame," he intoned, studying the azure fire flickering around her head while peering into a crystal ball. "Most unusual. Most powerful. The spirits whisper of great things in store for you and your companions."

The spirits whispered about them! That was definitely a good sign. Kindle's flames brightened with enthusiasm as she waited to hear about the great things destiny had planned.

"What kind of great things?"

"Adventures beyond imagination! Challenges that will test your abilities to their utmost limits! Fame throughout the realm!" Pankos's voice took on the sort of dramatic resonance that suggested either genuine prophecy or considerable theatrical training. "But I sense... complications. Obstacles that could delay your destined success unless properly addressed."

Adventures beyond imagination sounded wonderful, and fame throughout the realm was exactly what she'd hoped for. But complications and obstacles? That was less encouraging. Though if they could be properly addressed, maybe it wasn't such a problem.

"What sort of obstacles?"

"Temporal resistance. Destiny interference. The cosmic forces that sometimes prevent fate from manifesting with optimal efficiency." Pankos produced scrolls covered in impressive-looking diagrams that seemed to chart the movement of stars, planets, and various abstract concepts. "Fortunately, these obstacles can be overcome through proper destiny management techniques."

Destiny management techniques sounded very official and definitely necessary. If cosmic forces were working against them, they absolutely needed professional help to overcome temporal resistance and ensure optimal efficiency in their fate manifestation.

"Destiny management?"

"Enhancement services. Destiny acceleration. Luck optimization." Pankos spread the scrolls across his table with the reverent care of someone handling sacred texts. "For modest additional investment, I can ensure your destiny manifests with maximum efficiency and minimum unfortunate delays."

Maximum efficiency and minimum delays sounded perfect. Their adventures had involved enough unfortunate delays already, and if there were services available to optimize their luck and accelerate their destiny, investing in them was probably the smart thing to do.

The enhancement services were explained with impressive documentation and convincing logic. Destiny acceleration cost fifty gold pieces to "remove temporal obstacles from your success pathway." That made sense—temporal obstacles were probably what had been slowing down their progress toward fame and fortune.

Luck optimization required another forty gold to "align fortune in your favor during critical moments." Definitely necessary. Critical moments were exactly when you needed fortune aligned in your favor, and forty gold pieces seemed reasonable for that level of cosmic support.

Combat blessing demanded sixty gold to "ensure victory against supernatural foes and dangerous encounters." Given their track record with supernatural foes, that was practically essential. Sixty gold pieces for guaranteed victory was actually an excellent value proposition.

Each service came with detailed explanations that sounded authoritative, testimonials from satisfied customers who'd invested in comprehensive destiny management, and charts that tracked the improvement in adventure success rates among clients who'd chosen enhancement packages.

The documentation was very convincing. Pankos clearly knew what he was talking about when it came to cosmic forces and destiny optimization protocols.

"The spirits are most insistent," Pankos continued, consulting what appeared to be a crystal ball filled with shifting smoke patterns. His expression grew serious, almost concerned. "Your team faces significant challenges ahead. Powerful enemies. Dangerous quests. Situations where the difference between success and catastrophe will depend on cosmic alignment and destiny optimization."

Powerful enemies and dangerous quests sounded exactly like the sort of thing they'd encounter as their reputation grew. And if cosmic alignment could make the difference between success and catastrophe, then destiny optimization wasn't just helpful—it was essential for their survival.

"How significant?" she asked, though she was already calculating how much money she'd need for the complete protection package.

"Life and death, young seeker. Victory and defeat. Fame and obscurity." His voice carried the sort of ominous authority that suggested he'd seen terrible futures that could only be prevented through proper investment in mystical services. "But the spirits offer hope. Enhanced destiny protocols can guarantee success rather than leaving your fate to chance."

The promise of guaranteed success was irresistible. Their adventures had been challenging enough without destiny working against them, and leaving something as important as their future to chance seemed genuinely irresponsible when professional destiny management was available.

"What would you recommend?"

"The complete package," Pankos announced with the sort of confident enthusiasm that suggested he'd had this conversation many times before. "All enhancement services plus protective charms against destiny interference, cosmic shielding to prevent fate manipulation by hostile forces, and these"—he produced a collection of crystals that seemed to pulse with their own inner light—"destiny enhancement crystals that will glow when significant events approach."

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Crystals that glowed when significant events approached! That would be incredibly useful for mission planning and preparation. No more being caught off guard by important developments—they'd have advance warning of everything significant.

"How much for everything?"

"Three hundred gold pieces for the complete destiny optimization package. Expensive, yes, but consider the alternative—facing your challenges without cosmic support, relying on chance rather than certainty, risking failure when success could be guaranteed."

Three hundred gold pieces was most of her money, but when she really thought about it, that wasn't saying much. They'd earned over two thousand gold in barely a month of actual work.

Besides, what was the worst case scenario? She loses three hundred gold to a scammer, and they spend an extra day or two on missions to make it back. Best case scenario? They actually get cosmic protection and guaranteed success, which would be worth thousands of times the investment.

The math was simple: minimal downside, potentially unlimited upside.

"I'll take the complete package," she decided, though her enthusiasm was more about the logical decision-making than genuine belief in destiny optimization.

"Excellent choice!" Pankos beamed with the satisfaction of someone who'd successfully guided a customer toward optimal decision-making. "The spirits approve of your wisdom. I'll also include these additional protective charms at no extra charge—they'll shield your team from negative energy and hostile magic during dangerous situations."

The enhancement process involved complex rituals, elaborate sigils, and chanting in languages that probably had impressive pedigree in the history of fortune-telling. The crystals glowed, the cats purred approvingly, and Pankos's accent seemed to deepen in response to the profound mysticism being deployed on her behalf.

"Your destiny is now optimized," he announced finally, presenting her with the collection of enhancement crystals and protective charms. "Adventure success guaranteed, cosmic forces aligned in your favor, and destiny acceleration protocols activated. These crystals will glow when significant events approach, allowing you to prepare for fate's manifestations."

By the time she emerged from Pankos's tent, Kindle had spent three hundred and thirty gold pieces on services that would guarantee their success, accelerate their adventures, and align cosmic forces in their favor.

She also carried a collection of "destiny enhancement crystals" that were supposed to glow when significant events approached, plus enough protective charms to shield them from various forms of mystical interference.

"Totally worth it," she announced to the Market District, clutching her crystals while azure flames danced with excitement. "Our destiny is going to be amazing!"

The crystals remained conspicuously dark, but Pankos had explained that destiny enhancement sometimes required time to calibrate properly with cosmic frequencies. That made sense—cosmic forces probably didn't respond instantaneously to optimization protocols.

Ninety-seven gold pieces remained in her pouch—enough for meals and minor purchases. Plus, of course, guaranteed adventure success and cosmic protection against hostile forces. The investment would definitely pay for itself once the destiny acceleration started taking effect.

"Kindle!" Ember's voice called from the direction of the market district's main thoroughfare. "What did you buy?"

Her golden-flamed sister-self approached with Ash beside her, both carrying packages that probably held worthwhile purchases, though nothing could compare with cosmic support.

"Ember! Ash!" Kindle bounced toward them, holding up her collection of crystals. "I optimized our destiny! Guaranteed adventure success, significant event warnings, and complete hostile interference protection!"

Ash examined the crystals with the sort of solemn consideration that Kindle associated with her philosophical insights. "These appear to be quartz with minor illumination enchantments."

"Destiny enhancement crystals," Kindle corrected. "They'll glow when significant events approach, allowing us to prepare for fate's manifestations. Plus I got protective charms against negative energy and hostile magic!"

"How much did this destiny optimization cost?" Ember asked carefully.

"Three hundred and thirty gold pieces, but honestly? It doesn't matter if it's real or not," Kindle said with a casual shrug. "We can make that back in like, what, six hours of actual work? Maybe less if we get a good mission."

Ember blinked. "You... you know it might be a scam?"

"Of course it might be a scam. Probably is a scam. But look—" Kindle held up her crystals. "Worst case, I wasted money we can easily replace. Best case, we actually have cosmic protection now. The risk-reward ratio is completely in our favor."

"That's..." Ash paused, clearly reconsidering her assessment. "Actually quite logical, given our earning potential."

"Exactly! Normal adventurers have to be careful with money because they earn normal amounts. We're not normal adventurers." Kindle bounced slightly, her practical optimism reasserting itself. "Three hundred gold is basically pocket change to us."

"I never thought about it that way," Ember admitted.

"That's because you're still thinking like someone who has to budget carefully. But we completed ten missions in the time it takes normal teams to do one or two. Our relationship with money is completely different now. Anyways, what did you buy?"

"Professional wardrobes for the team," Ember replied, indicating her packages. "Quality adventuring gear that will make us look competent and coordinated."

"Educational materials," Ash added, gesturing toward her collection of books. "Philosophy, poetry, mathematics, and several other subjects for intellectual development."

"That sounds much more practical than destiny optimization," Kindle admitted, then brightened. "But also less exciting! My purchases guarantee our success at everything, while yours just make us look professional and become smarter."

"Those are both valuable outcomes," Ash observed.

"True. We should find the others and compare our complete shopping results."

They headed toward The Jade Lamp—the designated meeting point once their shopping was finished.

The Market District at sunset resembled the aftermath of an enthusiastic commercial expedition conducted by people who'd discovered that money was surprisingly easy to spend when you approached it with the right combination of enthusiasm and questionable judgment.

The five reconvened at their usual tavern table, surrounded by packages, purchases, and the sort of satisfied exhaustion that came from thorough economic exploration. The table groaned under the weight of their acquisitions—books, clothing packages, shoe boxes, weapon cases, crystals, and various other items that represented their collective interpretation of "responsible spending."

"Shopping success!" Pyra announced, her new sword propped against the table where its lightning enchantment created a small light show every few minutes. The electrical display was attracting curious glances from other patrons, most of whom seemed torn between fascination and the desire to sit farther away from potential lightning strikes. "I am now properly equipped for any combat situation that requires both fire and electrical storms."

"Professional footwear collection," Cinder corrected, her shoe boxes neatly stacked beside her chair as if she was afraid that someone might steal her prized purchases. "Every situation calls for the right attire, and when you look your best, everything is easier."

"Team appearance coordination," Ember added, indicating packages that contained enough clothing to outfit their entire group in matching adventuring gear that actually looked professional. "Quality investment in reputation management and Guild presentation standards."

"Destiny optimization," Kindle announced, her enhancement crystals arranged around her place setting like very expensive table decorations. None of them were glowing yet, but the anticipation of cosmic protection made the waiting worthwhile. "Adventure success guarantee and cosmic shielding against hostile forces."

"Intellectual enrichment," Ash concluded, her diverse book collection creating a small library beside her chair. "Astronomy, philosophy, poetry, mathematics, and... practical guidance for emotional intelligence development."

"Emotional intelligence?" Pyra asked, orange flames writing curious patterns around her lightning sword.

"Romance novel," Ash explained matter-of-factly.

"Really?" Cinder leaned forward with interest. "You bought a romance novel?"

"Educational romance. The protagonist is a philosopher who initially believes emotions interfere with rational thinking."

"That sounds like something you would enjoy."

"The librarian seemed to think so."

They compared their purchases with the satisfaction of people who'd approached wealth as an academic exercise in converting money into things. Kind of like shopping was what people did when they wanted to understand basic economics without needing an advanced degree.

"So," Ember said, producing her nearly empty money pouch, "financial assessment time. How much do we have left?"

The counting process revealed mathematics that was both simple and sobering.

Pyra retained twenty gold pieces after her lightning equipment spree. "But I can now create electrical storms on demand, so that's basically unlimited entertainment value."

Cinder had thirty coins remaining after her comprehensive shoe collection. "Though I'm properly equipped for every possible social and environmental situation requiring appropriate footwear."

Ember possessed exactly ten gold pieces after outfitting the entire team. "But we all look professional now, which should improve our client relationships and Guild standing."

Kindle kept ninety pieces following her destiny enhancement investment. "Plus guaranteed adventure success and cosmic protection, which is basically priceless insurance."

Ash maintained one hundred and twenty-five coins after her intellectual purchases. "Along with enough reading material to occupy several months of philosophical exploration."

"Two hundred and seventy-five gold pieces," Ember announced. "Total. Between all five of us."

They contemplated this figure with the sort of thoughtful attention usually reserved for tactical planning or existential philosophy.

"That's still enough for a proper celebration," Pyra pointed out, orange fire writing optimistic loops around her lightning sword's hilt.

"Celebration?" Cinder's crimson flames cast thoughtful shadows across her new shoes, though her pleased expression suggested she was thoroughly enjoying wearing her elegant purchases.

"We're A-rank adventurers with professional equipment and comprehensive enhancement," Kindle's azure fire danced with renewed enthusiasm around her destiny crystals. "We should celebrate our success properly!"

"The universe has granted us temporary prosperity," Ash mused, her smoky flames creating philosophical spirals above her books. "Perhaps we should experience luxury before returning to our usual state of controlled poverty."

"You're all suggesting we spend our remaining money," Ember said slowly, though her tone suggested she was seriously considering the proposal.

"Not spend," Pyra corrected with the sort of logic that sounded reasonable until examined closely. "Invest in morale and team cohesion through luxury experiences."

Cinder snorted, but her flames betrayed her interest. "Luxury experiences."

"Spa treatments," Kindle suggested immediately, her crystals catching the light as she gestured enthusiastically. "Proper massages and magical rejuvenation services."

"Exceptional dining," Ash added, looking up from the romance novel she'd apparently started reading at the table. "Culinary experiences that expand consciousness through flavor."

"Professional relaxation," Ember found herself agreeing despite her better judgment. "We have been working rather intensively lately."

They'd earned their money through dangerous missions, acquired everything they needed for future adventures, and still possessed enough funds for one spectacular celebration of their success. The logic was undeniable, even if the mathematics were questionable.

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