The snake then made a request:
"Being special does not mean you will necessarily receive my help. I agreed to meet you only because I was curious what kind of mortal could win the affection of a Nature Spirit. Now, show me the destiny you have obtained. Only by holding destiny can one defeat destiny."
Shade actually wanted to see Winnie's expression behind him, though the Ice Maid would probably still look completely expressionless.
"Here."
He raised his right hand. When a violet halo appeared on the back of it, the enormous White Snake emerging from the lake narrowed its crimson Snake Eye.
"Noble. It is actually this."
"You know it?"
Shade asked. The snake was unexpectedly willing to talk with him.
"Only mortals who have truly defeated destiny are qualified to be called 'noble.' And among those mortals who have defeated destiny, the destiny you hold is the most special. This destiny does not belong to you, but I can sense how powerful its true holder is. Yes, incomparably powerful, yet also incomparably dangerous.
"You were actually able to persuade such a dangerous and brutal being to willingly share its destiny with you. Yes, you are indeed qualified."
"Dangerous and brutal?"
Shade's impression of the Long-haired Girl was more that she cried easily during intimate moments, and whenever Shade tried to comfort her, she would always say things like, "Don't stop."
The snake continued:
"I am willing to help you, but I must abide by the stage rules established by the Lord of the Ring. If you wish to obtain the destiny I represent, you must defeat me during the Seventh Act. The god chose a Card Game as the final act, and I cannot disobey."
"No, no, I'm not trying to cheat my way into the Seventh Act