The compound eyes atop the platform reflected complex, fulfilled emotions.
"...Rich and mellow."
"...The fear before ecstasy, the sweetness within regret, and... the joy called redemption."
One of the Spindle-Speaker's forelimbs slowly rose and lightly plucked at the air, as though touching an invisible string of fate.
"A most delicious story, human. I can feel every inch of your soul resonating as you tell it. In exchange, you shall receive both the gift and assistance I promised."
"Thank you for your generosity, honored Spindle-Speaker." He Xi relaxed inwardly. At last, he had obtained the outcome he wanted.
"But..."
The Spindle-Speaker's voice abruptly shifted, and the light in its eight compound eyes focused on He Xi once more.
"As a weaver who spins the threads of fate, I have tasted the souls of countless travelers."
"But upon this tapestry called 'He Xi,' the thread of redemption I see seems to be—not just one."
He Xi's pupils abruptly contracted.
The Spindle-Speaker seemed exceedingly pleased by his reaction. One of its jointed limbs traced a graceful arc through the air, pointing toward different directions in the void.
"Besides this silver thread shrouded in mist, brimming with mystery and unfulfilled promises..."
"I also see a golden thread, burning hot as sunlight, yet wrapped in the teasing mischief of unruliness and Wisdom. When you were lost, it seemed to light the road ahead for you in ways you never expected..."
The Spindle-Speaker slowly withdrew its limb. All eight compound eyes locked onto He Xi's stunned face, its ethereal voice steeped in temptation.
"Your redemption seems not to end there."
"You have shown me only one part of the tapestry. That is indeed the core that enabled you to stand here today. But... what of the other stories?"
"Continue, human."
"Let me see how the whole