All Was A Result Of Coincidence?

"That low?" Ren Haoyu was terrified. Ten percent of survival chance! Isn't that mean he's good as dead?

Azalea's expression turned grim as she replied, "You're dealing with a member of a notorious organization that specializes in the most heinous crimes imaginable. These people operate in the shadows, and they have a vast network of resources at their disposal. They can track you down, no matter where you go, and take you out without a trace. They're the kind of people who thrive on fear and chaos, and they won't hesitate to eliminate anyone who poses a threat to them."

Ren Haoyu's pupils dilated in fear as he comprehended the severity of the circumstances.

Azalea's tone was cold and calculating as she continued, "You can't run either. There's no way to protect yourself from an organization like this. Your only hope is to stay out of their sight and pray that they don't find you. But even that's not a guarantee. They have eyes and ears everywhere, and they're always watching, waiting for their next victim."

"Then, isn't the only choice I've had is to become Aether?" Ren Haoyu's mouth couldn't help but twitch in disbelief. He had never expected his life to take such a terrifying turn. All he did was take a stroll to avoid Su Xiu's outburst, but he ended up nearly losing his life to a supernatural power wielder. And now, he was at risk of being hunted down by the man's criminal group. Isn't to say his luck bad an understatement?! The full weight of the situation bore down on him, crushing his spirits.

'Why did I avoid Su Xiu that night in the first place?! I should've just stuck with them to the end! Even if I get an earful of swears from Su Xiu, it was atleast thousand times better than getting targeted by a criminal group!' Ren Haoyu had never felt such intense regret in his life before.

"Perhaps, but I do believe you're particularly suitable for joining our community. Do you recall the phrase I quoted to you earlier about possessing a typical protagonist constitution?" Azalea asked, fixing her eyes on Ren Haoyu.

Ren Haoyu nodded, a perplexed expression etched on his face.

"Well, let me explain. From what I've observed, you possess a certain quality that seems to make you inherently attracted to danger. It's like you have a homing beacon that draws peril towards you like a moth to a flame. Take last night and tonight, for example. You kept getting yourself embroiled in matters you shouldn't have even encountered in the first place."

"Do you think it's normal for people to stumble upon supernatural occurrences two days in a row? If everyone had the same frequency of encounters as you, our existences would quickly be exposed," Azalea remarked, her eyes focused on Ren Haoyu.

"Perhaps it's just a coincidence, or maybe I've been experiencing a streak of bad luck?" Ren Haoyu replied, a hint of uncertainty in his voice.

"While those could be contributing factors, our line of work emphasizes the significance of concepts such as destiny, chance, and providence," Azalea explained. "Many of us believe that our paths are predetermined, and that the events we encounter are not just mere coincidences, but rather, a part of a grander plan."

Ren Haoyu furrowed his brow, trying to comprehend Azalea's words. "So, you're saying that the strange things happening to me are somehow predetermined?"

"Exactly," Azalea nodded. "In our world, nothing happens by chance. Everything that occurs is a part of a larger picture, orchestrated by fate, destiny, and other mystical forces. And it's up to us, as Aethers, to decipher and navigate this intricate web of events."

"The concept of synchronicity, meaningful coincidences, suggests that seemingly unrelated events may carry a deeper meaning and be part of a larger design. Perhaps these encounters with supernatural phenomena are meant to guide you towards a certain path or purpose, weaving you into the intricate threads of the universe's plan."

Ren Haoyu nodded slowly, absorbing Azalea's words. It was an unsettling thought, that their own experiences might be part of a larger plan. It was terrifying to imagine that everything happened for a reason.

Doesn't that mean everyone was basically living their lives under someone's orchestra?

"I-i still don't understand. Isn't that mean I'm just a pawn to somebody? And you might just also a little part of a great scheme that was now playing in the world?"

"I understand your confusion, but it's not necessarily that you're just a pawn in someone else's scheme," Azalea explained, trying to soothe Ren's worries. "Think of it as a larger, complex system of events that are all interconnected, like a web. Each action and decision you make can have ripple effects throughout the web, causing unforeseen consequences that may affect other people and events. You're not just a passive pawn, but an active player in this web, with the power to influence its outcomes."

Ren looked thoughtful, but still unsure. "So, you're saying that everything is predetermined by fate or something?"

Azalea shook her head. "Not necessarily. Fate, luck, and other such concepts do play a role, but it's not the only factor. It's more like a combination of different elements, some of which we can control, and others that are out of our hands. For example, the choices we make can affect our future outcomes, but there are also external factors that we can't control, like natural disasters or other people's actions."

Ren nodded slowly, starting to understand. "I see. So, it's like a game of chess, where you can plan your moves, but you can't predict your opponent's next move."

"Exactly!" Azalea exclaimed, pleased that Ren was catching on. "But remember, even in chess, luck and chance play a role. Sometimes, a lucky move can turn the tide of the game. It's the same in life."

Ren thought about this for a moment, then looked up at Azalea. "So, what can I do to become more than just a pawn in this web of events?"

Azalea smiled. "Well, that's where we come in. As Aethers, we strive to learn more about the web, its players, and its rules. We use our knowledge and skills to influence the outcomes in favor of our community and those we care about. We may not be able to control everything, but we can certainly try to make a difference."

"But do remember," Azalea emphasized, her voice lowering in tone, "as Aethers, we are not simply gifted with extraordinary powers. We exist on the path of chaos and madness, where the line between reality and illusion is blurred. Having additional abilities does not necessarily guarantee a better future."

She leaned in closer, her eyes darkening with an intense gaze. "We are constantly haunted by the unknown, the unseen, and the unfathomable. The depths of our own minds can be just as treacherous as the dangers that lurk in the shadows. And even the slightest misstep can lead us down a path of insanity, where the consequences are dire and irreversible."

Ren Haoyu's expression became more serious. "What do you mean by 'the depths of our own minds can be just as treacherous'? How can our own minds turn against us?"

"What do you think about our power?" Azalea suddenly asked.

Ren Haoyu paused for a moment before responding. "Fascinating and terrifying," he replied unsurely. He was genuinely captivated by Azalea's prowess the night before and could hardly forget anything about it. At the same time, he also felt horrified, thinking that if Azalea or someone with a similar ability were to commit a crime, he and other ordinary people wouldn't stand a chance.

He snapped out of his thoughts when he heard Azalea's next question. "How do you think we earn them through?" she asked.

"By learning? Like, learning spells or magecraft from a book?" Ren guessed.

"You're not entirely wrong, but you aren't close to the truth, either." Azalea then explained. "Indeed, our powers came from learning, but it's not exactly what you assumed."

"Our powers come from the very essence of the universe itself," Azalea continued, her voice hushed with reverence. "Stardust is the material that exists in every universe, and without it, there would be no universe at all. The power that Aethers hold is essentially the power of the universe, and as such, it is not to be taken lightly. It requires discipline, control, and a deep understanding of oneself. Without that, we risk not only our own sanity but also the balance of the entire universe."

"The power we wield is a double-edged sword. It can be used to do great good or great harm, depending on how we choose to use it. But it's easy to lose control, to become consumed by our own darkness. And that's when we become our own worst enemies."

Azalea abruptly looked up, and her expression grew pained. Unconceivable emotions were brewing in her eyes, revealing her sense of helplessness. "That's why, even though we were gifted with these extraordinary abilities, we aren't that different from ordinary people," she said, her voice heavy with resignation. "In the end, we are still vulnerable to our own flaws and the flaws of others. We may hold the power of the universe within us, but it doesn't make us invincible. If anything, it makes us more vulnerable, as the consequences of our actions can have a much greater impact on the world around us."