Revelation

As Ren Haoyu and Azalea stepped into the room, they were greeted by sight unlike any other. The bedroom was divided into two layers, with the upper layer being a simple and traditional medium-sized bed draped in white cotton covers and two matching pillows. The bed was accessible via a short wooden staircase, which led up to the cozy sleeping area.

The lower layer, was a treasure trove of equipment and materials for biology experiments. A study desk, complete with various texts and notebooks, sat next to a set of shelves lined with jars filled with herbs, spices, and other plant specimens.

Azalea couldn't help but notice the intricate network of pipes and tubes that crisscrossed the room, leading to different apparatus and contraptions. She spotted a small garden of potted plants by the window, all with handwritten labels indicating their Latin names.

But the most remarkable feature of the room was the exquisite chandelier affixed to the ceiling, casting a warm glow that illuminated every corner of the space. The flickering light added to the calming and meditative atmosphere, making it the perfect place for studying and reflection.

Ren Haoyu concluded that it was here where Han Peipei conducted most of her research and experiments, combining her knowledge of science and mythology to unlock the secrets of the world.

As Azalea took out her phone and snapped some pictures of the room, Ren Haoyu couldn't contain his curiosity and asked, "What are you doing?"

"Snapping some photos," Azalea responded shortly.

"Then what are you typing?"

Azalea shot him a look before answering, "I'm asking some experts for their thoughts on what we discovered."

"Experts?" Ren Haoyu repeated in disbelief. "You're communicating with phones?"

Azalea couldn't help but roll her eyes at Ren Haoyu's surprised reaction. "Seriously? We're living in the modern age. How else do you think we communicate with each other?"

Ren Haoyu stuttered as he tried to explain his assumption, "I-i thought since you all experts in supernatural stuff, you'd communicate to each other through some kind of secret portal, like a mystical door that only opens with a certain incantation. Or maybe you'd send messages to each other through telepathy, or communicate through dreams where you all meet in a surreal landscape and have these deep conversations while floating on clouds."

Azalea couldn't help but chuckle at Ren Haoyu's wild imagination. "Well, I hate to break it to you, but we're not living in a fantasy novel. We use phones and computers like everyone else."

"Though, what you said is partially true. In some vocations, one may have the ability to communicate through spirit messengers, who can deliver letters to their intended recipients. However, in modern times, using phones for communication is far more convenient. Unlike letters, which may take days to arrive, we can instantly send and receive text messages as long as there is an internet connection."

Upon hearing Azalea's explanation, Ren Haoyu's image of what these supposed experts were like began to crumble. He realized that he had overlooked one essential thing: most fantasy novels were set in medieval times when there was no electricity or internet to support modern means of communication. Meanwhile, in the modern era, with more convenient methods available, why bother with the hassle of summoning a messenger spirit just to deliver a letter? As time advanced, even email replaced the need for handwritten letters.

"Don't tell me you guys, experts, also have a group chat?"

"Group chat? Of course, we have it. It's the norm these days to have a platform for discussion, isn't it?"

"I always thought you needed some kind of mystical ceremony to convene or something like that. This changes everything I thought I knew!" Ren Haoyu's mind was blown once again by Azalea's explanation.

"Duh, you're thinking too much," Azalea said, followed by a shake of her head. "Don't take us like we're sort of ancient creatures. We're pretty much like average people on the surface. The only thing that sets us apart is our way of living."

Azalea sat down on one of the chairs, supporting her chin with her palm. Her posture exudes a sense of languid elegance. Yet, despite her relaxed appearance, there was a subtle intensity to her gaze. "So, are you still hesitating over becoming an Aether? You've basically already braved two supernatural encounters as an ordinary person and come out alive. By now, you should have a clear understanding of the dangers our profession entails."

After remaining silent for a while, Ren Haoyu finally spoke, "Not anymore." It seemed as if a heavy burden had been lifted off his shoulders as he uttered those words.

After their escape from the lake incident, Ren Haoyu found himself pondering his future and whether he should accept Azalea's invitation or not. He spent a great deal of time thinking it over, realizing that his indecisiveness was foolish in the first place. Since there was only a little chance of him surviving under normal circumstances, there was no point in dwelling on it any longer. If he was destined to face the worst, then he might as well confront it head-on and get it over with as an Aether! At least, as Aether, he had a better percentage of surviving.

Death was inevitable, but Ren Haoyu didn't want to die just any ordinary death. He dreamed of growing old, surrounded by his grandchildren, and spending his life with his beloved partner. He didn't want to meet his end hunted by a notorious criminal group. And the only way to achieve those things was by becoming Aether.

Furthermore, living like a cultivator doesn't sound like a bad idea.

Azalea pulled out a sleek silver box of cigarettes from the pocket of her windbreaker and expertly lit one with a zippo lighter. As she took a deep drag, her sharp eyes narrowed, and the smoke curled around her face like a mysterious veil. Ren Haoyu couldn't help but watch as she exhaled the smoke in a smooth and steady stream, seemingly lost in thought.

After a moment, Azalea leaned back in her chair and fixed her gaze on Ren Haoyu, who suddenly felt like he was under a microscope.

Ren Haoyu's heart raced as he tried to gauge her mood. Despite the smoke that still hung in the air between them, he could tell that Azalea was in a pleasant mood, her lips curling up into a mischievous smile. "Great answer. I could see your gaze has changed now."

"Before we goes on the topic of how you would become an Aether, there's something I need to clarify regarding the thing I said earlier while we were strolling around the lake."

"Previously, I mentioned that there would be many restrictions and rules imposed on you if you were to become an Aether. However, the truth is, those rules and regulations primarily apply to those who work under the association. As for individuals Aether like myself, we have the option to either follow or ignore them. Of course, if we wish to maintain a positive relationship with the association, it's advisable to abide by these rules and not cross any lines."

"Association?"

"It's a union comprised of high-ranking members from various colossal organizations, such as the Temple of Sacred Tempest from Greece, the Church of the Truth from England, the Temple of Endless Radiant Dawn from the Middle East, the Sanctum of Restorative Justice from America, and the Arcane Sanctuary from Asia. While there are still a few more organizations in existence, we'll use these five major ones as an example."

"Coveted by many, feared by some, those organizations stood at the pinnacle of power, commanding the respect of countless Aether beneath them. They functioned as a supreme court of sorts, dealing with the most complex and otherworldly cases. They were the guardians of the supernatural realm, charged with the daunting task of solving supernatural incidents, apprehending lawbreakers and criminal Aether who wielded their powers for sinister purposes. From unearthing dark conspiracies to unraveling hidden secrets, their work was as intriguing as it was necessary, and their reputation preceded them wherever they went."

Seemingly recalling something, Azalea then fixed her eyes on her phone and said with a strange glint in her eyes. "Do you know the brand that goes by the name of Xincheng?"

"I'm well aware of Xincheng. Isn't it the emerging tech giant that dominates the market for household electronics and appliances, leaving any brand with similar products in the dust with their genius innovation. Even my phone is from that brand, but what relevance does it have to our current discussion?" Ren Haoyu was perplexed by the sudden shift in topic and noticed a peculiar gleam in Azalea's eyes. "Please don't tell me..."

"That's right, Xincheng was one of the major companies under the umbrella of the Arcane Sanctuary," Azalea confirmed with a nod.

Ren Haoyu was left in disbelief at Azalea's statement. It's no wonder that they could dominate the market in such a short amount of time. Not only did they possess brilliant inventions, but they also had the backing of a colossal organization made up of Aethers.

"Heh, you'd be surprised by the number of enterprises and corporations that have their roots in Aether's organization. In ancient times, we operated as religious institutions, offering solace and guidance to those seeking answers and purpose. However, as humanity evolved, so too did our methods. We realized that in order to truly make an impact, we needed to wield a different kind of power - financial power!"

"Through our vast network of resources and connections, we were able to establish businesses and enterprises that spanned the globe. From cutting-edge technology companies to powerful financial institutions, we had a hand in shaping the world's economy and driving progress forward. And yet, despite our massive influence, many people remain unaware of our existence or the role we've played in shaping the world as we know it."

"While religion may still hold sway over some, it's money that truly reigns supreme in today's world. And with the Aether organization at the forefront of the global economy, we're poised to continue leading the way for years to come."

As Ren Haoyu absorbed Azalea's narrative, he had a sudden realization that he and others like him were living in a bubble, unaware of the vastness of the world around them. The power wielded by Aether's organization, always working behind the scenes to guide the world as they saw fit, was nothing short of chilling.

"Terrifying, isn't it?" Azalea asked abruptly, her eyes downcast as she took a long drag from her cigarette, which was now halfway burned.

"Yeah... right, you mentioned that Aether believed our path was predetermined and part of a grander plan. And it was only Aether that could navigate through it. Is this what you meant? Shaping the world as they believed to be the right path?"

"It's hard to say if your assumption is true or false. The answer could be out of reach, right in front of us, or so complex that only the gods could understand it. Nevertheless, I believe that we will eventually find the answer as we continue to move forward. At the moment, what we should focus on is playing our roles, which involves learning and growing. One of the most valuable lessons I learned after becoming an Aether is that you shouldn't pry into matters that you are not ready for."

"Otherwise, what awaited you won't be a boundless future but rather an impending doom," Azalea warned.

Ren Haoyu gulped nervously and subconsciously rubbed the back of his neck.

"The reason I tell you about this was because I felt I ought to explain more about the first option I had initially suggested." Azalea changed the topic.

'First option?' Ren Haoyu was confused and couldn't recall what she was referring to, but then he remembered that she had presented him with two options: to seek the help of experts to detect the curse or to become an Aether himself. Initially, he had been inclined to choose the safer route of seeking expert help. But after Azalea had revealed the potential danger posed by the man from the previous night, he quickly abandoned that idea and began to seriously consider the second option.

"Remember the expert I mentioned earlier? They actually have connections with the Arcane Sanctuary, and they may be able to help you out if you explain your situation to them. After all, their organization's line of work involves solving supernatural incidents and safeguarding civilians who are involved in them.

However, Aethers are highly sought after and may not be available to provide long-term protection. Instead, they may offer you an opportunity to join their ranks as a protector of the world against dangerous supernatural entities. It's an honorable calling that requires bravery, sacrifice, and the willingness to put yourself in harm's way for the greater good. In exchange, you'll receive extensive training and access to cutting-edge tools you need to keep yourself safe and help others in need. Who knows, you might even discover a new sense of purpose and fulfillment in dedicating yourself to upholding justice. While there are rules and regulations to follow, you'll have some flexibility to operate under the guidance of the right mentors."

Ren Haoyu couldn't quite pinpoint when Azalea had started folding origami, but as he glanced over, he was captivated by the intricate scenes she had created. In the first one, a human-shaped origami was cleverly surrounded by thick, towering walls. In the second scene, a lone human-shaped origami stood bravely against a menacing pack of animal-shaped origami figures, their beady eyes fixed on their target.

She pointed at the first origami scene.

"To put it simply, joining an organization is like joining a sect. You gain access to invaluable knowledge and resources that can save you precious time in achieving your goals. With a team of like-minded individuals and a mentor to guide you, success can feel more attainable than ever before. But with great power comes great responsibility, and joining an organization means surrendering some of your freedom. Your life now belongs to the organization, and you must follow their rules and regulations. While you may receive benefits such as life insurance and a stable career, the cost of your freedom is a steep price to pay. Remember, everything has a price, and the benefits you receive from the organization must be repaid through your unwavering loyalty and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good."

She then pointed at the second origami scene.

"On the other hand, If you're looking for a life that's free of rules and regulations, then working with me might be the right path for you. It's like you are becoming a loose cultivator. While you won't be provided with immediate access to an abundance of knowledge and resources, I can offer you something just as valuable: the opportunity to gain invaluable experience. And most importantly, you'll never have to sacrifice your freedom in exchange for safety or security. As long as you stick with me, we'll find a way to overcome any obstacle."

Ren Haoyu couldn't help but twitch his mouth at Azalea's unreliable attitude towards his safety.

"You make it sound like it's no big deal," he said, his voice laced with sarcasm. "As long as I stick with you, I'll be safe? I hope you got means when things go south."

Azalea grinned at him. "Hey, I may not have the resources of Arcana Sanctuary, but I have my own set of skills that can keep us both safe.

"So, which one will you choose? Join the Arcane Sanctuary or me?"