Step Forward

It was a beautiful afternoon. Qing Chen sat in his backyard, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the cool breeze. He had a glass of lemonade in one hand and a book in the other. Everything felt perfect—just the right balance of peace and relaxation. He had no worries, no rush, just the simple joys of a quiet day.

His phone buzzed, but he ignored it. He didn't need to check it now. The day was his to enjoy, and nothing could ruin it. He closed his eyes and listened to the soft hum of the world around him.

Then, out of nowhere, a bright flash of lightning lit up the sky. Qing Chen's eyes snapped open in surprise, and before he could even think, a loud crack of thunder followed the flash, shaking the ground beneath him. The wind picked up suddenly, swirling around like something alive. He stood up, his heart pounding.

"That was... strange," Qing Chen muttered, looking up. The sky was still mostly clear, with only a few clouds drifting lazily overhead. But the air had changed—it felt charged, like before a storm.

And then, as if summoned by the lightning itself, a figure appeared in the middle of his yard. Qing Chen stumbled back in shock. The figure was tall, glowing with a soft light, and their eyes sparkled with a strange power. They didn't look like any normal person—this being looked otherworldly, as if they came from a place beyond the sky.

"Who are you?" Qing Chen asked, his voice shaky.

The figure smiled, but their smile was calm, almost comforting. "I am Aetherion, the God of Fate. You, my child, have caught my eye."

Qing Chen blinked, his mind struggling to process what was happening. A god? A real god? It didn't make sense. He was just a guy, sitting in his yard, enjoying the day. There was no way he was standing face-to-face with something like this.

"You must be mistaken," Qing Chen said, his voice trembling. "I'm just... me. I'm nobody special."

Aetherion's gaze didn't waver. "You've been chosen, Qing Chen. A power is awakening inside you, a power tied to fate. There's no other explanation for how you survived the bolt of lightning without injury. You have a very strong connection to fate."

Qing Chen took a step back, confusion flooding his mind. "Connection to fate? What are you talking about?"

Aetherion raised a hand, and suddenly, the air around them seemed to hum with energy. Golden light cracked across the sky. The power around them was almost overwhelming, but Qing Chen couldn't look away.

"You do now," Aetherion said, their voice steady but strong. "The power is inside you. It's a part of you, and soon, you'll be able to control it."

Qing Chen could feel it then—a strange warmth building inside him, like something deep within his chest was waking up. It was a feeling he couldn't explain, but it was powerful.

"I... I don't know if I can do this," Qing Chen said, his voice cracking. "I don't even know how to begin."

Aetherion stepped closer, their expression softening. "You're not alone, Qing Chen. I'll help you. You were chosen because you have the strength to handle this."

Qing Chen's heart raced. How was a god going to help him?

Before he could speak again, Aetherion raised his hand to the sky. Suddenly, a blue screen appeared in the air in front of them, accompanied by a voice that seemed to echo from nowhere.

"This is my gift to you before you begin your journey," the voice said. "And there is more to come—things that you will discover as you progress."

Qing Chen blinked in surprise, his mind racing. A gift? What did that mean? What kind of journey was he about to embark on? He turned to Aetherion, seeking answers.

"Do not worry, Qing Chen," Aetherion said softly. "The journey ahead will test you, but it is yours to walk. You will grow in ways you cannot yet understand."

The screen flickered, and the voice spoke again, more clearly now. "May fate guide you. Your path is now intertwined with the forces of destiny."

Qing Chen stood in stunned silence, trying to process the information. Was this real? Could this really be happening?

"You are not alone in this," Aetherion added, "but your choices will shape the future. Embrace your power, and you will find your way."

With that, the golden light around them began to fade, and the storm in the sky settled into a calm, silent power. But Qing Chen could still feel it—inside him, the power of fate thrumming, waiting to be used.

His world had changed in an instant, and now he had no choice but to step forward into whatever awaited him.