Threads of Fate

"Little guy, your words are not wrong. In fact, from a certain perspective, they're quite reasonable—very much on point," Sage Miletus said, visibly pleased with Illiya's answer. "The future is inherently uncertain. What we divine is merely a possible branch, or one among many potential outcomes. If the future were fixed and unchangeable, then what would be the point of hard work?"

"What would those who struggle against the heavens, who resist the fates imposed upon them, even be then?"

"There are always people who place their hopes on the vague and elusive idea of fate. Sometimes, it's downright pitiful."

Sage Miletus didn't know who he was thinking of, but his expression suddenly softened with a kind of pity. Looking closer, there was also a faint trace of mockery in his eyes—perhaps a sneer directed at whoever or whatever he had remembered.

"And those people are all fools," Sage Miletus scoffed.

Illiya wisely closed his mouth at that moment.