"My mother foresaw the coming of the War of the Gods," Asteria said, her composure regained but her mood somber. "To survive this turmoil, Father allied himself with Krios."
"This war is unlike any other; Mother senses a great danger!" Asteria solemnly warned Tyche. "I fear even primordial deities may fall!"
Tyche's expression changed, and she whispered, "This has never happened before! What are Princess Phoebe's plans?"
Asteria gave a wry smile. "The method is to birth more deities. My far-sighted mother divined that the combination of destruction and darkness divinity will give birth to a powerful deity!"
Tyche's heart was greatly shaken. The power of fate observed a three-faced goddess holding a torch and a serpent. The power of laws surrounded this goddess, urgently desiring her birth, this goddess who commanded immense power.
Pressing her hand against her trembling ruby necklace, Tyche struggled to soothe the magic net, lest Asteria notice anything amiss. The power of magic communicated with the incomplete magic net, and the magic net desperately wished to repair itself, its invisible threads extending towards the chaotic sea beyond the world, drawing energy to strengthen the concept of magic.
The elemental storms raging around the island drew the attention of the gods. Tyche inwardly lamented her misfortune, quickly calming herself and using her divine power of fate, mixed with mist, to obscure the gods' vision. Asteria, sensing something, cast a searching gaze towards the power-surging Tyche.
"My wise friend, have you also glimpsed a corner of fate?"
Tyche remained silent for a long time, but eventually spoke what she knew. "Your daughter will become a goddess second only to the two primordial goddesses, and even the King of the Gods will bow his proud head before her."
Asteria contemplated this with a serene expression, then suddenly asked, "Tyche, who governs the choices of fate, I seek your counsel—do I have any other options?"
Tyche remained silent, her head bowed.
"I understand now," Asteria's face cleared of its gloom, and she smiled, her previous dejection gone. "The two goddesses of fate, besides myself, have given the same answer. I believe this is the best choice."
Tyche stepped forward and embraced Asteria, unsure of what words of comfort to offer her friend. Asteria, however, patted Tyche's back with a sense of relief.
"Do not worry for me, my dear friend."
"At least I do not dislike Perses. He will also show me respect due to my power. Perhaps it is time to enjoy the pleasures of love."
Tyche was so stunned by her friend's audacious words that she was left speechless. Asteria, seeing Tyche's wide eyes, her playful smile returned to her face. "Tyche, you may not consider becoming someone's wife, but that does not preclude you from seeking pleasure. Otherwise, how will you endure this long life? Eros, the god of desire, resides within our hearts; suppressed desires will destroy you."
Leaving behind this thunderous advice, the starry night goddess turned and left with a flourish, not forgetting to take Tyche's newly made perfume and cosmetics.
Tyche watched her friend's retreating figure, standing frozen in place until two attendant deities stepped forward to report that Tethys was calling for her.
"Your Highness, the Oceanid goddess wishes to see you."
Snapping back to reality, Tyche shook her head with a mixture of amusement and exasperation. "I understand. You may withdraw."
After bowing, the rainbow goddesses vanished into the forest. Tyche leaped into the stream and swam into the sea, transforming into a fish tail and heading towards the seabed.
The temple was surprisingly silent. The joyful sea goddesses had vanished without a trace. The Oceanid goddess was waiting outside the temple, peering out. Seeing her beautiful daughter appear, she eagerly stepped forward and grabbed Tyche.
Tyche had no idea what had happened to make her majestic mother so distraught. She dared not delay and immediately entered the temple and sat down.
"Mother, why are my sisters not by your side?"
"I sent them back to your father." Tethys explained hurriedly. "You have gained the divinity of fate and become one of the gods of destiny?"
Tyche was somewhat confused. "I have obtained the divine offices of choice and opportunity, and indeed, I am now one of the goddesses of fate."
Tethys's expression was complex, shifting several times before she finally decided to be happy for Tyche.
"My daughter, I am so proud of you. But you must be careful; the power of fate is immense yet dangerous, and it can harm you at any moment!"
Only then did Tyche understand. The commotion of the magic net had attracted the attention of many powerful deities, and now it seemed all the gods believed the disturbance was caused by a malfunction in the power of fate.
"My beloved mother, please do not worry about me. I was indeed affected by peering into fate, but fortunately, it is not serious."
Tethys looked at her powerful daughter with some worry, her words betraying her constant concern. "Although the gods of fate hold a transcendent position, they also attract the covetousness of the other gods, who all wish to know the truth of fate to avoid calamity. You will likely have no peace."
She paused, then finally voiced her concern. "At the very least, my mad brother will seek guidance from you regarding fate, and once you are entangled, you will not be able to escape."
Tyche suddenly understood. This was likely why the prophetess goddess intended to marry Asteria to Perses, who presided over destruction and ruin. The birth of a powerful deity was merely an unexpected bonus. Three powerful deities and two of moderate power made others hesitant to provoke them, let alone Perses's combat prowess, which was astonishing and caused even some less combat-oriented first-generation Titans to retreat.
So, among the three goddesses of fate, she herself seemed to be in the worst predicament?