Quantum Shifter's Destiny - Guardians Awakening #5
Blog Introduction
We've all thought about it at least once. "What if I could change fate?" If we could know the winning lottery numbers in advance, manipulate the odds at crucial moments, or reverse the unfortunate destinies of our loved ones.
In Seoul, 2030, such an opportunity comes to Kang Tae-min, a former gambler who once lost everything. But the universe's law of balance proved more ruthless than expected. The backlash that followed each miracle was too enormous for him to bear alone.
What does it truly mean to manipulate probability and change destiny? Is it acceptable to break the universe's laws for a good cause?
The fifth story of the Guardians Universe poses philosophical questions about fate and choice, miracles and their cost. Join Tae-min as he enters the world of probability. What choice would you make?
Estimated Reading Time: 25-30 minutes
Chapter 1: Impossible Odds
In a small office on the third floor of a shabby building in Mapo-gu, Seoul, Kang Tae-min was starting another day beneath a sign that read 'Destiny Consultation Office.' The view of Seoul in 2030 through his window was filled with holographic advertisements and autonomous drones, but this place seemed frozen in time, quietly serene.
Tae-min took a sip of coffee and checked his first consultation appointment of the day. Jung So-young, a 38-year-old woman who ran a restaurant but was currently facing bankruptcy.
Another debt problem. Tae-min let out a small sigh. As a former gambler, he understood the feelings of people who came to him with money problems better than anyone. He had experienced that desperation and helplessness himself.
At exactly 10 AM, there was a knock on the door.
Tae-min: "Please come in."
The woman who entered appeared to be in her early forties, but deep fatigue was etched on her face. Though she was dressed neatly, she looked somehow haggard.
So-young: "Hello. I'm Jung So-young, who called you."
Tae-min: "Yes, hello. Please have a seat. Would you like some coffee?"
So-young: "No, thank you. I don't have much time."
Tae-min could read the desperation in her expression. In his three years as a destiny consultant, he had met countless people with such faces.
Tae-min: "Please tell me slowly what brought you here."
So-young: "I... I run a restaurant. It's small, but I've been operating it for over ten years. But debts piled up during COVID, and recently my son was diagnosed with leukemia..."
Her voice began to tremble.
So-young: "The surgery costs 30 million won, but the bank won't give me any more loans. I received notice to close the restaurant by the end of this month."
Tae-min: "How old is your son?"
So-young: "Twelve years old. He's so scared... No matter what I do, there's no solution. So, so..."
So-young pulled out several lottery tickets from her bag.
So-young: "I bought these thinking it might be my last hope. Could you perhaps tell me which numbers might be good, or if there's any other way..."
Tae-min felt his chest tighten as he looked at her desperate expression. Another person asking about lottery numbers. But this time something was different. It wasn't simple greed—it was a truly desperate situation.
Tae-min: "Ms. So-young, you shouldn't try to solve problems with lottery tickets. That's gambling."
So-young: "Then is there another way? Please... my child might die."
At that moment, a strange sensation arose in Tae-min's mind. It felt as if countless threads of possibility were swaying before his eyes. Lottery numbers began to appear clearly in his head.
This is strange. This has never happened before...
Tae-min: "Wait a moment. What if this week's lottery numbers were... 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42?"
So-young: "What? How can you be so confident?"
Tae-min was surprised too. He didn't know why those numbers had popped into his head. But strangely, he felt certain those numbers would be correct.
Tae-min: "It's just... a feeling. But don't get your hopes up too much."
So-young noted down those numbers with trembling hands.
So-young: "Thank you so much. What about the consultation fee..."
Tae-min: "Don't worry about it. Please contact me again after the results come out."
After So-young left, Tae-min was confused. Destiny consultation was supposed to provide psychological comfort at most, but what was that certainty he just felt?
Three days later, on Saturday evening, the lottery drawing was broadcast. Tae-min was casually channel surfing when he happened to catch the lottery broadcast.
"This week's winning numbers are 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42!"
Tae-min's coffee cup fell to the floor and shattered. They were exactly the numbers he had mentioned.
[The balance begins to waver...]
At that moment, Tae-min's phone rang.
So-young: "Sir! Sir! I won first place! 1.8 billion won! How is this possible..."
The sound of So-young's tears and cries of joy came through the phone. Tae-min felt strange—happy but also anxious at the same time.
Tae-min: "I'm really glad. I hope your son's surgery goes well..."
So-young: "It's all thanks to you, sir. I don't know how to express my gratitude..."
After hanging up, Tae-min couldn't understand what had happened to him. It was too accurate to be called a coincidence.
But strange things began happening that very night. On his way home, he missed the subway, got soaked when it suddenly started raining, and spent a long time searching for his keys after dropping them in front of his house.
Something's strange. I seem to be unluckier than usual...
But Tae-min didn't yet know this was just the beginning. What he had just touched was one of the universe's most fundamental laws, and he would soon realize that every miracle comes with a price.
Chapter 2: Architect of Destiny
A week later, Tae-min's consultation office was flooded with inquiries due to rumors. News of Jung So-young's first-place lottery win had spread, earning him the nickname "Miracle Destiny Consultant."
But Tae-min was still confused. Since that day, small misfortunes continued to follow him. Elevator breakdowns, food delivery mistakes, sudden power outages. Each incident was minor, but their constant repetition was getting on his nerves.
Today, another new consultant came to see him. Lee Hyun-woo, a 35-year-old man who was one of the few people who knew about Tae-min's gambling days.
Hyun-woo: "Hey, Tae-min. I heard about Ms. So-young. Did you really predict the lottery numbers?"
Tae-min: "It must have been a coincidence. I'm surprised too."
Hyun-woo: "A coincidence? Getting all six numbers right is a coincidence?"
Tae-min avoided Hyun-woo's suspicious gaze. He wasn't certain himself.
Hyun-woo: "Look, help me out too. Working at the casino, I've got some debt..."
Tae-min: "Hyun-woo, I do destiny consultation, not help with gambling."
Hyun-woo: "Still, just take a look once. It's really urgent."
Tae-min hesitated. So-young's case was truly desperate, but what about Hyun-woo? But he couldn't just ignore an old friend's request.
Tae-min: "What's the matter?"
Hyun-woo: "My mother has dementia and needs nursing home fees. It's 2 million won per month, and I can't afford it with my salary."
Tae-min was moved by Hyun-woo's sincere expression. Once again, that strange sensation arose in his mind. This time it was clearer. He could see countless threads of probability, and it seemed like he could choose the thread that led to the desired outcome.
Tae-min: "Tomorrow at the casino blackjack table... I think there's a high probability the dealer will bust."
Hyun-woo: "Really? How do you know?"
Tae-min: "I don't know. I just have that feeling."
The next evening, Hyun-woo called.
Hyun-woo: "Tae-min! This is crazy, really crazy! The dealer kept busting! I won 20 million won in three hours!"
Tae-min was happy but also anxious. This time was too accurate as well. It was hard to call it a coincidence now.
But that night, even greater misfortune befell Tae-min. When he tried to enter his house, the entire apartment building received an evacuation order due to a gas leak. He had to sleep at a sauna all day, and the next day he was rushed to the hospital with food poisoning.
This is strange. There definitely seems to be some connection...
A week later, Tae-min happened to pass by a fortune-telling shop in Mapo-gu. Under a sign reading "Heavenly Divination," an elderly man who appeared to be in his seventies was sitting.
Park Cheol-soo: "Young man, wait a moment."
Tae-min: "Yes?"
Park Cheol-soo: "I sense a strange energy from you. Have you recently changed any major destinies?"
Tae-min was surprised. This old man seemed to know something.
Tae-min: "How did you know?"
Park Cheol-soo: "I've been doing this work for over fifty years. Come in and have some tea."
The inside of the fortune-telling shop was antique. Various divination books, old compasses, and charts with strange symbols hung on the walls.
Park Cheol-soo: "Young man, can you manipulate probability by any chance?"
Tae-min: "Well... I'm not sure exactly, but recently strange things have been..."
Park Cheol-soo: "Hmm... A Quantum Shifter."
Tae-min: "Quantum Shifter?"
Park Cheol-soo: "The ability to change destiny by manipulating probability. It's a very rare ability. But it's also dangerous."
Tae-min: "What do you mean by dangerous?"
Park Cheol-soo: "The universe has something called the law of balance. If you create great fortune, misfortune corresponding to it will inevitably follow. What you've been experiencing recently is exactly that."
Tae-min felt chills. It was exactly what he had been experiencing.
Park Cheol-soo: "At first, it's small backlash, but it will gradually grow larger. The bigger the destiny you change, the greater the price you'll have to pay."
Tae-min: "Then what should I do?"
Park Cheol-soo: "You must understand balance. Accept that everything has a price, and use your ability carefully."
Leaving the fortune-telling shop, Tae-min had mixed feelings. If he really had such an ability, how should he use it in the future?
Just then, his phone rang. It was another consultation request. This time it was someone with an even bigger problem.
[The threads of probability begin to interweave more complexly...]
Chapter 3: The Law of Balance
As a month passed, Tae-min's ability was growing stronger. At first, it was simple lottery numbers or minor probability manipulation, but now he could handle more complex situations.
But the backlash was also growing proportionally. Recently, strange accidents happened several times a day. Falling and hurting his knee on the street, choking on food, sudden phone malfunctions.
Today's consultant was a particularly serious case. Kim Min-ho, a 29-year-old freelance designer, said his girlfriend had fallen into a coma due to a traffic accident.
Min-ho: "Sir, please help me. The doctor said there's only a 30% chance she'll wake up."
Tae-min: "Mr. Min-ho, that's a medical issue, so..."
Min-ho: "No. Just like you helped Ms. So-young and Mr. Hyun-woo, please help me too. Please make Su-jin wake up."
Tae-min hesitated. Life-related matters seemed too dangerous. But seeing Min-ho's desperate expression, he couldn't bring himself to refuse.
Tae-min: "Alright. But I can't guarantee anything."
Tae-min closed his eyes and concentrated. This time he saw a much more complex web of probability. Increasing Su-jin's chances of waking up seemed possible, but the backlash would likely be considerable too.
[The threads of probability begin to rearrange violently...]
Tae-min used all his concentration to manipulate Su-jin's probability of waking up from 30% to 85%. At that moment, he heard something like a 'click' in his head.
Tae-min: "There should be good news within 24 hours."
Min-ho: "Really? Thank you!"
The next afternoon, a joyful call came from Min-ho.
Min-ho: "Sir! Su-jin woke up! The doctors are calling it a miracle!"
Tae-min was happy, but anxiety washed over him at the same time. What kind of backlash would come this time?
The answer appeared soon. Starting that evening, a chain of misfortunes began befalling Tae-min. The subway suddenly broke down when he tried to board, an accident blocked the road when he tried to take a taxi, and when he arrived home, the electricity was out.
The next day became more serious. When he woke up in the morning, his whole body ached, and when he went to the hospital, he had a fever of unknown cause. His phone broke when he dropped it in water, and he couldn't find his wallet anywhere.
This is too severe. I need to see Elder Park Cheol-soo again.
Tae-min dragged himself to the Heavenly Divination shop.
Park Cheol-soo: "My, why does your face look like that?"
Tae-min: "I'm in big trouble. I manipulated probability related to life, and the backlash is too severe."
Park Cheol-soo: "You touched life? That's too dangerous!"
Tae-min: "What should I do?"
Park Cheol-soo: "Sit down first. Have some tea."
Park Cheol-soo handed Tae-min warm tea with a serious expression.
Park Cheol-soo: "What you touched wasn't simple probability. It was the destiny of life. Such big changes inevitably bring big prices."
Tae-min: "Will this kind of thing keep happening?"
Park Cheol-soo: "This is just the real beginning. Bigger misfortunes will happen in chain reactions. Even your life might be in danger."
Tae-min despaired. Why should he be punished when he did something good?
Park Cheol-soo: "But it's not like there's no solution."
Tae-min: "A solution?"
Park Cheol-soo: "Accept the balance. Learn to use your ability wisely while willingly paying the price."
At that moment, Tae-min's phone rang. Surprisingly, it was a call from Min-ho.
Min-ho: "Sir... I'm sorry. Su-jin did wake up, but I got into a traffic accident."
Tae-min: "What did you say?"
Min-ho: "On my way out after meeting Su-jin at the hospital... I was hit by a car. Fortunately, I wasn't seriously injured, but..."
Tae-min was shocked. He realized that the backlash didn't just come to him, but also to people connected to the situation.
Park Cheol-soo: "Do you understand now? The universe's law of balance is more complex than you think. It affects not just you, but everyone connected."
Tae-min: "Then what should I do? Should I not use my ability at all?"
Park Cheol-soo: "That's not it. You need to learn how to use it properly. Understanding balance and accepting the price."
But Tae-min felt like he had already crossed a line of no return. That night, on his way home, an even bigger accident was waiting for him.
[The balance is completely broken, and the whirlwind of destiny begins...]
Chapter 4: A New Point of Balance
On Tae-min's way home, he missed a step on the subway station stairs and tumbled down. Fortunately, he wasn't seriously injured, but he sprained his ankle. At that moment, someone extended a helping hand from beside him.
"Are you okay?"
Looking up, he saw a woman who appeared to be in her early thirties. She was dressed in neat business attire and wore a warm smile.
Tae-min: "Yes, thank you."
Woman: "I think you should go to a hospital."
Tae-min: "I'm fine. I think I'll be okay if I rest at home."
Woman: "I work at an orthopedic clinic nearby. Shall I take a proper look?"
Tae-min was touched by her kindness. After experiencing only misfortune lately, encountering such goodwill warmed his heart.
While receiving simple treatment at the hospital, he conversed with her. Her name was Choi Yu-na, and she was a psychotherapist.
Yu-na: "You're having a hard time lately, aren't you? I can sense it from your expression."
Tae-min: "Well... there are some complicated matters."
Yu-na: "If you ever need it, please come for counseling anytime. I might be able to help."
Tae-min felt a strange sensation as he received her business card. This meeting also seemed like part of some destiny.
Returning home, Tae-min fell into deep contemplation. Should he completely stop using his ability as Elder Park Cheol-soo said? But if he could help people like So-young and Min-ho...
The next day, an unexpected call came to Tae-min.
Min-ho: "Sir, I'm really sorry, but... Su-jin lost consciousness again."
Tae-min: "What did you say?"
Min-ho: "The doctor said a blood clot formed in her brain... she needs emergency surgery."
Tae-min despaired. Was the probability he manipulated returning to its original state?
Min-ho: "Sir, could you help me one more time?"
Tae-min: "Mr. Min-ho, I'm also right now..."
At that moment, Tae-min made a decision. He could no longer put other people in danger. But he couldn't completely abandon Min-ho either.
Tae-min: "Mr. Min-ho, I'll come to the hospital myself."
Arriving at the hospital, Tae-min met Min-ho waiting in front of the operating room. His face was filled with despair.
Tae-min: "Mr. Min-ho, I'll try something, but there's a condition."
Min-ho: "Any condition is fine."
Tae-min: "No matter what happens to me from now on, don't resent me. And this is the last time."
Tae-min closed his eyes and concentrated. This time he tried a different approach. Instead of recklessly increasing Su-jin's probability, he tried to absorb all the backlash himself.
[All backlash begins to concentrate on Tae-min...]
The surgery ended successfully. The doctor called it a miracle. But Tae-min collapsed in the hospital corridor. His body couldn't endure trying to bear all the backlash alone.
A week later, Tae-min woke up in a hospital bed. Elder Park Cheol-soo was sitting beside him.
Park Cheol-soo: "You're awake."
Tae-min: "How are you here..."
Park Cheol-soo: "A young man named Min-ho contacted me. He asked me to explain why you collapsed."
Tae-min: "How is Su-jin?"
Park Cheol-soo: "She's completely recovered. No after-effects either."
Tae-min felt relieved. Although he paid a great price, he was able to save one life.
Park Cheol-soo: "Do you truly understand now?"
Tae-min: "What?"
Park Cheol-soo: "The law of balance. By bearing the backlash alone, you must have gained a greater understanding."
Tae-min thought about it. There was definitely something different. Before, he only thought about simply manipulating probability, but now he seemed to vaguely understand how to maintain balance in the process.
Park Cheol-soo: "You can create big changes even with small probability manipulations. And there are ways to minimize backlash."
Tae-min: "What kind of methods?"
Park Cheol-soo: "Don't go against the natural flow. Don't try to completely change destiny—just give it a gentle push."
At that moment, the hospital room door opened and Yu-na entered.
Yu-na: "How are you feeling? I heard you collapsed at the hospital..."
Tae-min: "Ms. Yu-na? How did you..."
Yu-na: "Mr. Min-ho contacted me. He's also receiving counseling because of psychological shock."
Tae-min was surprised. Was this also some link of destiny?
Yu-na: "Mr. Tae-min, I think I have some special ability too. I can sense and control people's emotions."
Park Cheol-soo: "Oh ho, an Emotion Controller."
Yu-na: "What? What's that?"
Tae-min smiled. Knowing that not only he but other people also had special abilities made him feel less alone.
Tae-min: "Ms. Yu-na, I think we could help people together. If I create opportunities of destiny and you heal wounds of the heart..."
Yu-na: "That's a great idea!"
Park Cheol-soo: "Good, now you truly understand balance. Don't try to shoulder everything alone—help each other."
On the day of discharge, Tae-min returned to his consultation office with a new mindset. Now he knew how to truly create necessary opportunities for people, not just manipulate probability.
So-young also called with updates. Her son's surgery was successful, and the new restaurant was doing well. Most importantly, the family was happy again.
Tae-min: "I'm glad. Please be happy in the future."
So-young: "It's all thanks to you, sir. I don't know how to express my gratitude..."
Tae-min: "Just living happily is the greatest thanks."
After hanging up, Tae-min looked out the window. The sunset in Seoul 2030 was beautiful. The twilight seeping through the holographic advertisements was painting the entire city warmly.
Now it's the real beginning.
Tae-min decided to call his ability Quantum Shifter. The ability to change destiny by manipulating probability. But now he knew how to use that ability wisely.
A few days later, a new sign was hung at Tae-min's consultation office: 'Destiny Consultation & Psychological Therapy Room.' It was a new beginning with Yu-na.
[The balance is newly aligned, and a larger web of destiny begins to form...]
Epilogue: The Destiny Coordinator
Six months later, Tae-min and Yu-na's collaborative consultation office was famous. It was evaluated not as a place that simply changed destiny, but as a place that truly improved people's lives.
Tae-min was now careful every time he manipulated probability. He focused on creating small opportunities rather than big changes. And how people utilized those opportunities was up to them.
Today, another new consultant came. Seo Min-ji, a 27-year-old female veterinarian.
Min-ji: "Hello. I work with animals, and I've been having strange experiences recently."
Tae-min: "What kind of experiences?"
Min-ji: "I feel like I can sense animals' minds. And when I touch sick animals, they sometimes become healthy."
Yu-na: "It sounds like a life connection ability. That's a really special ability."
Tae-min felt another link of destiny looking at Min-ji. Himself, Yu-na, and now Min-ji. People with special abilities were meeting one by one.
Tae-min: "Ms. Min-ji, would you consider working with us? I think we could help more people with our different abilities."
Min-ji: "Really? I was thinking the same thing."
That evening, the three sat in Han River Park talking about the future.
Yu-na: "I think there are more people like us."
Tae-min: "Probably. And someday we'll all meet."
Min-ji: "When that time comes, I think we'll be able to do many things."
Tae-min looked up at the sky. Stars were beginning to appear one by one. It was as if each destiny was connecting to create one big picture.
As Elder Park Cheol-soo had said, everything had balance. Great abilities came with great responsibilities, and true miracles were created together, not alone.
Tae-min: "I think our story is just beginning."
[New destiny coordinators are born, and greater adventures await...]
<The End>
Reader Engagement
Thank you for reading to the end. How was Kang Tae-min's story?
If you gained the ability to manipulate probability, how would you use it? And what price would you be willing to pay when using that ability?
Please share your thoughts in the comments. In the next story, you'll be able to see how Seo Min-ji's life connection ability manifests.
The journey of the Guardians Universe continues! 🌟