CHAPTER 1037: SECTION 660: DO YOU REMEMBER LOVE?

Ails’ home was modestly decorated, and there was unexpectedly a small television in this tiny room of unknown location; it seemed to enjoy watching TV.

Seeing Malin focusing his attention on the television, the Lich let out a sigh.

· At times, I also enjoy watching Earthlings’ programs. You know, Liches have nearly infinite lifespans, especially during this era of dwindling magic.

Malin gazed at the Lich, noticing his dimmed, ghostly blue Soul Fire: "You’ve had it tough, Ails. I want to know — why did you choose to stay in this world? When I saw you, I began to understand your choice, but why make such a decision?"

· Because your sacrifice purified the final depths of my downfall. For all you’ve done for this world, I can’t allow it to crumble. I’ve always been helping this world and aiding those who wish to guard it.

Ails looked at Malin and said.

· Sir from another timeline, are you aware of your fate in the future?

"I know something of it. One day, I’ll sacrifice myself. Because of my sacrifice, the Chaos will vanish." Malin said so.

· But they still exist — just as you see today. The Chaos and Deities are still trying to invade this world once more. Everything you’ve done in this timeline isn’t enough to thwart their ambitions.

"I’ve seen it, Ails. I’ve seen countless futures. Maybe, across the entire Multiverse, I am the only unique Malin."

Malin still remembered what Nameless once told him: someone like him, this Malin, was one of a kind.

Back then, Malin had thought he was the sole reason this timeline’s world had been spared.

But now, Malin realized that even if he weren’t such a Malin, someone else could achieve this.

Every Malin, even every individual, could become a savior deity.

Take, for example, little Mars who worshiped the Goddess of Harvest. After Malin saved Mars, the timeline branched once again at that moment, and the torch of civilization roared back into life.

Reflecting on this, Malin looked at Mars, who sat on the chair, treating his injuries with bandages and ointment he carried: "Mars, my child, why did you want to summon me?"

"I... I..." The child stammered, a little embarrassed.

Malin smiled and moved in front of him, tousling his hair: "I know. You were summoning the godly version of me, weren’t you?"

In the end, the child pursed his lips and nodded sadly: "Ancestor, I know it’s audacious, but... the seal has grown weak, the Chaos and Deities are returning. This world... perhaps it needs a new sacrifice. You did it two thousand years ago. Now... Do I qualify? Or, how can I qualify?"

At this point, his eyes brimmed with tears. For reasons Malin couldn’t explain, he seemed to hear the child’s heartache.

Indeed, the child had peers who were loyal through life and death, as well as a beloved partner whom he cherished deeply and who loved him back. Yet he chose to end his own life to summon his ancestor, all for the sake of preventing this invasion of Chaos.

All of it stemmed from the love in his heart for a life. For her, he was willing to give everything, because... she acknowledged him.

But what he hadn’t anticipated was that the ancestor who became a Deity had long had his humanity eroded by divine rules; he no longer retained human emotions and desires, only a ruthless adherence to the rules.

Yet the child also didn’t expect that another ancestor, one who heard his call, would come and save him and his world.

"Can you let go of the ones you love?"

"I... I, I’m just one person. I’m not qualified to love anyone, Ancestor. A child who’s only 1.2 meters tall, so scared, so weak — how could I possibly deserve to love others? I’m unworthy." Tears fell onto the back of his scarred hands as the boy spoke shakily.

Malin sighed softly, then reached out and embraced the child: "I’m sorry, child. But you must not belittle yourself. Fate doesn’t allow us to choose our parents or ancestors freely, but we should bravely choose the path we walk." Saying this, Malin released his hold, staring at the child before him: "Remember, my child — only the weak and cowardly die in their regret. If you truly want to protect this world, you must first have the courage to face your feelings. Tell me, who is it that you like?"

"My... feelings..." The mention of emotions made the child blush crimson.

On the other side, Ails had already turned on the television, which happened to be broadcasting a live interview with Nirvana Rasmus.

"Miss Nirvana, can you tell me if there’s anyone you like?" The host, seemingly insipid like a guest on a tacky love talk show, posed a question that caught Malin’s attention because it drew little Mars’ gaze to the TV.

The child stared at the screen, anxious, nervous, and utterly unsure of what to do.

"Yes, there is." The Cat Girl on the TV burst into a smile: "I like a boy who’s extremely indecisive; he always says he’s useless, but in my heart, he’s my one and only great hero."

The host glanced nervously off-camera before laughing awkwardly and asking: "Can I know who he is?"