Steampunk Era: Mad Abield
Chapter 1075: Section 676: Who Knows (Part 2)

Chapter 1075: Section 676: Who Knows (Part 2)

Even though there are believers in the city, Malin cannot give them anything, because if he does, the nine sages of Thainan will know about Malin’s deification by tomorrow morning at the latest.

And once they know, it won’t be long before the Western Human World knows too.

Then Malin will have nowhere to hide—daring Chaos cultists would attack Malin’s loved ones at any cost, for a legendary child as a sacrifice is tempting, but the offspring of a deity is even more enticing.

Don’t mention Malin’s strength; capitalists would sell their own hanging rope for a 300% profit. The offspring of a deity defies even that description.

Therefore, now is not the time.

Malin must become stronger, without relying on the Power of Prayers.

Because Mars, who stands at 1.2 meters tall, has already sounded the alarm for Malin’s future, achieving deity status might be a good choice, but such deities require generations of belief. Hence, the legendary does not die, Chaos does not perish, the seal is not flawless, it requires sacrifices... If these sacrifices are not deities, then legends must ignite the flame.

A world of spreading the flame? Malin can only scoff at this. This is not destiny’s sacrifice, nor fate’s choice, it’s merely Chaos’s playground during their idle time.

A world where even sacrifice is chaotic is not the future Malin desires, especially since he swore to Ails in that world, to save another Ails.

I refuse to let anyone become a sacrifice. If this world requires a sacrifice, let it be me, the summoned one.

Although... although doing so is too cruel for Faye and her companions, Malin feels that if he doesn’t act, it would be too cruel for a civilization facing destruction, yet struggling for eight millennia.

Malin has never considered himself non-human. As a mortal, Malin fears death and is reluctant to leave his lovers and children, but... but being a crucial pawn in this grand plan, the lead actor in the opera of salvation and sacrifice, since he’s already involved, he cannot think of escape. Besides, fundamentally, he’s the master of this land, a part of this world, an important protagonist in the grand plan, he must do something.

Not like the four islands where someone says they extinguish the path while piloting a giant robot, tearing apostles apart and generating electricity, a sickly 14-year-old student.

Life is accidental, death is inevitable, at this point there’s no time for entanglement with love, since life’s paths crossed in the coming years cannot be avoided... then properly contemplate how to achieve a perfect finale.

Thinking of this, Malin extinguished the cigarette butt in his hand, flicking it into the distant trash can.

"Mr. Malin, what should we do next?" Jason asked Malin.

That’s the right question.

Malin lowered his head, looking at them: "Since fate has chosen me, I can only think about how to perform the most perfect show."

Indeed, the elders have always said a maxim, and as the chosen of fate, I must learn to dance gracefully.

"You... You seem like a different person." Sostak No. 3 gazed at Malin with fear.

To this, Malin shook his head with a smile.

"You could say so; since coming from there, I’ve been pondering a question, a question that transcends my mortal nature, forcing me to think." As Malin said this, he noticed a small head poking out from the mountain path.

He flicked a cigarette towards it, and the gnome first bowed his head, trying to avoid this unidentified flying object. Malin had to control the cigarette’s speed so the gnome could see what flew over his head, then his craving for tobacco overcame his reason.

The gnome grabbed the cigarette, only for the small hand behind him to pull him back, screaming as he disappeared down the steps.

A domestic fairy poked its head out, and seeing Malin, it squeaked before retreating.

Then several domestic fairies poked their heads out, chattering in fairy language before retreating again.

Then Sage Lin and Meng Quyi walked over.

"Mr. Malin, it’s great to see you safe and sound." Sage Lin wiped the sweat that couldn’t possibly exist from his forehead, seeming somewhat insincere in Malin’s eyes. But doubt is essential for survival, Malin harbors no ill will toward this misleading gesture.

After all, Malin cannot blame a peer who sacrificed everything for civilization. Such minor gestures do not make Malin resent him.

"I’m fine; speaking of which, I just met the Goddess of Fate, she’s not doing well." Malin said with a smile.

"Really? That’s terrible." Sage Lin said.

And Meng Quyi ran to Malin’s side, studying him, seemingly sensing something. She looked at Jerin and Sostak No. 3, trying to find a problem from them, but ultimately failed, so she turned to Malin and asked: "There’s really no issue, Mr. Malin?"

"Really none." Malin said, reaching out to pat Meng Quyi’s head.

"I’m no child." The girl wasn’t happy with Malin’s patting.

So Malin gave her a lollipop, which she happily accepted.

Sage Lin’s steps halted, and he genuinely sweated on his forehead.

He realized, this conclusion made Malin smile.

Mental interference is a tiny part of a deity’s power, Meng Quyi could not recognize her consciousness was being influenced by Malin, showing an absolute power disparity.

But as a brain in a vat, Sage Lin would not be affected, so he noticed something was amiss with Malin.

Significant issues.

Thinking of this, Malin signaled Meng Quyi, Jason, and Sostak to step aside.

Once only Malin and Sage Lin were left, "I wish... I wish to reintroduce myself." Watching Malin, Sage Lin finally straightened his chest and approached Malin, reaching out his hand, speaking with the courage and resolve a Thanan should have: "I am the current Sage of the Lin lineage, Lin Wuya, pleased to meet you."

He used honorifics, yet refused to bow... the self Malin recognized.

Yes, we can acknowledge everything, but won’t lose our dignity.

So Malin smiled and extended his hand: "Hello, I’m Malin... Malin Gaiate, from Carterburg."

Sage Lin’s artificial heart no longer exceeded its work limits in beating, and the plasma in his artificial blood vessels ceased boiling. Having earned Malin’s goodwill, he finally lowered his head slightly, offering respect to the newly born deity.

Then he raised his head again, posing a new question to Malin: "Do you like this city?"

"A fine city, but... too noisy, you should understand my meaning." In Malin’s words, the noise refers to the city’s faith, he doesn’t want the Power of Faith entangled with him, Malin hopes this Sage understands.

But Sage Lin doesn’t understand, or... he truly doesn’t understand.

He only smiled helplessly: "The Goddess of Fate has a deal with us Thanan, you must know it."

"I didn’t know before, now I do, it’s fine, I’ve understood my role in this grand plan, to be honest, it aligns with my self-image." Malin could only reassure him thus.

This answer initially left the Sage dumbfounded, then with reverence he bowed his head.

"Your thoughts truly command respect, Sir." This time, he bowed his head.

Indeed, a realist Sage.

Malin thought, while smiling and shaking his head: "I only do what I believe is right, these actions don’t need you to deem right or wrong, the only judge is my conscience and my love for this world. If you think my becoming a deity can save the world thus sacrificing everything, then I shall humbly accept."

Under the Sage’s reverent gaze, Malin’s smile stretches with perfect control as never before, a most standard manner of emotional extension.

Everything I say is the truest lie.

You see, who can truly know?