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Chapter 215 - Ninth Life, The Earthly Chain

"Why?" he asked.

"Because you're kind. Even if you pretend to be indifferent, it doesn't fool me."

"I know that every time you strike down those gods, a trace of sorrow slips into your eyes. It's especially clear when you kill their people. Even with your mask on, I can still see it."

Gui Zhong's gaze softened, shifting from stern seriousness to quiet pity.

She hadn't gone through those things herself, so she wouldn't offer Morax empty words like, "Be strong." She only spoke of what she saw.

Morax fell silent at her words. He hadn't expected this seemingly harmless god to perceive the feelings he kept buried deep inside, simply by watching him.

"Suppose I were the chosen god—what would you do?" he asked.

"No need to suppose. You are," Gui Zhong said with certainty.

"Alright, alright, I am. So what do I do now?" Morax gave in, unable to argue.

Gui Zhong turned slowly, facing the houses ahead. She walked a few light steps, lost in thought.

"I may not have much strength, but I can build mechanisms. That can't be called useless, right?" she murmured to herself.

"Were those mechanisms taught to you by that hidden god?" Morax asked.

"No. I figured them out on my own."

"If that god is so powerful in battle, he probably doesn't know mechanical arts, does he?"

"If someone were both overwhelmingly strong and exceptionally clever, that would be far too unfair."

At her words, a smile appeared on Morax's face. He stepped forward to stand beside her and said, "That really would be unfair."

"Right? Such a god shouldn't exist. The heavens are fair—if they take away strength, they grant more wisdom in return."

"Of course, I mean from birth. We can all learn and grow."

"Someone like me, born weak—if given enough time and effort, I should be able to become strong too."

Her words made Morax reflect.

Someone like Brother Elliot, with both great power and great wisdom—was he born strong, or born wise?

Morax thought it was more likely the former. After all, Elliot looked like someone who had been through countless trials, which was why he possessed such wisdom.

"You have many people too, don't you?" Gui Zhong suddenly turned to him.

"Mm…"

"Many," Morax nodded.

"Those little people, as small and fragile as dust.

Because they are so small, they never know when disaster or misfortune will take them. So they are always afraid.

And because they are afraid, they strive harder, hoping to become wiser.

I understand that…"

"So I thought—since the gap in strength between us is too great, I should rely on skill and wisdom instead.

If we combined your power and my mind…

The nation we build together would be extraordinary."

Seeing the sincerity in Gui Zhong's eyes, Morax was momentarily taken aback. He hadn't expected her to invite him into such a partnership.

"You don't need to answer right away. This isn't something to be taken lightly. Take all the time you need."

Noticing his troubled expression, Gui Zhong seemed to read his thoughts as if she could see straight through him.

"Plenty of time, huh…"

"But didn't that god protecting you from the shadows say that once I arrived, he would stop guarding this land?" Morax asked.

Gui Zhong smiled faintly.

"I'm not the type to just sit back and enjoy being protected. I also have people I must defend. I've created many mechanisms that can protect us for a while.

Of course, those lifeless things aren't a lasting solution.

I know that working with me brings you little benefit. You'd only take on more responsibility, protecting even more.

But I'll share that burden. I'll keep refining my mechanisms. One day, I'll create weapons that can truly protect everyone.

That will take time. It depends on whether you believe in me."

She had voiced every one of Morax's concerns, leaving him speechless.

But from the start, he hadn't planned to refuse. He only wanted to understand more.

The reason he didn't reject her outright was simply because this land had caught Elliot's eye.

"I believe you." Morax nodded, accepting her proposal.

At his words, the worry faded from Gui Zhong's face, replaced by a bright, relieved smile.

"This is the token of our pact—and also my challenge to you. All of my wisdom is sealed within this stone lock."

Her delight was impossible to conceal as she held out a square, glowing stone, resembling Planet Befall, and placed it in Morax's hands.

The mix of solemnity and excitement in her offering left Morax momentarily stunned.

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