At this point, Malin stood up, the Fio that had transformed into a chair, along with her friend, reverted back to their original form and returned to Malin’s arms.
"But to me, they are priceless treasures, the beauty that I must protect... Please begin the distortion, as I cannot bring myself to harm you in this state," Malin’s smile had a touch of bitterness, "I beg you... give me a reason not to violate my conscience and kill you."
"No! You can’t kill Sister Mira!" Wasp screamed, shielding the pouch in front of her with her hands.
No, Wasp, put down your hands, okay? I am your sister Mira.
Mira’s call ultimately made Wasp lower her hands, and together with her sister, they looked at Malin with their lightless insectoid eyes.
I feel the struggle in your heart; the owners of these names must hold a very important place within it... How envious, if only I could be that important to him.
After saying this, Mira fell silent for a moment, then continued:
I will end my own life, in return for you not killing Wasp, but in turn, you must promise me that Wasp will live on, until she grows old and faces the death that comes to greet her.
"No! Don’t do that! Sister Mira!"
Shut up, my sister, I am doing this for your own good!
After a brief and rapid argument, Mira continued with her bargain.
Is that okay, Mr. Malin? You are the only person in this city I can trust now.
"Why trust me?" Malin, puzzled, stood in place watching her.
Because light descended from behind you, I saw a figure of light smiling at me; I have never seen such a warm light.
Malin stepped to the side, turned his head, and saw a somewhat familiar figure. Facing the True God, he chose to bow his head, "Hello... and, good afternoon, Lord of Justice."
"Good afternoon, Malin, it seems your transaction here requires a witness, and I, am willing to be that witness for you. Little one, Wasp will become an apprentice of my Church, is this arrangement to your satisfaction?" Nameless said to Mira.
I pay tribute to you, great existence, your arrival has filled this cold tomb with warmth—Mira paused here, then continued—Sorry, that’s the most suitable praise I have in my vocabulary for you.
"It’s alright, child, is there anything else you wish to place on the balance?" Nameless asked.
Mira fell silent for a moment, then finally spoke.
Would you kill him, please? This is my last plea, Mr. Malin, you may refuse me, and I am willing to die if you do, but... I am so foolish, why didn’t I realize sooner that he never heard my song.
Malin remained silent.
"Sayer Kay will be attending the performance battle after the grand trial in the Central Administrative Province; if you’re interested, I can arrange a match for you, including gloves. Is there anything else you’d like to know?" Nameless smiled at Malin.
Malin continued in silence.
Enough, all of this is nothing but delirium before my death. The old man from the Holy Nest once scolded me for wanting to leave the Holy Nest, he said the outside world was very dangerous... I didn’t believe him, but it proved, I was wrong.
If I could do it all over again, I would definitely wait for you, Wasp, in every life, every single life, I would become your spear and shield.
The sheath began to fall from Wasp’s body. As it was about to drop, when Wasp burst into cries of sorrow, Malin lifted his head to look at Mira.
"I’ve agreed, I’ll personally kill Sayer Kay. If his widow chooses to duel with me, I’ll kill her too... If possible, I’ll even send you back to the Holy Nest."
In that moment, Malin seemed to hear Mira’s most pleasing words of gratitude.
Thank you, Mr. Malin, for letting me have my wish granted in the last moment.
"No need to thank me, do you know, the song you sang... it was lovely," Malin said, walking over to Wasp, then reaching out, waiting, and finally catching the falling sheath.
Thank you, listener, farewell...
The last whisper came by his ear, the fluid inside the sheath began to solidify, eventually turning from a container that protected her into a coffin that enveloped her.
Malin took out a handkerchief from his pocket, carefully wrapped it up, and then placed it into his Spatial Bag.
"Sister... is she dead?" the Insectoid girl asked.
"Yes," Malin said, looking at her, noticing she still bore the deformity, and turned to Nameless: "Your Excellency, this is..."
"This child has transferred Mira’s deformity onto herself. The purest of emotions has created such a miracle. She has not lost her mind, and Mira regained her sanity... That’s why I did not want to deal with them; they carried the purest form of love, thinking about revenge... This determination made my old friends aware," Nameless said, looking toward the other side of the grave, Malin turned to look, Fio leaped to the top, shining brightly, allowing Malin to see the little girl standing in the shadows.
"Don’t say it out loud, my old friend," the girl with the same pointed ears as Malin said, smiling as she walked up to Malin: "Child, you have taken on this sacred path of vengeance, so you must complete it. Remember, you must either end the life of Sayer Kay or be prepared to be ended by him; vengeance follows a path where only life or death will suffice."
After speaking, she vanished into the tomb.
"I have to go as well, although I don’t care how long I stay in this world, this world probably cares quite a bit, so I look forward to the moment you stand in the arena, I’ll personally hand this child over to the Bishop of the Church here," as he spoke, Wasp floated beside him.
"Your Excellency, why did you agree to let me kill Sayer Kay?" Malin asked.
"A fellow who betrayed his own friend has no right to plead innocence in front of me, just as you said, child, everyone must pay the price for their choices, Mira has paid, you have paid, and now it’s Mr. Sayer Kay’s turn," said the Deity, and just like that, he disappeared behind a portal, taking Wasp with him, leaving behind only a farewell.
"So, good afternoon, and goodbye, Malin."
Malin, who hadn’t had a chance to say goodbye, fell silent for a moment, then glanced at the coffin holding his old buddy, and finally climbed up the soft ladder that led out of the dugout hole.
The city was still as quiet as before, and Malin paused before he took his first step, he turned his head, looking at the pile of ashes by the wall, a wind of Spiritual Energy blew past, scattering them into the air.
So, good afternoon, and farewell, Professor.