435: One of a Kind

"They're both the same," Li Aoz said. "They're both me."

"I like the second name: Li Aoz. To me, it seems to carry an exotic charm."

Qualia-Direction raised her hand and gently caressed Li Aoz's face. Her fingers were no longer as icy as they had once been, but carried a different kind of warmth.

Her jade-white fingertips smoothed away the weariness on Li Aoz's face. Li Aoz felt utterly relaxed, and his gaze instinctively fell into Qualia-Direction's eyes as he met her stare.

"To be honest, this feeling is hard to describe," Qualia-Direction said gently. "I've met many gifted young people. You aren't the most outstanding among them, but everything you do surprises me. You are a unique person, an existence unlike any other in this universe."

"I'd guess the number of people who could receive such high praise from an Origin Species could be counted on one hand in the Sixth Layer Star Abyss."

The fine lines at the corners of Li Aoz's eyes were smoothed away. Qualia-Direction's touch made him feel peaceful and comfortable. Though he knew she meant well, he still could not help complaining, "Was there really any need to use Weak Force specifically to give someone a massage? I'm not afraid of radiation, but isn't this a little bad for the environment...?"

"Don't overthink it. You're this planet's great hero. Calling you its savior wouldn't be an exaggeration."

Qualia-Direction gently kneaded his temples. Her precise force and measured radiation immediately freed Li Aoz from the tension of battle.

His consciousness wavered, and his body toppled straight backward. Qualia-Direction gently supported his back, moved behind him, and slowly laid him flat on the soft grass.

"Ow, that hurts. There are stones here—they're digging into me."

"Move them yourself. I'm not your mother."

Qualia-Direction curled her