Free Will

Everyone is a slave to fate.

When I was very young, I was terrified of this phrase, as if it were a demon I could never escape, bringing inescapable pain and despair no matter how I tried to avoid it. Later, I tried to rebel, attempting to break free from the shackles of fate. I did many things to prove this point, but without exception, I failed. Humans are eager to rebel against fate because their lifespan hasn't allowed them to see the far greater impact fate has on them than they believe they can change. Human history is an eternal cycle, and unfortunately, every human being firmly believes they can change history and fate, completely unaware that at most they can only create a small ripple in the river of destiny; changing the course of this river of fate is utterly impossible.

I struggled for hundreds of years, or even longer. My early life was spent running for my life. When I wasn't powerful enough, I didn't have time to think about things like fate. But after I gained power, I started thinking about these meaningless things out of boredom. In this respect, I easily understand humanity's view of extraterrestrial life. Every long-lived being inevitably thinks about things that won't be relevant to them even five billion years from now. It doesn't matter what it is.

But eventually I figured it out: since the fate of every person, every living being, and even every planet is no different, any attempt to resist it is nothing but foolish and impulsive behavior. The immense despair I felt after learning about fate stemmed entirely from an overconfident overestimation of my own abilities. It was that inexplicable confidence that, without the control of fate, I could find the path I wanted to take.

After that, I changed.

Even if you understand that the power of fate is constantly at work behind all living beings and things, nothing can clearly show you the path ahead. The certainty and unknowability of fate are contradictoryly intertwined, which is precisely the greatest pleasure of life. Even if you can feel the omnipresence of the hand of fate, you cannot be sure what path it will push you onto. There is always an impenetrable fog ahead—in this sense, it is no different from freedom.

Just as I never imagined that the little boy, whom I had treated as food on a whim, would become my master and lead me to a world I had never seen before, everything is the result of both free will and fate. Whether my master will exist forever, I cannot be sure of, but I am certain that I can exist at the end of eternity, witnessing his final fate. Fate may be irresistible, but the uncertainty of the path still exists.

Master, are you truly ready? Even if you possess the power to defy the gods, do you truly believe you can control your destiny? I believe that's impossible, but... since you've given me so many surprises, I won't hesitate to wait and see if you can truly grasp every uncertain beginning and end.

I hope you won't ultimately fail and, as a result, degenerate into a being like those lowly, corrupt humans.

If that day ever comes, I will make you my most precious possession, without hesitation. I will not allow someone who was once my master to degenerate into a lowly monkey. If you wish to destroy me, it must be done through my own hands.

--Angela Christie--

Only by standing at a high place can one truly appreciate the meaning of the word "vast".

Just as without climbing a tall tower to look out, humans will never truly feel how vast the land or ocean they inhabit is. They are always content with their own small plot of land and complain all day about the congestion and crampedness of cities. In this respect, humans are actually no different from the rats they ridicule as short-sighted; they too are "unable to see the true face of Mount Lu because they are in the mountain themselves."

"I've really had enough."

Not everyone would be fooled by this illusion of boundless vastness and exclaim in amazement. Yi Aier crumpled the fabric in her hands and complained angrily. It was clearly a sheet that had been changed from Li Lin's bed, but as before, it was always stained with many "suspicious" marks, and as a maid, she had no choice but to do what she was required to do as a subordinate.

"So much again, so much again... I wonder if it's the master's or that brat's. I can't believe a little girl like her gets wet so easily..."

Wringing out the sheets, Yi Aier's face flushed red as she muttered a low complaint through gritted teeth. Although she should have been used to this long ago—after all, it had been her mission since the Magic Empire era—perhaps it was because of her youthful infatuation, or more likely because she herself had some unspeakable needs. So, while she didn't know exactly what her master did in bed, the girl would use her imagination to fill in the blanks and arrive at a conclusion that satisfied her.

Perhaps that's why her delusions are so extreme.

Although Suoxiate had warned her several times to remain calm, as her master's maid, losing her composure would be embarrassing for her, perhaps due to her personality traits, Yi Aier remained unchanged even after so long.

"Phew... finally done."

The girl unfolded the pristine white sheet, nodded in satisfaction after confirming that there were no strange stains left, and then hung it on the rope beside her. A gentle breeze blew, and the swaying sheet stood out rather strangely against the backdrop of the blue sky and sea, as if it didn't belong there.

"You've really worked hard, Yi Aier."

The sound from behind made the girl tense up immediately. She quickly turned around, and only relaxed when she found that the annoying brat wasn't beside the man in front of her.

"Hello, Master, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Nothing."

Looking at the slightly nervous girl before him, Li Lin gave a wry smile. He hadn't had a proper talk with Yi Aier, not because of her fiery temper, but because she was always arguing with Angela, making it impossible to have a proper conversation. Li Lin was always very concerned about his weapons, and the reason he specifically sent Yi Aier this time was to soothe her somewhat anxious emotions.

"I just wanted to come see you and have a good chat... It seems like we haven't spoken like we used to since we got back together."

"It's all because you brought back this strange little brat, Master."

Upon hearing this, Yi Aier immediately began to complain.

"I really don't understand why you would choose that foul-mouthed, black-hearted brat as your familiar? If you wanted, there are plenty of much more powerful beings in the multiverse for you to choose from."

"Some things are destined and cannot be changed, and she is much more powerful than you think."

Li Lin did not explain to Yi Aier in detail how he recruited Angela as his familiar, as it was quite an embarrassing matter.

"What... jealous? That doesn't sound like something the most destructive weapon among the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys would say. Although Angela has never said it outright, she's seen and knows about your destructive power."

"You don't need to comfort me, Master."

Hearing Li Lin's words, Yi Aier lowered her head helplessly, stretched out her hands, and the starlight condensed again in her hands.

"This is all I can do, but that's all. I'm not as strong as Miu'erkasi, not as fast as Anna, not as agile as Kalin, and I don't know as much as Nia. All I can do is fire these beam Magic Power cannons. But... I don't want to just do that."

Yi Aier's expression was somewhat somber, which was understandable. Although she possessed the most destructive power among the Seven Ring Spirit Envoys, everything is a double-edged sword. Precisely because her destructive power was too great, Yi Aier rarely had the opportunity to intervene in ordinary situations. She spent most of her time working as a maid. Although this was part of her job, Yi Aier secretly hoped to fight alongside Li Lin like her other companions. However, in that era, there weren't many problems that required her intervention. And after the war with the Five-Nation Alliance, Li Lin, realizing that the enemy might possess Magic Controller, strictly forbade her from appearing on the battlefield to prevent their most powerful weapon from becoming their most terrifying nightmare.

When the Capital of the Magic Empire fell, Yi Aier was forcibly transported to the Astral Plane by Li Lin. For constructs, that was not a suitable place to survive. Yi Aier herself lacked the knowledge to travel across planes, and she didn't possess the patience of Antanaxisi, who had climbed from the lowest level of the Nine Levels of Hell. Therefore, Yi Aier ultimately chose the most arduous method: traveling with other plane travelers, hoping that one day she could return to the Prime Material Plane. Although she encountered many setbacks, she eventually achieved her goal.

"However, I am still a little bit happy to see you again."

Yi Aier turned away, seemingly quite displeased.

"Only a little bit?"

Upon hearing Yi Aier's answer, Li Lin chuckled and asked a question.

"Only a little bit; it might have been more if you hadn't brought back a burden."

Yi Aier's answer was quite straightforward and decisive. To this, Li Lin simply shrugged.

"Really? That's a pity. I thought you two had similar personalities and would get along very well."

"What are you talking about, Master!"

Upon hearing this, Yi Aier immediately jumped up and turned around like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. She angrily waved her little fists and then pointed at the bow of the ship.

"I don't have that kind of vulgar and low-class taste!"

Following Yi Aier's finger, one could see at the bow of the ship, a beautiful woman's body pierced by a massive spike. Her legs were together, her arms outstretched, as if embracing the sky. This was the poor angel summoned by Li Lin earlier. After being cruelly toyed with by Angela, the satisfied little fellow stole her soul and impaled her corpse on the sharp protrusion at the bow. Angela even had Li Lin use necromancy to turn the corpse into a sculpture. According to the little fellow, a ship must have a beautiful figurehead to bring good fortune.

What could bring better luck than angels?

Because Angela spoke so matter-of-factly, Yi Aier couldn't refute her. However, for Iel, who was naturally fond of magical constructs, Angela's behavior was clearly a form of blasphemy.

"Honestly, Master, why are you helping that brat? She's so reckless; what if something happens to her?"

"I will resolve this issue at the appropriate time; you don't need to worry about it."

Li Lin understood Yi Aier's complaints. In fact, Angela's actions did appear chaotic and disorderly, and very few could discern their deeper meaning. Perhaps Nia and Suoxiate were among them. It was probably for this reason that Angela was much more obedient in their presence. But for Yi Aier, even without the human concepts of good and evil, she could not tolerate such chaos.

Perhaps this was influenced by myself back then.

"Right now, we should focus our energy on things that are receiving more attention."

For example, which girl are you planning to hug, Master?

Yi Aier interrupted Li Lin, displeased, and began to complain.

"Like that little brat? To be honest, Master, I never expected you to be interested in that kind of childlike figure. What's so good about that flat, unprotruding body? Is it because it's small? Or because it's tight?"

"Well..."

Unexpectedly, Yi Aier would make a comment at this moment, leaving Li Lin speechless for a moment.

"I've wanted to say this for a long time. You created us Seven Ring Spirit Envoys —we're beautiful too! Why do you insist on finding women outside? Let's not even talk about the brat, but what about that princess? To humans, she was alright looking, but from our perspective, she couldn't compare to Sister Nia or Sister Suoxiate. Even Kalin is prettier than her. I really don't know what you saw in her. Why not just kill and bury that kind of woman? Why did you have to..."

At this point, Yi Aier blushed slightly and shut her mouth. It wasn't that she was afraid of being criticized by Suoxiate if she heard her, saying that "as a maid, she shouldn't comment on her master's private life," but rather that she had some other concerns.

"The way you're saying that makes it sound like you're encouraging me to have designs on you as well."

Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Li Lin casually revealed the truth that Yi Aier was desperately trying to hide. This immediately made the little maid blush.

"No, that's not how it is!!"

Yi Aier hurriedly raised her head and shook it frantically, while waving her hands, her blonde ponytails swaying back and forth with her movements.

"What I mean is... what I mean is... the feeling between you and Sister Nia is that kind of relationship... why don't you... even if we're weapons, we're no different from humans after we've taken human form. And I think Sister Nia wouldn't refuse your request, but why do you still go and be with those humans? I just feel like something's off."

"Me and Nia?"

Hearing this, Li Lin paused for a moment, then patted Yi Aier on the shoulder.

"I never expected you to think that way."

"Huh? Isn't that right?"

Upon hearing Li Lin's answer, Yi Aier widened her eyes in curiosity and asked in return, but Li Lin did not give any answer.

"Well... you'll have to guess for yourself. For the sake of the person involved's reputation, I can't answer that question."

With that, Li Lin turned and walked towards the cabin door.

"It's been a long time since we've chatted like this. Let's talk about the rest another time. By the way, Yi Aier, there's something I've always wanted to tell you..."

"W-what is it, Master?"

Perhaps sensing that Li Lin's voice was unusually serious, Yi Aier also immediately became focused.

"Next time you wash the sheets, don't always sniff them like that... um... you should know what I mean."

"... Did you... see everything...?"

"It's time to change this bad habit that started a thousand years ago."

"This, this, I didn't mean to, it was just... just..."

"Um?"

"No... I just... I didn't..."

To put it bluntly, it's just unsatisfied desire.

Accompanied by this cold, evil voice, Angela appeared beside the two of them without them even realizing it.

"You haven't been fantasizing about doing things inappropriate for your master, have you? Don't think that a cow like you can have any influence on him. He's a mature man, unlike those eternal virgins who are easily fooled by appearances. Even if you cry and kneel down to beg, it won't do you any good."

"What are you saying, you brat! I had no intention of seducing my master!"

Facing Angela, Yi Aier quickly composed herself and shifted into a defensive stance.

"I just hope that Master can have some self-respect and stop associating with disreputable women all the time."

"Really? Isn't this just an excuse from an old woman who stirs up trouble because she's jealous of what she can't have?"

Angela calmly faced Yi Aier's counterattack, appearing completely at ease.

"If you want to seduce your master, you'll have to put in a little more effort. How about you half-undress now and let your master fulfill your desires? There's no one else here, you know?"

"Are you kidding me! I'm here, right here and all that..."

As she spoke, Yi Aier's face grew increasingly flushed, and her voice gradually softened. Although she didn't intend to follow Angela's lead, the little one was far too adept at exploiting Yi Aier's weaknesses.

"No... Master, you can't do this! I'm just your maid... You can't do this, no, you can't put your hands there! I don't feel anything strange, please, not there... This isn't the sound of water, it's the sound of waves crashing on the sea... Ah... Ugh, please don't tease my breasts... No, Master, yours is too big, it'll tear, it'll tear!!!"

Soon, a faint white light flashed again on Yi Aier's body.

"Oh ho ho ho ho, this perpetually horny woman, it seems that's not enough for her."

"Angela? Don't bully her too much, okay?"

Looking at Angela, who was laughing loudly in front of him, Li Lin could only sigh.

Then, as expected, a huge white beam of light once again ripped through the sky.