Todd shook his head helplessly: "You and Leviathan are pinning your hopes on an ordinary person from another world for a problem that has remained unsolved for hundreds of millions of years in the War of the Chosen Ones. Do you think this idea is okay?"

"I have never considered you to be an ordinary person."

"Since the creation of the world, it has been in constant war and chaos to reach where it is today. All the victors I have seen in the War of the Chosen Ones have been thinking about their own interests... plundering more wealth, expanding their followers, and seizing more resources. Not a single victor has ever stood from the perspective of this world and thought about what the future would be like?"

"As their knowledge and power increased, the creations mastered increasingly advanced technologies, but these technologies were used to hasten the world's demise..."

Scáthach looked at Todd and said, “Increasing your power is simple; I only need to change your body. But changing your humanity is beyond my reach, because I cannot shake your soul… So, now you should understand that a god who can abandon self-interest and balance the race is the most important factor in racial selection.”

Todd sighed, "Even after all you've said, I still can't believe I'm the person you're talking about. I'm just acting on my own will, protecting everything I care about..."

Scáthach added, following Todd's words, "But almost no one can do that."

Todd thought for a moment and changed the subject: "There's another problem. Even if you all agree that I'm the best candidate, I still need to defeat the other candidates to ultimately win the Chosen One battle. You mean, you and Leviathan might be able to help me?"

"No, we can't do it."

Scáthach shook her head vigorously: "As the first creations of Crystal Nest—the Forerunners—Leviathan and I are tasked with overseeing this world. We are forbidden from using any abilities to influence it, as this would violate the original purpose for which we were created..."

Seeing Todd's disappointed expression, Scáthach changed the subject: "Although we cannot directly interfere in the War of the Chosen, we can use training and instruction to cultivate candidates and increase their chances of winning."

“Long ago, Leviathan and I made a pact to test those who considered themselves qualified candidates in the Land of Shadows under the guise of trials. I will oversee the first two trials, examining the character and courage of those who come.” Scáthach pointed to the underground of the temple: “And the final trial of fate will be overseen by Leviathan, who will examine humanity’s tolerance towards other races.”

"Only those who pass the three trials will be recommended to Crystal Nest by Leviathan and me as candidates for the War of the Gods."

Hearing this, Todd had some doubts: "If I remember correctly, I met Crystal and became a candidate in the ruins of North Island."

“Besides the recommendations of the pioneers, contacting the Beacon Tower or performing exceptionally well in the world can also earn you the favor of the Crystal Nest.” Scáthach turned her gaze to the area below the temple, where Meredith sat on a broken stone pillar, playing her flute. “However, there are also those who, after qualifying for the War of the Chosen, voluntarily gave up this opportunity.”

"Her? Meredith? Voluntarily gave up the opportunity to fight in the Gods' Chosen War?"

Scáthach withdrew her gaze: "Meredis is an intelligent human, but her experiences and personality have determined that she detests this kind of fighting and killing."

After a moment of silence, Scáthach looked at Todd: "I have told you everything. Now, it is time for you to make a decision. Are you willing to fulfill the long-cherished wish of me and Leviathan?"

The latter sighed deeply: "I came here not to fulfill your wishes, but to gain the power to protect everything we have now."

Scáthach nodded: "Their goals are different, but the result is the same. To help you protect the balance of your race, we will assist you... First, you must learn how to strengthen your soul..."

——————————————

The Temple of the True God, Headquarters of the Elders.

Wearing a batik-print beaded dress, Rachel sat by a stream in a canyon, quietly watching the river formed by melting glaciers.

Sabrina stood on the rock, looking around warily, not daring to be careless for a moment.

Rachel glanced at her and said softly, "Sit down. You're safe now."

Sabrina glanced at Rachel: "I'm in the most dangerous place in the world right now, and you're telling me I'm safe? I ask you, is Elder Eliade really willing to provide us with shelter?"

Rachel glanced at the two masked servants standing with their hands clasped in the distance: "He's willing to send his men to protect us, and he's issued orders to the Presbyterian Church members not to harm us. What more do you want?"

“I admit, Illid’s men are strong, but Eleanor is no pushover either…” Sabrina tilted her head and stared at Rachel, saying, “Do you really think Elder Illid would offend Eleanor for your sake?”

Rachel seemed to have lost patience to explain: "If you're scared, you can leave now."

"Provocation? Little girl, that won't work on me." Sabrina said with amusement, "Do you remember what I told you before? Fear is a virtue; you can only learn to fear first..."

Rachel added, "...only then can one learn to survive."

Sabrina blinked in surprise: "That's rare. You actually remember what I said in the past."

Rachel lowered her head, looking at the leaves floating on the river, and said softly, "Those days were the most unforgettable time of my life. How could I forget them? Mia and I were still young then, and we couldn't find any suitable friends at the Elders' Council..."

Sabrina sat down next to Rachel and reminisced: "And then, you two silly girls came to me and insisted that I become your friend. I've told you more than once that I may look young, but I'm old enough to be your grandmother."

Rachel shrugged: "Back then, we didn't believe it; we just thought you wanted to be the eldest of the three of us."

Sabrina's face broke into a rare smile: "To make me feel like a sister, you and Mia would bring me food from time to time, and even give me your favorite toys..."

Rachel rested her chin on her knees: "Sometimes I think, if only time could stand still within a single day. Waking up early, knowing today is yesterday; going to bed late, knowing tomorrow will be a repeat of today. Wouldn't life be simpler like that? Wouldn't life be better like that?"

Sabrina quietly closed her eyes and let out a sigh.