Nol's mind went blank.
When Teest suggested going back alone, Nol could guess what he was thinking. The long pursuit of knowledge and hunting was over, and Teest would probably go… to say goodbye. Even destroying Star Stealer Sol, the Mad Monk wouldn't suddenly become a person rich in emotions. Even so, Nol could sense the special place "family" had for Teest. At least in this matter, Teest needed more private space, he thought.
But before activating the reversion, there was a hint of confusion in Teest's expression.
Nol unexpectedly recognized this bewilderment. When his neighbors were saved, their faces all bore similar expressions—a helplessness and anxiety faced with an unknown world.
No, perhaps at the very start of his journey, he too lived daily with this emotion.
So he knew how to end it.
"Remember, I'm waiting for you here."
Nol leaned forward, cupped Teest's cheeks, and whispered into his ear, words that only the other could hear.
"As a normal person," he emphasized, "I love you, Teest."
This was the most appropriate moment to say these words, Nol thought. Nol didn't intend to use them to verify anything, trade anything; he hoped they could act like a small flame, illuminating the way forward for him.
He didn't wait for Teest's response and sent him back to the past.
…But he didn't expect that right after Teest came back, he would drop a syrup bomb.
A proposal? Teest? Now?
Nol stared dumbfounded at Teest, who was half-kneeling on the ground. He moved his hand subconsciously and found it was gripped tightly. Teest was smiling at him, well, mostly at his lips.
The Creator's mind was a bit frozen.
A second ago, he was worried about Teest's reversion, thinking about the Mad Monk's heavy past. This moment, he really couldn't muster a Hollywood grand finale smile and say, "Oh my god, you finally learned the meaning of love. I'm so happy. Let's go on a honeymoon right now."
Nol instinctively knew that Teest was serious, and he also needed to respond seriously… seriously…
"Aren't you upset? Last time, we had a 'Goddess' witness our marriage contract."
Anticipating that Nol might not immediately respond, Teest squeezed Nol's hand tighter, continuing with a smile. "Since we killed the officiant, that marriage shouldn't count, right?"
Nol: "You're right…"
"But I don't want a divorce from you, so we'll just have to get married again." Teest sighed, as if it had nothing to do with the death of Star Stealer Sol. "And I've come to understand a bit more—"
Nol immediately perked up his ears.
Teest didn't continue. Instead, he pulled that hand to his face and gently rubbed it.
Understanding wasn't necessary, nor was normality. Most people—especially the likes of Painter—were trees filled with ostentatious flowers and abundant fruits. He didn't need to understand them, nor did he need to become them, even though he only had a few scant fruits.
The fruits only need to be sweet enough, since he wasn't planning on sharing them with many people.
The two remained silent for several seconds. Nol's expression shifted from confusion to contemplation. "Let me confirm one thing, is this the ending you want, Teest?"
"Oh—about that promise, I indeed have an ending I want," Teest said. "But I will never tell you that answer."
That way, you'll have to keep this promise in mind, always waiting for me.
"So, this is just an ordinary proposal." He squeezed Nol's hand even tighter. "You haven't given me your response yet. You…"
He couldn't finish.
Nol forcefully pulled back his hand, pulling Teest up with him. The knight in white armor staggered a few steps, almost bumping directly into Nol.
"I agree."
Nol stated solemnly, holding Teest's hands.
This time, the Mad Monk didn't send over restraining gold threads, but a hand. As for that promise about the ending… now that they had a signpost from the past, that ending could wait in the endless future.
It would only bring anticipation.
Everything was better than Nol had imagined, so good it felt somewhat unreal.
Nol's face turned red, and his tone was several times faster. "I agree to you, whether it's the ending you want, or a new 'marriage contract'. If you're not reassured, we can guarantee it with the system. Oh, and the previous marriage contract must be annulled—"
"No."
Teest shrugged, interrupting Nol's ramblings.
Without the mutual understanding expected in that moment, the gentle atmosphere just evaporated, plunging Nol into confusion.
"Now the system is your power. And so far, you are more powerful than I am," Teest explained pompously. "Whenever you want, you can change your mind."
Nol: "Uh…"
He really had no counterargument, but did you really have to talk about this now, Mr. Mad Monk? Seeing the other handle it with such ease, Nol couldn't help feeling a slight loss—
Ever since hearing the word "proposal", his heart had nearly smashed his ribs into a comminuted fracture!
Teest released his hand, summoning the small ring box.
He first opened the small box, satisfactorily admired it for several looks, then stuffed it back into the pendant. "Give it to me, honey."
Nol: "…?"
Didn't you just take out the ring box yourself? What else do you want me to take out? Do you want double rings, one for each hand for both of us?
Just as the Creator was urgently pondering whether to create wedding rings on the spot, Teest shook his hand. "The previous ring, give it to me."
Ah, the default wedding ring of the system.
Nol understood. He promptly took it off and placed it in Teest's palm. Thinking that this item was issued by Star Stealer Sol-manipulated system, he didn't plan to keep it for long.
Teest very disdainfully removed his own ring, clutching both rings in his palm. Cold golden flames ignited near his hand, but Nol noticed no signs of the rings being damaged.
After all, it's a system's thing, Nol thought. It symbolized the system contract between them, holding a part of power. They both knew that Nol could easily erase it now, but for some reason, Teest apparently didn't want him to do so.
Teest grimaced, clenched his fists tightly, and the golden flames burned even more intensely. Daylight was approaching, and those golden eyes stared intently at the flame as if they were burning.
Okay, the eternal question again—what exactly is the Mad Monk thinking?
Nol touched his lips, suddenly realizing he was smiling. The loss he felt just moments ago dissipated, turning into anticipation.
Powerful magical fluctuations surged and contracted around Teest. Teest slightly furrowed his brows and clenched his hands, his expression incredibly focused. A thin layer of sweat formed on his forehead. The fire in his hands condensed nearly to a liquid, giving off a bizarre and wondrous luster.
The Mad Monk didn't genuinely pray—this Nol knew. Even when dealing with Star Stealer Sol, Teest was actively slashing and pummeling. And with Teest having Nol by his side, they were already fighting together, making prayers practically meaningless.
But at this moment, Teest almost looked devout.
Crack.
A faint sound of breaking came from within Teest's palm.
[Warning! Warning! Detection of external instability factors.]
[Unknown power is generating! Unknown power is generating! Please intervene promptly!]
No, he wouldn't intervene. Nol watched the heart-like pulsating golden flame, his lips curling up.
In Teest's palm, the sound of breaking grew clearer. At the same time, the system's alert sounds in Nol's ears became more frequent.
[Warning! Warning! Your wedding ring has been damaged under the influence of an unknown power.]
[Warning! Warning! Your marriage contract has become invalid under the influence of an unknown power.]
[…Analyzing unknown power…]
[External power "Vow" confirmed.]
[Warning, "Vow" power has higher priority than the existing system's contract.]
Amidst the continuous system warnings, Teest patted the debris in his palm, taking out the ring box again. The golden flame gently enveloped it, and Teest raised the box to his lips, imprinting a gentle kiss.
"Honestly, this power really isn't suitable for me." Teest muttered, "Once the contract is established, even I have to follow the rules."
He took out a moonstone ring and gently slid it onto Nol's ring finger. The moment the ring touched, Nol could feel its surging power.
"What kind of contract did you establish?"
Nol stared intently at the ring, his heart pounding against his ribs.
"Don't worry. I can't create a contract without mutual consent." Teest averted his gaze. "You agreed to the proposal, so this is just a normal 'marital relationship'."
"We both can't silently erase it. To end the contract, both parties must be informed. A normal proposal, a normal marriage, honey."
After speaking, his gaze slid back to Nol's face. In Nol's eyes, he saw a subtle anticipation, mirroring his own.
"I really like it, especially these rings." Nol smiled. "Actually, this power is very—very suitable for you, Teest."
It turned out on this fateful morning, neither of them was 'at ease'. Teest's emotions were definitely not as calm as they appeared. He had even created a "power" on the spot.
"Destruction" accompanied by "Vow", Tahe now had a newly born god.
The future would be more interesting than they imagined, Nol thought.
Teest admired their rings for a long while, his expression relaxing, and he revealed a broad smile. "If you think about it, you're quite right."
"Just by inducing someone to make a vow and cleverly using the penalties for breaking it, this power could be a pretty good weapon—"
Nol: "..."
…He knew it!!!
...
Beside the damaged Evergreen Church, Players urgently set up an NPC aid area.
Inside one of the tents, Eugene Malloy opened his eyes.