Just as Nuwa and Asho left, Lex returned to the white room, face to face with the mysterious Nuwa.

"Thank you for protecting me once again," he said, bowing humbly before her. If it hadn't been for her protection, let alone face the ruler, he would not have even survived his presence.

Surprisingly, contrary to his expectations, Nuwa was not upset or angry at his behavior.

"You weren't in any real danger," she explained. "He was not truly here to pick a fight - it was a simple probe more than anything else. It was just that it has been too long since he met another like us, and forgot that we are not like his subjects, tolerating everything. If that spider's seal wasn't strong enough, preventing his words from leaking, then a true war may have erupted right there. But, since things were managed, most likely the Henali and Humanoid Alliance will grow even closer in the future. Ventura, as usual, will remain entirely impartial."

Although she explained herself, it was more because she was reflecting on something rather than correcting him. Her gaze sharpened after a few moments, though, as all her thoughts now focused on him.

"Little human, I have protected your karma and your fate, but more and more you are touching upon things beyond your means. I cannot act to save you again, lest someone uses that as a weakness to plot against me. So, during your ascension to the Celestial realm, I will protect you one more time, but it will also be my final time.

"For you, if you wish to hide, I only have one piece of advice. The Temple of Fasting is the safest place for you - even more than your inn. If you ever need to escape, you can go hide there. But that option will only be available for a limited time. Once Cassandra reaches the point of triggering her tribulation, the Temple of Fasting will retreat and become unreachable, even to you.

"However, I see that giving up on everything you have is not a part of your temperament. In that case, I still recommend that you go to the Temple of Fasting and learn the Masterless technique. Even if it won't keep you from dying due to idiocy, at least I won't have to look at the gruesome ways in which you die every time I look at you."

Lex was stumped. Was that a compliment or a curse? Should he… thank her?

"You want to ask something," Nuwa stated, though most likely she even knew what he wanted to ask. "Go ahead. Unless you reach the Dao Lord realm, this is likely the last time we will ever meet. I will do you this one last favor."

A question? More like a billion questions. From the seal in his forehead, to the mysteries of Abaddon, to the origin of the Systems, there were countless questions Lex wanted to ask, but he was restricted to only one. If that was the case, keeping in mind the immense likelihood of him dying - apparently - then there were very few questions that really mattered.

He had to be strategic, and calculated. No matter what, he was Lex, he was the Innkeeper, but he was also Jack. Even if 'Lex' died, as long as 'Jack' survived it was good enough, and vice-versa. This was, of course, considering the worst case scenario. The best possibility was that he would avoid dying altogether.

"How can the curse on fairies be lifted?" Lex eventually asked. "Even if not on the race as a whole, then at least one individual."

Nuwa shook her head, as if she knew such a question was coming.

"It is both simple, and yet complex. Graft the fate you wish to change onto another, stronger fate, preferably one belonging to a Sage race. But even that is only a roundabout way of doing it. If you can find a way to place your name on the Cosmic Ascendance Spectrum, you can sever your fate from that of your race, and exist independently of all karma and consequence."

Nuwa sighed, and then disappeared, ending the illusion of the white room. The truth was that she had not exaggerated the dangers of the universe. If she were invincible, would humans have declined? Would the fairies have been cursed? Would she have spent two ages in hiding, pretending to be dead?

The complexities of the universe could not be underestimated, even by her. She had acted out so many times to save Lex that she even began to genuinely suspect that he was bait, prepared for her by someone else. Unfortunately, her soft heart could not allow her to ignore such a talented child.

If he had been born with the right background, she would never have needed to act at all. Since it was not so, she could only spare him some help.

For Lex, the vision ended, and the Innkeeper was left standing with Eclipse, Ventura, and the ruler's words. For some reason, his name seemed to have been erased from Lex's memory. Perhaps Nuwa had done that to protect him.

"Lady Eclipse, although you are, in a sense, a host as well for this tea party, your sense of humor is too unique. I feel like I will have trouble searching for prospective partners in the future," the Innkeeper said with a hint of regret, and an equal hint of humor in his voice.

Eclipse burst into laughter at the Innkeeper's words, clearly delighted at having caused him some problems. Serves him right for pretending to not be Lex's father.

"Don't you worry. If it ever comes to that, I can introduce you to a really fine lady. I guarantee you two will hit it off," Eclipse said teasingly.

"My question is, even if Eclipse dares to introduce you to someone, are you brave enough to follow through?" Ventura asked.

The Innkeeper chuckled.

"It seems like, in my future, it will only be me and my Inn," he answered, not making any promises. His previous statement had been a joke to mellow things down. He really didn't want to face another possible universal war in his tea party.

Fortunately, he did not need to keep the atmosphere light on his own, for other guests finally started to arrive at the tavern, starting from one incredibly famous monkey.

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