Warm... what is this feeling? Ethan thought as he relaxed into the soft embrace. It feels like my mother's hug when I was still young.
Is this what heaven feels like? If it is, I like it here. I want to stay like this, he thought, instinctively nuzzling closer to the warmth.
"Wah!!"
The piercing cry of a baby snapped him out of his thoughts. I'm... not in heaven? he realized, blinking in confusion.
He tried to move his arms but was met with resistance. What... what is this? he thought, struggling. A sudden flash of bright light hit his eyes as he forced them open. Everything around him looked... gigantic.
No... I didn't grow small I became a baby?! Ethan panicked, staring at the woman who held him.
"Well, as you can see, you've become a baby again."
That voice... it's you! Ethan remembered the strange voice he'd heard just before losing consciousness. What did you do to me?! Why am I a kid again?!
"Do you remember your wish? I gave you what you wanted. In return, you'll do something for me."
What do you want me to do? I'm just an ordinary person. Why choose me?!
"That's something you'll have to figure out on your own. You see, I'm the Creator God of this world, and even I can't interfere directly due to certain rules I must follow."
Something you can't do...? Ethan frowned.
"It's not that I can't — it's that something is preventing me."
So what do you want me to do, exactly?
"I want you to save my world from destruction."
WHAT?! I can't do that! Ethan mentally shouted — only for it to come out as a loud baby cry.
"You shouldn't reject me so quickly. I'll give you five years to decide. Just call out to me when you've made your choice."
And with that, the god's voice vanished. No matter how many times Ethan tried to call out, there was only silence.
---
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Meanwhile...
"There, there, my Stella. Mommy is here," the duchess whispered gently as she cradled her crying daughter.
I'm back... It worked. The time-travel array worked! thought Stella as tears continued to fall while she clung to her mother.
I have to make sure our second chance isn't wasted. Brother... Second Prince... I'll make everything right this time. Her thoughts drifted back to their final moments — and that one conversation she could never forget.
---
"This is our last chance to stop her. Everything must go according to plan," the second prince had said, looking at her with intense eyes. "I won't be able to stay clearheaded much longer, so I need to say what's in my heart."
"The first time I met you, I was enchanted by you. But as I got to know you, I fell for you — deeply. This might sound cringe, but... I love you, Stella."
Stella had been frozen, shocked, tears gathering in her eyes.
"Your Highness, you... I—"
"You don't need to answer me now," the prince said gently, cupping her tear-streaked cheeks. "Just promise me you'll survive."
"Hmph! Of course I'll survive!" she had said fiercely, placing her hand over his. "I'll stop her. I'll make everything right. Wait for me, okay?"
"Okay," he had whispered, letting go of her hand.
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