Chapter 236 Deciding On Taking A Break
Linsley didn't mind his current responsibilities; in fact, he found satisfaction in the idea of eradicating the Outer Gods, whom he saw as nothing more than parasitic cancers plaguing existence. Their behavior and actions were so vile that eliminating them felt less like a duty and more like a personal vendetta.
He could understand why the Will of the Infinite Realities sought their extermination. The Outer Gods' provocations, though trivial in the context of infinite realities, were akin to small flames that, left unchecked, could ignite devastating infernos.
Losing one or two multiverses was insignificant on the cosmic scale, but the Outer Gods' actions were a direct affront to the natural order, a challenge that the Will could not afford to ignore. It made sense to Linsley—cut out the tumors before they metastasize.
For Linsley, there was no illusion of a "free lunch." He had accepted the responsibility of eliminating the Outer Gods the moment he obtained his first simulation reward. It wasn't just duty that motivated him, but a deeply personal vendetta.
One of the Outer Gods had enslaved his world, leaving scars that ran deeper than he cared to admit. Destroying them wasn't just a cosmic task; it was revenge.
But vengeance wasn't the only thing driving him. Linsley saw the Outer Gods as stepping stones—powerful obstacles to overcome on his path to ultimate strength.
The stronger they were, the more he could grow by defeating them. However, this unyielding drive hadn't gone unnoticed. Lucy and Aurielle had both seen the toll it was taking on him.
Linsley sighed internally as his thoughts shifted. 'The truth is, I'm not doing all this just for some grand cosmic balance. My only real goal is to become strong enough to ensure that no one can ever threaten me or my wives. Protecting my family is what matters most. Dealing with the Outer Gods? That's just a side quest.'
He clenched his fists, his determination unwavering. 'Even if the universe didn't need me to eliminate the Outer Gods, I would still ascend to the higher realms. The power I gain from this simulation isn't just for show—it's a tool for the real world. Every victory here brings me closer to the strength I need to protect what I care about.'
Aurielle's voice broke through his thoughts, teasing yet sharp. "You know, Linsley, we've been talking about you taking a break. You've been acting like some tragic hero, carrying the weight of the infinite realities on your shoulders. Don't you think you deserve a little downtime?"
Lucy nodded in agreement, her white wings fluttering slightly. "She's right. You've done more than enough already, and overworking yourself won't help anyone in the long run. You need to rest, if not for yourself, then for us."
Linsley looked between the two of them, their expressions a mix of concern and exasperation.
He let out a small laugh, though it carried a note of weariness. "You two act like I'm about to keel over. I'm fine. Really."
Aurielle rolled her eyes, her crown glinting as she crossed her arms. "Oh, sure, because 'fine' looks like a guy who hasn't stopped working since the Outer Gods made their debut. Come on, Linsley. Even I take breaks, and I'm literally the human incarnation of the Superpower God." Enjoy new stories from empire
Lucy's tone softened as she stepped closer. "This isn't just about resting. It's about celebrating what we've accomplished. The Diviner World is safe—for now—and you've played a huge role in that. Don't you think you've earned a moment to enjoy the victory?"
Linsley rubbed the back of his neck, glancing away. "I'm not really the celebratory type. You both know that."
Aurielle smirked, her playful energy returning. "Oh, we know. But that's why we're here—to drag you out of your brooding and make sure you actually live a little. So, what's it going to be, boss? A little R&R, or do I have to force you to have fun?"
Lucy chimed in, her voice light but firm. "And besides, you still owe me an answer to my confession. You can't keep avoiding it forever."
Hearing Lucy's words, Linsley knew she was right. He had always intended to respond to her confession once the universe was finally free from the Outer Gods' grasp.
Back then, he had assumed Lucy wouldn't reach Level 9.9 Overlord, meaning she wouldn't have the qualifications to ascend to the higher realm with him. But reality had surprised him.
Lucy had already achieved Level 9.9 Overlord, standing as his equal, and now shared the same destiny of ascension. Since they would inevitably spend time together in the higher realm, it was only fair to give her a proper answer.
Ignoring her feelings at this point would be cruel, and Linsley wasn't one to be indecisive when it came to love and relationships.
The only reason he had delayed so long was the looming threat of the Outer Gods, which had left him no room to reciprocate Lucy's love and feelings.
Faced with the insistence of Lucy and Aurielle, Linsley let out a long, resigned sigh. "Alright, alright. If you're all so adamant, I'll bite. I don't mind taking a short break. But—"
He glanced at Ted, who had been quietly observing the exchange with an amused smirk. "—do you?"
Ted, finally given the floor, stretched his arms lazily before flashing a grin. "Isn't it obvious? Of course I want a damn vacation! Like, seriously, bro! Do you know how much crap I've gone through?"n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
"I was literally experimented on by the Astral Dominion for a whole year in Lab Theta-9! And after you three busted me out of there, it was straight into dealing with viruses, corruption, and Outer God nonsense."
His expression softened slightly as he shrugged. "Don't get me wrong—I didn't mind. It was for the greater good and all that noble stuff. But now? Now that we've eliminated the Outer Gods' virus and cleansed the Diviner World, I think we've all earned some much-needed rest."