Refusing My God’s Advances

“Considering that most of the troops will be on foot, I assume you have about 5 days before the fighting starts in earnest. Why? Are you thinking of getting involved? Not like you have any choice in the matter. You're so attached to these women that you will do whatever I want as long as they are involved!" Garland cackled, and I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Yet, you still can't hurt them, Or send anyone to, right?" I growled back, and Garland shrugged.

"I don't have to. If I keep creating conflicts that involve them, you will have no choice but to help. At some point, I will figure out how to lead you into a conflict you can't solve! Once that happens, I can get my power back, and put it into a hero that will listen to me! I will even make sure to send him to retrieve the power I gave to that stupid girl! I am sure whatever hero I pick will enjoy that!" Garland laughed, and I sighed.

This bastard was just as sick as I imagined him to be, but I shouldn't expect any less. This comment was just another mark on my shit list that made sure he stayed at the top of it. This just wasn't about my peace anymore; this was about me making this horrible excuse for a being pay for everything he had done.

I will never forget my anime statues on Earth. That anger would be with me till the day I faced this monster. Rest in peace, my dear waifus. I will avenge you.

"Just so we are clear, I will reach you one day. On that day, I am going to kill you, but I promise that it will not be fast. I will take my time and remind you of each thing as I tear you apart. You think this is all a game, but you're messing with the wrong person. You are fucking with the only things that mean anything to me, and I promise that you are going to find out," I warned, but Garland only laughed at me.

"You think I, the god of this world, is scared of a hero? You have no idea what it takes to stand in my place! You are, and always will be, regardless of how fervently you deny it, my pawn. Threaten me all you would like, but your threats are as empty as the air! You can't escape your destiny, Leon, no matter how much you try."

With that ominous statement, Garland vanished once again, leaving me seething with frustration. The thought of being manipulated like a puppet by a god infuriated me, but I couldn't deny the reality of the situation.

I turned to Lyra, who was looking at me with concern. "Are you okay, Leon?"

I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions within me. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... frustrated. It seems like Garland enjoys playing his games, and I'm stuck in the middle of it."

Lyra reached out and gently touched my cheek. "We'll figure this out together, Leon. No matter what challenges come our way, I'll be by your side."

I managed a small smile, appreciating her unwavering support. "Thanks, Lyra. It means a lot to me."

Lyra cuddled back into me, and I opened my stats up. I wanted to check these, my character points, and my skills before I got distracted. Thankfully, Lyra was content just watching me, but I was kind of itching to see her with her body grown.

Level: 20

Physical Power: 205

Magical Power: 408 (+15 from Cursed Grimoire)

Agility: 187

Technical Knowledge: 502

Arcane Insight: 382 (+15 from Cursed Grimoire)

Resilience: 192

[STAT POINTS: 249]

Ah, all those stat points! I was so glad that Daryle suggested that I keep them! At this point, I could dump them all into one stat and probably see a huge boost. Still, like Daryle said, it was better to hold on to them until I ran into a time when I really needed them.

Made me curious where Daryle had been hiding all day. I hadn't seen him all day, but he was probably trying to stay away from Danielle. I felt like after today, he wouldn't have to worry too much about his sister, so I should probably let him know. Another job for tomorrow.

I closed my stats and opened up the Character Lottery. I had been itching to try this, but Lyra gasped when she saw all the versions of me in different outfits.

"There are so many different versions of you, and they all look so good!" Lyra exclaimed, and I laughed.

"I have been waiting to use this. Today is the first time that I have got points for it, so I am pretty excited to try it!" I said, and Lyra nodded with a bright smile.

"Do it! Press the button!" She said in a funny deep voice that reminded me she was a demon.

I laughed and reached out to the floating blue screen to activate the single point casual lottery. I could have just mentally done this, but Lyra got excited as I did it, just like I thought she would.

The other stats and quests hadn't interested her like they would have Shelli. Maybe my angel only pretended to be interested for my benefit. Regardless, this was just another self-confirmation that the way I interacted with each woman had to be different.

As soon as I pressed the button, I pulled back in shock as a huge black screen filled our entire view. I was surprised since nothing like this had ever happened before.

"What is this, Leon? Is it going to eat us?" Lyra asked, suddenly getting closer to me while pulling the blankets up to her face.

"I am not really sure-" I started to say, but suddenly, Hama, my TV-shaped Hamazon guide, appeared on the massive screen.

"Hey, Leon! Hama here! Are you ready to take a spin at the Casual Character Lottery?" Hama asked, and I smiled.

"You are just everywhere, aren't you?" I asked, but then laughed. "I am actually really glad it is you, and not some flamboyant announcer! Sure, Hama! Let's give this gacha a spin!"