Chapter 107: Linsley: I'll Always Protect You, Evangeline
The room was enveloped in silence, the weight of Linsley's words and his overwhelming presence pressing into every corner.
The patriarch, still reeling from the shock of what he had just witnessed, took a moment to compose himself. His gaze shifted to Evangeline, who stood firmly by Linsley's side, her expression calm and resolute.
She had already made her choice in previous timelines, and now the decision rested with her father. Continue your journey with mvl
But even if her father refused, the worst-case scenario would simply be Linsley and Evangeline eloping. She had made her commitment clear.
After what felt like an eternity, the patriarch finally nodded. His voice, steady but carrying a tone of newfound respect, broke the silence. "Yes... you are worthy."
With the patriarch's acceptance, the tension in the room began to dissipate.
Linsley gave a small nod, satisfied with the outcome.
Evangeline, still composed, allowed herself a slight smile as she looked at her father, knowing that the weight of his approval meant something, even if it hadn't been necessary for her decision.
"Thank you," Linsley said, his tone respectful but confident. "I promise to take care of Evangeline as she deserves, and you'll have no reason to regret this."
The patriarch exhaled slowly, the sternness in his expression softening slightly. "You've shown me more than enough," he replied. "But understand, this isn't just about strength or wealth. My daughter's happiness is what matters most to me."
Evangeline stepped forward, her voice steady but warm. "Father, with Linsley, I have everything I need. My choice is clear."
The patriarch nodded again, finally accepting not just Linsley's power but the bond between them. "Very well. If you are happy, Evangeline, then I will support your decision."
Evangeline's smile grew as she exchanged a glance with Linsley, their shared understanding clear between them.
"Now that we've settled that," Linsley said, looking between Evangeline and her father, "we should start making plans for the wedding."
The patriarch raised an eyebrow, but before he could respond, Evangeline interjected. "We'll handle the details, Father. Linsley and I have our own ideas."
Her father chuckled softly, a rare sound from the usually stoic man. "I expected nothing less."
With the conversation shifting from proof of worth to the future, the atmosphere lightened considerably.
Linsley and Evangeline exchanged a brief smile before turning toward the hall's exit.
Hand in hand, they left the grand room, making their way down the corridor toward Evangeline's private chambers.
As they walked, Evangeline's expression grew slightly more serious. "I haven't fully regained my power yet," she admitted. "The fragments of my shattered Winter godhead are still scattered across the world."
Linsley glanced at her, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Then I know just the perfect gift for you."
He paused for a moment and, without any effort, released his divine perception, which spread across the entire world like an invisible wave of energy.
With a snap of his fingers, purple-colored tentacles materialized, each one appearing directly near its target.
In seconds, the tentacles located those who had absorbed avatar and celestial crystals, especially powerful Zenith Avatar Masters like the Truth Keeper and the Death Envoy, who had absorbed celestial crystals.
One by one, the tentacles struck swiftly, eliminating them in silence and retrieving the precious crystals from their bodies.
Other tentacles appeared near unowned or unabsorbed avatar crystals scattered across the globe, gathering them effortlessly.
Among the crystals collected was the avatar crystal the Solstice Family had kept in safekeeping—one that had not yet been used by Evangeline. Each crystal was carefully retrieved, transported through the tendrils of invisible force.
Soon, all the crystals were teleported directly into Evangeline's room, neatly arranged and waiting for her.
By the time Linsley and Evangeline arrived at her chambers, she was taken aback by the sight before her. Stacks of 123 avatar crystals and 7 celestial crystals filled the room, shimmering with power.
Evangeline stood in stunned silence for a moment, her heart racing.
"These," Linsley said, stepping behind her, "are all the pieces of your Winter godhead. You've already absorbed seven avatar crystals, so with these, you can finally restore your power as the Goddess of Winter."
Evangeline turned to face him, her eyes glistening with emotion.
Without a word, she threw her arms around him and pressed her lips to his in a deep, grateful kiss.
"Thank you, Linsley," she whispered, her voice filled with warmth and affection.
Linsley grinned, pulling her closer. "Well, I did say I'd give you the perfect gift," he teased, his tone shifting as he added with a chuckle, "And who knows? After you regain your power, we could use that Goddess of Winter title to spice things up later. I've always wondered what it would be like to… chill with a goddess in bed."
Evangeline couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head at his lewd joke. "You're unbelievable," she replied, still smiling, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"Only for you," Linsley said, giving her a playful wink.
Evangeline nestled into his arms, resting her head against his chest as they enjoyed the quiet moment.
However, after a few moments, her expression became more serious. "What about the Outer God?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "Are you really ready to deal with it?"
Linsley gently stroked her hair, his tone calm. "This isn't a simulation anymore, Evangeline. This is the real present. I can't rely on my regression power to bring me back if I die." He paused, letting that sink in before continuing, "But since the simulation has already ended, it means I dealt with the Outer God successfully without losing my life."
Hearing his words, Evangeline felt a wave of relief wash over her, though her gaze remained searching.
To further reassure her, Linsley looked up at the ceiling, his gaze piercing through it, through the sky, and further into the dimension of the Outer God.
Without a moment's hesitation, Linsley summoned countless enormous, invisible purple tentacles that appeared around the Outer God's body. They coiled around the massive entity, binding it tightly.
The tentacles carried a negation power, nullifying the Outer God's abilities, rendering it unable to muster even a fraction of its power to break free. The Outer God was helpless, its form completely cocooned within Linsley's binding force.
Maintaining the seal required hardly any of Linsley's focus. It was more instinctual than a conscious effort, his immense power naturally suppressing the Outer God with ease.
The tentacles continued to hold the monstrous being at bay, and despite the magnitude of the task, it was no strain for Linsley. His attention remained firmly on Evangeline.
With a confident smile, he leaned down and whispered, "The Outer God is sealed. It's not going anywhere."
Evangeline let out a soft sigh of relief, feeling the tension melt away. "Thank you, Linsley. I knew you'd take care of it, but... hearing it now feels like a weight has been lifted."
Linsley wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer. "I'll always protect you, Evangeline. You have nothing to worry about."