...
Lucien silently stared at the array of transparent screens before him. He drew in several deep breaths, his hesitation evident in the repeated sighs that escaped his lips. After a considerable amount of time had passed, he finally mustered the resolve to speak. "Auman," he called out.
"Yes, host," came the prompt reply.
"I'm done with this," Lucien declared, his voice firm.
"What do you mean, host?" Auman inquired, a note of confusion seeping into her tone.
"I mean I'm done. I won't be fulfilling any more of the goddess's quests, challenges, or whatever she throws at me," Lucien smiled as if he had finally broken free from the shackles that had bound him.
