"Hey, are you alright?" Thor approached when he noticed Allen turning pale.
"I'm okay."
Allen lied; he was worried. There were valid reasons for his concern. Among the array of waifus, many were dangerous, some uncontrollable, a few even posed a threat just by existing, and some remained unpredictable.
"If it's her... I'm in trouble... Oh my god, if she arrives or her?!... maybe her?..."
[Calm down, Host, even if you don't like it, remember they can't harm you or disobey you.]
The system's words didn't assuage Allen's worries. Despite Wednesday being peculiar, she was still just a normal girl. But what if one of them was so powerful that they could disobey him?
Allen took a deep breath and exhaled. 'Wednesday, what's your take on them?'
Allen couldn't return immediately; he needed information.
"I don't sense hostility or danger from them, and both are fast asleep. I deduce it's because you're not close, and they can't draw enough vitality from you to awaken."
'System.'
[I've established a connection with them. Would you like to bring them into your inventory?]
'Yes, even if they're asleep, I'd prefer them not to be near my Aunt Natt, MJ, and Gwen until I ascertain their personalities.'
[Understood]
Allen felt a connection with two new entities. He also sensed his vitality draining but activated the reverse technique to immediately restore it. It was akin to refilling a water tank; they would deplete his vitality until there was enough to awaken them.
'One of them is like Wednesday, so she shouldn't be much different from a normal girl... but the other one requires an enormous amount of vitality. If I didn't have the reverse technique and vitality boosts from the chests, I would have fainted by now.'
Allen acquired various limited-use abilities, alongside permanent power upgrades.
The endurance inherited from the old Shirohige was a permanent enhancement, granting Allen monstrous vitality.
He also possessed immense physical strength derived from Sukuna, part of the abilities of the crimson set, also a permanent upgrade, albeit demanding cursed energy.
However, Allen suddenly felt as if he were being drained by one of the two sex dolls, resembling an endless pit.
Allen was now certain that it was one of the powerful waifus on the list. But he was also relieved because he didn't sense hostility from her, for now, at least.
Inside the inventory were two figures shrouded in darkness; they seemed lifeless, but gradually a glow enveloped them, and two hearts beat strongly.
Allen decided not to disturb them and focused on the present. However, Allen was in a tricky situation; he had been asked to carry the hammer, but what was he supposed to do now? Firstly, it was useless in someone else's hands, and secondly, he didn't feel comfortable just giving it away.
Allen sighed. 'I guess I should have given up on the hundred thousand.'
[Host, I didn't have the chance to tell you before, but you should check your interface and statistics.]
Allen didn't overthink and proceeded to do so.
[+3,798,000]
Huh?
Allen remained motionless for a minute; even the people in the chat began to worry.
Then, he erupted into laughter. His laughter was so uproarious that tears streamed down his face. Thor glanced at Allen, bewildered; the chat didn't comprehend what was happening; some even suggested that Allen had lost his mind.
'All this time, I was worried about a hundred thousand when I forgot that my main source of credits is my viewers! Hahaha.'
(Keep in mind that each credit can be exchanged for a real dollar.)
Allen shook his head and grinned at his viewers. "Thank you all for watching me."
After expressing his gratitude, Allen turned towards the sky; a moment ago, it was dusk, and it had darkened while he was talking to Thor.
...
Allen decided to extend his stay for one more day; after all, he had permission. Tony arranged for a helicopter and departed with Bruce.
Phill also stayed; technically, his mission hadn't concluded, although Allen wasn't going to relinquish the hammer, and Phill sensed that. Moreover, at this point, who could force Allen to do anything?
Thor was the most intriguing; a scientist who had come in search of him. It appeared that Thor had made a couple of friends upon arriving on Earth. Allen refrained from interfering and gave them space; Thor mentioned that he intended to remain in Puente Antiguo until he determined his next course of action.
Allen concluded the live stream after thirteen hours of broadcasting; he pledged to host a shorter and more relaxed stream the following day.
Thirty minutes later, Natasha arrived escorted by some Shield agents. Allen anticipated being scolded by her, so he accepted his fate. Surprisingly, the red-haired woman just hugged him for quite some time. Allen found himself apologizing several times before receiving a brief response from Natasha.
The system proved to be quite capable. Allen sought a place to stay, but the system advised it wasn't necessary and instructed him to locate an empty plot. Allen complied and chose a location near the road; the system worked its magic.
[Host, don't assume I can only modify a computer and record.]
In Allen's vision, an entire building was gradually taking shape. It wasn't just any building; it was his building. Allen was amazed.
The system could create all the conditions required for content creation, including a comfortable and secure location anywhere and the capability to broadcast under any conditions. Yes, that meant the system could fabricate a shelter on the moon for Allen to live stream from there.
Natasha was equally astounded. They both entered the building and ascended to Allen's floor, only to discover a replica of his apartment in NYC.
Allen traversed the familiar space; the lights and water were functional despite the building's detachment from any such services.
"I'm impressed."
[Host, it's merely part of my functions as the Absolute Content Creation System, and there's still more for you to witness.]
"Oh, like what?"
[Tomorrow, host a live stream from your room, and I'll show you.]
"Alright, deal, hahaha."
Allen contacted MJ and Gwen to inform them of his extended stay. The girls were discontent, prompting Allen to kill two birds with one stone; he procured two pendants with defensive functionalities from the system store and utilized a fate fragment on each to enhance them.
[White Rose Defensive Collar, Blue Grade: Provides the ability to teleport at will, has an automatic teleport function in case of mortal danger - limit of use five times per day]
The other collar was akin, except it bore a hummingbird emblem instead of a white rose. Satisfied after employing two fragments, Allen acknowledged that the store-bought collar was a one-time use and disposable, this was better.
Now that Allen had accumulated numerous fragments and a considerable sum of credits, increasing every second, he contemplated whether to upgrade the system store. Ultimately, it seemed the most fitting choice.
Allen entrusted the collars to Wednesday for delivery. As for why Wednesday could also teleport to his apartment at will, that remained a mystery, but she could do so in places she had visited and where Allen was present.
Allen also wanted to gift Natasha a pendant, but she declined and pointed to another item in the holographic store display.
"Aunt Natt, that..." Allen began to sweat as she indicated a ring, which, unlike the one he gave MJ, served a different purpose.
[Promise Ring, Green Grade: A beautiful ring that forms a spiritual connection between two people, allowing them to know each other's location even when apart, and also their health status]
"Hahaha, don't worry, it's just a little punishment for making me worry," Natasha teased as she hugged Allen from behind.
Allen chuckled awkwardly; he didn't mind gifting Natasha a ring, but being constantly tracked felt uncomfortable. Ultimately, he purchased a pendant for Natasha and utilized a fate fragment as well.
He took a shower with the redhead, and although their interaction didn't exceed boundaries previously crossed, there was an intimate connection in the shower with the beautiful Natasha.
Eventually, they slept together; Allen lay with a naked woman atop him. In the past, Allen would not be able to sleep under these circumstances, but now that they had established an intimate connection, he could finally relax.
Allen glanced at the hammer on a shelf in the room and then gazed at the night sky through the window. "Well, it appears there wasn't another apocalypse because of the hammer..."
Allen had been on edge ever since the mention of "gods," but ultimately, nothing significant occurred.
Simultaneously, he harbored another concern as he sensed the breathing in his inventory intensifying; the new sex dolls would awaken very soon. Allen remained uncomfortable with the fact that they were unfortunate enough to reincarnate as sex dolls rather than at least as regular dolls. While they possessed the ability to transform into various types of dolls like Wednesday, it didn't alter the fact that their original form was that of sex dolls.
Allen closed his eyes and delved into his deep subconscious, where memories of a distant past resided.
...
*Artoria's POV*
Was I mistaken?
I accepted the sword I thought I would never touch again from the hands of my most loyal knight, my final knight.
"Bedivere, I bear witness that you fulfilled your duty to your King..."
"Your actions have indeed saved someone..."
Did I fail? No, I merely acknowledged defeat; even now, I don't believe my actions and ideals were wrong.
"Master of Chaldea, move forward with what you consider right..."
With that, I stood alone atop my ideals, awaiting disappearance alongside the singularity...
From start to finish, I remained an imperfect King; it seemed that regardless of the path I took, I would never achieve my purpose. It was expected; in the end, I was fashioned by Merlin to be an ideal King, but that's not something that can be manufactured... I ascended to divinity, and yet here I am once more in a crumbling castle.
"However, I have no regrets... my ideals were not wrong... it was the only way to save humanity... although I hope they find a better path..."
I beheld the light for the last time as I leaned on Excalibur... indeed, it had been far too long since it had been in my grasp, a sword I once desired, then despised, then forgot, and once more found in my hands.
"It's been a lengthy journey... I'm grateful each of my knights lived and perished for their beliefs."
I closed my eyes as everything faded into darkness.
...
"..."
It's peculiar... why haven't I disappeared? I'm an existence that should have never existed... a path Artoria Pendragon never traversed, so why am I still here?
There's a glimmer in the distance...
Is it Salomon's doing?
No... there's no way that bastard would possess such essence... wait, who are you?
When the glimmer vanished, I found myself in a peculiar room, where a white-haired boy was sketching a dragon in a notebook.
Instinctively, I attempted to discern the boy's character, but something obstructed my view; it was akin to a barrier preventing me from perceiving his soul.
I silently regarded the boy, who appeared indifferent to my presence.
"You called me?" It had been a long while since I initiated a conversation with anyone else. Even if I reclaimed Excalibur... I wouldn't revert to who I was before; I was no longer the naive King. Is my presence so easily overlooked by a child?
"..."
The boy didn't reply; in fact, he didn't even turn to acknowledge me. He simply continued sketching. Although I couldn't sense hostility, I couldn't rule out the possibility of a trap.
"Boy..." This time, I raised my voice.
I didn't expect a response, but the boy looked at me quizzically, as if just realizing my presence, and smiled. "I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention, big sister."
His clear gaze met mine, or rather, it seemed to pierce through me; it was an unfamiliar sensation.
In this boy, I sensed a lengthy journey... nearly as extensive as mine and riddled with darkness and sorrow; it reminded me of the centuries and centuries I wandered the world... yet, unlike me, he never faltered... he never lost his essence. How long had it been since I felt envy and frustration towards someone?
"I-it's no problem, it was my fault for arriving unannounced". My voice wavered momentarily; even if I couldn't discern his soul, I could feel it... When did I become breathless due to carelessness? When did my demeanor change in such a way? If this boy had been part of the selection ritual, I would have personally brought him in. No, why am I even considering this?... it doesn't matter.
"What's your name, little one?" my voice unintentionally softened, eliciting a strange feeling. Nonetheless, his name held no significance. I should be inquiring about the place or why I'm here, not his identity.
"Allen... and you, sister?" he responded in his sweet voice...
"I am... The Go... The Ki... I'm Artoria..." I didn't know how to respond and simply stated my old name. What's happening to me?
"Pleasure to meet you," the boy stood and approached me, then bowed courteously.
I made my silver armor vanish, revealing a blue dress with a neckline I couldn't recall wearing. Then, I greeted with both hands on my dress, as noble etiquette dictated. Why am I doing this?
My breath quickened; I was succumbing to the atmosphere. I glanced back at Allen with the intention of sternly questioning him, but his gaze was too pure to exhibit hostility, prompting me to calm down. I sat with him and engaged in conversation. How long had it been since I ceased to be a King or a Goddess?... it doesn't matter anymore; everything was obliterated, and I shouldn't exist.
*End POV*
...
The next morning, Allen awoke feeling as though he'd experienced an extensive and comforting dream.
He couldn't recall the specifics of the dream, so he got up, took a shower, and prepared breakfast for himself and his redhead. After a peaceful breakfast, Allen entered his room to commence a brief live stream before contemplating his return home.