"What to do?" The room seemed to echo his words as our fat protagonist paced restlessly within its confines. Night's cloak enveloped the world beyond his window, the moon casting its pale light upon the unfamiliar landscape.
Despite the tranquil scene outside, his mind raced with urgency; he was stranded in an alien realm, with only himself to rely on.
Summoning his system interface with a commanding tone, the list of possibilities unfurled before his eyes like an endless scroll, a digital marketplace offering solutions to his predicament.
Focused and resolute, he swiftly navigated through the interface, his fingers deftly typing "love potion" into the search bar, hoping to find a remedy for his solitude.
"DING!"
With an almost musical chime, the search yielded results, presenting an array of elixirs promising to manipulate emotions and spark connections:
Amora's Embrace: Induces a warm, affectionate glow; encourages feelings of closeness and tenderness.
Passion's Brew: Ignites fiery passion and intense desire; sparks ardent emotions and longing.
Enchant Heart Potion: Creates a sense of enchantment and infatuation; fosters a deep fascination and captivation.
Euphoria Essence: Induces euphoric feelings; generates a heightened sense of joy and contentment.
Desire's Draught: Amplifies desires and yearnings; intensifies longing and romantic inclinations.
.
..
…
The list extended further, a seemingly unending catalog of concoctions promising to manipulate emotions and stir the depths of the heart.
However, our contemplative protagonist paused at this juncture, a moment of hesitation giving rise to a deeper contemplation.
The weight of each option bore down on him, their potential consequences echoing through the chamber of his thoughts.
For within these potions lay the power to manipulate emotions, to blur the lines between genuine connection and deception.
Alone in the quietude of his chamber, he grappled with the ethical implications.
"Am I a bad person now?" The question lingered in the hushed corners of our protagonist's mind, a whisper of doubt amidst the tempting allure of the elixirs' potential.
Yet, amid the solemnity of his reflection, an unexpected burst of laughter erupted from him, punctuating the heavy silence of the room.
"F*ck me," he chided himself, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
"I won't do such despicable things at all! I am a man with a good moral compass," he affirmed with resolve, dismissing the shadow of temptation that loomed.
Standing firm in his principles, he pushed aside the beguiling lures of the potions, retreating to the sanctuary of his bed.
As he lay in the comforting embrace of darkness, thoughts swirled like eddies in a stream, contemplating the intricate dance between desire and virtue.
Minutes stretched into hours as he wrestled with the complexities of the moral path he sought to tread.
In the quietude of the night, a plan slowly crystallized within the recesses of his mind, one born not of manipulation but of ingenuity.
"That's it," he whispered into the night, a flicker of determination glinting in his eyes.
Tomorrow held the promise of surprises, but they would unfold according to his own design, one untouched by the deceptive promises of elixirs.
A gentle smile played upon his lips as he settled upon his decision.
It was a plan that spoke volumes about his unwavering commitment to ethics, a testament to his belief that genuine connections could not be manufactured.
With a sense of contentment and resolution, he closed his eyes, bidding the night farewell, and allowed the embrace of sleep to carry him away.
As he drifted into slumber, the anticipation of the dawn brought a sense of purpose.
Tomorrow wasn't merely a new day; it marked the beginning of his unconventional strategy, one rooted in authenticity and guided by the steadfast principles that defined him.
* * *
Morning arrived, and our protagonist stirred early from slumber. After freshening up, he donned attire that appeared peculiar yet resonated with the customs of this unfamiliar world.
The azure cultivator robes clung somewhat snugly to his robust figure, a slight discomfort that he brushed aside, unperturbed by such minor inconveniences.
Determined, he strode out, setting his sights on a specific area within the mansion's confines.
As he approached, he halted in his tracks, spotting a couple quietly partaking in their morning meal. With a sense of determination lacing his words, he made his declaration.
"Father, mother, I wish to marry today!" His announcement rang out as he ambled closer to the dining table.
The couple exchanged a glance, their silent communication speaking volumes. It was the man who broke the silence, clearing his throat before offering a composed response.
"Finley, please, take a seat first," he began, his tone carrying a blend of authority and understanding. "The matter of marriage deserves a proper discussion, one befitting the sanctity of the occasion."
Respecting the decorum, our protagonist settled into a chair, ready to engage in the weighty conversation that lay ahead.
"You already have a fiancée, my son. You can't take another woman to marry yet," the man persisted, his tone firm and resolute.
"But I'm already 25 years old, father. Fiona and I should have been married when I was 18. I'm not oblivious to the truth; she and her clan have opposed this union from the very beginning. They've maintained this façade to avoid offending you," our protagonist spoke, pain tainting his voice.
The original Finley, weighed down by the heartache of this situation, had succumbed to a drinking problem, which might have led to his untimely demise in his sleep just like him.
It can be said that the two of them indeed experienced a shared destiny of sorts.
"Regardless, you cannot proceed with another marriage until your current arrangement is dissolved," the man asserted firmly.
"I wish to break off the engagement with Fiona, father. Cultivation isn't my forte, and my aspirations have shifted. I long for a different dream now—I want to create a family of my own. Can you help me?" Our protagonist's voice held a hint of desperation, a plea for guidance.
Before the man could respond, a raised hand halted his words—the beautiful woman beside him intervened.
"Of course, my dear son. I will ensure you find happiness in marriage before this day ends," the woman declared, tears glistening in her eyes. The depth of a mother's love was indeed extraordinary.