Chapter 422: Will you marry me? [1/2]
A thunderous roar of nearly a thousand voices shook the zone. The very air vibrated with unparalleled intensity. Unintentionally, the Reapers of Hellsend invoked death resonance as they shouted into the sky.
"VICTORY!" Your next journey awaits at M-V-L
VICTORY. The exhilarating feeling of excitement that coursed through one's entire body. As I screamed that one word, my mind recalled everything that had happened to get to this point.
I fought hundreds and thousands of enemies night after night.
I tried to keep myself busy so as not to despair. Every waking moment, I had to do something to calm myself down. And now that was no longer necessary.
The sweet, sweet relief from all that tension made me weak. For all my bravado, I had to use a lot of it just to keep from falling apart. I think it was the same for most men in the world.
We might feel the weight on our shoulders, but as long as we had a reason, we would not buckle.
I found it quite funny. In truth, even though I did much crazier things compared to my life as a human, being a reaper was easier for me.
Even with all that I accomplished. I still found my old life more difficult.
'Living alone with no one to connect with. Without purpose or honor or love. Without something to anchor your life to, everything felt meaningless.'
Instead of becoming rich or successful. I think most men just want to be appreciated and loved. We didn't need much. A few words of affection and a gentle caress was all it took.
Many men were like me. As I look back over the last 50 years, little has changed in men's lives. What has changed was that women have entered the workforce. And while it helped economies get richer, it came at a great cost.
We lost mothers, wives and homemakers. And unfortunately, the pillar that supported men all this time suddenly lost its strength.
I mean, that was the only explanation. How else could anyone believe what happened to America? The same country that stormed the beaches of Normandy would give birth to boys who would rather be called women than live on as men.
It was downright shameful, this was not what so many men fought and died for.
But denying reality never really helped anyone. If you ask me what the world needs to function, it needs men. But if you asked me what the world needs to be a better place, it would be women.
I felt it this week. The difference when one carried something more than your own life. No matter how strong I was, my heart almost broke during the first night.
The malevolence I learned afterwards made me question my sanity. I didn't know when, but slowly but surely I longed for someone to understand me. For someone to tell me I was doing a good job.
For someone to tell me that I mattered.
And I found that comfort in the Sirens.
Many times during the battle, I wondered why I wanted to become a Revenant in the first place.
Originally, I just wanted to live this life for myself. But when I met the Sirens, I started to want more. To become a Revenant and then close the Hell Gate.
In the beginning, I said I would do it because I wanted to.
But such a reason was not enough to willingly choose to die hundreds of times.
Of all the possible answers I had, none of them were strong enough. Honor, prestige, pride, even wealth. They were nothing but hollow concepts that had no substance.
Only one reason gave me the ability to endure.
A single wish.
One single wish.
'I want to live happily with my harem in a world without the undead.'
My desire to close Hellsgate was not out of some grand mission. I wanted to do it so that I could live in peace. If the Sirens were gone, then becoming a Revenant had no meaning. And closing the Hellgate of no value.
'Only then did I understand. Well, actually, I already did, I just didn't know it yet.'
That was why there were legions of Specters who stopped fighting.
And I was starting to think that Trinity knew this too. When the undead killed Xander's wife. They effectively took Xander down as well.
That was probably why the Kindred were able to share {Fates} permanently.
Because the Reapers were no longer one, but two.
"Of course I am, you fucking idiot! I created a force capable of killing a greater demon in just over a week. If you touch a single hair on my girls. Either kill me now or watch as I raze the North American battlefront to the ground."
However, my current circumstances were a bit inconvenient.
"You are all aware that a reaper can only have one kindred, right? John cannot be a spouse for all three of you even if you agree to share. John, settle this matter. Who do you consider your wife?"
At that time I replied.
"None of them, they are my allies nothing more. I will bear the punishment for the murders. I am fine losing my rewards."
But now the thought of letting the Sirens go was enough to drive me insane.
"[Cyborg]. Exa, connect with Phillip, Cynthia, Addison, and Yvonne."
[Understood].
[Conference room 1 has opened.]
[PhillipS has connected.]
[ScarletLuna has connected.]
[BeardUnderTheMountain has connected.]
[CandlelitBestie has connected.]
"..."
Seeing the names of my allies, I am once again reminded of how different people were.
[PhillipS: How strange, is there something you need my lord?]
[Limitless: I do, I want to do something, and I need your help.]
[ScarletLuna: Since Addie and I are here, is that something you need the Ten Graves for?]
[Limitless: Not really, I just added you and Yvonne in case you wanted to know. Addison, do you have my rings with you? The ones I had made from the Devil's remains?]
[BeardUnderTheMountain : I do, my lord. Do you need them?]
[Limitless: Yes, I intend to propose to the Sirens at this moment.]
[CandlelitBestie: KYAAAAAAA OMG! OMG! OMG! OMG! Patron finally went BDE! Your drip is already Gucci!
:D :D :D This will be the proposal to end all proposals!]
[PhillipS: I am happy for you, my lord. But will the ladies appreciate the attention? They may want a quiet celebration instead.]
[ScarletLuna: Is there anyone who doesn't know by this point? Limitless just threatened to destroy North America for them. That goes way beyond a simple proposal if you ask me.]
[Limitless: Anyway, I don't have anything, and I just want to wing it. I've waited so long I don't think I can wait any longer. Addison, throw them to me right now. Phillip, handle everything else.]
[PhillipS: Understood, I am to take care of the aftermath, correct? I guess you also wish for the wedding to happen right away?]
[Limitless: Yes. I want it to be small. On Earth. Please take care of the details.]
[PhillipS: Understood. Congratulations, my lord]
[ScarletLuna: Scammer! Let me help! I know a great wedding planner!]
[CandlelitBestie: Patron! Let me be your priest! I will do a good job, No cap!]
Ignoring the rest of the chatter, I waited for Addison. Despite his small stature, he stood at the front with Cynthia and Yvonne. The two women were holding hands and jumping around happily.
'Exa, can I go all in on [Commander] too?'
[Yes, my lord. This will allow you to have perfect control over your soul avatars].
'Good. Do it.'
[Roger. Overdrive ready.]
'[Commander], [Overdrive].'
[[Sniper] setting shifting to [Commander]. [Commander] levels up to [Field General].]
[[Knight] setting shifting to [Commander]. [Field General] levels up to [Warlord].]
The people continued to sing, cheer, and shout. The Sirens stayed behind me while the rest of the people celebrated. It was such a rare moment that no one wanted to be the one to force it to end.