God Simulator: The Goddesses In The Simulation Are All Real

Lucy's crimson eyes turned into a radiant golden hue, and the dark, black-edged wings that had defined her earlier appearance dissolved completely.Nôv(el)B\\jnn

In their place, a pair of pristine white feathered wings unfurled behind her, glowing softly with golden flux.

The shadow around her halo dissipated entirely, leaving a brilliant golden ring floating above her head.

Her aura surged one last time, stabilizing into a harmonious and overwhelming presence that marked her ascension to Level 9.9—a threshold that brought with it the unmistakable connection to the pathways leading to the higher realm.

Aurielle's expression shifted into a sly grin. "Well, would you look at that? Our little moody angel just hit the big leagues. Welcome to the brink of ascension, Lucy."

Ted's eyes lit up with joy. "You did it! Level 9.9… You can go with Linsley now to the higher realm! You can feel the connection to the higher realm, can't you?"

Lucy straightened, her white feathered wings fluttering lightly as she regained her composure.

Her golden eyes gleamed with newfound clarity and resolve. "Level 9.9… I never thought I'd reach it. Not like this." She paused, her gaze softening. "The connection… It feels like the higher realm is within reach."

Linsley allowed a faint smile to tug at the corner of his lips. "You've earned it. But reaching Level 9.9 isn't the end—it's just the threshold. The higher realm is a world of its own, and crossing into it requires more than just power considering that it's overrun by the Outer Gods' faction."

Aurielle laughed lightly, leaning against the wall. "Oh, don't ruin the moment, Linsley. Let her enjoy this little victory before you shove her back into the chaos."

Lucy glanced at Linsley, her gratitude evident in her golden gaze, but after a moment of hesitation, her eyes flicked toward Aurielle.

The faintest hint of reluctance crossed her face before she spoke, her tone begrudging. "Thank you, Linsley… and you, Aurielle. Without you, I wouldn't have found this balance… or this strength."

Aurielle smirked, crossing her arms. "Oh, don't get all mushy on me now, Lucy. Just think of it as my way of making sure you don't drag us down with your tantrums."

Lucy's golden eyes narrowed slightly, her tone clipped. "You're lucky I'm not using the other gift right now."

"Part of my charm," Aurielle replied, her grin widening.

Linsley stepped between them, his tone cutting through their exchange. "Enough. This isn't the time. Lucy, you've regained control, and with your new strength, we're finally on equal footing."

Ted's enthusiasm broke the tension. "So, what's next, bro? Are we going straight for the Emperor?"

Linsley's gaze sharpened, his determination unwavering. "Yes. With Lucy stabilized and at full power, we're in a better position than ever. We dismantle the Emperor's grip on the Dominion piece by piece—starting with his key supporters. His reign ends now."

Linsley's gaze lingered on Aurielle, his expression cool but questioning as she delivered her suggestion with a playful smirk.

"Why are you being so cautious?" she asked, leaning casually against the wall. "We could all skip that lengthy and tedious process and just let you use your Real Fantasy gift to rewrite reality and make yourself Emperor of the Astral Dominion. Boom—done."

Ted blinked, clearly shocked. "Bro, can you actually do that? Like… just snap your fingers, and it's done?"

Aurielle's grin widened, her tone turning almost mockingly serious. "Of course, he can. He's a Level 9.9 Overlord—essentially a walking god on this continent. His gift isn't just about imagining things into existence; it literally makes them reality. Honestly, I'm surprised you're even bothering with this whole chess-game strategy."

Lucy, her golden eyes glimmering with caution, stepped forward. "That kind of power might not destabilize the continent, but it sends a message. You rewrite reality like that, and even if it works, you'll be seen as just another tyrant. People won't follow someone who ascended the throne by erasing the opposition."

Aurielle crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "So what? It's not like they'd have a choice. If Linsley wanted to, he could control this entire continent down to its last blade of grass."

Ted scratched his head, glancing between them. "I mean… wouldn't that save a lot of lives? We wouldn't need to fight anyone if the battle was over before it started."

Linsley sighed, his tone calm but firm. "Yes, I could rewrite reality and place myself on the throne. It wouldn't even take much effort at my level. But doing that wouldn't change the mindset of the people under the Dominion."

His flux flared faintly as he added, "The Emperor's reign didn't come from nowhere—it's a product of fear, loyalty, and systemic control, as well as the belief in the sanctity of the imperial bloodline. If I just overwrite him, those issues don't go away. They'll fester."

Aurielle raised an eyebrow, her tone shifting to one of mock exasperation. "Then fantasize about the reality where those problems went away," she said, as if stating the obvious. "And if it doesn't work the first time, do it multiple times until no one questions your rule anymore. You could even rewrite history and make it so that the Emperor's ancestors stole the throne from your own illustrious bloodline. Voila, rightful ruler restored."

Ted blinked, clearly startled by the suggestion. "Can… can you really do that, bro? Just rewrite everything like that?"

Lucy shook her head, her golden eyes narrowing slightly. "It doesn't matter if he can or not. That kind of power comes with consequences—ones we don't need right now."

Aurielle shrugged, though her smirk lingered faintly. "I'm just saying. If you're going to play god, you might as well lean into it."

Linsley's gaze sharpened, his flux flaring faintly as the weight of the discussion settled over them. The flickering shadows of his energy rippled with restrained power as he made his decision.

"You're right," he said, his tone cold and final. "There's no point wasting time dismantling the Emperor's rule piece by piece. This Dominion is a small speck in the grand scheme of things. I have an entire universe to save, and this lower realm is merely a stepping stone."

Aurielle's grin widened triumphantly, her tone carrying its usual teasing lilt. "Finally! I was wondering when you'd stop pretending to be some cautious tactician and start acting like the god you are."

Ted blinked, his flux humming nervously. "Wait… does that mean you're going to—"