Chapter 49: A Normal Couple's Grocery Shopping
For most people, this would present a significant problem, but Linsley was far from ordinary.
\'For me, though, that\'s hardly a problem. I can create an entire background and identity for Hellhound as easily as snapping my fingers.\'
A smirk formed on Linsley\'s lips as he recalled how much his identity distortion ability had improved since reaching Zenith.
"I can alter reality itself now, bend the truth of someone\'s existence with just a thought. Creating a new identity? That\'s child\'s play."
With a simple mental command, Linsley began the process of constructing Hellhound\'s new background.
He wove the narrative seamlessly into the world, manipulating memories and documents without leaving a trace.
Hellhound\'s new identity would be that of a retired veteran—a man who owed Linsley a huge favor. To repay that debt, Hellhound had taken up the role of his personal security guard.
Everything, from official identification cards to financial records and employment history, was meticulously fabricated in the blink of an eye.
Linsley grinned to himself, pleased with how effortlessly the changes took effect. \'With this improved ability, Hellhound\'s presence will raise no suspicion. His existence in this world is as legitimate as anyone else\'s.\'
As he finished creating Hellhound\'s identity, Linsley\'s attention was suddenly drawn elsewhere.
Through his avatar\'s enhanced domain, which had expanded significantly after his Zenith evolution, he sensed movements outside the computer room. Specifically, he picked up Seraphina\'s presence.
Seraphina had woken up and was currently searching for him. The subtle footfalls and her familiar energy signature grew closer with each passing moment.
"Seems like our little princess is up and about," Linsley muttered, rising from his chair as Hellhound watched him silently. "Let\'s see what she wants."
With Hellhound in tow, Linsley prepared himself for his next encounter, curious about what Seraphina might need from him.
…
Seraphina entered the computer room casually, her eyes glancing over Hellhound without a hint of surprise.
Of course, she wasn\'t fazed—Linsley\'s identity distortion ability had already created Hellhound\'s background out of thin air, planting memories in her mind.
In her recollection, Hellhound had arrived the previous night during dinner and introduced himself as Linsley\'s personal security guard.
"Morning, Linsley," Seraphina greeted with a smile. "I was about to invite you for breakfast, but it turns out we\'re out of food supplies. I\'m planning to head out for grocery shopping."
Linsley nodded, carefully studying her. \'Everything\'s in place,\' he thought.
\'She has no reason to question Hellhound\'s presence. She believes he\'s been around since last night.\'
"Grocery shopping, huh?" Linsley replied thoughtfully. "Why don\'t I join you? Better to make sure we stock up properly this time."
His offer wasn\'t entirely out of convenience—he wanted to observe Seraphina and see if there was something more to her seemingly casual errands.
\'I\'ll find out what she\'s really up to. If she\'s hiding anything, this trip will reveal it.\'
To his surprise, Seraphina accepted without hesitation. "Sure, that sounds great. You can help me carry everything back," she said with a light laugh, her demeanor easygoing.
Linsley\'s eyes narrowed for a moment. \'No resistance. Either she\'s being completely open about this, or she\'s hiding something deeper than I expected.\'
"Alright, let\'s go," Linsley said with a smirk.
Seraphina turned to leave, and Linsley followed, his mind still analyzing her every move. If there was more to this shopping trip than she let on, he would soon uncover it.
…
After realizing they had run out of food supplies, Linsley and Seraphina decided to head to the nearby supermarket instead of having breakfast at the villa.
Before they left, Hellhound remained stationed outside the villa, taking up his role as a personal security guard to ensure the place stayed secure while they were out. Linsley had no doubts that Hellhound would handle any threats that might arise in their absence.
As they stepped out into the crisp morning air, they walked in silence toward the supermarket.
To any passerby, they appeared like a normal young couple going about their daily routine.
There was a comfortable rhythm to their steps, with Seraphina leading the way as they moved through the familiar streets.
Upon arriving at the supermarket, Seraphina immediately began picking up items they needed. Linsley followed behind, carrying a basket that quickly grew heavier as more groceries were added.
To an outsider, they would seem like a married couple shopping together, Linsley carrying the burden without complaint as Seraphina carefully selected everything they needed for the next few days.
After filling their basket, they made their way to the register, paying with the money provided by the Outer God Association.
The villa, the wealth, and the resources the Association had given them always left a lingering question in their minds. Compared to other outer god slaves, they were suspiciously favored.
Linsley couldn\'t help but feel puzzled about the situation, but he, like Seraphina, knew better than to question it. The Association had its reasons, and they simply played along.
With their groceries paid for and packed, they began to head out of the supermarket.
Linsley effortlessly carried the bags, ready to return to the villa and finally prepare their breakfast.
However, just as they stepped outside, a thunderous explosion shattered the relative calm of the morning.
The sound rippled through the city, unmistakable as another battle between the resistance and the outer god lackeys in the battlefield dimension.
Linsley instinctively tensed, his mind immediately thinking of potential danger, but what caught his attention more was Seraphina\'s reaction.
She stiffened, her gaze snapping toward the direction of the explosion. Then, just as quickly, she composed herself and turned to him with an oddly rushed tone.
"I need to use the restroom," she said, avoiding his eyes. "Just wait here for me. It won\'t take long."
Linsley arched an eyebrow, his suspicions rising. \'The restroom? Now? Right after that explosion?\'
Although Seraphina\'s request seemed innocent on the surface, Linsley knew something didn\'t quite add up.
But without questioning her, he nodded. "Alright, I\'ll wait here."
As Seraphina hurried off, Linsley\'s eyes narrowed as he watched her leave.
\'What are you really up to, Seraphina?\'