BXBX NOVEL Chapter 155: Lucy's Choice
The voice paused for dramatic effect before continuing, [But let me save you some time—you'd better choose Roxana.]
Lucy's cold composure faltered just a bit as surprise flashed in her eyes. "Why Roxana?" she asked, her voice cautious, yet still controlled.
The voice let out a small, condescending laugh. [Oh, come on, are you seriously asking? She's the youngest elder, and yet the strongest. Her power mirrors yours—only she can help you unlock your full potential.]
The voice took on a casual, almost dismissive tone. [You don't need anyone else. Trust me on this.]
Lucy's brow furrowed slightly, suspicion creeping into her mind. "How can I trust you?" she thought, her icy demeanor returning. "How do you even know my power?" she asked aloud, her voice sharp and cutting.
The voice scoffed, dripping with arrogance. [Trust? Sweet child, you should trust me. I'm the one who gave you your power in the first place.] The tone became smoother, more pleased with itself.
[Remember that sudden, convenient appearance of the Divine Scripture in your mind? Yeah, that was all me.] It paused before adding, in a more serious, persuasive tone, [Believe in me, and you'll be able to protect your precious little brother, Lucas.]
At the mention of her brother, Lucas, Lucy's expression immediately hardened, her cool demeanor replaced by a fierce, protective resolve.
"I see," she said, her voice now carrying a quiet but unmistakable intensity. "Then I thank you for your... grace." There was a slight edge to her words, as if she still wasn't sure what to make of this so-called "ancestor."
[Grace? Oh, now we're getting formal!] the voice laughed with shameless amusement. [Well, you're welcome, little one. But don't get too used to me. I'll be going now, and who knows when you'll hear from me again?]
It paused, as if savoring the moment, then added with exaggerated importance, [Just remember: choose Roxana. And one more thing—befriend Zeus.]
The voice became more serious, though the arrogance still seeped through. [The kid's got immense potential. You don't want to miss out on that.]
Lucy's eyes flickered with a trace of curiosity, but she gave only a small, almost imperceptible nod. "I will remember your words," she said, her voice flat and composed once more, as though she'd already accepted the guidance.
The presence in her mind began to fade, but not before the voice got in one last comment, dripping with smugness.
[Good. I'll leave you to it, but don't forget who helped you when the time comes.] A soft, mocking chuckle followed. [And don't get too sentimental about me being gone. I'll be back to remind you of how brilliant I am soon enough.]
Lucy remained still, her resolve unshaken despite the voice's overbearing tone. The presence finally faded completely, leaving her standing alone in the arena, her decision solidified in her mind.
Around her, the elders in the stands continued to watch, unaware of the silent conversation that had just taken place. They saw only the calm, cold exterior of Lucy as she prepared to make her choice.
Meanwhile, back with Zeus, the system's voice rang out triumphantly in his mind, practically oozing arrogance. [Done! I told her, just like you wanted,] it boasted, the smugness thick in its tone. [Honestly, who else could've pulled it off so flawlessly? The great system always delivers.]
Zeus smirked, amused by the system's self-satisfaction. "Oh, naturally," he thought, his mental voice dripping with mock reverence. "As expected from the all-powerful system. Nothing's too difficult for you, is it?"
The system, ever shameless, didn't miss a beat. [Exactly! Finally, you're recognizing my brilliance. It's about time, host.] There was a playful edge in its tone, as if it enjoyed rubbing in its own supposed greatness. [Now, don't forget who's helping you run this whole show.]
Zeus chuckled inwardly, the banter lightening his mood. "How could I possibly forget?" he replied, his smirk widening as he continued to humor the system's endless arrogance.
Lucy stood in the center of the arena, her expression calm and composed, though an intensity gleamed behind her eyes. She took a slow breath before speaking, her voice steady and resolute. "I will choose Elder Roxana."
The words cut through the air, sending ripples of surprise through the crowd. Gasps and murmurs echoed from the audience, while the four elders immediately frowned, disappointment written all over their faces. Roxana, however, smiled broadly, her satisfaction evident as her sharp eyes gleamed with triumph.
Elder Aric Valen was the first to break the silence, his tone thick with frustration. "Why, Lucy? Why would you choose Roxana?"
His eyes narrowed in disbelief, and he took a step forward as though hoping to convince her otherwise. "You would benefit more under my guidance! Think of your potential—"
Before he could finish his plea, Roxana cut him off with a sharp, commanding voice. "Enough!" Her tone was firm, carrying an undeniable authority that silenced the arena. She stood tall, her presence radiating strength as she turned her gaze back to Lucy. "Lucy has made her choice."
Aric's mouth snapped shut, his frustration boiling beneath the surface, but he didn't dare challenge Roxana any further. The other elders exchanged looks of defeat, their expressions ranging from disbelief to frustration, but none of them spoke again.
Roxana, satisfied with the silence, looked at Lucy and gave her a firm, approving nod. "Ignore them," she said in a calm yet assertive tone, her voice carrying a sense of finality. "Come, follow me."
Without hesitation, Lucy turned and began walking toward Roxana, her face betraying no emotion. She didn't spare a glance at the four elders, leaving them to stew in their frustration.
The disappointment and bitterness were clear in their eyes, but they knew there was nothing they could do.
Roxana's grin widened, a fierce glint of satisfaction flashing across her face as Lucy approached. Placing a hand on Lucy's shoulder, she gave her a reassuring squeeze, as if sealing the pact between them. "Smart choice," Roxana whispered, just loud enough for Lucy to hear.
With that, Roxana led her away from the center of the arena, her victorious smile never fading. The other elders watched them depart, left with nothing but their frustration and the sting of a battle they had clearly lost.
Meanwhile, Zeus looked on from his position, his smirk reflecting his inner satisfaction. Everything was falling into place just as he had anticipated.