Fenris patted Dottie Underwood on the shoulder. She didn't flinch or resist in the slightest.
This was the truest sign of her inner submission.
"Do you want to leave this place and see what the world looks like fifty or sixty years later?"
Dottie Underwood, who had just found emotional stability, stood frozen in place. Her brain seemed to shut down, unable to command her body. She stared blankly at Fenris.
What did he mean by that? Could he... could he actually leave the Void?
She turned to look at Classic Loki in disbelief.
"Yes, he can," Classic Loki confirmed her unspoken question with a calm expression.
Wasn't the Void supposed to be the final end?
Wasn't it said that no one could ever escape the Void?
Don't lie to me just because I didn't finish school!
"For us, the Void is an inescapable prison. You either die or wait to die."
"But for him, the Void is like a backyard he can come and go from at will. Now you know why I've been collecting those 'useless' things you mentioned."
The "useless things" referred to cash, gold, and jewelry.
Dottie Underwood took a deep breath, suppressing her shock and excitement. She steadied herself and calmly gave her answer.
"I'll follow your lead."
Fenris wrapped one arm around her and summoned Mjolnir with the other.
"You only get one chance to betray me."
As his voice fell, Dottie Underwood suddenly realized they were now standing on the rooftop of a tall building.
In the distance, she could see rows of high-rise buildings and criss crossing roads filled with bustling traffic and pedestrians.
The view was dazzling, vibrant, and beautiful.
"You gave me a new life. I swear, I will never, ever, ever betray you."
She might not have understood the joke about repeating something three times, but she knew how to express her sincerity.
"Have you heard of the Leap of Faith?" Fenris asked as he walked to the edge of the roof.
Dottie Underwood shook her head.
"Jump."
"Okay."
She didn't ask any questions, and her expression didn't show a hint of hesitation. She sprinted forward and jumped off the building without looking back.
This building had more than ten floors. Jumping down meant certain death.
And yet, she jumped. Without hesitation or doubt.
She probably guessed it was a test and believed that he wouldn't really let her die. But even so, her decisiveness and obedience were remarkable.
The wind howled past her ears. As the ground rushed up to meet her, her face remained calm, showing no fear or worry.
Just as she was about to crash, a pair of strong arms caught her midair.
The sudden stop hurt a little, and she let out a soft grunt, but her lips curled into a satisfied smile.
She had bet correctly.
Even from a skyscraper, if you tell me to jump, I will, without hesitation.
With that leap, she had earned trust and proved her worth.
"This is Manhattan, New York. One of the most advanced places in this era. Take a look around, buy yourself some proper clothes, and come back when you're done. I'll have a task for you."
Fenris handed her a bank card and told her the PIN.
Cash from the Void could have come from any timeline or universe, and even real money might not be accepted. A bank card was more reliable.
"Alright."
Dottie Underwood smiled, took the card, picked a direction, and left with anticipation in her eyes.
Back in the Void, when Fenris asked if she wanted to leave and see the world fifty or sixty years in the future, what had she answered?
"I'll follow your lead."
Just now, when he told her to go shopping and come back afterward, how did she answer?
"Alright."
This was a sign that their relationship had progressed.
Every relationship starts with unfamiliarity, then grows into comfort and trust.
She had earned initial trust, proved her value, and formally established a solid superior-subordinate relationship.
This growing familiarity would naturally make her behavior more relaxed and confident.
When she returned, Fenris planned to inject her with the super soldier serum, have her expand his power, and train new recruits.
The Red Room's training methods had some real merit, after all.
Just as Fenris was about to fly back up and wait for her return, he caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. A foot sticking out from behind a nearby dumpster.
Someone was hiding?
Curious, Fenris walked over to take a look. But before he could get too close, the person behind the dumpster seemed to realize he was coming.
Panicking, she shouted, "I didn't see anything, don't chase me!" before turning and sprinting away.
Fenris chuckled, unsure whether to praise her for being clever or call her a fool.
You could've just run. Why shout? I wasn't even going to chase you, but now it feels like you've seen something you shouldn't have. Now I have no choice but to go after you.
Isn't that the definition of a guilty conscience?
Their positions shifted in an instant. As her words faded, Fenris appeared directly in front of her, blocking her path.
"Ah–!"
The girl in jeans and a baseball jacket couldn't react in time. She slammed right into him and fell flat on her back.