9 Returning to the Digital World

In the end, Michael could not betray his principle. It was also quite disgusting to be slobby second. He might be able to go through with it just to keep his job if Linus hadn't pumped her full of cum only just moment ago.

"Sorry man," Linus apologized while Michael was packing up his cubicle, and Michael wasn't so certain what Linus was apologizing to. It could be any number of things that led to this. Not all of those things were considered to be Linus' fault.

Michael didn't response. He merely continued to pack his things. He did not have much since he hadn't worked here all that long. In addition to that, he had always believed that this job was temporary even before knowing what Linus had done.

"I shouldn't have told her about you. Shit," Linus cursed. "Alright. Just stay here. I will go and persuade her with my awesome techniques."

"That's okay, Linus. There is no need," Michael said with a hearted sigh. "I probably won't last long in this place anyway. You know me. I like to work alone. I like to work for myself. Doing things my way. I really hate being confined and constricted, being told what to do."

Linus beamed at Michael before shaking his head. "I don't know. I think you should have just screwed her. It's not like it means anything. Just pleasure. Just fun."

"That is the point, Linus," Michael said and picked up the last item on his desk. It was the apple. "Doing that doesn't mean anything. Not to me. I am not like you, Linus."

"Hey… hey! What does that supposed to mean?" Linus questioned.

"I mean… no, I'm sorry," Michael said. "That came out wrong. I know you mean well, and I know that you wanted to help me, but it is just that –

"It is just what? Not according to your plan? Man, you know what's your problem is," Linus interjected, looking rather annoyed. Angry even. "You want to do everything your ways. That is not how the world work. You have to think about others. You have to know the situations. You have to change your plan to suit your needs."

Linus exhaled deeply. "You lack conviction, Michael. If you really wanted to succeed the don't be held back by something like morals or shits like that. Just do what is necessary even if you don't like it. Just do it."

Michael was stunned for a moment. He wondered if he truly lacked conviction. He did not think so, as it was not wrong to stand by his beliefs and principles. Yet, his friend – his best friend – also told him that he lacked conviction. Must he abandon everything he valued for success? He really did not want to be such a person.

"Perhaps one day, Linus. Perhaps one day. Thanks for everything. You have been a true friend. So, see you around," Michael said before heading off.

"Michael. Michael! You stubborn son of a bitch. Why can't you just think for once? Not everything has to be so damn by the book, damn it," Linus called out, but Michael did not look back.

Michael had made up his mind. He continued to walk out of the office and out of the building. He did not stop until he found himself completely alone. There was no one in sight.

At that point, he dropped his stuff onto ground and gripped his face with one hand, feeling completely dejected. He wanted to succeed. He desperately wanted to succeed but not at the cost of himself. No, not himself.

Michael lowered his hand and looked at the apple in his other hand. It was still vibrantly fresh despite it was given to him by Deus more than two months ago. He still remembered what Deus had said when giving him the apple.

"Apple of knowledge," Michael muttered before taking out a bite. "I surely hope that you do give me the knowledge to make my dream comes true. To make my vision a reality."

The instant that Michael swallowed the bite, the world around him rippled and rippled. Countless lines and equations manifested themselves all over the place, constantly changing, shifting and adjusting.

Michael tried to understand what he was seeing, but all he gained was an incredible headache.

It was impossible for him to understand as he was still human. However, seeing it was enough for him to realize. To simply comprehend the realness of the world in its natural state. Soon enough, Michael closed his eyes and allowed the new knowledge to take hold within his mind and open his eyes.

"I see," Michael muttered after he opened his eyes a moment later. "If this world is not for me then I will create my own. It is what I always wanted, isn't it?"

With his acceptance, the surroundings around him shifted, and he was soon come face to face with a massive tree that did not exist anywhere in the real world.

"I am home," Michael said with a smile.

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