The strangeness of the world only deepened his suspicions. Something was clearly different about how this world functioned—a hidden layer of mystery that likely went beyond the existence of Diviners and their Gifts.
Linsley continued digging and discovered the world was divided into two major factions—heroes and villains.
The heroes were Diviners who used their Gifts to uphold law and order, keeping society from falling into chaos. These individuals were revered, often seen as protectors of the world.
Villains, on the other hand, were those who used their powers selfishly or maliciously, wreaking havoc and committing crimes.
The constant struggle between heroes and villains kept the balance of power in constant motion.
"This world thrives on conflict," Linsley muttered, piecing it all together. "It's designed to push people with Gifts into these roles—heroes or villains."
Lucy, who had been quietly watching over his shoulder, spoke up. "So, what does that make us?"
Linsley paused for a moment, reflecting on her question. "Right now? We're neither. We don't have a side. But eventually, we'll need to choose where we stand. This world operates on a system, and if we're going to survive, we'll need to play along until we're strong enough to make our own rules."
He closed the laptop with a soft click, turning to face his companions. "But for now, we lay low. We focus on getting stronger, learning how to use our Gifts. And when the time comes, we'll decide what kind of future we want in this world."
Lucy nodded, her expression determined despite the exhaustion in her eyes. "We'll be ready when the time comes."
Ted, still quiet, glanced between them. Though he didn't say much, the gravity of their situation was clear in his eyes.
He had been through too much already—forced to grow up faster than any child should. But there was no room for fear or hesitation now.
"I'll get stronger too," he murmured, clenching his small fists. "I don't want to lose control again."
Linsley placed a reassuring hand on Ted's shoulder. "And you will, Ted. But first, we need to move. This forest might seem like a good hiding place, but we're still too close to the facility. We can't risk staying here."
The house had everything they needed: comfortable beds, a kitchen, and even a training area.
But Linsley had more in mind than just physical comfort. He knew that Lucy and Ted needed more than a place to sleep and food to eat.
They had powerful Gifts—Lucy's SSS-rank Fallen Angel: Lucifer and Ted's SS-rank Destruction—and both were prodigies in their own right.
Linsley, though six years old in this simulation, had the experience of an Upper True God from his main life. He was uniquely suited to help them unlock their full potential.
As he walked through the newly created house, Linsley's mind raced with plans. Training would be vital.
Ted needed to learn control over his destructive power, and Lucy had to master her transformation. But it wasn't just their Gifts that needed development.
Linsley had already decided to homeschool them, giving them not only the knowledge of this world but also a broader education. They were too valuable to be left unprepared.
'Teaching them isn't just about their Gifts,' Linsley thought. 'They need to understand the world around them, the power structures, the way society works here. If they're going to survive—and thrive—they need to be more than just strong.'
He was confident in his ability to train them. Though he wasn't at the peak of his Diviner abilities, his insights and experience from his time as an Upper True God far surpassed what this world's strongest Diviners knew.
If anyone was fit to guide prodigies like Lucy and Ted, it was him.
After setting up the house, Linsley stood outside and looked out at the dense forest that surrounded them.
They were far from the facility, far from the reach of anyone who would come looking.
For now, they had time. Time to train, to plan, and to prepare for the battles that lay ahead.
He turned back to Lucy and Ted, who were still absorbing their new environment.
"We're going to stay here for a while," Linsley said, his tone serious but reassuring. "I'll teach you both how to control your Gifts. We'll also focus on learning more about this world, its power structures, and how to blend in when the time comes. We're not just surviving—we're preparing for the future."