[Wisdom of the Outsider - God Of War (2018)] - 600cp, 50cp remaining

Your mind and soul are your own, protected from outside meddling. Fate can't bind you, sweet talk won't sway you, and reality warpers can't twist your essence. You're safe from instant death hax, unwanted body changes, and anything else that'd mess with your inner self. This doesn't stop a fireball from roasting you, but it does mean your thoughts are yours alone. As a bonus, your willpower's tough as nails - you'll face any challenge head-on without flinching.

The daze passed, and I found myself unable to hold back a smirk. This new perk was absolutely incredible - it essentially resolved all my worries about hostile mind control or reality warping. The Simurgh's terrifying mental manipulations, Master powers like Valefor's hypnotic stare, even Strangers like Aisha who could delete memories - they'd all be useless against me now. My thoughts and identity were unassailably my own.

Of course, this didn't make me invincible. External attacks could still hurt and kill me. But in terms of protecting my mind and soul? I was untouchable, and I could feel my entire body relaxing just from knowing this.

I wouldn't need to constantly fear someone like Heartbreaker glancing my way and instantly enslaving me. No more worries that the Simurgh might catch me in her song and twist my goals against my will. And if the Celestial Grimoire ever granted me a way to travel to other worlds, I wouldn't have to be concerned about fate, reality warpers, magic and who knows what else that'd try to mess with me.

My smirk faltered slightly as I glanced between Taylor and Freya. Speak of the devil...

This Asgardian woman had been created directly by the Celestial Grimoire itself. Her romantic interest was most probably genuine, but how was I going to deal with that when I already had a close relationship with Taylor?

"Aletheia?" Taylor's voice broke through my thoughts. "You okay? You zoned out for a bit there."

I nodded, trying to gather my thoughts. "Yeah, I'm good. Just got a pretty important new power."

Before I could explain further, the blonde woman closed the distance between us in a blink. Her hand cupped my cheek gently as she murmured, "I'm glad you're alright, my love. You had me worried."

And then she kissed me.

It wasn't some chaste peck either - this was a full-on, passionate lip-lock that left me dizzy. When she finally pulled back, I could only blink stupidly.

"I... uh... what?" I stammered eloquently.

The woman - Freya, my brain supplied helpfully - just smiled and pulled me into a hug. I found my face pressed against her chest as she held me close.

Over her shoulder, I caught Taylor's gaze. "I didn't... this isn't what it looks like..." I tried to explain, waiting for the explosion of jealousy.

But Taylor just shrugged. "It's just Freya," she said, like that explained everything. "We're both your girlfriends, so why would I be upset?"

My jaw dropped. This... this wasn't right. Taylor would never react like this, not after everything she'd been through. I knew that Taylor was the controlling type, and she'd definitely be furious, not calmly stating that she and this Freya woman were both my girlfriends.

No, something else was going on here. I wasn't an idiot - far from it. Taylor's nonchalant response could only mean one thing: the Celestial Grimoire had warped reality itself to fit the circumstances of the new power it had granted me.

In this new version of events, I had already met and gone on a first date with the gorgeous Valkyrie warrior as described by the perk. She was smitten with me, and somehow Taylor had been altered to accept Freya as another girlfriend of mine without issue.

All of my experiences, my history with Taylor, had been fundamentally changed to accommodate this new reality. I had no idea what other aspects of my life here might have been rewritten by the Grimoire's reality warping.

If I hadn't gained that protection for my mind and soul through Wisdom of the Outsider mere moments ago, would I have been just as malleable? Would the Grimoire have twisted my own perceptions and memories to align with this new reality it had crafted?

The idea was...horrifying. To have the core of my being, my fundamental self, altered and reshaped without my consent? It made me nauseous just considering it.

Freya gently stroked my head, breaking me out of my unsettling thoughts. "Are you alright?" she asked softly. "Shouldn't we head to the PRT headquarters and hand over these unkempt villains?"

I stiffened slightly at her touch and endearment, trying to pull back. But Freya held me firmly against her chest, repeating her question. "Aletheia, are you okay?"

Meeting Taylor's gaze over Freya's shoulder, I saw her giving me an encouraging nod. Right, she was apparently totally fine with me having another girlfriend now thanks to the Grimoire's meddling.

I let out a slow breath and nodded slightly at Freya. "Yeah... yeah, I'm okay. We should get these guys to the PRT building."

Freya reluctantly released me from the hug. I stared at the two gorgeous women for a long moment, considering my options. There was nothing I could do to undo what the Grimoire had wrought. Did I even want to try and reverse this new reality where an Asgardian warrior was deeply in love with me?

Pushing those thoughts aside for now, I focused and teleported myself, Menhir, Freya, Taylor, and the thirteen unconscious Merchants high above Downtown in a flash of crimson light. Peering through my ghostly butterfly's eyes, I spotted the PRT headquarters building. With another teleport, we reappeared right above the street in front of the main entrance.

I teleported myself down to the ground in front of the PRT troopers standing guard, and a sudden dramatic gust of wind billowed my long coat out behind me, despite the relatively calm weather. Immediately, the area around the PRT building's entrance was well-lit as rays of golden sunlight shone down, despite it only being mid-morning. A flurry of cherry blossom petals began swirling lazily through the air around me.

The tourists milling about outside the building froze in surprise, their jaws dropping as they witnessed the bizarre phenomenon. Children began screaming in awe, pointing excitedly as their parents fumbled for their phones to capture the fantastical scene.

Behind my back, far off in the distance, the sky itself seemed to shift and change. An orange-red sunset blossomed into existence, casting long shadows across the city streets despite the sun still being high overhead. The dazzling rays of that illusory sunset stretched all the way to where I stood, bathing me in its warm glow.

The PRT troopers raised their containment foam sprayers warily, clearly caught off guard by my over-the-top entrance. One of them, the apparent leader, stepped forward.

"Ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to stand down and come with us," he called out in a firm tone that tried to hide his uncertainty. "Whatever...light show this is, you're causing a disturbance and we need to get this sorted out properly."

I shook my head, the cherry blossom flurry swirling dramatically around me. "I don't have time for questions," I stated. "I've brought you the defeated members of the new Merchants gang - Skidmark, Squealer, and Mush are the three capes. The rest are their underling drug dealers."

With that, I began rapidly teleporting the unconscious bodies of the Merchants down from Menhir above in a series of crimson flashes. The troopers jumped back in surprise as the unconscious bodies appeared at their feet in rapid succession.

When the final thug had been deposited, I took a step back and gestured grandly at the pile of groaning villains. The sunbeams intensified, highlighting my form as if I were the lead actress in some big-budget movie.

The trooper leader seemed to regain his composure, squaring his shoulders as he addressed me again. "Ma'am, I really must insist you remain and provide a statement-"

But I merely smiled beneath my mask and gave him a small wave of farewell. Crimson light covered me, and I reappeared beside Freya and Taylor atop the hovering Menhir, leaving the troopers and gawking tourists behind.

Taylor was the first to break the silence as we drifted over the city's skyline. "You're really leaning into the whole dramatic samurai movie power, huh?" she remarked dryly, though I could hear the amusement in her tone.

Grinning beneath my mask, I spread my arms wide, causing the sunbeams to intensify and bathe me in their golden radiance. "If I've got it, I might as well flaunt it! Although those sunbeams might've been a bit much."

"So, weren't we going to get something to eat after dealing with those Merchant thugs?" Freya spoke up from beside me. "I was rather hoping we could have a proper second date."

"That would be nice. I'm pretty hungry after yesterday," Taylor said. "We spent the whole day having sex after Lara's explanation, and we haven't eaten or drunk anything this morning either."

I covered my face with my palm and let out a deep sigh. So Freya had apparently participated in our intimate activities yesterday? This reality warping was more extensive than I'd realized.

Lowering my hand, I nodded in agreement. "Alright, but we need to get you both some regular clothes first. You're still in costume." I glanced between Taylor and Freya. "I'll grab some simple outfits, then we can go find a cafe. Sound good?"

They both nodded eagerly. But before I could move, that familiar pulse of energy froze me in place once more.

[Ma'at - Egyptian Mythology] – 200cp. Failed to purchase, 150cp remaining.

I shook my head as the failed purchase faded, then gathered up some of the cash we'd liberated from the Merchants. Through one of my ghostly butterflies, I spotted an empty alley and teleported myself there in a flash of crimson.

With a wave of my hand and a small expenditure of magicka, I transformed my costume into a grey skirt and fitted red t-shirt. Another ghostly butterfly led me to an alley off a busy street. I stepped out, joining the flow of pedestrians.

I couldn't help but notice the appreciative stares from passersby as I made my way to a nearby clothing store. I couldn't blame them, not staring at a girl that was at the peak of beauty would surely be difficult. I quickly purchased some simple feminine outfits and ducked back into the alley.

A crimson flash later, and I was back with Taylor and Freya atop Menhir. Another teleport took us high into the sky for privacy. "Alright girls, time to change," I said, handing over the clothes.

Taylor nodded and began peeling off her skintight spider silk costume. But it was Freya who truly caught my attention as she started removing her Valkyrie armor. The gleaming plate mail with its intricate golden filigree came off piece by piece, revealing more and more of her abs.

When she removed the flowing white skirt, my jaw dropped. There, nestled between her muscular thighs, was something I definitely hadn't expected.

A cock. And not just any cock - this was a truly impressive specimen, even in its current flaccid state. I couldn't tear my eyes away, feeling a warmth building low in my belly.

Freya noticed my stare and gave me a gentle smile. "Like what you see, my love? You need only ask, and I'd be more than happy to give it to you." Her voice dropped to a husky whisper as she continued, "I can just imagine how you'd look, impaled on my cock. Taking your virginity as I claim you fully as my wife..."

As she spoke, her member began to swell and harden. I let out an involuntary gasp at the sight.

My cheeks burned as I finally managed to tear my gaze away. "F-Freya! Put some clothes on, for god's sake!" I sputtered, trying to regain my composure.

I wasn't the only one affected. Glancing over, I saw Taylor staring just as intently at Freya's impressive endowment, her own cheeks flushed.

Freya smirked slightly, clearly aware of the effect she was having on us. I narrowed my eyes at her, but she obeyed, bending over to step out of the skirt. She removed her golden-rimmed wings that resembled an angel's from her back, then began dressing in the simple clothes I'd bought.

Taylor, already dressed, sidled up next to me while Freya was changing. "We didn't touch it yesterday," she whispered, clearly curious. "But I can't stop wondering how it would feel..."

I felt my face heat up even more at Taylor's words. This situation was getting out of hand fast. I needed to regain control before things escalated further.

I had barely finished that thought when another surge of energy hit me.

[Storm of Fire - Dark Souls: War of the Ancients] – 600cp. Failed to purchase, 250cp remaining.

I shook my head as the failed purchase faded. "Alright, looks like we're good to go," I said, turning to Freya who was now fully dressed in the simple outfit I'd bought. "Let's stash our gear and hit the Boardwalk."

We teleported to an abandoned warehouse I'd scouted earlier through a ghostly butterfly. I pulled out the golden key and opened a random door, revealing the pocket dimension beyond. We quickly stored our costumes and equipment inside before I locked it up again.

Another quick teleport brought us to a secluded alley near the Boardwalk. As we stepped out onto the busy street full of tourists, I couldn't help but notice the stares we were attracting. It made sense - we were three women at the absolute peak of physical beauty. Taylor towered over me at 6'0", while Freya was even taller at 6'2". At 5'8", I felt positively tiny between them.

A stray thought crossed my mind - did I have a thing for tall, controlling women? I pushed it aside as we made our way down the Boardwalk.

We found a cozy cafe tucked away in a corner and settled into a booth. Almost immediately, a waiter appeared at our table. The poor guy looked like he was about to faint as his eyes darted between us.

"W-what can I get for you ladies?" he stammered, his notepad shaking slightly in his hand.

Taylor leaned forward, her ample cleavage drawing the waiter's gaze as she rattled off our order. "I'll have the club sandwich with a side salad and an iced tea. Freya will take the steak, medium rare, with mashed potatoes and a beer. And Lara wants..." She glanced at me expectantly.

"Just a cappuccino for me, thanks," I said, impressed by Taylor's confidence as she took charge of ordering. It was a major difference to her former shy, withdrawn self. The magical fruit had truly worked wonders, erasing any lingering body image issues.

The waiter nodded frantically, his eyes darting between us as he scribbled in his notepad. "R-right away, ladies. I'll be back with your drinks shortly."

As he scurried off, Freya draped her muscular arm around my shoulders, pulling me snugly against her side. "So, my love," she purred, her lips brushing my ear, "what do you think of this quaint Midgardian establishment? Far cry from the mead halls of Asgard, but it has a certain... charm."

I felt my cheeks heat up at her closeness. "It's, uh, nice. Cozy."

Freya chuckled lowly. "Indeed. Though not nearly as cozy as being beneath us last night, hmm?" Her fingers traced lazy patterns on my arm, sending shivers down my spine.

Taylor, apparently not wanting to be outdone, leaned in from my other side. "Speaking of last night," she murmured, her breath hot on my neck, "maybe we could have a repeat performance later?"

I squirmed, feeling slightly overwhelmed as I was sandwiched between these two gorgeous, assertive women. But before I could say anything, I felt a distortion in space-time.

"Hold up," I whispered urgently. "There's a parahuman nearby. They're getting closer."

Both Freya and Taylor tensed, their playful demeanors instantly replaced with alertness.

"I'll scout the area with my bugs," Taylor muttered, extending her awareness.

I nodded, tracking the approaching distortion. "Whoever it is, they're almost here."

Freya's arm tightened protectively around my neck. "Fear not, my love," she breathed in my ear. "I shall defend you with my dying breath if need be."

I leaned into Freya's side, appreciating her protectiveness even if it felt a bit strange coming from someone I barely knew. Her arm around me was warm and solid, a comforting presence as I tracked the approaching parahuman.

But that's when I spotted her - a girl of about seventeen with dark blonde hair pulled back in a bun. She wasn't too pretty, but she wasn't average either. Blonde, around the right age, decent looks... this had to be Tattletale.

I immediately got a mischievous idea. Why not have a little fun with this? I raised my hand and waved enthusiastically in her direction.

Tattletale froze like a deer in headlights, fear flashing across her face before she quickly masked it. I could almost see the gears turning in her head as she weighed her options.

"Lara, what are you doing?" Taylor hissed from my other side.

I grinned, unable to contain my excitement. "Inviting our parahuman friend over for a chat. This should be interesting."

Realizing she couldn't easily escape, Tattletale began making her way towards our table. Her eyes darted between the three of us, lingering on Freya's possessive hold on me before she hesitantly took a seat across from us.

I leaned forward, my smirk widening. "So, Lisa... or do you prefer Sarah? How would you like to be free of Coil?"

Tattletale's eyes widened for a split second before narrowing. "I have no idea what you're talking about," she said calmly despite the tension in her shoulders. "My name's Amanda, and I'm not involved in cape stuff."

I couldn't help but chuckle. "Come on, Lisa. We both know that's not true. Your power's already told you that I know who you are."

She glanced around nervously, clearly looking for an escape route. "Look, I don't want any trouble. I'm just here to enjoy the Boardwalk like everyone else."

"Oh, but trouble's already found you," I said, my grin widening. "The question is, what are you going to do about it?"

"…You think this is a game?" Lisa hissed, her knuckles white as she gripped the edge of the table. "Breaking the unwritten rules like this? You're asking for major trouble, you know that?"

I opened my mouth to respond, but Lisa wasn't finished. Her eyes flicked between me, Taylor, and Freya, a cruel smirk twisting her lips.

"And what's this?" she continued, her voice dripping with venom. "Fucking your cousin, and an older woman in her early twenties too? Is she your sugar mommy or something?" Lisa's gaze locked onto Freya. "You know you're a pedo, right? Aletheia is just 16 years old, way too young for you."

I felt Freya tense beside me, her arm tightening around my shoulders. Taylor, on my other side, had gone completely still.

Before any of us could respond, the waiter approached with his arms laden with plates.

"A-Alright, here we go," the waiter said, oblivious to the hostility in the air. "One club sandwich, one steak, and... oh, um, did your friend want to order something?"

Lisa forced a smile. "No, thank you. I was just leaving."

The waiter nodded and retreated, leaving us in an uncomfortable silence. Freya was the first to break it, and she was very pissed off.

"You dare threaten my love?" she growled, blue eyes flashing with anger. "You, who cowers behind empty words and false bravado?"

Lisa flinched, clearly caught off guard by Freya's intensity. I placed a hand on Freya's arm around my neck, trying to calm her, but she shrugged it off.

"Where I come from," Freya continued, "we do not suffer fools who reject aid so callously. You stand at a crossroads, child. Choose your next words with care."

"Look, Lisa," I interrupted, leaning forward. "I don't give a damn about the unwritten rules. That's just how it is. I'm offering to help you deal with Coil. Isn't that something you'd want?"

"We both know what his power is, right?" I continued, lowering my voice. "If we work together, I can make sure Coil's taken care of. Permanently. Both timelines, both locations, simultaneously."

Lisa's eyebrows shot up at that. "You... you know about the timelines?"

I nodded, a smirk playing at the corners of my mouth. "So, what do you say? Or are you still pissy that we nabbed Regent?"

Lisa's face twisted into a bitter scowl. "Regent? You think that's all? You took down Grue too, you bitch."

"Grue?" I muttered, more to myself than anyone else. This had to be one of the changes to reality from Freya's sudden existence. I glanced at the Asgardian warrior, who looked back at me with concern in her piercing blue eyes.

Lisa leaned forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "You didn't know? How is that possible? You were there, weren't you?" Her gaze darted between me and Freya, her power clearly working overtime. "No... you didn't know Freya was there at all, did you?"

I grimaced, feeling Taylor and Freya's concerned looks boring into me. The weight of their stares made me want to squirm in my seat, but I held myself still. "It doesn't matter, does it?" I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "What matters is my offer. What do you think about it?"

Lisa's eyes narrowed, and the cafe's ambient noise seemed to grow louder, filling the silence between us as she considered her options.

"You're offering to take down Coil," she said slowly. "But you don't even remember what happened with Grue. How can I trust you to handle something as delicate as Coil's situation?"

I leaned back, taking a sip of my cappuccino. "Because I have the means to do it," I said confidently. "And because, unlike Coil, I'm giving you a choice."

Lisa's gaze flicked between me, Taylor, and Freya once more. I could see the conflict in her eyes, and for a while she was clearly in deep thought.

Finally, she let out a long sigh. "Fine," she said, her voice barely audible over the clinking of cups and chatter around us. "I'm listening. But you better have a good plan."