He Who Fights with Monsters 11 (He Who Fights with Monsters, #11)

by Shirtaloon

“Still doesn’t change what we have to do,” Colin said. “We fight, we win, we eat what’s left. Oh, don’t look at me like that; there aren’t any vegans here.”

Gordon’s orbs flashed a sequence that pointed out that Colin belonged to a species that devoured every living thing on entire planets, suggesting he was incapable of having a full stomach. “That’s a good point,” Jason said as Colin glared at Gordon. “Do you even have a stomach?” “Do you not remember when I ate that world-taker worm queen?” Colin complained. “It took me weeks to sleep that meal off.” “Ooh, you’re right,” Jason conceded. “He’s got you there, Gordon.” Gordon flashed more lights in response and Colin jabbed a finger in his direction. “I do not look fat!”

Yes, it would be more practical, but the thing about good and evil is that no one ever chooses evil. They choose selfishness or prejudice or easy answers over hard truths. They choose the expedient path, even if it means getting their hands a little dirty because they can make up for it later, right? Sometimes getting your hands dirty is what it takes. The ends justify the means.”

The temptation doesn’t come with a choice between right and wrong. It comes with a choice between right and easy.”

“Good. Now just try and look like you know what you’re doing.” “I don’t know what I’m doing.” “Which is when looking like you do is most important.”

“I’m a gold-ranker and you’re a silver-ranker. I’m meant to be the one giving orders.” “That’s normally how it works, yes.” “If I tell you to do something, will you?” “Probably not. I’m busy with this.” “Is your entire team like this?” “No, we have one guy who does what he’s told. By his mother.”

She frowned but put her fingers around Clive’s throbbing shaft. “I don’t like this sensation,” she said. “You’ll get used to it,” Clive assured her. “I’ve found that most people come to enjoy how it feels. I think it’s the girth that puts them off at first.” “I can handle the girth. I’m just not comfortable with it throbbing in my hand like this.” “Even so, you should just use your hand until you know what you’re doing. Use both hands if you prefer.” “I think you may be overestimating the length. What even is it?”

Clive let a groan out over voice chat. “In case you haven’t noticed,” Clive said, “we’re in the middle of a battle.” “Thank you, Clive,” Humphrey said. “That’s why,” Clive continued, “I’ll tell you who’s been doing it, Neil, on the condition that you don’t make a stink about it until after the battle.” “Fine,” Neil said. “That was a little too quick,” Belinda said. “He’s definitely going to make a stink.” “Okay, I get it,” Neil said. “I won’t seek revenge until after the fighting is done. Just tell me who it is.” “I don’t know if I should now,” Clive said. “Just tell me!” Neil snarled. “Fine,” Clive said, his tone reluctant. “It was my wife.” “Oh, you son of a⁠—”

“It’s your purpose because you love doing it and you’re good at it. Because it’s building the future instead of holding on to a past that will slip through our fingers, whatever we might do to stop it. You once told me that helping people learn from your mistakes was more fulfilling than the fear of making the next one.”

Gary couldn’t place the memory; it could have been any of a thousand days and he realised that was the point. There were too many good times to remember them all.

He’s born for greatness, in a place where greatness will be sorely needed.” “And if he doesn’t live up to that greatness?” “Then guide him to happiness. I suggest that be the priority, in fact, and fit in greatness if you can. A life doesn’t have to be exceptional to be worthwhile.”