A Theory on Godhood: An Overlord Story

Chapter 51: House Invasion

He awoke when the sun rose, a habit developed over many years. The tide was a soothing wake-up call, but it was nothing in comparison to the light snores of the one next to him. His shining light, his most energetic star. The only one strong and brave enough to make him the best version of himself.

She wore a content smile while she slept, which he mirrored. He couldn't help but caress her hair, reflecting the lifetimes of memories that they shared. They had their fair share of arguments and adventures, but he wouldn't trade it for all the treasures in the world. Not when it came to her, not when it came to his Keyleth.

Rising out of bed, the temptation to sleep in nagged at him as it did every day. And every day, he decided that his rituals were more important. Keyleth and the children would be waiting for him. He did not doubt that whatsoever.

Silencing those thoughts without hesitation, he prepared for the day. A routine was a daily task. It built discipline, self-restraint, focus, perseverance, and, most importantly, a sense of responsibility. Even when he didn't want to do it, he especially had to complete his routine.

How could he teach these things to his children if he didn't do them himself?

The first thing he did was to check up on his son and daughter, taking their light breathing as a sign they were still asleep. That was good. He made his way through the rest of his home, a beautiful handcrafted house that sat on the beach, the tide greeting his eyes every day for the last century.

He reached a room with a wooden bathtub. He filled it with water, taking advantage of the indoor plumbing he had set up with the help of close friends nearly a lifetime ago. He dipped his finger in the water, checking the temperature and coming away dissatisfied.

He hovered a hand over the water, rune circles appearing around his arm. "[Frostbite]."

The surface instantly froze over, and he smashed it with his fist to create a simple ice bath. He undressed and lowered himself in, unfazed by the unnaturally freezing conditions he created.

After about sixty minutes of this, he got out and redressed, taking a look at himself in the mirror. What stared back was a, in his opinion, ruggedly handsome man no older than thirty. He had high cheekbones, a straight nose like a hawk, and stormy gray eyes to match. His body was lean but powerful, a result of his background and decades of honing it to perfection.

As of lately, he was sporting a thick, brown beard. His hair was cut so short that it resembled an Old-World buzzcut. He splashed his face with cold water. A shave was in due order, but not yet.

For now, he wanted to do something else, before his family awoke. Perhaps it was time for a little snack before they had breakfast and began their training for the day.

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A few minutes later...

He was out on the beach, enjoying the way the sand molded around his toes and the waves lapping at his ankles. This was a luxury not even the wealthiest businessmen back home would be able to afford. His family and he had the entire island all to themselves. Those execs would be frothing at the mouths with jealousy.

The sun shone generously on his back, its golden rays peeking out over the equator of the world. It lit the way towards his destination, a reward of fresh tropical fruit to begin his day. Two baskets were in his hands, ready to be filled bountifully.

There were days he didn't want to perform this routine of his since while he enjoyed all the little pleasures of a beachside manor, the siren's call of a soft bed with a beautiful wife was louder than the waves. He had to temper his mind and remain callous to become the best version of himself.