Barbarian's Path To Multiversal Domination Chapter 7: Family

Grace dragged Dennis along to a vast shopping centre, using him to carry her mountain of purchases. By the end, he was pulling ten bags full of clothes, perfumes, jewellery and even food. She hummed peacefully, striding along as if she didn't have a worry in the world. Meanwhile, Dennis' patience was running low. He had spent hours standing around in that god-forsaken mall...

"Grace, how much more shit do you want to buy?" Dennis raised an eyebrow. 

"Aww, is it too heavy for you?" Grace glanced back.

"The opposite. If your shopping was heavy, I could at least train with it."

"Just a few more stops..." 

She went inside a lingerie shop and started looking for more dresses. She couldn't decide between green or black, looking at Dennis, who was doing pushups on the ground. The people around momentarily glanced at him like a strange zoo animal on the loose before turning back to their shopping. His white tank-top really made his monstrous physique pop out, keeping some of the ladies' looks. 

"Which one do you think would look better on me?" Grace questioned, presenting both sets of lingerie to him.

"They both look good." Dennis didn't even look up and switched to one-armed pushups. 

"... But which is better?"

"The red one," Dennis replied.

"..." Grace chuckled. "I'm not holding a red one."

"The red one." He doubled down.

"... Fine, I'll get a red one."

In a few minutes, Grace swept up the store of all the red outfits her size. Afterwards, she had to join a long queue of well over thirty people while only one person worked as a cashier. Safe to say... she would have to wiat a long time.

After Dennis finished his warm-up, he went to look for Grace and observed the situation.

"Why the fuck is only one person working today?" He questioned.

No one looked at him, looking off into opposite directions or scrolling through their phones. The cashier's heart rate increased ever so slightly. Three minutes later, his patience was running on its last threads.

"Why the fuck are we waiting in line?" Dennis looked at Grace.

"It's the normal thing to do, dummy. It's not Westeros where you can draw Blackfyre and murder everyone who you don't like..." Grace spoke with a whisper. Observing his expression, she chuckled. "I mean... you couuuld. Though, it's a lot more dangerous. It's just a line."

"I killed fucking kings." Dennis chuckled, his eyes glowing a maddened gold. "I made a dragon get tired of breathing fire on me. I killed armies of men... and now you want me to camp here for a few dresses?"

"Have some patience, big guy-"

"Fuck that."

He walked ahead, grabbed a bag, put Grace's clothes inside and walked to the exit. The singular security guard looked at Dennis as the detector was sent off and blinked red. He wasn't taking that fight; that kind of confrontation was way above his pay grade (damn near minimum wage).

"Have a good day." Dennis smiled, waving to him as he left.

"You too." The security guard muttered the first thing that came to mind.

"Alright, Grace. Let's go home..."

"But there's another store I wanted to go to." Grace pouted.

"You can go in your own time." Dennis shrugged. "I was about to strangle everyone in that line... I was this fucking close."

"It's a good thing you didn't," Grace chuckled, grabbing his arm and resting her head on his shoulder. "I wouldn't want my wonderful boyfriend to get thrown into jail over something so stupid."

"Hm..." Dennis looked thoughtful for a moment. "Sometimes, I feel like I don't belong here anymore. Everything in this world pisses me off. Waiting in lines, having to pay for things, not being able to kill whoever... I have to act like someone else every fucking second, or else the entire world will fall down on me."

"This world is weak in the grand scheme of things," Grace remarked, smiling reassuringly. "It will not be long until you can turn it upside down if you wish. Just be a little patient, hm?"

"I'm not normal anymore." Dennis looked down, watching his hands, which flashed with blood. He thought of everyone he had slaughtered... and how he relished it. "Since that first battle, I could never go back to being some business student, boxer or anything pointless like that. I'm a warrior. The only place I belong is on a battlefield."

"No, that isn't the only place you belong." Grace grabbed his hands, placing hers on top of his and grasping them tightly. Her sparkling emerald eyes looked into his. "You belong with me, Dennis. I chose you as my sword and shield - Home is wherever we are together; it doesn't matter what world it is."

"What do you mean that you chose me?"

"Isn't it a great coincidence that we both have complementary powers? When I became Queen and gained all of my abilities, I could choose a champion—and I chose you." Grace smiled, shrugging her shoulders. "I have no idea what greater being thought that it would be a brilliant idea, but here we are... Warrior and Queen."

"So that's how it is..." Dennis said, not giving it much thought. He was glad that she had chosen him. If she hadn't, he'd still be living that same dull old life. "So I get the muscles and you get to choose where to drop me in?"

"-And I'm the loving voice of reason, of course." Grace chuckled. "Could you imagine our relationship if I weren't so affectionate? It would be over before it began... actually, it wouldn't begin in the first place. You're a terribly difficult catch. Also, your diplomatic capabilities are laughably awful."

"Mhm.." Dennis smiled, raising one handful of bags. "So... what's the big occasion for all this shit?"

"I'm planning to have you meet my parents."

"You're what?" 

~

There Dennis sat, at the decently large dinner table of fancy folk beside Grace. This was the one super rare occasion he genuinely looked what modern people would describe as ‘smart’. He wore a dashing three piece dark grey suit, with black pants to match. His tie was knotted perfectly and his hair was brushed neatly. If it were not for his bulging physique, one might easily mistake him for a softer man.

William, Grace’s father couldn't quite stop taking glances at Dennis - observing every second he breathed with critique. As for her mother, she was a bit more approving. Grace was the middle sister of three, being two years removed from the oldest and five years older than the youngest. 

“So, Dennis… what do you do for a living?” William questioned, staring daggers at him. “Or do you go to school still? You're nineteen, after all.”

“Nah, I don't go to college anymore. It's just not for me.”

“So what do you do?”

“Boxing.” Dennis replied simply. “I'm a fighter.”

“How much do you make per year… boxing?”

“My coach buys me chicken and chips from time to time. Other than that, nah. I don't make a penny. I'm still an amateur.”

William’s face twisted continuously for several seconds before he broke out a laugh. Dennis’ blunt, nonchalant, way of speaking definitely conflicted with William’s stern personality. “So if my daughter wasn't keeping you afloat, you'd be nothing more than a homeless man with boxing gloves?”

“I live with my family… so I'd still have a home.”

“Grace…” William turned to his daughter. “Really? This is the kind of man you want? Bloody hell, he's still living with his parents. He wouldn't survive a month on his own.”

“This is why I can't be asked to come back here.” Grace rolled her eyes. “I don't care about money. I have plenty enough of it.”

“Not just money, no. That glorified hooligan has no class either. Look at how he eats and drinks-”

Dennis grabbed a turkey leg and snapped it off, munching on the meat loudly as if to prove his point intentionally.

“He's practically an animal.”

“Dear, I'm sure Grace has her reasons…” Justina, Grace’s mom countered.

“Grace definitely does. Look at her himbo boyfriend’s muscles. I bet he’s packing downstairs too…”

Camilla, Grace’s older sister added. She looked similar to Grace, only she wore her blonde hair on a ponytail and was noticeably less beautiful. She looked ordinary compared to her… but would no doubt stand out in a crowd.

“Don't be jealous, big sis.”

“What the fuck is a himbo?” Dennis raised an eyebrow, breaking his silence.

“A very intelligent, handsome young man. Mostly handsome.” Camilla chuckled, eyeing Dennis. “Very handsome…”

“I know you're a slut but there's no shot you're flirting with my man.” Grace raised an eyebrow. “Hop off.”

“Grace, Camilla…” William sighed, shaking his head. “Do you both act this way to stress me every waking hour of the day? Why can't you be normal women? The men you choose… they won't stay around. They might look attractive and make you feel good for a time, but they have no true quality. They'll leave you high and dry whenever they choose.”

“Not only that, but these lower class men are bringing you down to their level. I didn't work this hard for you both to end up miserable, wasted and used.”

Grace tugged on Dennis’ sleeve and whispered. “This is where you stand up for me, pookie bear.”

“You could shit talk me all day, Sir William… I couldn't care less.” Dennis returned William’s gaze. “But Grace? She's my woman, you dolboyob. I wouldn't leave her for anything in the world. So you can take the dick out of your ass and stop trying to make me look like someone I'm not. Or not… it doesn't matter. She’ll still call me daddy.”

“Oh, Dennis, not at the family table…” Grace acted embarrassed, blushing.

“Russian cunt.” William cursed, frowning. “Go back to your country. Fuck off to Ukraine and die in some ditch.”

“...” Dennis chuckled, trying to keep his madness in check. It was becoming supremely difficult.

“Get out of my house.”

“Dear…” Justina shook her head. “It's clear that they love each other. Perhaps you're mistaken-”

“Shut up!” 

William slammed the table before chugging on alcohol. Dennis glanced at Grace before her father began shouting at him.

“GET OUT OF MY HOUSE!”

“Let's not do that…” Grace chuckled. “Dad, you're totally overreacting. Calm down. Dennis is a good guy-”

“At this point, you'll end up like Camilla. A fucking… whore!”

“Shut the fuck up, BLYAT!” 

Dennis slammed the table and smashed into it, snapping two of its legs from the sheer force. He removed his hand from the sizeable hole he had made, watching the food tilt over. As he slowly stood up, William felt the courage he once had fade away.

“Holy shit…” Camilla gasped. “Did he just breaks the table and throw it into the wall?”

Grace chuckled. ‘If only you knew.’

“Who the fuck do you think you are?” Dennis grabbed the table with both hands and tossed it to the side, smashing it against the wall. “WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?”

He stepped up to William, towering over the chubby man. His left hand rose up, grasping his neck and lifting him up with hardly any effort. By now, William was scared shitless. His pants had darkened and gotten wet as a fresh stream of piss flowed out. 

“Answer me…” Dennis spoke, almost too calmly as his grip tightened.

Snap.

Dennis’ eyes widened as he realised that he had used too much strength. He let go, dropping William to the ground. He stepped back, watching his wife come to his side.

“Oh goodness, he's still breathing… call 999!”

Grace stood up from her seat, looking at Dennis. She took out her phone and called 999. After a quick and precise phone call, an ambulance was sent off and Grace took Dennis to her room.

“He's still your family…” He frowned, shaking his head. “I shouldn't have-”

“It's alright. He was being a dickhead and a half anyways.” Grace gave him a reassuring smile. “He might have to wear a neck brace for a while but maybe that'll teach him a valuable lesson.”

“You don't like your father?”

“Breaking news.” Grace chuckled. “He's a prick. All he ever wanted was a son but he got three daughters instead. That didn't stop him from turning this house into a military camp with a mountain of rules. I always wanted to slap him myself.”

“... I see.” Dennis nodded, sitting down on her bed. “My dad taught me what it means to be a man. Plumbing, driving, construction, fixing cars, fighting, butchering, chopping trees… I learned a lot of things from him.”

“Your dad sounds like a good man. Maybe I should've gone to your family dinner instead.”

“They're on vacation still.” Dennis smiled. “But after… sure. The only thing they might not like is you being English.”

“So I'm not the only one with a slightly racist household.”

“Everyone has their bias, I guess.” Dennis shrugged. “My parents always wanted me to get with a Russian girl but there aren't that many here.”

“What was the first animal you butchered?” Grace questioned with a curious and amused tone, changing the subject.

“This big, fat, pig called Anna.” Dennis chuckled. “She was delicious and had enough meat to last days.”

“Yeah, I bet you ate all day long.” Grace chuckled.

“You know… I get where your dad is coming from. I’d want a son too, if I ever had any kids.” Dennis remarked, thinking of the incident from before. “Daughters are too much trouble.”

“Yeah… except his whole lecture was for my big sister, not me. Nothing in the universe could ever separate me from you, Dennis. How could I be a slut with a grand body count of one?” Grace chuckled. “Ridiculous. I might be a bit horny-”

“A bit?” Dennis raised an eyebrow.

“Okay, maybe more than a bit.” Grace sat down beside him and rested her head on his shoulder. “What I meant to say is I might be a nympho… but I'm your nympho~”

“What the fuck is a nympho?” Dennis blinked. “Fancy word for whore or what?”

“Jesus, Dennis. Grab a dictionary someday and read through it.” Grace chuckled. “The definition is a woman with strong sexual desires. A whore is someone who gets paid to have sex - a prostitute. You don't have anything to pay me with.”

Grace laughed and Dennis did too, taking the joke well.

“Fair enough.” He smiled, looking around the room. “So, is your dad right about your older sister?”

“Yeah, she's a slut, alright. She has more kinks than fingers. I’m talking scissoring, BDSM, cucking her partners, gangbangs, roleplaying as a dog and recently she picked up the whole queen of spades thing. Got the tattoo and everything. I honestly wouldn't even be surprised if she moved to fucking dogs and horses.”

“Queen of spades?”

“Her crazy fetish for black guys.” Grace chuckled. “She probably has a hard on for that because it's exactly what my dad would hate.”

“She makes you look like an angel.” Dennis remarked. 

“What do you mean?” She pouted. “I've always been an angel~”

“Yeah right.” Dennis chuckled.

“What about your big sister?”

“She's like a tiger, just like my mom. I don't think she'll ever find a man because she scares them all away.”

“So she's like a girl version of you?” 

“Yeah, pretty much. My dad raised her like a man which is why she probably has more balls than most men.”

“Huh… she's your only sibling, right?”

“Yeah, my mom struggled getting me out so she didn't want to risk another kid. I always wanted a little brother, though.” Dennis shrugged. “Can't have everything in life.”

“I could always give you a son.”

Dennis looked at Grace, who didn't shy away from his gaze. A moment of silence washed over them.

“I don't know about being a dad.” Dennis shook his head, breaking the silence. “With my new power… I can barely control myself. I'd be terrible at it.”

“That's why I'm here, Dennis.” Grace raised her hand and gently touched the side of his face. Her touch was smooth as silk. “You only need to have the desire… and I'll take care of everything.”

“... No. Not as I am now.” 

“That's fine.” Grace embraced him, an ocean of warmth calming the demon’s heart. “Your Madness Enhancement will only grow stronger and more possessing with time - until you come full circle and master it. Then you will have absurd strength… and an insane yet rational way of thinking.”

“Insane yet rational?”

“Yes… like frozen fire.”

“Hmm…

They ended up passionately snogging for a long while before Dennis pulled her down beneath him. 

“Let's get you out of that fancy suit, big guy.”

“And you out of that fancy red dress…”

Rip.

They proceeded to have a rigorous mating session, where Grace shamelessly screamed out for the entire house to hear. After several hours of dancing, they decided to take a break.

“Is it me… or are you stronger?” Dennis remarked, putting on his shirt and boxers.

“Was it your intention to break me in?” Grace smiled.

“I'm sure any ordinary girl would be in pieces by now.”

“I'm not an ordinary girl, though.” She placed a finger on his lip before kissing him. “Not at all…”

“Sounds like you want to go again.”

“I could never get tired of your wonderful member.”

“Hmph.” Dennis chuckled. “That's enough for one day. I've been wondering about your other sister.”

“You want a threesome with my little sister now?” Grace blinked, grinning seductively. 

“When did I ever say that?” Dennis tilted his head. “Just curious. Is she like Camilla too?”

“She is the real angel between the three of us.” Grace smiled. “My little sweetheart, I love her to bits… she's really the only reason I bother coming here.”

“Where is she, then?”

“Hiding away in her cave.” Grace sighed, shaking her head. “She's not exactly a social butterfly like me. That girl doesn't leave her room unless she absolutely has to. She also has some quirks, like she's huge on metal and rock music. Liz always dyes her hair black and everything in her room is pretty much black. She's basically a soft goth who's more than addicted to her PC.”

“A gamer, huh?”

“Yeah. She spends all of her spare time on that stuff. If she didn't have school, I bet she wouldn't even leave her room.”

“Doesn't sound healthy to me.” Dennis shrugged. “Maybe we could take her for a run.”

“... Good luck.” Grace chuckled. 

Dennis put his suit back on and went inside of Elizabeth’s room, which was everything he imagined. Messy, black and full of wires. She sat on a gaming chair with three monitors and a full PC setup. Every computer peripheral in the room was top class. She was living some people’s dream.

The only source of light was the white flash of her monitors as she played a game Dennis didn't recognize. He was a complete boomer to gaming… anything that wasn't related to fighting, really.

“She doesn't hear anything with those big headphones.” Grace chuckled, tapping her sister's shoulder.

She paused the game, turning around and taking off her headphones.

“What do you want?”

“Don't snap at me, Liz.” Grace smiled.

Elizabeth glanced to the side and saw Dennis. “Is that the guy who made you moan like a pornstar and shook the whole house?”

“... Yeah, that sums it up. He's Dennis, my boyfriend.”

“Good for you.” She put her headphones back on and turned around. “I'm busy. Come back later.”

“...” Grace glanced at Dennis who chuckled. “I have an idea. You've been itching for a fight, right? Also, something about wanting to learn how to fight properly..."

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“This game is perfect…”

She snapped her fingers, and Dennis vanished someplace else… appearing in Elizabeth’s game.

...

Dennis stood surrounded by standard Borgia guards, their simple swords pointed at him. There were seven of them. He realised the situation immediately and didn't say anything, drawing the sword at his side - the mighty Blackfyre. 

One of the guards attacked him, moving almost in slow motion. Dennis blocked the attack and headbutted the guard - dazing him. He then sliced his head right off. 

Another struck, and Dennis responded with a powerful block that sent the guard's sword flying several feet into the air. He slaughtered that one too. 

The guards continued to attack him one by one, as if they were lining up to die. Dennis dispatched all seven of them with ease, not even being hit once. After freeing himself from the sudden confrontation, he took the time to look around. 

He was in Renaissance Rome...

The game Elizabeth had been playing... he was inside of it.

He turned to the side, noticing a figure clad in black-red assassin armour running towards him. Before he knew it, he was stuck in an animation - kneeling before the figure. 

"Assassin!" Dennis found himself opening his mouth and a strange voice coming out. It wasn't his, for sure. 'What's the fuck is this...'

"The liberation of Roma has begun. If you choose to flee, do so now, but if you choose to fight, stand with me against the Borgia." Ezio Auditore offered his hand, and Dennis took it - still stuck in an animation. 

'Nah what is this bruddha waffling about...'

"I am tired of hiding in the shadows; I will join you," Dennis spoke out, though they still weren't his words.

"Then seek Niccolo Machiavelli on Isola Tiberina, and we will make you one of us. Their lies will no longer mask your truth."

And so, Dennis found himself becoming an Assassin of the Brotherhood...

However, instead of an insertion into a book... he was now a very peculiar glitch in Elizabeth's game.

Where will this path lead him?

Find out in the next chapter...