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"The AI gave you a coupon for a free massage?" Mordecai echoed. He looked really confused for someone who's known about Carl's …situationship with the AI since the beginning. Mordecai put a hand on Carl's forearm. "Son, it sounds like even the AI is telling you to relax a little. Don't you think you should listen?"
Carl gave Mordecai a look from the corner of his eye. He said, "It probably just wants to get its hands on me again."
Mordecai blinked. "Again?"
"So what if it can stop time? I don't have a single second to waste in this hellhole dungeon," Carl continued. He didn't care who heard him. He wasn't here for fun, he was here because of some sadistic corporate bastards. "As long as I'm here, I'll never be able to relax."
Mordecai glanced at the ceiling. "Someone might take that as a challenge."
Carl snorted. "Let someone take that however it wants." He would love for the System AI to try to force him to relax.
Mordecai shook his head. "Anyone ever tell you you're crazy?"
"Every damn day," Carl said and smiled.
"You ain't supposed to smile when someone calls you crazy, Carl," Mordecai mumbled.