Re:Awakening with Ultimate Power as a Cosmic God
Chapter 69: Ch 69: Prelude to hunt - Part 1

Chapter 69: Ch 69: Prelude to hunt - Part 1

Anna stirred under the thin blanket, blinking slowly against the morning light leaking through the gaps in the wall.

Her limbs felt heavy, but the absence of warmth beside her made her sit up. Her eyes landed on Nova, seated across the room with his legs crossed, elbows on the wooden table.

His fingers moved lazily through his system screen as lines of data and strange glyphs hovered midair in front of him. Aether flickered subtly around his fingertips.

She sat up straighter and rubbed her eyes, trying to make herself look presentable.

"How’s our progress?"

She asked, her voice still thick with sleep.

Nova didn’t turn to look at her.

"Nothing significant yet. Nyx is still trying to narrow down the exact location of the core. But the interference across the region makes it impossible to get a clear signal."

He replied calmly.

Anna let out a sigh and swung her legs over the side of the bed.

"This place really is a mess."

She muttered, then stood up to stretch, trying to ignore the heat creeping onto her cheeks as her memories from the night before rushed in.

The way she had curled into Nova’s chest, how easily sleep had come to her...

Nova glanced at her, then back at his screen.

"Don’t lose sleep over it."

"I’m not."

She shot back quickly, a bit too defensive. But as her thoughts trailed back to her nightmare, her flushed face gave her away.

She cleared her throat and muttered something about fresh air before following Nova out.

Downstairs, the smell of boiled grain and stale herbs hung in the air.

The common dining space was mostly empty except for a few other residents eating quietly at the wooden tables.

The worker from the night before spotted them immediately. Her face lit up with a too-wide grin as she bustled over.

"Well, well. You two look much better today! Glad to see you’ve made up."

She chirped, placing two bowls on their table without being asked.

Anna opened her mouth to deny it, but nothing came out. She glanced at Nova, who was stirring the food in his bowl like he hadn’t even heard the woman.

His lack of reaction only made her flush harder, and she lowered her gaze quickly.

The worker lingered for a few more seconds, her smile dimming.

"Still, it’s not all good. Things aren’t right in the city."

She said, her voice dropping slightly.

Anna’s spine stiffened.

Nova finally looked up, arching an eyebrow.

The woman leaned in just a little.

"People are disappearing. Every few nights, someone goes missing. We try not to talk about it, but it’s getting worse. Just last week, a whole family vanished from sector four. No signs, no warnings."

Anna’s stomach twisted.

She forced her features to remain neutral, but her mind flashed back to the bodies sprawled across their floor. Her hands clenched in her lap.

’Did someone already notice? Did we leave traces?’

Nova’s expression, however, remained unreadable. He took another bite of his food, slow and deliberate.

"The guards say anything?"

"They give excuses. Say it’s rebels, deserters, or sickness. But I don’t believe it. Something’s wrong, something deeper. And... this place. It wasn’t always like this. Callex used to be full of light. The gods... they used to feel closer."

The woman said, voice low.

Anna forced herself to nod sympathetically.

"That’s... awful."

The woman sighed.

"I’m just glad you two are safe. Stay that way, alright?"

Nova gave her a small nod, and she finally moved on to serve another table.

Anna turned toward Nova once they were alone again, whispering sharply.

"Do you think she knows?"

Nova didn’t answer immediately. He finished his bite and set the spoon down.

"She suspects. But not about us."

Anna exhaled slowly, letting herself relax an inch.

"But she’s right. Something’s pulling this city apart from the inside."

Nova added, almost to himself.

Anna looked around. The dining hall, the walls, the low whispers—it all felt fragile. A city barely holding itself together.

She reached for her bowl again and asked quietly.

"Do you think it’s the core?"

Nova’s eyes flicked to hers.

"It’s reacting. That’s all I know. And if it’s reacting, then the game has already started. We’ll find it soon."

He leaned back in his seat.

Anna didn’t answer. Instead, she stared down at her food, trying to chase away the chill that ran down her spine.

Malrik showed up just as the two of them finished their breakfast.

He was in full gear today—his coat slightly rumpled from the early morning rush, twin blades slung casually over his back, and his hair still damp from a wash.

He gave Anna and Nova a cheerful wave before dropping into the seat next to them.

"You two ready? The hunting team is gathering near the south gates. The queen wants a good show today."

He asked, eyes flicking between them.

Nova nodded, standing up easily.

"I’m ready."

Malrik’s gaze turned to Anna, who was still holding her spoon. "

You too, Anna."

She blinked at him.

"Me?"

"Yes, you."

Malrik said, clearly amused.

Anna set the spoon down slowly.

"But I’d just be useless out there. I can’t fight, and I’d just slow you down. It’s probably better if I stay back."

Malrik rolled his eyes and leaned in.

"You keep saying that like being useless is a permanent state. It’s not. But if you avoid every chance to improve, then yeah, you’ll stay a burden."

She frowned at him, but Malrik’s tone wasn’t mocking—just honest.

"And besides, you’ll be easier to keep an eye on if you’re with us. One less thing for Nova to worry about."

He added with a smirk,

Anna looked at Nova then, uncertain. Nova, as usual, gave nothing away with his expression. But he didn’t object.

She sighed.

"Fine. I’ll come. But don’t expect me to slay any monsters."

Malrik grinned.

"Wouldn’t dream of it. Just try not to get eaten."

Anna narrowed her eyes at him, but there was no real bite to it.

"Meet us outside in fifteen. Bring water, and wear something you don’t mind ruining."

Malrik said as he stood.

Then he was gone, heading out the front door with his usual confident stride.

Anna groaned, leaning back in her chair.

"I hate him."

Nova didn’t look up from adjusting the straps on his boots.

"I’m sure you do. But don’t forget that he’s helping us...for now."

Anna muttered something under her breath, but she got up and followed Nova out anyway.

Anna jogged up the stairs behind Nova, still grumbling to herself.

"Why does he always have to be so smug about everything? And what problem does he have with me specifically?"

She mumbled, yanking open the door to their room and heading for the closet.

Nova glanced over at her.

"Don’t let him get to you."

That shut her up. She glared at his back for a second before sighing and yanking a simple shirt and utility pants from her bag.

"Fine. Whatever."

By the time they returned outside, Malrik was already waiting with two horses and a small pack of supplies slung over his shoulder.

"Nice of you to join us. For camouflage. You scream ’civilian.’"

He said brightly, tossing Anna a tied-up cloak.

Anna caught it awkwardly and narrowed her eyes at him again.

"I really do hate you."

Malrik just grinned.

"Good for you because I’m trouble. You have strong instincts to hate me."

Then he turned and led the way out.