Re:Awakening with Ultimate Power as a Cosmic God
Chapter 73: Ch 73: The Curse - Part 1

Chapter 73: Ch 73: The Curse - Part 1

The emergency meeting is called before the dust from the battlefield has even settled.

The sound of alarm bells echoes across the city, drawing soldiers and priests into immediate action.

Malrik meets Nova and Anna just outside the edge of the forest, his face unusually tight. He wastes no time.

"We’re heading to the palace. Now."

He says.

Nova gives a small nod and begins walking without another word.

Anna follows close behind, eyes darting from face to face, sensing the tension that seems to ripple through the very air of Callex.

By the time they reach the royal palace, the entire court is in an uproar.

Guards are stationed at every doorway, their hands on their weapons, and attendants run back and forth like scattered ants.

The scent of incense burns sharp in the air, but it cannot cover the nervous energy crawling along the walls.

The great doors to the council chamber open, and Queen Eleysa stands at the center of it all, her flowing garments rumpled as if she had dressed in haste.

Around her, members of the high council shout over each other, their voices tangled in fear and confusion.

"That thing wasn’t a monster!"

"It had no aether signature—how did it even exist?!"

"It was corruption—like the old prophecies!"

"Is the god punishing us?"

Queen Eleysa raises a hand, and the room immediately goes quiet.

"We do not yet understand what we are facing. But one thing is clear—whatever this is, it threatens Callex at its very core."

She says coolly, her voice cutting through the noise. She turns, her eyes scanning the room until they fall on Nova.

"You. Stay by my side."

The demand is clear. Her voice leaves no room for debate.

Nova arches a brow.

"And why would I do that?"

The queen folds her arms across her chest.

"Because I do not trust you. But I know we need you. Your power is undeniable. Whether or not I like it, the gods chose you. And I will not cast aside what may be our only hope."

Nova doesn’t answer immediately. Anna shifts beside him and leans in.

"Nova. I don’t think this is a good idea. She’s dangerous."

She whispers.

Nova’s eyes meet Anna’s, and there’s a strange quiet in them—too calm. He turns his face back to the queen.

"That’s exactly why I’ll do it."

Anna’s lips part, but no words come. Jealousy bubbles up in her chest, bitter and hot, but she swallows it back.

She knows this is strategic. Nova’s not the kind of person to get caught in someone’s trap easily.

But it still makes her stomach twist to see him willingly step closer to a woman like Eleysa.

Queen Eleysa gives him a cold nod of approval.

"Good."

The council murmurs amongst themselves, not all of them pleased. One of the older priests stands up.

"Your Majesty, is it truly wise to put our trust in an outsider? Especially one who has not yet proven his loyalty?"

Malrik speaks up from behind Nova.

"He’s already done more in one day than half the fools in this room."

Nova doesn’t bother looking back.

"If I wanted to hurt your queen, your city, or your god, I would’ve done it already."

A heavy silence follows.

Eleysa gives a small smile.

"That settles it."

She gestures toward the seat beside her throne.

"From now on, you will remain within the palace. You’ll be given full access to our archives and inner sanctum. You will assist in all military and strategic meetings. And, you will be watched."

She pauses, looking directly at Nova.

Nova shrugs.

"Fair enough."

Anna clenches her fists.

"I’ll stay with him."

Queen Eleysa looks amused.

"And who are you?"

"I’m his partner. I won’t let him face this alone."

Anna says, trying to keep her voice steady.

Nova raises an eyebrow at her, not expecting the outburst.

But the queen only laughs.

"Cute. But this isn’t about what you want. It’s about what Callex needs. And right now, I need him. You’re free to stay in the city. You’ll be taken care of. But you won’t follow us into the high chambers."

Anna opens her mouth to protest, but Nova puts a hand on her shoulder.

"It’s fine."

"Nova—"

"I’ll be careful. This is the best chance we’ve had to get close to the truth."

He says, voice low.

Anna stares at him, jaw clenched. She doesn’t like it. She hates it. But she nods. Because this is who Nova is. Always chasing after the center of the storm.

She just hopes he doesn’t get swept up in it.

______

The moment the meeting reaches its peak of tension, Queen Eleysa lifts a single hand. The room falls silent.

Her golden eyes sweep across the nervous faces of the council members, lips curling in irritation.

"If all you have left to offer me is complaints, then do something actually worth your time. Or I’ll find better men who can."

She says, voice sharp as a blade.

A heavy pause follows, and the warning in her voice settles like a stormcloud overhead. The council members pale.

They exchange hesitant glances, realizing the queen’s patience has run out. None of them are brave—or foolish—enough to test her twice.

They bow quickly, murmuring their excuses and pledging to carry out her ’will.’

The priests are no different. They follow the council’s lead, but not before the High Priest lingers for a moment longer, his face stiff with barely concealed disdain.

As he turns to leave, his gaze lands on Nova. A cold, hard glare. Nova meets it without blinking, his expression calm, unreadable.

Once the last of them have left the chamber, the massive doors shut behind them with a final, echoing thud.

Queen Eleysa exhales and slumps into her throne with far less grace than before, her back leaning lazily against the curved seat.

The moment the audience ends, her rigid posture drops. She rolls her shoulders once, then looks toward Nova.

"Well. That was exhausting. But necessary."

Her lips pull into a slow smile.

Nova doesn’t respond, only watches her in silence.

The queen tilts her head, clearly amused.

"You intrigue me, outsider. You don’t beg. You don’t flatter. You don’t even look nervous—despite standing in a place that could bury you with a whisper."

Nova stays quiet, and Eleysa lets the silence stretch before continuing.

"As long as you cooperate with me, I’ll give you more freedom than you can imagine. Information, access, protection—whatever you want. I don’t mind offering a long leash... as long as the dog knows when not to bite."

Nova’s gaze narrows, but she doesn’t stop.

"However, there are places you must not go. Restricted grounds. Locked archives. Sacred quarters. If you know what’s good for you, you’ll stay far from them."

She says, her voice dropping lower,

"I don’t take kindly to threats."

Nova says quietly.

"And I don’t offer second warnings. But I do reward loyalty. Choose wisely, Nova."

The queen replies, just as calm.

Nova doesn’t respond immediately. Instead, he studies her—the effortless authority, the confidence bordering on arrogance, the glint in her eyes that hinted at something more dangerous beneath.

Finally, he offers a faint, unreadable smile.

"I’ll keep that in mind. As long as you do the same, Your Majesty."

He says.