Re:Awakening with Ultimate Power as a Cosmic God

Rin's sandals slapped softly against the uneven stone path as she made her way back toward the imperial palace.

The sky had turned amber, casting long shadows across the street, but her mind was far too distracted to appreciate any of it.

She clenched her jaw, fingers twitching at her sides.

The image of Nova standing so close behind Amari played over and over in her head.

His hand on Amari's arm, his voice soft, his breath brushing her skin—Rin had seen the way Amari's body trembled, the flush on her neck.

Disgusting.

No—unfair. That's what it was.

Rin bit her lip hard.

She shouldn't care. She didn't care.

And yet… she couldn't shake the rising tightness in her chest. What if she had walked in a moment later? What would they have been doing?

What did Amari think was going on between them? That she mattered? That she had a place next to Nova?

Rin scoffed and picked up her pace.

As she reached the market square, the air shifted.

Two people were standing at the far end of the square, arguing quietly—yet even from a distance, Rin noticed something odd.

Their posture was military. Their clothing, sleek and foreign, made from fibers she didn't recognize. Not woven like the fabric common here.

Her eyes narrowed.

They looked like Nova. Or rather, like they came from the same place as him.

She slowed her steps.

One of them—a sharp-eyed woman with a severe braid—saw her and immediately turned. The woman's companion, a taller man with a relaxed expression, followed a step behind.

"Hey."

The woman called out, briskly walking up to Rin and holding out a worn but detailed painting.

It was Nova. Perfectly rendered.

"We're looking for him. He was seen in this area not long ago. Have you seen him?"

She said. Her voice was clipped and urgent.

Rin blinked, then took half a step back. Every instinct screamed danger.

These people weren't friends. They weren't here for a reunion.

They were here to take Nova away.

She glanced at the picture again, then shook her head slowly.

"Yeah. I saw him earlier today. He left town a while ago. Headed west, I think."

The woman's eyes flared with frustration.

"West? That doesn't—"

Before she could finish, her companion gently placed a hand on her mouth, silencing her with an easy smile. He looked at Rin.

"Thanks. That helps a lot."

He said, warm and gracious.

Rin gave a tight nod and walked away without looking back.

Her palms were sweating.

She didn't know who those people were, but if they got to Nova, she doubted any of them would see him again.

She clenched her fists harder.

He was hers to deal with. No one else.

______

As Rin disappeared into the crowd, Anna wrenched Marlik's hand off her mouth with a sharp glare.

"Are you insane? You're too much sometimes. I could've handled that. She knew something."

She snapped, brushing her lips with the back of her hand.

Marlik rolled his eyes, unbothered.

"I know she did. Her tone was off. She was lying."

"Exactly! She was flustered, and she couldn't meet my eyes. I felt it."

Anna hissed.

Marlik shrugged, folding his arms.

"I said I agree with you. She was definitely hiding something. But we couldn't press her harder. She'd have bolted. At least now we know for sure—Nova's around here somewhere."

Anna exhaled slowly and crossed her arms.

"Fine. But the next time you put your hand on my mouth like that—"

"I'll ask first?"

Marlik teased with a smirk.

Anna scowled, but she didn't push the argument further. They had a mission.

They walked side by side, weaving through the village streets. The place was quaint—stone-paved paths, curved rooftops, and market stalls bursting with fruits, spices, and strange glowing stones.

But despite its charm, the stares they drew were undeniable.

"Too flashy. Everyone's looking at us."

Anna muttered, tugging her cloak tighter.

Marlik smirked.

"It's not every day people see royalty walk through their town."

"We're not royalty."

"Maybe not here."

He said with a wink.

Anna groaned.

It didn't take long before the stares turned into whispers. Then whispers turned into steps behind them.

Anna glanced over her shoulder. A group of four men had started trailing them—dirty clothes, unwashed hair, and predatory eyes.

One of them gave a small whistle, and another stepped ahead to intercept them.

"You folks look a little… lost. Looking for someone?"

The man said, smiling without warmth.

Anna and Marlik stopped.

"Maybe."

Anna said slowly.

The man exchanged a glance with his group, then leaned in.

"We might know who you're looking for."

"Oh? Is that so?"

Marlik raised a brow.

"Sure is. Guy in strange clothes, around your age. Sound familiar?"

Anna's pulse spiked.

"Where is he?"

The man grinned, revealing yellow teeth.

"Follow us. He's hiding not too far. We'll take you."

Marlik gave the man a long, unreadable look, then shifted closer to Anna.

"Lead the way."

He said.

Anna blinked at him, but followed.

The group led them into a narrower alley, where the air grew damp and cold. The walls closed in, and the sound of the village faded behind them.

Something was off.

Anna slowed her pace.

The leader glanced back and grinned.

"Right through here."

Marlik suddenly grabbed her wrist.

"Careful."

He whispered under his breath.

Anna's eyes narrowed.

The alley curved around a sharp bend, and once they turned the corner, three more figures were waiting.

Blocking the exit.

Anna clicked her tongue.

"Of course."

The man turned to face them, his grin spreading.

"You see, before we help you, there's a small… payment we'd like. Think of it as a local tax."

Marlik's smile returned, bright and sharp.

"Oh, I love taxes."

Anna sighed and rolled her shoulders.

"Fine," she muttered, reaching for the hilt hidden under her cloak.

"But you should've asked nicely."

The man blinked.

"What—"

Marlik stepped forward, cracking his knuckles.

"Last chance, boys. Lead us to Nova, or we start collecting your taxes."

The scummy group paused. Then one of them lunged.

Bad move.

The man's lunge was wild, full of confidence, but poorly executed. Marlik sidestepped effortlessly and slammed his fist into the guy's stomach. The thug crumpled with a wheeze.

The others hesitated—just for a second—but that was enough.

Anna's blade flashed out, slicing across the arm of a second attacker who tried to grab her. He stumbled back, clutching his wound and cursing.

"Still want to collect your tax?"

She asked coldly.

One of the men tried to run, but Marlik grabbed him by the collar and shoved him into the alley wall.

"We're not in the mood. Talk. Where is the guy you were going to take us to?"

Marlik growled.

The man whimpered, shaking his head.

"We—we made him up! Just wanted to rob you, that's all!"

Anna narrowed her eyes.

"You're lying."

"I swear! No one like that's here, I just said what you wanted to hear!"

The man cried.

Anna stepped closer, blade still drawn.

"You're lucky we don't have time to waste."

Marlik dropped the man and dusted off his hands.

"Come on, Anna. Let's go."

She gave the gang one last look before sheathing her blade.

"Let's find Nova before someone else does."