Re:Awakening with Ultimate Power as a Cosmic God

The pair walked out of the alley, shadows clinging to their backs like a second skin. Anna glanced over her shoulder, still tense from the ambush.

Marlik stopped her with a hand on her arm.

"We're being followed."

He said quietly.

Anna didn't flinch.

"How many?"

"Just one. But careful. He's light on his feet."

Marlik murmured.

Before Anna could ask more, a figure stepped out in front of them with an awkward wave and a nervous smile.

"Wait! Don't attack—I mean no harm!"

The man stammered.

He was young, maybe in his early twenties, with a smooth, untouched face and clothes made from richly dyed fabric. His cloak was lined with fine stitching, and his shoes had never touched dirt until today. Definitely someone with money.

"You two, your skills… they're amazing. That alley fight—clean, fast, deadly. Are you part of a faction yet?"

He said, trying to gather his composure.

Anna and Marlik shared a quick glance. Marlik's hand hovered near his weapon, but Anna relaxed slightly. This one wasn't a threat—at least not a physical one.

"We're new here. Haven't had time to look into employment yet."

Anna answered, brushing imaginary dust off her sleeve.

The man's eyes lit up.

"Perfect. Then you're in luck. I have an opportunity most would die for. Literally."

Marlik raised an eyebrow.

"Which is?"

The man stepped closer, lowering his voice.

"To serve the royal family."

That made Anna pause. She and Marlik exchanged a long, silent look—calculating.

"We don't even know your name."

She said finally.

"Oh—how rude of me! I'm Elric. Minor noble. I handle acquisition and scouting tasks for the imperial guard. We're always on the lookout for skilled individuals."

He smiled, clearly proud of himself.

"Why approach us like this? We're strangers. Could've been thieves or worse."

Marlik asked.

Elric shrugged.

"I took a chance. I've got an eye for talent, and you two… you're rare."

Anna narrowed her eyes.

"And what would serving the royal family mean, exactly?"

"Training, resources, and—if you're lucky—access to the inner court. You'd be starting at the bottom, of course, but I can vouch for you."

Elric said smoothly.

The way he said access made Anna curious. If they could get inside the palace, it would put them closer to Nova—and perhaps explain what kind of world he'd landed in.

"Fine. Take us there."

She said at last.

Elric beamed.

"You won't regret this. Follow me—I'll escort you personally."

As they followed Elric through the twisting roads leading to the heart of the city, Anna leaned toward Marlik.

"This might be our best shot."

"Or the worst trap. We'll find out soon."

He replied under his breath.

As they continued behind Elric, the noise of the city slowly dulled into a formal hush.

The cobbled streets gave way to smooth white stone, lined with orderly gardens and meticulously pruned trees.

The common crowd thinned, replaced by servants in uniform and soldiers in ceremonial armor.

Anna noticed the subtle shift in atmosphere—the air here was heavier, colder, but also clearer. The palace was near.

Elric glanced back at them.

"Don't be too tense. You'll be tested, of course, but I'll make sure they see your potential."

Marlik snorted under his breath.

"We're not circus animals."

Elric ignored the remark, instead pointing to the looming structure in front of them.

"That's the south wing. You'll be evaluated there first."

The palace itself rose like a monument to pride and power—sleek towers of white stone with accents of gold and blue.

Anna kept her expression composed, but her eyes roamed across every guard tower, every patrol. If Nova had made a stir here, there was no way the royal family didn't know about it.

She leaned toward Elric as they passed under an archway.

"What exactly do you want us to do once we're accepted?"

Elric hesitated for a beat.

"That depends. They'll test your loyalty, your skills… then place you where you fit best. It's not always glamorous, but if you're good, you'll rise."

Anna frowned.

"And what if we're not loyal?"

Elric smiled thinly.

"Then you won't last long."

They passed a group of nobles chatting beside a fountain. One of them gave Anna a sharp look, eyeing her clothes and posture.

Marlik stiffened, catching it too, but neither of them responded. It was too soon to draw swords in a place like this.

Finally, Elric led them into a smaller hall lined with silver inlays and banners bearing the imperial crest.

"Wait here. I'll send someone to collect you."

He said.

As Elric vanished, Marlik leaned on the wall.

"This place reeks of politics."

Anna nodded.

"Keep your eyes open. If Nova really is here, someone's watching him. We'll need to figure out who—and why."

Marlik tilted his head.

"You think he's in danger?"

Anna's voice lowered.

"If he's caught the attention of this many people… then yes. But I'm more worried about what he will do to this place or this world."

As they stepped deeper into the royal palace, Anna suddenly paused mid-step. Her nose crinkled.

"What is that smell?"

Marlik coughed, waving a hand in front of his face.

"It reeks in here."

It wasn't physical—no rot or sweat. It was the aether.

Thick and foul, like something old trying to wear the skin of the living. The pressure of it dragged against their thoughts, clinging to their bones like cobwebs.

Elric, walking a few paces ahead, glanced back with a mild smile.

"You'll get used to it. The royal halls are layered with blessing seals and protection enchantments. Some people are just... sensitive."

Anna exchanged a look with Malrik, her expression tight. He grunted.

"Sensitive? This aether's not protecting anyone. It's trying to control us."

Still, they followed him into a massive receiving hall where a man dressed in flowing robes stood before a long table, surrounded by attendants. The noble's gaze swept over them.

"I am Lord Silas. Elric tells me you're unaffiliated. I will offer you both a place under me. Serve the palace well, and you'll be rewarded beyond your station."

He announced.

Anna narrowed her eyes.

"We'll have to decline."

Marlik nodded.

"This place smells like poison."

Silas's face twisted.

"How dare you insult a noble's sacred court? Seize them. Throw them into the cells. They'll learn humility there."

He gestured sharply.

A dozen soldiers lunged forward, blades humming with a weak glow of aether.

Marlik stepped forward, cracking his knuckles.

"You're welcome to try."

The clash was quick.

Anna ducked beneath a spear and slammed her palm against a soldier's chest, sending him flying with a pulse of her own energy.

Marlik moved like a storm, breaking through the half-hearted resistance with practiced ease.

Their opponents had aether, but no real training. It was like watching candlelight try to smother a wildfire.

Within moments, every soldier lay groaning on the floor. Silas stood frozen, his mouth agape.

Anna brushed imaginary dust from her shoulder.

"If this is the strength your empire breeds, I'm not impressed."

Marlik added with a grin.

"Next time, try sending someone who isn't half-asleep."

The room fell into a stunned silence.

For a while no one moved, trying to understand what was even happening.