Reincarnated With An SSS-Rank Talent In An Apocalyptic World-Chapter 105: Empress Althea

Robert and Kylie were sent ahead with a few soldiers to spread the word of the discovery of the One. They argued I deserved a befitting welcome, even if it was rushed.

While we waited, Luthor and his army officials wasted no time in telling me the story of the One—the origins of the prophecy and why they believed it was me.

The story they gave me was just a more detailed version of what the system told me. It was amusing to hear, but some things in those stories resonated with me. Like how the One is a man who has experienced pain beyond what anyone could expect.

They said his path is one of pain and suffering. This motivates him to take the place of God and promote fairness.

They also claimed what made him so special was that the One’s suffering would not make him abandon humanity. No matter how much he had endured, he would still stand in defense of humans over others.

They likened it to my dramatic arrival, where I tried to protect them from the orc horde even when I could have easily ignored the battle. However, what they didn’t know was... if it wasn’t for the system mission, I doubted I would have jumped in like that. Because that was a very dangerous stunt.

If Kïtæ had chosen to attack me directly and not charge at me with his Kahut mount, I probably wouldn’t have trapped him so easily and made it seem like I was this invincible being—something that, in turn, scared the orc army.

A lot of things could have gone wrong, and in normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have taken such a risk if it weren’t for the incentives from the system.

But they didn’t know that—and they really didn’t need to know.

"Did you come alone, Great One?" Luthor asked, and I could understand why. I casually shook my head.

"My companions are more interested in protecting the rift leading back to our world. They wanted no part in the war since it didn’t concern them, and even tried to stop me," I said, in a bid to boost my image in their eyes. "But I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing, so I acted alone."

Gasps spread across the group as they gazed at me with reverence.

"Do they know of your identity as the Great One?" Luthor asked again.

I shook my head.

"I keep my past to myself. I only shared it with you all because my spirit moved me to do so. I didn’t think your people had foreseen my future."

I shook my head again, and everyone nodded in understanding.

"There must be some sort of spiritual connection between our people and the Great One. That must be why he shared his past with us and not his people!" someone in the crowd said, and everyone nodded in agreement, whispering to themselves.

This was the prime example of how the world works. All you need to do is light the fire and step back. People will come on their own volition to fuel it.

It’s a common weakness among living things. That’s why rumors were one of the deadliest tools in history—used to dethrone kings and murder righteous men.

"Does that mean the Great One will leave once the bridge collapses?" another person asked, and all eyes shifted to me.

The problems that plagued Solinthar were not ones that could be resolved easily. Everyone knew even with my presence, it would take time. The only difference was—as long as I was here, they were bound to win.

The rifts (which they strangely referred to as "bridges") are known to collapse after a while. Sometimes they last months, and that’s why the army usually comes with large supplies, but they are bound to close eventually.

And this war... this was a war that would span years, if not decades or even centuries.

I could understand their fears.

"Don’t worry. I alone have the ability to traverse realms at will," I explained, and their eyes lit up with genuine shock. "When the time comes, I will send my people back and return to finish what I have started."

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!

Someone cheered and everyone joined in.

The level of trust these people had in me after concluding I was the One... it was shocking—even for me.

If I told them to jump, they would do it without question.

I was crazy—especially since we only met about an hour ago.

For another hour, we just chatted and spoke on different topics about life. Many tried to know more about me and my past lives, but I simply gave vague answers—unwilling to reveal the truth of my 99 lives of punishment, which always ended in familicide.

That dark past must never see the light of day.

After that, we continued our journey. They were certain Kylie and Robert had reached the empire and spread the news, so the people should be preparing for our return.

And they did.

After an hour of traveling, the towering walls of the final ring came into view.

It was a 100-meter-tall wall that dwarfed the Statue of Liberty. The gate was basically a unique mechanism within the wall that allowed a part of it to slide up, letting things pass through underneath.

According to Luthor, only the final ring—which was home to the royal family—had this kind of defense. That explained why it had yet to fall, centuries after the other rings had crumbled.

Standing outside the gates were soldiers dressed in gleaming and extravagant armor—clearly just for show and parades.

From atop the wall, cherry blossom petals were thrown down, allowed to rain gently, creating a beautiful scene.

There were many notable faces, all dressed to attract attention.

But an old woman standing amongst the group—almost as if hiding from my gaze—earned my curiosity.

[Information Acquired: Empress Althea]

Empress Althea looked like a woman who had seen too much war and too many betrayals—and survived them all.

Her skin was a rich brown tone, marked with faint lines around her eyes and mouth—the kind that came from both laughter and grief.

Her long silver hair was braided back into a tight bun, held by simple golden pins. Her eyes, a deep gold, now faded slightly with age, but they still held unshakable willpower.

She wore a dark violet robe embroidered with golden vines, layered over polished chest armor.

Interestingly, she didn’t bother with jewels—only a silver ring in one of her old, crooked fingers.

Our horses stopped a distance away. Their curious gazes pinned down every movement I made, but I paid them no attention.

It was natural to act that way when seeing a human in a sleeveless black turtleneck leather shirt, with black trousers, boots, and gloves.

My long black hair and pitch-black eyes didn’t make me any less intimidating either.

"Great One..." a man dressed in the most extravagant armor approached with graceful strides, but I ignored him and casually walked past.

As I approached the group, I could see their bodies tense. They glanced amongst themselves, wondering how to react to my actions—but they dared not draw their swords on me.

Ignoring everyone, I headed straight for the old woman, roughly hidden at the center of the group. But they quickly moved to block my path.

Not wanting to get physical and give them the wrong impression, I simply stretched out my hand to her before speaking.

"Empress Althea... This ancient soul sees you, even in plain clothing. Don’t hide from me."

Everyone’s face turned deadly pale.

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