Reincarnated With An SSS-Rank Talent In An Apocalyptic World-Chapter 65: God’s Demand

Seated on my throne, my eyes were shut tight as I inhaled deeply. The strange feeling of a chain latched to my chest remained, only overwhelmed by the stabbing pain in my heart.

I was suffering in silence, but no one knew.

And no one was supposed to know.

My eyes fluttered open and there she was, standing just at the edge of the staircase that led to my throne.

Emma had an apprehensive look. It felt like she was trying to deduce my thoughts based on my facial expressions.

She’s an interesting character. It’s good to know the Velenhorst Empire royalty is not headed by an average person, I concluded.

This was way better than meeting an arrogant man who thinks a hero must respect royalty. I needed subordinates whose emotions wouldn’t cloud their judgment.

It would be a hassle having to subjugate an entire empire because their empress or emperor couldn’t see beyond their emotions.

Most importantly, she knew not to speak until spoken to. She understood she was in the presence of a being whose opinion mattered more than hers.

So until I made my intentions known, she had no business making hers known.

"What deal did your family make with Ravus?" I asked calmly, even though I knew the answer.

They gave him a home among humans and treated him like a god; in exchange, he protected them.

Emma blinked, caught off guard by the question.

"He protects us, and in exchange, we treat him like the god he is," Emma answered honestly, and I nodded in approval.

My gaze moved past her, toward Lord Ravus, who stood at the doorpost with a blank expression.

"Return to your beloved. Your services are no longer needed." I ordered, and she looked over her shoulder to catch a last glimpse of Lord Ravus.

He nodded and walked out without saying a word, leaving me and the young Empress alone. But I wasn’t in a hurry to speak. We stayed in silence for thirty seconds, our gazes locked.

"I believe you have come to strike the same deal with me?" I finally broke the silence.

My fingertips rhythmically tapped against the armrest while I watched Emma nod slowly. She held her dress and lowered herself once again, but her eyes never left mine.

"For months, my people have despaired, fearing our end was near. We already suspected something had happened to Lord Ravus, but we dared not approach the castle, fearing whatever killed him may still be there." She explained in a solemn voice.

"But we weren’t the only ones who were curious. The dark creatures he had kept at bay were curious as well—and that’s why they sent a scout. If the scout had returned alive, we would have been besieged by the dark horde by now. For this alone, we are indebted to you."

Emma was good with words, and I could even sense the sincerity in her tone. Unfortunately, her words and sincerity meant nothing to me. All I know is benefit.

With a wave of my hand, I brushed off her words like they meant nothing and went straight to the point.

"What is in it for me?" I leaned forward and clasped my palms.

Emma flinched a bit, probably intimidated by my appearance or my direct question.

"We offer our loyalty, unflinching support, and... and... we will offer you crops and farm produce if you want, too..." She began stuttering at the end.

It was obvious she had nothing to offer. What her family truly offered Lord Ravus was a home. He was a wanderer with no place to call his own, and they gave him one.

A place where he could sleep at night without looking over his shoulder.

A place where people saw him as a hero, not a monster.

But with me, she knew none of those things mattered. That was why she was flustered.

The Velenhorst Empire had nothing to offer me.

"Trash." I wasn’t polite enough to mince my words.

Calmly, I leaned back while I watched her face pale, her eyes darting around frantically as she pondered what she could offer.

"I..." She muttered, but I raised my hand, signaling her to keep quiet.

I rose to my feet, and she flinched—but she didn’t move from her position. Looking down on her from the elevated platform, I felt good.

An empress was helpless in the presence of a man who was once helpless in his past life. I could see the emotions I once felt in her eyes, and it felt good to know—this time, I was on the opposite side of it all.

Things have changed.

I am no longer the same weak man everyone trampled upon.

Now, I have the power. And I can only get stronger from here—at a price, yes, but it is a price I am willing to pay a thousand times over.

I’d rather be at the brink of death at all times and be regarded as the universe’s most powerful man than live a healthy life and be trampled upon again.

"I offer what Lord Ravus could never offer," I said as I walked down the stairs, each step making Emma shiver.

In just a few steps, I stood in front of her and lowered myself. At this distance, I could smell her fragrance and see her perfect skin.

With my bloodstained hand, I gently held up her chin, making sure her gaze never left mine.

"I offer you not just survival, but the chance to thrive." I smiled as I watched her eyes widen at my words. "The chance to reclaim all your lost cities and rebuild the Velenhorst Empire to its original glory."

At this point, her breathing was heavy and loud. Her eyes searched the bottomless darkness in my eye sockets, searching for a reason to refute my words—but all she saw was unwavering confidence.

One built over centuries of torment and torture at the hands of the heavens.

"C-can... can you... really do this?" Emma’s voice was shaky, but there was passion beneath every word that left her beautiful lips.

I nodded slowly, then let go of her chin and rose to my feet.

"I am a man destined to become God..." I responded with unshakable confidence. "The only being bold enough to challenge the heavens."

Gasp!

A vicious smile spread within my heart as she gasped at my words and instinctively reached for my leg—but froze. I could understand the thoughts running through her mind right now.

How dare she touch the garment of this great being?

While I was ecstatic deep down, I maintained a calm exterior. Turning around, I began walking up the stairs—but she called out before my third step.

"What do you want?" she asked.

This time, I couldn’t hold back the vicious smile. Thankfully, my back was turned to her. Using my palm to cover my lips, I inhaled a few times to regain composure before turning to meet her gaze.

"I want everything. You, the royal family, your army, your people, your empire. Surrender yourselves completely to this God and relinquish your authority over the empire to this God." I said in a cold and vicious tone.

Emma remained on her knees, her eyes widened with disbelief and shock. It was clear she never considered the possibility that I would ask not just for godly treatment—but to become an actual God who controls the empire her family had kept within their grasp for centuries.

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