Ex rank talent Awakening: 100% Dodge rate Chapter 60 CHAPTER 60: MEETING THE EMPEROR

While Nesis and Marquis Alexander were having their conversation—well, it was mostly Marquis Alexander doing all the talking while Nesis tried hard not to punch him in the face for being so annoying—the banquet kicked off. The princes and princesses made their appearances, soon followed by the queens and, finally, the emperor.

"I would love to thank everyone who honored the invitation and is here for this banquet celebration. I believe many of you are quite curious about the reason for the banquet, as it wasn't stated in the invitation letter. The purpose of this gathering is not only to celebrate with our esteed guests but also to deliberate on an impending disaster and a common enemy—the demons.

Recently, my knights carried out investigations into suspicious activities involving unknown individuals, bandits, and cults. Under the leadership of my daughter, the Ice Princess, the head of the special investigation team has uncovered evidence of increasing demon activity. The 'demon pill,' as we call it, has been sold to local bandits, thieves, and various known and unknown figures. This pill has the ability to magnify the strength of those who consu it while gradually destroying their souls until they beco mindless demonic beasts.

For this reason, I have gathered all important dignitaries—kings, queens, princes, and foreigners—who might aid in combating our greatest and most common enemy: the demons. Thanks to the tireless efforts of my empire's knights, we have obtained critical information from a captive working closely with the demons. The captive has revealed details about an impending demon invasion of our world. And so, I ask all of you to set aside our differences and unite against this threat," Emperor Augustus Don Clavus declared.

Murmurs soon spread throughout the hall as nobles deliberated on the gravity of the situation.

"I know you all are worried about the coming danger, but I urge you to remain calm. The demon invasion is a storm we will surely overco, just as we have done since ti immorial. Now, let us feast and enjoy ourselves, build connections with one another, and stand united against the coming threat. A toast—to our victory against the demons!" Emperor Augustus said, raising his glass at the end of his speech. Everyone present did the sa.

The demon invasion—a major storyline in Nesis's past life. Of course, humanity had erged victorious in the first invasion, but not in the second. The demons succeeded in their second assault, taking over the Central Continent and spreading the banner of war across the other continents. However, Nesis wasn't certain whether things would unfold the sa way in this life. His actions since his regression might have caused a butterfly effect, altering the course of events.

"Nesis, the emperor wishes to have a word with you," a knight inford him.

"Very well, lead the way," Nesis replied, and the knight escorted him in silence.

Inside the Emperor's special chamber, Nesis arrived alongside the knight.

"My lord," the knight knelt to pay his respects to the emperor, while Nesis remained standing.

"Boy, you should kneel and pay your respects to the emperor!" Commander Harold, the leader of the Emperor's imperial guard, demanded.

"And why should I? He is not my emperor. I see no reason to kneel before a ruler I do not serve," Nesis replied coolly.

"He is the Emperor!" Commander Harold shouted, already furious at the young man's audacity.

"He is an emperor, and I am a god. If anything, he should be the one kneeling before , not the other way around," Nesis countered.

"You! How dare a weakling like you demand—"

"Enough, Harold!" the Emperor cut in. "He is a guest, and he is right. He is not under my rule, and therefore, he is not obligated to kneel."

"But my lord—"

"I said enough, Harold! Or are you questioning my command?" Emperor Augustus's voice turned cold.

"I would never dare, my lord," Harold replied, bowing his head.

"I apologize for my commander's outburst. His loyalty to is absolute, and I hope you can overlook his words," the Emperor said, a smile returning to his face.

"If I got angry at every madman who spoke out of turn, I might as well kill myself," Nesis remarked.

Harold nearly exploded in rage, barely holding himself back from striking Nesis. Emperor Augustus, too, forced a smile at the foreigner's audacity but knew he had to restrain himself to win him over.

"Well, I called you here because I believe your help will be invaluable in our fight against the demons. I also wanted to congratulate you on winning the event set by the Supre Will. Though my people were unable to watch it—thanks to the Supre Will's interference—one of my finest knights, the Sword God, testified to your top-tier abilities—"

"Spit it out, Emperor Augustus," Nesis interrupted. "Stop going in circles. You want to recruit and make one of your puppets. You'll probably offer won, fa, wealth, or power. Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but I'm not interested—no matter what you offer."

The Emperor's smile disappeared, replaced by a frown. Being cut off so abruptly was a disrespect he was not willing to tolerate.

"Hey! I have treated you with respect since you arrived. Do not push —I promise you won't like when I'm angry," Emperor Augustus warned.

"Yeah, I'm done here. It was nice having this little chat," Nesis said, turning to leave.

But Commander Harold stepped in his way, blocking the exit.

"Move," Nesis demanded.

"You are not permitted to leave until the Emperor says so," Harold stated firmly.

"Don't push ."

"I should be saying that to you, Nesis. Do not disrespect any further than you already have!" Emperor Augustus's tone turned icy, his eyes burning with nace.

"And what exactly are you going to do if I push you any further," Nesis asked, not willing to back down either. The temperature in the room was chilling, two egoistic n who believed they were above everyone else staring at each other.