Re-Awakening: I Became a Pay To Win Boss Monster

"I've fallen ill, and I don't think I have much time to live," King Arthur announced, causing the entire summit to fall silent.

Yet that silence was soon broken as the ruler of Aztera, Diederich Ashavir, stood up from his seat and slammed the table.

"Your foolishness doesn't know any bounds, Arthur. Drink the nectar, and you'll be cured. Just like the previous five times you've made the same announcement."

King Arthur shook his head. "Not this time, my dear friend. Each time I took a sip of the nectar, my lifespan decreased drastically. It gave me a few extra years to live, but I've reached my limit. If I were to drink the nectar once more, then I would perish."

"Arthur..." King Diederich muttered. "Is there no other way?"

"I'll be looking for a successor shortly," King Arthur replied, gazing toward each of the rulers present. "And for that, I'm willing to consider the candidates from each of your respective countries or kingdoms."

Immediately, the previous dreary silence disappeared, replaced by the sound of chairs squeaking and each of the rulers standing up in panic.

—You're doing what!?

—Are you trying to cause a continental war!?

—You fool...

As for Rael? He shared the same thoughts.

This sly fucking bastard... he grumbled, staring at King Arthur's expressionless 'pale' face.

What he had said a few moments ago was nothing but a load of bullshit. A total lie.

And yet, given the circumstances, everyone present believed it.

Even Zafira prepared to stand up and riot, but before she could, Rael grabbed her by the waist and pulled her closer.

She seemed puzzled, but upon meeting his stern, blank gaze, she settled down in her chair and sent him a text.

<Zafira Sutekh: Is it a ploy?>

<Rael Sutekh: Yep. He lied about his sickness. He also lied about the nectar. So as it stands, we have two options right now. Participate in his games, or kill him and make his games a reality.>

Zafira turned toward him with a surprised look, ignoring the sound of the other rulers fighting.

<Zafira Sutekh: Rael... do you know what it means to kill a ruler? Panic will ensue, and the entire Holy Kingdom could spiral out of control. This game of his? It would have a forced outcome where the side with the most power would win. Which side do you think that would be?>

He thought for a moment and replied.

<Rael Sutekh: The Demonic Lands and Drivania.>

That was only because the Evangelists had control of Drivania. As for the demons? They thrived on chaos, and Drivania would definitely deliver it.

So they'd ally and become an extremely strong force... I could at most push an alliance between Celestara, Yrgon, and Ogarak. But that wouldn't be close to enough to contest against them.

After all, there was also Aztera in play, who would no doubt backstab the others or join the winning side.

Too many variables... and unless I can create a couple hundred thousand more constructs, we won't stand a chance, Rael thought with a sigh and brought his gaze back onto the arguing table.

"Y-You are being foolish, but I can offer my daughter, Aria Virelorn, as your successor. She's smart, talented, and beautiful. I believe she can charm the hearts of the people!" Halemire pleaded with a grin.

"F-Father!"

Yeah, that guy is definitely not going to be of any help. Rael turned to the Aztera side, and to his surprise, Reinhardt sat there, huddled in a cloak.

Oh... wait a minute. Rael's eyes widened. If I can help him kill his father, then I could turn Aztera over to our side...

So many ideas were swirling inside his mind, but they all stopped when Zafira suddenly pinched his cheek and sent a text.

<Zafira Sutekh: You should control your expression. It looks like you want to probe every single person present.>

<Zafira Sutekh: Not in that way... I hope.>

"Of course not..." Rael replied, rolling his eyes. "I just got a lot of ideas all of a sudden. And as for my idea, I think it could work."

With that, he began sending countless messages to Zafira, detailing his plans of utilizing the surrounding kingdoms to forcefully take over the Holy Kingdom and suppress Drivania as well as the Demonic Lands.

Yet she seemed surprised by one fact in particular.

<Zafira Sutekh: Drivania's ruler is dead? They have an Evangelist running things? For how long...?>

Rael chuckled and replied. <Rael Sutekh: Years. Maybe even a decade by now. But that's not important. What do you think of my plan?>

Zafira's brows furrowed, but she leaned in closer, resting her head against his chest and typing a message.

<Zafira Sutekh: I don't know if I like you killing rulers... but in this case, it seems like not a totally bad idea. Let's talk more at home, okay? Just... don't do anything drastic.>

He nodded with a smile and patted her head, bringing his attention back to the rulers who, after nearly ten minutes had passed, finally calmed down.

And that was when footsteps resounded in the distance, prompting everyone present to turn toward the sound.

Rael did too, and as he saw the figure responsible, he let out an exhausted sigh.

Nyzzara... I guess she wanted to skip the pleasantries and enter just as the meeting actually began. Oh well, I can't blame her. I would've done the same if Zafira wasn't with me.

"Um... I apologize for being late, it wasn't my intention," Nyzzara said with a respectful bow and found a free seat not too far away from Rael.

"It's quite alright," King Arthur assured. "The mindless bickering has subsided just in time. We can discuss this further near the end of our discussions."

King Arthur clapped his hands twice, causing a line of maids to slowly walk out of the palace, carrying a dozen trays of food and placing them on the table in front of the rulers.

Then, he clapped his hands once more, gathering everyone's attention.

"Before we begin the exhausting talks... let's have a feast!"