Silence filled the space, as no one else made any sound as well. No one even understood what was happening. The hit Alex took left a bad aftertaste, but this offer didn't seem to be bad.
If Liam truly became an Emperor, then their guild would become the top power in this world. They would basically be ruling this world. If any of them were offered the same chance, they would have jumped on it already.
However, Liam did not rush because he knew some things that he hadn't shared with others yet. He took his time and remained silent for a while. He then slowly asked, "What about her? Did she also willingly accept?" His gaze fell on Mia.
The high priestess immediately laughed it off. "Oh, she! Yes, I almost forgot. She is your friend, am I correct? Don't worry about her. Aha ha ha. She is right now getting accustomed to her new power and strength, so her memories are temporarily sealed."
"When it is safe, she will be back to normal again. There is really nothing to worry about." She assured again.
Liam sneered inwardly. "Is that so? Ok, then." He answered but quickly added, "I will think about becoming your Emperor when she regains her memories."
The goddess, who had been casually floating all this time, suddenly paused. Seeing this, the golden knight immediately leapt forward.
"You cretin! How dare you address the high priestess directly?!" His hand shot forward as he sent a deadly punch to Liam, which sent him flying backwards.
At the same time, a healing hand saved him from his health bottoming out. It was the same golden knight who had hit him. He also healed him as he again charged towards him, preparing to bash him up one more time.
"You are biting the hand that feeds you!" He sent another punch, once again healing him immediately.
All the while, Liam absolutely did not react. He did not show the slightest trace of pain or agony which made the knight even more angry as he revved up for a third punch.
But this time, the high priestess intervened. "That's enough." Her voice rang out but it was clear that she was not serious and or even cared about what was happening. She was still being very casual.
"What is the need to be so hostile? Forgive my knight. He is a bit short-tempered. There. I have healed all the damage. No harm would befall you." She floated closer to Liam.
"You just have to nod, and the world will be at your feet. Aha ha ha. You will be just as powerful as him, and you don't have to get beaten up by anyone again."
Liam remained calm. He wiped the blood off his mouth and looked up without any hatred or fear of what just happened. "I still refuse to accept your offer."
The high priestess paused and asked, "Now, why would you refuse something good?"
It was Liam's turn to pause, as he felt that he needed to smooth this out a bit. "I want to obtain it with my own power. I am not strong enough yet, and I don't deserve this."
He gave a random but believable explanation. His face was also dripping full of modesty and genuine sincerity as if he truly believed his own words and really meant them.
Even the golden knight, who seemed hell-bent on thrashing him around just a moment before, changed his expression upon hearing this. This was an attitude he could respect!
However… the high priestess weirdly cocked her head to the side. "No. You are lying." For the first time, the halo around her thinned out a bit as her eyes became visible.
They were a pair of mesmerizingly beautiful eyes with golden orbs, but right now all Liam could see was unfathomable coldness and cruelty within them.
Liam's pulse quickened. He did not want to be hostile or reveal his intentions just yet. He debated accepting this so-called Emperor position again and again but if he did, he had a feeling that it would be a grave mistake, something from which he could not go back.
The title and the position were simple enough. Perhaps, like when he became a duke, this one could also mean nothing and simply give him a specific territory to rule. However, why was this person here, standing face to face with him, and what was that golden orb?
Liam still did not know many things about 'Evolution Online' but one thing he knew was 'consent'. This game was big on consent. He was pretty sure that was why this woman was still standing in front of him and talking to him patiently and amicably.
And the way in which these guys were healing him left and right and not daring to kill anyone even by accident showed that they were not allowed to deal killing blows either.
Hence, Liam did not intend to accept this emperor's position no matter what. His instincts told him that it was most definitely a trap. Perhaps Mia had accepted something similar because of which she was in her current condition?
He couldn't exactly pinpoint the danger, and he also did not know it for sure, but he was not going to take this position.
He tried to search for another way out, but how was he supposed to escape this person who seemingly controlled everything and knew everything about him?
"I apologize. Please forgive me. I have no intention of becoming a ruler. Only adventure and fighting suit me. I am extremely humbled by your offer, but I have to, unfortunately, refuse it."
But Liam was not done. He quickly added. "If I may suggest it, perhaps one of my guild members could accept the golden orb and become an Emperor on my behalf?"
"I will support them with all of my strength and fight on the frontlines to continue to protect humanity from the terrible beasts and demons." He kneeled in front of the high priestess in the most sincere way.
***
Bonus chapter 2~
Please thank Raymond Tague for sponsoring this chapter!
