Apocalypse Cheater

"But that would only happen if there is something colossal enough to truly threaten the survival of our human continent''

''Otherwise, I just can't fathom how we'd step into the role of a hero," Scott exclaimed with a touch of scepticism.

Scott leaned forward, his brow furrowed in thought. "Daniel, you make a valid point, but you know as well as I do that such threats are exceedingly rare."

I nodded, acknowledging the rarity of world-shaking crises.

"True, Scott, but think about it. The circumstances within the imperial family have been undeniably peculiar lately''

''Doesn't it strike you as suspicious? How could the king's health deteriorate so suddenly when everyone believed him to be unparalleled in his vigour?"

My words hung in the air, and a hushed tension settled over the room. I'd broached a topic that few were willing to entertain.

Scott's face contorted with a mix of anger and apprehension.

"You!" he seethed, his voice trembling with suppressed emotions.

"You know as well as anyone that insinuating a conspiracy within the noble and imperial circles is considered heretical."

I held my ground, undeterred by Scott's outburst.

"I understand the gravity of my words, but isn't it our duty to question and seek the truth, especially when it concerns the stability of our land and the welfare of its people?"

"Even if you had a connection with Princess Bella, that doesn't mean you can dirty the image of the imperial!"

I could feel Scott's fingers digging into my collar as he hoisted me off the ground, his face contorted with anger.

"Scott! Put him down!" Bella's voice trembled with panic as she hurried to intervene, sensing that the situation was about to escalate into chaos.

I struggled to maintain my composure, trying to meet Scott's furious gaze with a calm demeanour.

"Scott," I said evenly, "there's no need for this. We can discuss this matter civilly." 

Although I was calm, my eyes were not. 

Scott's grip on my collar tightened for a moment before he finally released it with an unsatisfied grunt.

He took a step back, his frustration still evident on his face.

Meanwhile, I straightened my attire and brushed off imaginary dust from my sleeves, attempting to appear nonchalant despite the rough treatment.

Scott crossed his arms, clearly still agitated. "I just don't want anyone tarnishing the reputation of the imperial family."

I nodded in agreement, my voice measured. "I understand your concern, Scott''

"If you think my words are a lie, you can vouch for the princess herself; otherwise, she wouldn't have been chased by some kidnappers,"

I asserted, trying to make Scott understand the gravity of the situation.

Scott's scepticism was clear in his expression as he turned to the princess.

"Is that... true, princess?"

He couldn't fathom why anyone would dare to target the princess for kidnapping; it defied all reason.

Princess Bella let out a weary sigh and began to explain, her voice tinged with sadness.

"What he said is true. In fact, Father was poisoned by Uncle Jake, and now he's trying to seize all the power he can in the absence of the king."

Scott's eyes widened in shock at this revelation, and he struggled to grasp the gravity of the situation.

"But... why would your uncle do such a thing? It's unthinkable!"

Bella's expression grew sombre as she continued, "When the King shows signs of deteriorating health, whoever has the potential for the throne would fight for it''

''And now, the fight is between me and Uncle''

''The only winner will be the one who lives, and that means one of us has to die."

The room fell into a heavy silence as the implications of Bella's words sank in.

It was a dire and dangerous situation, and it was clear that the princess was caught in a perilous struggle for power within her own family.

Bella continued to explain the intricacies of the imperial family's tradition, highlighting the cruel fate that awaited anyone with the potential to succeed to the throne.

"But using poison!? How lowly can one be!?"

Scott exclaimed, his shock and disgust evident as he clenched his fists.

"I know it's hard to believe, and the only evidence that I have are my words,"

Bella admitted, her eyes filled with a mixture of desperation and hope.

"This is why I need to ask you as the Head of the Viston Family, would you join as my support for the succession to the throne?"

She implored, her voice tinged with urgency.

Scott fell silent, taking his time to ponder the advantages and disadvantages of aligning himself with the princess in this dangerous game of power.

He was well aware of the perilous situation within the Imperial Family, and though it was hard to believe, he couldn't doubt the words of the Princess.

After a few minutes of contemplation, he finally made his decision, his expression resolute

"Fine, I'll join and be the support of your succession," Scott declared, his voice surrendering.

I was about to express my relief and gratitude, but before Princess Bella could respond, Scott added a condition that piqued my curiosity.

It seemed he had a quest in mind, and I couldn't help but be intrigued by what he was about to propose.

"But on one condition," Scott continued his expression a mix of determination and concern.

My attention was fully focused on the conversation as Scott outlined his condition to the princess.

He explained the ongoing problem of monsters disrupting lives in his territory and requested our assistance in dealing with them.

It was clear that Scott saw this as a test of the princess's leadership and her commitment to his cause.

The room grew quiet as we all considered the weight of Scott's request.

The fate of Princess Bella's succession was now linked to the resolution of Scott's territorial problem, and it was apparent that our collaboration would come at a significant cost.

[: You have been offered the quest of Safeguarding Viston Territory(Ex) :]

- Kill all the monsters that have been bordering his territory -

- Number of monsters alive: 9,999,999 -

- Reward: 1 Unique Class Selection Coupon -

Once I gazed at the reward that Scott was offering, my eyes widened at the words selected.

I knew that the rewards behind the quests were generous, but I had not expected to receive such a reward.

I was well-versed in major points and well-known powers, but this request was entirely unexpected.

With this reward, my plan could progress much faster than before.

If I have the chance to select a class, it would be 'that' one.

While other classes are achievable and obtainable, some are only mentioned in legends.

The thought of gaining such a class excited me, and I couldn't help but envision how it could make me truly unrivalled in the world.

As I contemplated this enticing opportunity, Bella voiced her concerns.

Her doubt was palpable, and it was clear that the princess felt overwhelmed by the weight of the quest that had been placed before her.

Wanting to comfort her, I placed my reassuring hands on Bella's shoulders.

Her confidence surged in response to my support, and I could see the resolve in her eyes.

'With him, we might be able to complete his condition,' I could sense her newfound hope as she gazed at me, waiting for a sign of agreement.

I nodded subtly, signalling my approval, and she wasted no time in making her decision.

"I'll take the condition and complete it as soon as I can," Bella declared, her eyes shining with resolve.

Scott seemed satisfied with her response and proceeded to lay out the details of his quest.

He emphasized the need to bring back the head of the monster that had been leading its kin.

"No problem," I replied confidently, taking on the responsibility of fulfilling Scott's request.

With our agreement in place, we continued to discuss Bella's situation in greater depth before finally leaving Scott's residence.

As we stepped out into the world, we began strategizing how to complete Scott's quest and face the formidable challenges that awaited us.

"Daniel, do you think I could join you"

Bella's voice trembled with a mix of hope and uncertainty as she made her request.

I turned to her, a hint of surprise in my expression.

"Join me in this quest? I don't mind, but why do you want to?"

I asked, genuinely curious about her motivations.

My growing confidence stemmed from a strong desire to protect Bella from any danger that might arise.

Bella's eyes met mine as she replied with determination, "Yeah, I want to."

She wanted to witness my strength and, at the same time, spend more time together.

While there were no romantic feelings between us at this point, it was evident that her interest in me was steadily growing.

A warm smile spread across my face as I agreed, "Alright, then, let's proceed to vanquish those monsters."

Bella followed my lead eagerly, and our shared enthusiasm filled the air as we readied ourselves for the adventure ahead.