God-Tier Extraction Talent: Reincarnated in a Game-like World!

Chapter 340: An Op Reward [1]

Meanwhile, in Floor 100 of the Blood Tower.

Gabriel stared at her, his mind still trying to catch up with the absurdity of it all.

"...Why?" he finally asked. His voice came out flat, but inside he was rattled. Very rattled.

The Queen tilted her head slightly, her expression soft and annoyingly calm. "Why what?"

"You—" Gabriel pointed at himself, disbelief leaking through, "—you willingly bonded with me. Do you... even realize what that means? Aren’t you afraid I could... turn you into a slave?"

He expected her to react with indignation.

Or arrogance.

Or maybe anger.

Instead, she smiled.

Not seductive.

Not mocking.

Just... genuine.

"My instincts told me you wouldn’t," she said simply. "And I always trust my instincts."

Gabriel blinked. "...Instincts."

"Yes." She stepped closer, lowering her head slightly so their eyes aligned. "Even when the odds were stacked against you... even when your team had no chance of winning... you stepped forward. Alone. You shielded them. You confronted me with resolve."

Her smile widened a little.

"You are someone with morals. Someone with spine. Someone who does not abandon his own."

Gabriel fell silent.

’This woman... is she serious?’

She continued before he could respond.

"Besides, if I had bonded with any of the others... they would have used me." She looked away briefly, her tone dipping. "Otherworlders... mortals... most are driven by greed. But you... you hesitated to use even your full strength when fighting, simply because your teammates might suffer."

Gabriel clicked his tongue lightly. He didn’t deny it. He had indeed been holding back much of his strength as he had been saving it for this final clash.

The Queen leaned in a bit closer, her eyes glowing a soft crimson. "You will make a fine ruler in the future."

"You think?" Gabriel smirked.

Her smile turned knowing, almost teasing. "Someone like you cannot avoid it. Strength attracts responsibility. Authority. Followers. It is the natural order of the world."

Gabriel rubbed his forehead, already feeling another headache creeping in.

Of course she had to say something dramatic.

"...Even if I pretend that made sense," he said, "you still haven’t answered the important question."

"And what question is that?"

"What happens to you now?"

Her expression shifted slightly, still calm, but tinged with something weary.

"Bonding... has weakened me," she admitted. "Drastically."

"How drastically?" Gabriel asked immediately.

She held up two delicate fingers.

"To the level of a mere Level 100 existence."

"...Level 100?" Gabriel didn’t find it too bad, in fact... "That’s still stronger than most people we’ve encountered!"

She chuckled softly. "Yes. Even weakened, I am far from helpless."

Gabriel didn’t know whether to sigh or thank the heavens.

He rubbed the side of his neck again...

This was insane. Even by his standards.

But a deal was a deal, and ignoring the method she used to force it (biting him out of nowhere), having her by his side was... undeniably useful.

Especially with the days ahead growing darker and more complicated.

’A Hero Rank companion... even if weakened... that’s huge.’

He sighed deeply.

"...Alright," he finally said. "I accept."

The Queen’s smile widened with satisfaction, like she already knew he would say that.

Then she spoke again.

"There is one more thing."

Gabriel raised an eyebrow. "What now?"

"You asked earlier if I feared becoming your slave." She placed a finger on his forehead, tapping it gently. "The bond we formed is not one-sided. You did not enslave me. I chose the form of the connection."

Gabriel stiffened.

"What form... exactly?"

"A pact," she answered. "A true pact. Between equals. Bound by will... not chains."

She stepped back and continued speaking, her voice low, smooth, enchanting but oddly comforting.

"Until my memories return, and until I restore my power, I will assist you. My abilities may be weakened, but I still possess centuries of knowledge, magic proficiency, and combat experience. More than enough to be... helpful."

Gabriel didn’t speak immediately.

He looked at her, truly looked, taking in her posture, her calmness, her confidence.

Not arrogant... not boastful... simply stating facts.

Now that they were bonded together, he realized she was quite talkative.

Gabriel finally exhaled.

"Fine. I get it. You’re strong. You’re old. You’re helpful." He rubbed his neck again—still sore. "But why did bonding have to hurt that much?"

The Queen blinked innocently.

"Because your blood tastes divine."

Gabriel choked on air.

"It made me bite harder," she said, completely serious. "I didn’t expect it to be so delicious."

Gabriel felt something inside him die.

"I... hate this world."

The Queen laughed softly, a genuine, melodic laugh. It sounded way too pleasant for someone who nearly drained him like a battery.

He looked away, forcing his composure back.

"So what now?" he asked.

"Now," she said, stepping closer again, "you must come to terms with the fact that you did not simply gain a companion... but a powerful ally. And I..." She touched her temple lightly. "I must come to terms with the fact that my memories are still sealed."

Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. "About that."

...He still didn’t know how to proceed with the whole thing.

"I only recall fragments. Faces I do not know. Wars I cannot name. A throne room—different from this one. And then... nothing."

Gabriel’s confusion grew.

Seeing this, she gave him a soft, almost sympathetic look. "Do not burden yourself with it. With time... it will unravel."

Then the Queen reached out suddenly and adjusted the collar of his shirt where the bite had been.

"You handled the bonding better than I expected," she said. "The last time I tried it on someone... their heart stopped."

Gabriel froze.

"Why would you tell me that now?!"

She shrugged lightly. "Because you survived. It no longer matters."

After a moment, he inhaled deeply and decided to change the subject.

"So let’s go over the important things," Gabriel said. "You’re bonded to me. You’re weakened. You don’t remember your past. And we’re equals."

"Yes."

"And you’re not my slave."

"Correct."

"And I can summon you."

"Yes."

"Can others see you?"

"Only if I want to be seen."

After they went through the details, Gabriel then asked what was most important to him.

"So... my reward?"

’Yes that.’ The Queen suddenly straightened her posture as she proceeded to retrieve the reward.

..