Chapter 253: Trending Now

“May you forgive me!” Robert shouted, his body high in the air. “But I have no intention of holding back!”

The next second a thunderbolt echoed across the water park as he sent the ball towards Michael and his team’s territory.

Of course the ball was reinforced ahead of time with spiritual energy in order to withstand the mighty blows of the cultivators.

“Good! I have no intention of holding back either!” Michael proclaimed, reaching the ball a heartbeat before it entered the water.

“Here!” Victoria exclaimed as she leapt gracefully.

Instantly Michael sent her the ball. Due to their unexpected synergy, no one was able to react in time as a massive splash of water rose high in the air.

The spectators held their breath before shouting at the top of their lungs.

“FIRST POINT!”

Landing gracefully, Victoria glanced at Michael with a proud smile.

The game proved more competitive than expected. Michael’s team barely managed to secure victory.

Eventually, as time passed, it was time to leave. The crew had relaxed long enough.

“That reminds me…” Michael mused out loud, summoning Devil’s Tongue.

Considering that the soul weapon had wanted to visit a pool ever since they were on Neptune, it was a sight the sword would surely appreciate.

’…’

Once the weapon materialized, it stayed unexpectedly silent. Though, that silence didn’t last long as it erupted into laughter shortly after.

’HAHAHAHAHA!’

Without a doubt this was the most amused the sword had ever been.

’Well, I’ll be damned!’ Devil’s Tongue remarked. ’To think you had it in you, not only to take that woman, but in a public setting no less!’

Michael sighed. ’Not even a gesture of gratitude for being summoned? Ungrateful tool.’

Completely ignoring him, Devil’s Tongue continued its blabbering. ’But one thing does not seem to fit. After observing you for so long, I was sure you were a pure boy. Yet judging by the woman’s restrained moans, you have an unexpected ta—’

Already feeling a headache coming, Michael cut the sword’s remarks short, storing it in his soul.

“What did I even expect?” He shook his head in dejection, going back to the group.

Exchanging glances with Skylar and Luis, he gave them the go-ahead about publishing their video.

Since they had guessed the documentary would skyrocket into popularity, the duo reporters had decided to wait out their water park visit first before publishing it.

After all, if they were swarmed with curious fans, it wouldn’t be considered a peaceful rest.

However, now with nothing left to hold them back, they didn’t hesitate. The devastation was still fresh in the minds of the populace, and with the event’s lackluster cover-up until now, it created the perfect opportunity for the video to spread like a wildfire.

There wasn’t even a need to use a clickbaity title, as they chose to name it:

[Complete documentation of Venus’ incident.]

The thumbnail was split into two parts: one showing Robert, who stood his ground against impossible odds, and the other featuring Michael with a menacing smile, portraying him as a soldier who bent everything to his will.

Minutes, not weeks, days, or even hours. In just a few minutes, the video exploded, amassing millions of views faster than any documentary ever had before.

The high-quality documentary, akin to a movie, sparked outrage among the public.

[Thirsty Lady: Did you see how he tore that big hunk of metal with his thick, veiny arms?… Is it just me, or is it getting hot in here?!]

[Michael’s wife: Hands off, you bitch! I was the first one to set my eyes on him!]

[Michael’s wife 25: Not anymore!]

[Money is my god: This man leads a faction called the Indomitable Alliance? I’ve never heard of them before, but after witnessing this, investing in them seems like a smart move. Everyone loves an underdog story, after all.]

[Rational Thinker: Please, just because their leader is a bit mad, doesn’t mean they can hold a candle to Golden Vanguard or Immortal Legion!]

[Gambling enjoyer: How sure are you about that?]

[Boycott the AI: Quite fortunate they managed to neutralize that robot. Otherwise the damage would have been astronomical.]

[Parry This You Filthy Casual: Why is no one talking about the Lord who single-handedly halted the giant?!]

Naturally, the shockwaves didn’t stop with mortal civilians. As the uproar surged to the very top of the trending page, surpassing even the largest scandals across the solar system, certain influential figures began to take notice.

“We have done all we can.” Skylar puffed her chest in pride. “My professional opinion is to abstain from reading internet comments for now and let them accumulate.”

Luis nodded. “Indeed. We’ve seen enough people let fame go to their heads, completely changing who they are.”

Truthfully, Michael wasn’t concerned. Every member of the crew had been chosen by him personally, and he trusted that neither fame nor wealth would be enough to alter their character.

Skylar’s eyes glinted knowingly. She had guessed what he was thinking.

“And besides, even if you aren’t fazed by the fame, there are other things to consider.” A wide grin tugged at her face. “Before long, factions will start approaching you with offers of cooperation. In times like this, it’s best to ignore them and let the offers pile up. The more mysterious you appear, the more leverage you’ll be able to wield.”

Michael found the report’s assessment reasonable. Considering that the advice came from experts, he was inclined to believe them.

“You heard them.” He spoke, his gaze shifting towards Claire and Amelia.

“While we are still here, we might as well use the moment and build a new, stronger body for Cyberfang.”

Ruby’s eyes began to gleam, her tail swinging eagerly from side to side.

“A new body for my little brother!”

Since the metallic beast had proven invaluable so far, the crew didn’t want to delay the process. However, they needed to change out of their swimsuits first, so they headed to their rooms.

By their own choice, the girls had chosen to share a single large bedroom rather than rely on several smaller ones.

Part of it was their military background. The faster they could assemble, the better.

“I admit the water park was pretty fun.” Ava exclaimed as she slipped out of her swimsuit.

Ruby nodded. “Certainly, though I still wonder…”

Her gaze shifted to Victoria.

“What happened after the fireworks show? You seem kind of confident… more than usual.”

“Ah, about that…” Victoria said calmly.

“I… kind of confessed to Michael.”

“…”

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