Chapter 273: Foundation of Power

By now the Indomitable Alliance had amassed a great sum of funds even after acquiring their luxurious base close to the Golden Tree on Earth.

Some might wonder why Michael had not taken his crew to gather more techniques sooner. After all, the more abilities they had in their arsenal, the greater their chances of victory.

In truth, that very mindset was the reason he not only refused to purchase any techniques for the crew but also strongly discouraged them from doing so.

While civilians might struggle to understand his reasoning, he, as a battle-hardened veteran, knew better.

In times of war, one of the most dangerous things for a soldier is to rely too heavily on their tools rather than their own body.

He had seen it too many times to count, promising rising stars with the potential to reshape the human world with their endless potential… Only for them to perish all due to stupidity.

When an inexperienced warrior acquires a weapon or ability that allows them to accomplish what should be impossible, they often begin to depend on it too heavily. They mistake power for mastery and confidence for wisdom, and that mistake is often fatal.

It was common for such warriors to perish the first instant where they had been pushed to the brink, when their trump card failed them and proved useless.

Michael didn’t want the people following him to experience the same demise. That was why he insisted they first master the very essence of their bodies before seeking power from external sources.

Just like a sturdy building, the most important thing was a solid foundation.

Now after they had managed to halt two Overlords simultaneously without his intervention, Michael judged that they had completed their foundations.

“Techniques?” Ruby tilted her head to the side in curiosity. She, as well as the others, was still curious about their leader’s surprising knowledge about the Emperor but felt it was a bad omen to press further.

“Yes.” Michael nodded. “In fact, you already possess something similar, like how you can force your nails to lengthen and harden, or the healing properties of your saliva. Think of those as techniques.”

“OHHH!” Ruby’s eyes sparkled. “Does that mean I can learn to do more things like that?!”

With a chuckle, Michael patted her on the head.

“Of course. And don’t worry about the cost. Consider it a reward for a job well done.”

Aboard the colossal warship there were numerous facilities, whether for trade or entertainment. With money not being a problem for their faction, they went towards the most prestigious techniques shop.

Hundreds of rows of cybernetic chips were lined up next to each other, all protected by a reinforced glass.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I don’t want to be a burden.” Victoria exclaimed. “The least I can do is pay for myself.”

Claire nodded. “If anyone deserves to be treated, it’s you, Michael.”

“We owe you a lot after all.” Ava agreed.

He couldn’t help but smile warmly at their show of affection.

“So, does that mean you don’t want a gift from me?”

With a tactful question, he made the girls pause. They did want to show their appreciation… But it would be a lie to say they didn’t secretly long for a personal gift from him. Just the thought of it made them feel warm inside.

Michael laughed at their conflicted expressions. “If you want to show appreciation, there are other ways. Let me treat you this time.”

’Other ways to show appreciation…’

The words lingered in the air for a few seconds before they surrendered. A faint flush spread across their faces as a few ideas began to form in their minds…

“Boss! I owe you my life.” Richard whistled, eyeing the most expensive techniques. “However! Don’t expect me to be humble!”

Richard had the right mindset. Another reason Michael had urged them to hold back on learning techniques was that, unlike him, who could instantly comprehend nearly any technique, they needed time. And that would have diverted their focus from their cultivation, which he deemed more important.

Since it was an important choice, they didn’t rush, carefully considering what they needed to complete their fighting styles.

By the end, everyone had purchased a cybernetic chip containing an Epic rank technique, the highest-ranked technique available for sale. Anything beyond wasn’t accessible to the public nor purchasable with money.

Victoria chose a technique that allowed her to conjure literal fire in her body, giving her the ability to breathe fire or create continuous firewalls and other fiery attacks. Just like a mythical dragon.

Famed as the White Angel, Claire decided to focus on her bond with mechas. Her technique was meant to deepen the connection she had with them, further solidifying her mastery.

Meanwhile, Ava took advantage of her petite frame. Similar to Michael’s Dash, she chose a technique meant to enhance her agility, narrowing the speed gap between herself and the other two girls.

Ruby, who had enjoyed tapping into her feline instincts when she ambushed the Overlord, selected a technique meant to enhance her stealth, similar to Michael’s Fade ability.

Richard didn’t surprise anyone with his choice. His technique allowed him to manipulate the spiritual energy within his body, forming a thin protective layer across his skin, which made him tougher to kill, similar to what Enzo possessed, but several times superior.

As for Enzo, the man had grown frustrated with how his gauntlets had become limited, especially since he was often forced to stay on the backlines. Now, his gauntlets were going to release blasts of energy, allowing him to strike targets from a distance.

With the crew relying on Cyberfang and the machinery nearby, Amelia selected a technique that gave her mastery over electricity, allowing her to bend it to her will.

Leo, who preferred ranged weapons, chose a technique that gave him control over the bullets he shot, enhancing their lethality and guiding them with greater precision.

As for Bryce, the old man refused any enhancements, claiming he didn’t need them.

“The total comes to—”

Before the woman behind the reception could finish, Michael paid the hefty sum without blinking an eye.

’Goodness, how rich is that guy?’ She wondered, though she remained silent.

“Congrats on your new techniques. Now go and start comprehending them. It’s for the best if you finish before the next alien wave hits.” Michael urged his team.

Finding his advice reasonable, they all made their way to a large cultivation room. Besides being used for cultivation, these rooms were also ideal for comprehending technique, since the process was almost the same.

Before Victoria closed her eyes, she shot a quick glance at Michael.

“You’re really not going to tell us what you bought?”

He flashed her a warm smile.

“No, I won’t tell you… But go ahead and guess. If you’re correct, I’ll give you a reward.”

She giggled.

“Oh~? Then I’ll try hard to guess, since I can already imagine what I’d want as a reward.” She teased, closing her eyes a moment later.

“…”

Waiting several minutes, Michael ensured the others had begun their comprehension before pulling out his purchase.

Unlike the others, he had secretly bought four cybernetics! While theirs were popular and high-end, his were neglected, with most not giving them a second glance due to their questionable usefulness.

But to him, they were priceless. As he had said from the start, the true path to power wasn’t about piling on techniques endlessly…

It was about the synergy between them.

He smiled menacingly.

’Let’s begin.’

[New technique comprehended: Perfect Hearing]

[Rank: Epic]

[New technique comprehended: Perfect Taste]

[Rank: Epic]

[New technique comprehended: Perfect Smell]

[Rank: Epic]

[New technique comprehended: Perfect Touch]

[Rank: Epic]

[Perfect Vision is synergizing with your new techniques!]

[Evolution available]

[Synergizing…]

[Synergizing…]

[Synergizing…]

[Evolution completed!]

[Technique: Perfect Senses]

[Rank: Legendary]

[Description…

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