Chapter 275: A Gift

Surprisingly, the warship’s hallways did not descend into full-blown panic.

With the threat widely known, an unnatural calm settled over the troops. After all, the slightest misstep today could cost them their lives.

Without wasting a moment, the crew split off, each heading toward the mecha workshops where their battle suits were stationed.

Because the mech Michael piloted had been utterly destroyed during the last battle, he had supposedly been assigned a new one.

Even more notably, due to his contributions in the last battle, he was granted the privilege of joining the ten Lords, who were stationed throughout the battleship, to participate in the discussion of their battle plan.

Upon entering the main workshop, Michael’s gaze drifted to the already assembled Lords, lined up in a straight row like fearful cadets reporting to their superior.

Even Cayson, the Transcendent Lord, who had been tasked with leading the battleship, stood no differently before the woman who had come to their aid.

Crimson eyes and hair, face scrupled to utter perfection, unmistakably Nicole.

’Fortunately, they haven’t begun yet.’ Michael sighed, drawing in closer.

His presence was instantly noticed. The aura he now emitted forced the Lords to do a double take, wondering if his presence really resembled a Lord to such an extent.

’Is he mad?’

Cayson’s brow twitched.

’Why is the fool smiling?!’

But the truly shocking part wasn’t his rise in power. It was that he met Nicole’s gaze with a faint smile on his face.

Cold shivers went down the spines of the Lords; they knew that Nicole was a Cursed Child. Though they didn’t know exactly what that entailed, it made them horrified to no end, with most not even meeting her piercing gaze. The fact she was Supreme Lord didn’t help one bit.

And yet Michael seemed carefree, joining the row, not even aware he had a faint smile on his face.

’I might be in trouble…’ Michael realized.

It turned out that his new Legendary technique, Perfect Senses, made his heart race faster than before when he witnessed Nicole’s irresistible charm.

’Get it together.’ He took a deep breath, calming himself a second later.

“Grandmaster Michael.”

Nicole’s voice echoed across the chamber.

“It was a surprise to learn the warship had been attacked so soon after I, along with the faction leaders, left last time. Still, from the reports I read, it seems that you… have played quite the pivotal role in the battle.”

Her lips curved into an elegant smile.

“You have exceeded my expectations. Well done.”

Michael nodded wordlessly, accepting the compliment.

Ahem!

Cayson cleared his throat.

“Forgive my interruption, Supreme Lord Nicole.”

The man bowed.

“But I don’t believe there is a need to… Sing praises when foes are closing in on the horizon.”

In turn, Nicole arched an eyebrow.

“Oh, we actually do.”

She said calmly, projecting a hologram image of Michael holding the head of an Overlord with Ruby supporting him by his side.

“This photo was leaked to the public, causing quite a stir… But while others were captivated by his display of power, it made me wonder…”

She paused briefly.

“The fleet you faced consisted of thirteen Overlords. Michael’s squad killed two and held off two more, leaving nine to be divided among the ten Lords present… Yet, despite this, there are still shockingly high casualties among the troops…”

Her gaze pierced the gathered warriors, her voice colder than ice.

“What in hell were you doing in the meantime?”

“…”

The Lords shuddered as Michael heaved a deep sigh of relief.

’It’s so much better to have others to rely on. I don’t have to stretch myself too thin.’

Eventually, as the silence reached a boiling point, the lips of Lord Iris opened slightly.

“We…”

She gulped.

“Given the risk of confronting the aliens alone, we formed teams of two in order to minimize the danger.”

“Pardon me.” Nicole said, slowly nearing Iris, as she brushed her hair from her left ear.

“Are you implying that you were afraid… in the midst of a war?”

Iris scrambled for words.

“I beg your forgiveness, but it was the most logical conclusion! We as Lords are few and far between, our survival should take priority even if it means others—”

Shhh~

Nicole silenced her with a single gesture.

“This argument only applies to Lords who have reached their current position without external help, but you… Everyone here, members of influential factions, has been groomed for war. Resources have been invested in you… Assets that could have been allocated elsewhere. Did you think you could reap the benefits without honoring your obligations?”

She let her aura run wild.

“Your life doesn’t belong to you anymore. This was the trade you knowingly made when you accepted our support.”

Cayson, the only one able to somewhat withstand the pressure, muttered through gritted teeth.

“B—But an Overlord is—”

Releasing her aura, Nicole pointed at Michael, who she had spared from her pressure.

“They are aliens, nothing more. And Michael slew two while still a realm below you. That is precisely why I highlighted his feat. If in the battle that is to come you dare show such cowardice unbefitting of a Lord, then let all present bear witness. I will personally put an end to your existence.”

Every word, from the first to the last, was akin to music to Michael’s ears. Just as she said, most Lords grew complacent, relying heavily on their factions for support, neglecting what a soldier of humanity really was.

Thankfully, Nicole had corrected their perspectives before the fight, reducing the future problems Michael could encounter.

It was no wonder why, whether in this life or the last, she held a special place in his heart.

The rest of the briefing passed smoothly as Nicole swiftly assigned duties to everyone.

“And now, it’s time to reward you for your contributions.” Nicole said playfully, guiding Michael to the special mech he had been assigned.

Similar to Claire’s in combat capability, his mecha matched hers in effectiveness but differed completely in appearance. Where hers was pristine white, radiating elegance and prestige, his was the stark opposite, black and rough around the edges… intentional by design.

Given his fighting style, chances were this one too was going to end up as scrap in the end. So it focused on practicality and lethality, allowing him to deliver the maximum amount of damage to the aliens.

“Hope you like it.” Nicole exclaimed.

Michael chuckled. “This is better than I could have imagined. Honestly, with your help with the base and now this, I am struggling to think of a way to repay you.”

She giggled, still finding his casual demeanor toward her weirdly endearing.

“There is no need to.” She said softly.

“Consider it a gift.”

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