Chapter 288: Where the Indomitable Stand

Michael’s crew weren’t the only ones spending every waking moment preparing. Every soldier aboard the warship was doing the same.

It wasn’t fear of abandonment by their leaders that drove them… It was the desire to ensure they made a lasting impression.

After all, everyone present had come from the most powerful factions, each tasked with the goal of earning honor and glory for their leaders… Yet, as things stood, only one singular faction had managed to steal the spotlight that was meant for all of them.

“So the Demon and the Angel live…”

With Michael’s charge still fresh in their minds, they had long branded him a treacherous Demon, born to unleash hell upon the alien ranks, with no equal in his madness.

And curiously, the way Claire had fearlessly rushed to his side, she had been dubbed an angel… Though, unlike before when the nickname ’White Angel’ had been more metaphorical, people were now starting to see her as an actual angel.

Not to mention, with her heart lighter after confessing to Michael, her skin had gained a radiant sheen, further boosting her angelic reputation.

Of course, they weren’t the only ones enjoying a rise in popularity. With Victoria’s blazing flames and the way she utterly devastated the aliens in fury when Michael’s status had been uncertain, it was more than enough for the people to dub her a Dragon.

Much to Ava’s displeasure, someone had noticed her swiftness and dug up her old nickname from her past. Now more and more people who knew her as Daredevil were starting to emerge.

“Make way!”

“You fools! Don’t stare them in the eyes… especially the women! Rumors say the treacherous Demon will tear you apart the way he does with aliens, just for laying your eyes on them!”

That was all to say the Indomitable Alliance wasn’t just gaining respect… It was also instilling fear, even among the veteran soldiers. A feat only the most powerful factions could ever accomplish.

Seeing the drastic change in treatment, Michael heaved a sigh.

“How did I end up with a nickname like that? I’ll admit, I haven’t been the most pristine soldier… But a demon? I haven’t killed that many humans to begin with…”

Sadly, this was how the populace tended to think: for someone to be respected, there had to be an equal, if not greater, measure of fear.

Had Skylar and Luis been here, they would have undoubtedly seized the opportunity to spread the rumors even further. But, unfortunately, civilians weren’t allowed on board, even when it came to reporters and journalists.

Victoria giggled charmingly.

“I reckon beheading an Overlord and presenting its head to the entire battalion like a trophy might have played a role in it.”

Claire nodded, with a mischievous smile.

“Also charging and stopping a Monarch.”

Ricahed scoffed.

“Boss, don’t act surprised. It was bound to happen once the rumor about you being affiliated with one of the Cursed Children spread. And it definitely didn’t help that it was Nicole of all people.”

Michael shook his head dejectedly. Perhaps it really was to be expected, given his battle style, which, from a different perspective, could be seen as unconventional at best and suicidal at worst.

“Point taken.”

Eventually, just like the day Nicole had taken them to the warship, they gathered at its heart. But this time, the troop numbers had dwindled significantly.

With Titan heading their way, the place had turned noisy, though it didn’t stay like that for long.

Heavy footsteps echoed through the place, deadly silence taking hold.

King Arthur, leader of the Golden Vanguard, was the first one to appear on the grand stage. The aura emitting from his body demanded respect as he stared down at the remaining soldiers.

He nodded with a stoic expression.

Wordlessly, he moved to one side of the stage. In front of him, the unaffiliated soldiers scattered as the warriors of the Golden Vanguard assembled before him.

One-third of the surviving soldiers were members of his faction, a testament to their power.

Surveying the soldiers, Arthur glanced at his granddaughter Victoria, who remained next to Michael.

Like a fearless lioness, or more accurately, like a dragon, she met his gaze, standing firm.

“So that’s your choice. Let’s see if it pays off…” Arthur muttered, evading his gaze.

Next on stage was King Zaiden. With a nonchalant expression, he gathered the members of the Immortal Legion, not as many as the Golden Vanguard, but still plenty.

King Mateo’s bald head seemed to illuminate the room with his presence, though his empty eye sockets concealed most emotions. A visible frown appeared, clearly unappeased by the number of Heavenly Pact remaining.

After separating his soldiers, Mateo’s gaze shifted toward Claire and Bryce.

They remained at Michael’s side.

With a nod, Mateo left them alone.

Several minutes later, the other leaders arrived, surveying the crowd. The troops were then divided into their respective factions, revealing the number of survivors.

A pointless display, its sole purpose was to showcase which faction had the most talented members, based on the number of survivors. It was common for the faction with the most members to be stared at by the others in a mix of awe and jealousy.

However, it quickly became clear that things weren’t going to follow the usual course, as it wasn’t the Golden Vanguard or the Immortal Legion that received the most stares.

It was the Indomitable Alliance.

Not only had they contributed the most in the past two alien waves, but they had done so with few people, without a single casualty among them!

As for the one who made that miracle possible…

Michael stood at the very front, receiving the stares of curious soldiers, Kings, and Queens alike without so much as a flinch, radiating the aura of a Lord while still being at the Grandmaster realm.

The timid demeanor of the soldiers gave off the impression that they were locked in confinement alongside the mighty leaders. In contrast, Michael’s presence made it seem as though everyone was confined with him instead.

However, the stare couldn’t be directed at him for long, as an unfathomable presence emerged, drawing forth every gaze.

The troops shuddered in the presence of the Emperor himself.

Silently, humanity’s ruler observed the warriors, his gaze lingering on Michael’s crew for a second longer.

At last, the Emperor spoke.

“Don’t mourn the loss of the untalented. It’s better for us to rid ourselves of the baggage rather than let them slow us down.”

Each of his words carried tremendous weight.

“Congratulations. You, who have survived so far, have earned the right to witness the demise of a Titan with your own eyes.”

The Emperor paused briefly.

“Let the demonstration commence…”

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