Chapter 301: Emperor’s Decree

Understandably Richard quickly got fed up with the manner of speech of their guest.

However, before he pounced on the woman, he reconsidered. After all, she had managed to enter the blessed lands and endure his aura without so much as blinking. That alone was deeply unsettling.

Something wasn’t right.

So in the end he informed Michael about the new arrival.

And so the entire crew soon found themselves seated across from the woman, the atmosphere tense, almost like interrogation.

Considering he was the leader, Michael was the one who broke the ice.

“I don’t believe we have met, Lady…?”

Instantly the woman straightened her back. The fabric of her clothes tightened across her generous chest, straining under the subtle pressure, as she adjusted the monocle on her right eye.

“Although our meeting shall be brief, I suppose exchanging names is indeed one of the first bases of cooperation. From henceforth you may refer to me as Francesca.”

Michael’s eyes narrowed. While Francesca was perhaps a freak considering her way of expressing herself, she didn’t show a trace of hesitation or fear, despite facing the entire crew.

“Lady Francesca…” Michael smiled warmly, already concluding that she was at least in the Transcendent Lord realm if not higher.

“If I understand correctly, you travel from base to base delivering an imperial decree that faction wars are to begin. Would you care to elaborate… preferably in a more coherent manner?”

Hm!

Francesca snorted, offended that she had to lower her tongue. Though appreciating Michael’s honesty, in the end she complied.

“His Majesty has resolved to implement drastic changes. As the golden tree is of unparalleled significance, any faction desiring to retain its presence in the blessed lands must demonstrate its merit.”

She spoke in a steady tone.

“The method is simple. Factions will be paired at random and pitted against one another in tournament format. Victors advance. The defeated are eliminated. When a match is called, both factions will enter a designated battlefield altered by spatial manipulation. There, you will engage in open combat under the public’s eye.”

She paused briefly.

“The objective is to defeat the opposing faction’s leader. Within the spatial domain, pain and injury will feel entirely real. However, death is impossible. Should a participant sustain a fatal wound, they will be removed from the battlefield instantly, their physical body completely unharmed.”

Michael was surprised. Even in his previous life, no such faction tournament had ever taken place.

Could this be a consequence of Malice’s death?

It was a bold assumption, but if Michael had to guess, the Emperor likely had no idea who was responsible for Malice’s death. That uncertainty must have led him to suspect everyone, fostering a certain degree of paranoia.

The tournament wasn’t about glory… It was the Emperor’s way of testing whether someone was hiding more power than they let on. This meant that Michael and the crew were safe. Even if they were stronger than expected, no one would believe that Michael was capable of defeating Malice.

Only Oliver and Isaac could know the truth, the ones who had tasked him with kidnapping Victoria. They could guess how Malice had met his end.

But they would never admit it. Doing so would brand them as soldiers who have acted behind the backs of the human leaders for their best interest. Even if Oliver was the most likely candidate to lead the Immortal Legion, it wouldn’t be enough to save him.

“Are there restrictions?” He asked calmly. “How many members may participate? Are there realm limitations?”

Francesca adjusted her monocle.

“There is no cap on participation. Larger factions will naturally hold an advantage. As for realms, the Kings and Queens would be forbidden from entering the battlefield. Rejoice, for this is the Emperor’s way of leveling the playing field.”

Richard scoffed darkly.

“How generous. So instead of being crushed by the rulers, we’ll simply be buried under thousands of soldiers.”

Francesca frowned, opening her mouth to retort. But before she could, Enzo cut in.

“What happens if we don’t take part?”

Slowly Francesca’s head tilted in his direction.

“Refusing to take part will be viewed as a clear sign of cowardice. You’ll be evicted from the blessed lands, your base will be seized without any kind of compensation, and you will be banned for life from getting close to the golden tree again.”

Enzo gritted his teeth.

“It’s fine.” Michael’s voice echoed, bringing utter calmness.

“So what if we have to fight a faction or two? Look at things from the bright side. We’ll gain more popularity and improve our fighting capabilities.”

Francesca raised her head, getting a better look on Michael.

“It appears the rumors weren’t exaggerated. Your leader at the very least seemed competent enough.”

Michael sighed. “I assume you need my signature?”

With a simple nod, she handed him a large sheet filled with rows upon rows of signatures.

Swiftly Michael wrote the name of his faction and put a signature next to it.

“Thank you for the cooperation.” Francesca exclaimed, standing up.

“Tomorrow, you’ll be informed about your opponent and the specifics of the upcoming tournament. Until then, it’s best to prepare.”

Francesca paused at the door, her gaze shifting to Victoria and Claire.

“Keep in mind that only official members of the faction are eligible to participate. I trust you know what that means.”

The implication was clear. If they wanted to fight, they’d need to formally join Michael’s faction.

The moment Francesca left, Victoria’s eyes sharpened like a dragon’s as she glared at Michael.

“Don’t even think about stopping me.” She spoke in determination.

A faint smile tugged at Michael’s face.

“What happened to becoming the leader of the Golden Vanguard? If you join my faction that won’t be feasible.” He teased.

Victoria remained unfazed. “This takes priority. And who says I can’t rejoin them later?”

Michael shook his head. There was no point in coming up with arguments. She had made up her mind.

Meanwhile, Claire gazed at Bryce.

“Grandpa, I am leaving the Heavenly Pact to join the Indomitable Alliance.”

A large smile spread over the old man’s face.

“Really?! What a coincidence… So am I!” He chuckled.

Though staying in their respective factions had once offered advantages in supporting Michael, that usefulness had now dried up.

Soon after, they departed to formally sever ties with their old factions and officially join Michael’s.

Of course, Michael had offered to assist them. Since they could encounter difficulties separating. But they refused, claiming this was something that they had to do on their own.

And so, the Indomitable Alliance officially gained three new members.

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