Chapter 304: Calling Dibs

Considering Devil’s nature, Michael had been ready for something to go wrong. However, the creature offering a flower to his mother wasn’t one of the scenarios he envisioned.

Thankfully, at this moment he stood behind his mother and sister, because the gaze he gave Devil was so intense that it could make even gods shudder.

Even the members of the crew, who weren’t the target of his eyes, trembled at the very sight.

’Don’t stare at me like this, brat!’ Devil’s ragged voice echoed in Michael’s head.

’Would you have preferred me to scare them? You should be grateful for the hospitality I am showing!’

Exhaling slowly, Michael calmed down, allowing Devil and the crew to take a breather.

Meanwhile, Isabella and Scarlett, blissfully unaware of the warning Michael had hurled above their heads, stared at the flower in a daze.

“Thank you?” Isabella exclaimed with uncertainty, taking hold of the plant.

She closed her eyes, enjoying its floral scent. A smile tugged at her face.

Motioning for Devil to lean down, he complied.

Then, with an elegant move, Isabella put the flower atop Devil’s head.

“See? Not that scary.” She giggled.

Scarlett’s eyes narrowed in skepticism as she ever so gently poked Devil’s cheek.

“I guess so.”

“…”

The crew stared at Michael’s family in bewilderment.

Even they, seasoned soldiers, needed time to adjust to Devil’s fearsome appearance. Yet Michael’s mother and sister, both barely in the Middle Apprentice realm, stood before the monster completely unfazed!

Was this a testament to their unwavering trust in Michael, or were they simply that brave?

It remained a mystery.

“Okay, enough chit-chatting!” Scarlett proclaimed, trying to keep her eyes away from Ruby lest she lose control again.

“Let’s tour brother’s home!”

Eagerly Scarlett and Isabella took their sweet time visiting each of the facilities the place offered.

Though Michael knew that his father most likely was unable to hear anything in his state, he still took him around the base.

As the hours blended, nightfall came faster than expected, everyone settling in the dining room.

“That was exhausting!” Scarlett sighed with tired eyes. Who knew that sightseeing could take so much of her energy away?

“You must all be hungry.” Isabella exclaimed with a wide grin. “I assume it’s time for me to cook something you won’t forget!”

Richard instantly retorted.

“Ma’am, please let me. I assure you that I haven’t forgotten what you taught me when I worked in your cafe!”

Isabella pouted.

“I’m sure. However, I’m not about to miss the chance to cook for my son! It’s not something I get to do every day!”

Utterly defeated Richard sat in his seat.

It didn’t take long for extraordinary aroma to spread around the whole base.

Preparing the food with speed and mastery that seemed to defy the heavens themselves, Isabella swiftly placed more dishes than could be counted on the table.

“!!!”

At the very first bite the crew seemed to melt at the divine taste.

“Delicious!” Ruby exclaimed, devouring the food at light speed.

“I want to eat food like this every day!”

Isabella giggled, enjoying the praise.

“Unfortunately only my kids would be able to enjoy food like this regularly…”

She paused briefly.

“Though, I suppose… if there was a woman, or maybe more, to marry my son and join our family, I’d consider them my children from that point on…”

As the gathered woman blushed at her words, Ruby suddenly stood up and wrapped herself around Michael.

“Then I’m calling dibs! Michael is mine!”

Finding her behavior endearing, Michael patted her on the head, causing her to purr.

“Mom, don’t fill Ruby’s head with nonsense.”

Isabella chuckled.

“Oh? But I am serious.”

Ruby nodded eagerly.

“So am I!”

Whatever this was, her feline persona speaking, or something else, it became painfully clear that all Ruby desired were headpats and delicious food.

Eventually, as everybody had their fill, they settled in their respective rooms.

“What a day…” Michael sighed, collapsing into his titanium-reinforced bed.

Devil, who had yet to return to his owner’s soul, responded.

“Indeed. Why don’t you finish it properly? Call Victoria or Claire over…” Devil paused briefly. “Actually, why not both of them at the same time?”

Michael chuckled. “My mother and sister are here. I can already imagine the teasing that would follow. Maybe some other time.”

Devil grinned in satisfaction. Had it been before, Michael would have dismissed the suggestion without a second thought. The very fact that he was considering it was proof, whether from Devil’s influence or the crew’s, that he was changing.

Early the next morning, Michael was awakened by a sudden call.

With a groan he accepted the connection.

Instantly a holographic image of Skylar appeared.

“Skylar? Did something happen?” He asked. Despite being a journalist, she didn’t bother to contact him often.

She nodded.

“Yes, the news of a tournament between the strongest factions has been announced. The entire world is in uproar in anticipation. The event is expected to become the most-watched live broadcast in humanity’s history. Not only that, but the name of the faction you will clash with has also been revealed.”

Skylar smirked.

“So, I took the initiative. Using my expertise in information gathering, I researched them thoroughly, leaving no stone unturned. Would you like me to head to your base and brief the crew?”

Michael smiled.

“Sure.”

That was how the entire crew found themselves wide awake, facing Skylar and Luis.

“Couldn’t this have waited a few hours?” Richard yawned.

Enzo nodded, dark circles under his eyes.

As for Leo, he had reclined on the sofa, his head resting back, barely clinging to reality.

Victoria narrowed her eyes.

“Let me guess, you didn’t head to bed but spent a few hours playing video games?”

“No…” They answered in unison, avoiding her gaze.

Skylar clapped her hands together.

“Come on, the early bird gets the worm!” She exclaimed, several holographic images appearing around her.

“The faction you’ll face is Eternal Blade. You might not have heard of them until now, which is understandable. Considering they are one of the weaker factions, residing at the very edge of the blessed lands…”

She paused, making sure everyone was paying attention before continuing.

“But don’t be fooled. Every faction allowed to form a base here is among the very best, and for good reason. My research tells me they currently possess sixty Experts, forty Masters, seven Grandmasters… and three Lords.”

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